AboutJohnny Genocide Expertise I can answer questions regarding playing, guitar models, guitar construction, amplifiers, effects, starting a band, recording and touring. As the Guitarist and singer for No Alternative I have recorded a number of albums, singles and CDs as well as extensive touring. I can also answer questions about starting a band and recording.
Experience I have been a guitar player for 26 years. I play and tour with No Alternative. With a number of CDs out there are also 14 bands that have recorded my songs.
Publications Can You Hear Me, Live at the Deaf Club (With KGB)
SF Underground, Subterranean Records (No Alternative)
Backtracks, Subterranean Records (No Alternative)
Lifeline/No Alternative, Bull Dog Records (No Alternative)
Johnny Got His Gun, Wingnut Records (No Alternative)
SF Nights, Bachuus Archives (No Alternative)
Question Just got what is supposed to be a 1987 American Standard Strat, black, rosewood fingerboard. The serial is E301017,
which has me confused. That serial doesn't match '87 US numbers. But it says made in USA. have not taken the neck off but the owner said he had it off when he acquired the instrument ca. 1993 and he recalls it said Feb or March 1987. What's going on here? Maybe neck and body not manufactured at same time? Body made in Japan?
Thanks in advance for any ideas/help.
Answer Hey Patrick,
Thanks for writing! E301017 would be from a 1987 Strat. E followed by six digits indicated a 1984 through 1987 series. These numbers (see below) are reserved for U.S. made Fenders in their corresponding decade. BUT note that the "E" and "N" series does sometimes appear on "made in Japan" models. This could have been a mistake on Fender's part using the same prefix for both U.S. and Japanese-made guitars. In any case, if it says "made in Japan", then it is...
JV + 5 Digits = 1982 to 1984
SQ + 5 Digits = 1983 to 1984
E + 6 Digits = 1984 to 1987
A + 6 Digits = 1985 to 1986
B + 6 Digits = 1985 to 1986
C + 6 Digits = 1985 to 1986
F + 6 Digits = 1986 to 1987
G + 6 Digits = 1987 to 1988
H + 6 Digits = 1988 to 1989
I + 6 Digits = 1989 to 1990
J + 6 Digits = 1989 to 1990
K + 6 Digits = 1990 to 1991
L + 6 Digits = 1991 to 1992
M + 6 Digits = 1992 to 1993
N + 6 Digits = 1993 to 1994
O + 6 Digits = 1994 to 1995
P + 6 Digits = 1995 to 1996
So there are a large number of American Standard owners freaking out over this problem. Unless it says made in Japan, it was made in the USA. Don't panic. I've seen this happen before. You can thank the Geniuses at Fender for the mix up. WHY CAN'T GUITAR MANUFACTURERS GET THEIR SERIAL NUMBERS RIGHT? I guess I would be out of a job since no one would write me if serial numbers made sense. Any how, you can reach me at jgenocidepatterson@yahoo.com. Feel free to write should you need more help or information. Thanks again for writing and let's thank Fender for making our Fender lives a living hell!
