So a serial number beginning with 'N3' will be a 1993 model and a serial number of 'Z3' will be a 2003 model. Those made in the 90's will have an S/N that starts with 'Nx' and those made in the 2000's will have S/N's that start with 'Zx', where 'x' equals the last number of the model year. The 'American Standard/Series' will have a serial number (S/N) that will be found on the back of the headstock.
But we're not going to focus on those in this guide, so from here on just assume we're talking about 90's-2008 models. In fact, if it's a true '50's or '60's model (not re-issue), they can cost upwards of $25,000-$35,000. Used prices can run anywhere from around $600 -$950, depending on age and condition, for a '90's to current year model.Įarlier than that and they start going up a bit. The American Standard Stratocaster has a typical retail 'street price' of around $1000 new. The 'American Standard' will say 'Made In U.S.A' right on the front of the headstock (although this may be found on the back of the headstock on certain non-Standard models). They are all the same except for the color selection. The 'Standard' label identifies them as the standard Fender offering of the Stratocaster model (as opposed to Deluxe, Artist, Custom Shop, Re-Issue, etc). In 2008 they underwent some further changes and went back to the 'American Standard' moniker. Fender Stratocaster Value By Serial Number (take the tour! These were originally called 'American Standard' until around 2000, then underwent some slight changes and were marketed as 'American Series'. Why, I don't know.Ĭurrent production Fender Stratocasters come in 3 basic groups which are: 1) 'American Standard' Stratocasters, which are made in America (aka MIA) at the Fender factory in Corona, CA. It comes with Texas Special pick-ups and a little nicer/glossier paint than the thin-coat Highway 1, so add this to the Highway 1 as in-between models between the MIM Standards and the American Standards. 2/2011 NOTICE: Fender has added the American Special Stratocaster to the Strat line-up as of a while back.
Go to sometime and peruse their product selections.Īnyway, let's get started. It's really mind-boggling the number of different kinds of Strats you'll come across. Keep in mind that there are a whole slew of others out there including vintage American and Japanese Standards and Squiers, Korean Pro-Tone Squiers, vintage re-issue and anniversary models, Classic and Deluxe Series, Custom Shop models, Artist models etc., that are beyond the scope of this guide. But I believe I've learned enough during my own experiences to be of some assistance and guidance to those just starting out in this endeavor.įor the sake of simplicity, I'm just going to talk about the most common recent production Stratocasters. This is not intended to enlighten experts so please keep that in mind while reading. I am certainly not an expert on the subject. Here's what I hope will be a guide for the novice. There are so many different variants of the Stratocaster being produced by Fender (or Fender licensed entities) that it's nearly impossible for first time buyers to have any idea what the differences are or why there are so many in the first place. Buying a Fender Stratocaster - A Guide for the Novice One of the most confusing guitars for the novice guitar buyer to consider is the Fender Stratocaster (aka Strat). NOTE: The information below should be current as of the 2009 model year. Fender Stratocaster Value By Serial Number.
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