Serial number tracing
As follows is an approximate method in which Squier dates the serial numbers of manufactured instruments.
[edit] Japanese Squiers
For Japanese Squier serial number dating, see Fender's serial number dating service. The Japanese MIJ (Made in Japan) Squiers were made by FujiGen up to 1997 and the Japanese CIJ (Crafted in Japan) Squiers were made by Tokai and Dyna from 1997.
[edit] Mexican Squiers
MN: M = Mexico, N = Nineties (1990s), the first number following the serial number prefix is the year.
For example
* "MN8" indicates that it was made at Ensenada, Mexico in 1998.
[edit] USA Squiers
Some USA made Squiers have a serial number with a E = Eighties (1980s) prefix, and some have a serial number with a N = Nineties (1990s) prefix. Some USA made Squiers also had a 000XXX serial stamp on the neckplate with no letter prefix and no serial number on the headstock.
USA Squiers were made for less than a year spanning 1989 and 1990 before production of Squiers went back to Mexico.
[edit] Korean Squiers
CN/VN: C = Cor-Tek (Cort), V = Saehan(Sunghan), S was already taken by Samick so Saehan(Sunghan) used V instead (Saehan(Sunghan) made the Vester guitars), N = Nineties (1990s), the first number following the serial number prefix is the year.
For example
* "CN5" = made by Cor-Tek (Cort) in 1995.
* "VN5" = made by Saehan(Sunghan) in 1995.
KC/KV: KC (Korean Cor-Tek (Cort)) and KV (Korean Saehan(Sunghan)), the serial number prefix is followed by a 2 number year.
For example
* "KC97" = made by Cor-Tek (Cort) in 1997.
* "KV97" = made by Saehan(Sunghan) in 1997.
KC and KV serial number prefixes are usually used on Crafted in Korea Squiers.
S/E: The S and E serial number prefix Korean Squiers are from the late 1980s/early 1990s. S = Samick, E = Young Chang, E letter serial numbers were used on Young Chang's Fenix brand guitars [3]. The first number following the serial number prefix is the year.
For example
* "S9" = made by Samick in 1989.
* "E0" = made by Sung-Eum in 1990.
* "E1" = made by Sung-Eum in 1991.
There were also Korean Squier serials with no serial number prefix and 6 or 7 numbers and the first number is the year. Some early 90's examples held a serial number with the prefix M followed by 7 numerals, featured the a high gloss maple neck with a slimmer 40mm body made from plywood.
[edit] Chinese & Taiwanese Squiers
YN: Y = Yako (Taiwan), N = Nineties (1990s), the first number following the serial number prefix is the year.
For example
* "YN5" = made by Yako in 1995.
CY: C = China, Y = Yako (Taiwan), the serial number prefix is followed by a 2 number year.
For example
* "CY97" = made by Yako in 1997.
CY serials are usually used on Crafted in China Squiers. Some Chinese made Gretsch guitars also have a CY serial number.
Miscellaneous Chinese serials: CD, CT, CJ, NC: C = China, the first number following the serial number prefix is the year. Probably made by Yako (Taiwan).
Some Squiers that are sold only in the Chinese and Asian markets are made by Axl in China, these guitars usually have the serial number starting with CXS; with the 'X' standing for 'Axl'.
[edit] Indonesian Squiers
IC: I = Indonesia, C = Cor-Tek (Cort), the serial number prefix is followed by a 2 number year.
IS: I = Indonesia, S = Samick, the serial number prefix is followed by a 2 number year.
[edit] Indian Squiers
Some Squier IIs were made in India around 1989-1990, as well as some more recent Squiers, including the Vintage Modified series (serial numbers starting with SH), introduced in 2007.
