Indonesian Squier Serial Number Lookup

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• Indonesian Squier Serial Number Lookup Age
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The serial numbering scheme for these instruments initially used the letters “IC” as a prefix indicating that they were made in Indonesia at the Cort factory. In mid-2009, the prefix was changed to “ICF” on some instruments, indicating that they were made in Indonesia at the Cort factory and were Fender-branded. Indonesian Made: Fender (Ver. 2.0) The Fender serial number decoder currently supports all documented MIA, MIJ, MIM, MIK and MII formats with the exception of Custom Shop, Relic and Reissue instruments. Please note that fender serial numbers tend to overlap by at least a year, and thereby the date of your guitar can only be approximated. Nov 03, 2019 Apr 24, 2018 I bought a Squier Affinity Strat last Dec. But on looking up serial number on Google I came across this. Indonesian Squiers IC: I = Indonesia, C = Cor-Tek (Cort), the serial number prefix is followed by a 2 number year. Squier guitars have been manufactured in Japan, Korea, Mexico, India, Indonesia, China, and the United States. Squier Company (1890-1975), a young immigrant who arrived in, in the latter part of the 19th century, was a farmer and shoemaker who had learned the fine European art of making.

V.C. Squier Company was a strings manufacturing company for violins, banjos, and guitars. It was established in 1890 by Victor Carroll Squier in Battle Creek, Michigan. In 1965, the company was acquired by Fender. By 1975, Squier became defunct as a manufacturer and a brand name for strings, as Fender opted to market its strings under the Fender brand name.

In 1982, the Squier brand was reactivated by Fender to become its brand for lower priced versions of Fender guitars. Squier guitars have been manufactured in Japan, Korea, Mexico, India, Indonesia, China and the United States.

• 1History
• 2Instrument models
  • 2.2Electric guitars
• 3Instrument series
• 4Serial number tracing

History

V.C. Squier Company (1890-1975)

Jerome Bonaparte Squier, a young English immigrant who arrived in Battle Creek, Michigan, in the latter part of the 19th century, was a farmer and shoemaker who had learned the fine European art of violin making. He moved to Boston in 1881, where he built and repaired violins with his son, Victor Carroll Squier. To this day, their violins are noted for their exceptional varnishes, and they command high prices as fine examples of early U.S. instrument craftsmanship. Indeed, J.B. Squier ranks among the best-known U.S.-trained violin makers and is often referred to as 'the American Stradivarius.'

Victor returned to Battle Creek, where he opened his own shop in 1890. As his business grew, Squier moved the company to 429 Lake Ave. and eventually to 427 Capitol Ave, S.W.—the famous 'fiddle factory' of Battle Creek. With a limited market for violins in Battle Creek, however, Squier astutely sought relationships with national music schools and famous violinists.

Up to 1900, the best violin strings were made in Europe. Victor Squier started making his own hand-wound violin strings, and the business grew so quickly that he and his employees improvised a dramatic production increase by converting a treadle sewing machine into a string winder capable of producing 1,000 uniformly high-quality strings per day. Squier violin strings, banjo strings and guitar strings became well known nationwide and were especially popular among students because of their reasonable price.

In the 1930s, Squier began making strings for the era's new electric instruments; the company also sold pianos, radios and phonograph records until divesting itself of all string-related products in 1961. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation entered the picture in the 1950s, when the V.C. Squier Company began supplying Southern California inventor and businessman Leo Fender with strings for his unusual new electric guitars. The V.C. Squier Company became an official original equipment manufacturer for Fender in 1963. Fender acquired the V.C. Squier Company in early 1965, shortly before Fender itself was acquired by CBS in May of the same year. By the mid-1970s, the Squier name was retired as the strings had taken the Fender name.^[1]

Squier Guitars (1982-present)

Before the Fender Squier line of guitars was introduced in 1982, Fender was making lower priced guitars such as the Fender Lead series at its Fullerton, California plant. Until the introduction of the Fender Squier series, Fender had never produced lower priced guitars based on its main Stratocaster and Telecaster models and had always used different model designs for its lower priced guitars.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s Fender was facing competition from lower priced Japanese made guitars. The higher priced Fender guitars were made in the United States and could not compete with the lower prices of Japanese made Fender copies. In the early 1980s, Japanese labour and production costs were much lower than in America and to compete with the Japanese made guitars, Fender moved the lower priced Fender guitar production from America to Japan.

Fender was also losing sales in Japan to Japanese guitar brands such as Tōkai, Greco and Fernandes and the establishment of Fender Japan would benefit Fender sales in Japan, as well as overseas. Fender began negotiations with several Japanese musical instrument distributors and reached an agreement with Yamano Gakki and Kanda Shokai to establish Fender Japan. Yamano Gakki was known for once being part of Epiphone Japan. Kanda Shokai owned the Greco brand name and one of the conditions of the Fender Japan agreement was that Kanda Shokai cease production of its own Greco Fender copies. This arrangement benefited Fender because it removed the Greco Fender copies from the Japanese market, which were selling in Japan at much lower prices than the American made Fenders and it also benefited Kanda Shokai because Kanda Shokai could then distribute Japanese made Fender branded guitars in Japan. Further negotiations between Fender and Japanese guitar factories took place. Tokai was seriously considered to start building the first Japanese made Fenders, but after a breakdown in negotiations, FujiGen Gakki was chosen instead.^[2]

The initial Squier models were launched on July/August 1982. Over time, the Squier series slowly evolved to include original model designs and production has moved from Japan to various other Asian countries such as Korea, China and Indonesia.

Instrument models

Acoustic guitars

Electric guitars

Original

• Squier Venus (1997-1998)
• Squier Super-Sonic (1997-1998)

Fender Copies

• Squier Duo-Sonic
• Squier Stratocaster
• Squier Telecaster
• Squier Jazzmaster
• Squier Jaguar
• Squier Mustang

Electric bass

• Squier Precision Bass
• Squier Jazz Bass
• Squier Jaguar Bass
• Squier Mustang Bass
• Squier Deluxe Active Jazz Bass
• Squier Telecaster Bass
• Squier Dimension Bass
• Squier Bronco Bass
• Squier Bass VI

Amplifiers

Instrument series

Squier JV & SQ series

The first Fender Japan models introduced in May 1982 were the 1957 and 1962 series, which were Fender Stratocaster models ST'57-115, ST'57-85, ST'57-65, ST'62-115, ST'62-85, ST'62-65 and the Precision Bass models PB'57-95, PB'57-70, PB'62-98, PB'62-75. These models were Fender models and not Squier models. The stratocasters had Fender USA pickups installed and were made for the Japanese market only and not for export.^[3]

Fender soon added a less expensive export Squier series based on the Fender Japan 1957 and 1962 series in July/August 1982, which had a large Fender logo with a smaller Squier logo and had a zinc rather than a steel tremolo block and again the stratocasters had Fender USA pickups installed. The Squier series were also made available for the Japanese market in October 1982, which incorporated small changes compared to the export Squier series. The large Fender logo of the export Squier series was soon changed to a large Squier logo.

The first Fender Japan guitars are known as the JV Fenders and JV Squiers, with JV standing for 'Japanese Vintage' to reflect the guitars were made from the original blueprints of the vintage US guitars, were made by the FujiGen Gakki factory in Japan, using technical support from Fender. The SQ Squier series was introduced in late 1983 to early 1984. The SQ Squier series was based more on 1970s Fender models and also had USA made pickups installed.

Squier Vintage Modified Series

The year 2007 saw the introduction of Squier's Vintage Modified line, a series of high-end instruments based around the concept of taking vintage designs and adding 'hot rod' features such as hardware variations, gloss maple necks, new finishes and pickguards, and Duncan Designed pickups.^[4] The VM line draws from a wide range of Fender instruments, and has resulted in a large variety of models with many different feature combinations.

Vintage Modified guitar models include Stratocasters, Telecasters, Jaguars, Jazzmasters and Mustangs. The bass lineup features Precision and Jazz basses (including fretless versions of both), Jaguars and Telecasters, with five-string and short-scale models featured in the range. In 2013 a Bass VI was added to the VM line. The majority of Vintage Modified instruments are available only in right-handed configurations.

Squier Classic Vibe Series

In 2008, Squier released its Classic Vibe series, a series of electric guitars and basses mirroring classic Fender designs of the 1950s and '60s. Each roughly reflected the hardware, woods, color variations, finishes, body contours, and tonal characteristics of their respective era, although Squier state that the series was not created to be completely era correct, but rather impart the 'vibe' (aura) of a classic Fender design.^[5]

Serial number tracing

As follows is an approximate method in which Squier dates the serial numbers of manufactured instruments.

USA

Some USA made Squiers have a serial number with an E = Eighties (1980s) prefix, and some have a serial number with a N = Nineties (1990s) prefix. Early USA made Squiers had a 00XXXX serial stamp on the neckplate with no letter prefix and no serial number on the headstock. The rarest early ones had a 4 digit decal on the headstock and vintage style tuners

Spec Sheet

Model Name: Squier US Standard Stratocaster.

Model Number: 014-1000-(Color #) and 014-1002-(Color #).

Body: Alder.

Neck: Maple.

Fingerboard: Rosewood 014-1000 or Maple 014-1002, 9.5' Radius (241mm).

No. of Frets: 21.

Scale Length: 25.5” (648 mm).

Width at Nut: 1.625” (41 mm).

Hardware: Chrome.

Machine Heads: Vintage Style.

Bridge: Vintage Style.

Pickguard: 3-Ply White.

Pickups: 3 Single Coils.

Pickup Switching: 5 position Switch.

Controls: Master Volume, Tone, Tone.

Colors: (706) Black, (758) Torino Red, (780) Arctic White, (700) Sunburst.

Source: US.

MSRP: $499.99.

Introduced: 1989.

Discontinued: 1992.

Mexico

MN: M = Mexico, N = Nineties (1990s), the first number following the serial number prefix is the year.

MZ: M = Mexico, Z = 2000's, the first number following the serial number prefix is the year.

For example,

• 'MN8' indicates that it was made at Ensenada, Mexico in 1998-1999.
• 'MZ1' indicates that it was made at Ensenada, Mexico in 2001-2002

Korea

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.

Indonesian Squier Serial Numbers

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.^[6] The first number following the serial number prefix is the year.

The first guitars made in Korea are those with serial number written in silver E10 +5 digits (note 1 extra digit) possibly as early as 1986

For example,

• 'E7 +5 digits with silver serial = made by Young Chang in 1987-88.
• 'S9' = made by Samick in 1989.
• 'E0' = made by Sung-Eum in 1990.
• 'E1' (+5 digits) with black serial = 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 late 80's and early 90's examples held a serial number with the prefix M followed by 7 numerals, although there is much that is not known about these guitars and their exact date of manufacture as Squier were undergoing a 'transitional' period at this time making precise dating difficult. They featured a high gloss maple neck with both rosewood and maple fretboard options and a slimmer 40mm body.

China and Taiwan

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, COS, or COB serials are usually used on Crafted in China (CIC) 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). The plant from which the COB serial number prefix models originate remains a mystery. No documentation, or comment from the manufacturer has resolved the question of which plant produced them.

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'.

Squier Classic Vibe series guitars/basses serial numbers start with CG followed by the Factory/Plant Letter and the year produced (e.g., CGSxxxxxxx).

Indonesia

IC: I = Indonesia, C = (Cort), the serial number begins with 2-digits representing the year
IS: I = Indonesia, S = Samick, the serial number begins with 2-digits representing the year
I = Indonesia, C = Cor-tek (Cort), S = Squier brand, the serial number begins with 2-digits representing the year (2009-2012)

For example, 'IC00XXXXX' is made in Cort in the year 2000. In 2009-2010, some Indonesian Squiers had the prefix ICS09XXXXX and ICS10XXXXX.

India

Some Squier IIs were made in India around 1989-1990. The head stock is marked 'MADE IN INDIA'. Made in India Squier IIs seem to follow the made in USA serial numbering scheme. For example, a 1990 made in India Squier II serial number would start with N0 plus 5 digits. The serial number is printed on a sticker located on the back of the neck, close to where the neck attaches to the body. Because the number was placed on a sticker it is fairly common for the serial number to be missing.

References

1. ↑Fender Squier HistoryArchived July 9, 2009 at the Wayback Machine
2. ↑'Fender Japan History'. Daeschler.com. Retrieved 2013-12-14.<templatestyles src='Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css'></templatestyles>
3. ↑'guitar information and forum about JV - Japanese Vintage fender squier stratocaster guitars, squier telecaster and basses'. 21frets.com. Retrieved 2013-12-14.<templatestyles src='Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css'></templatestyles>
4. ↑'About Squier | Squier by Fender速'. Fender.com. Retrieved 2013-12-14.<templatestyles src='Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css'></templatestyles>
5. ↑[1]Archived May 23, 2011 at the Wayback Machine
6. ↑Blue Book Of Electric Guitars 9th Edition Zachary Fjestad, Edited by S.P. Fjestad ISBN 1-886768-57-9

External links

Here I'll try and cast some light on the different Squier Mini Serial Numbers with a few examples. General serial number info at the bottom of the page. Enjoy.

Squier Mini Serial Number Examples

Squier Mini Strat IS90600556

This guitar was made by Samick in Indonesia and is a typical representative of the most common Mini in terms of appointments and color. Note the 'affinity' silkscreen on the nose.

Below is a view of the backside of the peghead. The inspection sticker is clearly shown. The exact same sticker appear on guitars with serial numbers starting with 'SI', so the two are probably under the same management. Note also the original tuning machines.

Squier Mini Strat IS00300077

The second Mini Strat in my collection was made in the same Samick plant. Not a lot of difference. 'Affinity' at the nose still present.

This guitar also has the original tuners. One ever so slight difference, is the font of the 'Crafted in Indonesia' has changed.

Squier Mini Strat SI02095734

This example is a neck I picked up from fleabay a while ago. Notice the absence of the verbiage 'affinity' at the nose.

When I bought the neck it had the original tuners. Not entirely unexpected, they were in pretty poor condition and had to go. This picture was taken after I installed the new tuners. The fonts are an exact match in size and type with the IS00300077 above and has the same quality control sticker. One difference is the inspector is filled in with a name and a date (9/02). These similarities lead me to believe they are made under the same management (S=Samick), but probably two separate locations.

Squier Mini Strat IC070814663

This guitar was made by Cort in Indonesia. They use nine digits for their serial numbers and the 's/n' in front. No 'affinity' silkscreen on this peghead.

This guitar has the original tuning machines as well. No inspection sticker, but the words 'Designed and Backed by Fender' which neither of the others have.

Squier Mini Strat IC040538985

I had already started to strip this guitar before I got the idea to write this page. This guitar is a real oddball. The build quality and finish is as good as the others even after a close look. The first immediate difference is in the wood used for the neck. This ain't no Maple.

The serial number looks right at first. Font and size is right and the verbiage both front and back match that on the previous guitar. The print looks somewhat smudged, which combined with the exotic wood seems a little off. The space between the 'C' and the '0' is cramped, in lack of a better word.

Looking at the back of the peghead it looks right. Tuners look the same.

Upon close inspection of internal components I noticed several small but significant differences with the other guitars. I will examine this guitar closer on a separate page in the near future.

Squier Mini Serial Numbers - The Long Story

The Squier Mini is manufactured in at least two different plants, both in Indonesia. Fender and Squier serial numbers, for guitar made overseas, has in the last 20 years or longer consisted of two letters followed by eight (sometimes nine) numerals.

The two letters leading denotes what plant the instrument was made in. In the case of the Mini Strats, I have seen 'IC', 'IS' and 'SI'. 'IC' are made by Cort while IS are made by Samick, both in Indonesia.

The source of the Minis with serial numbers starting with 'SI' have been difficult to research. The word on the net is that they denote the fact they were sold in a kit or bundle with a cheap practice amp, cable, picks and some other material geared toward young beginners. I'm not convinced this is the case. Why would a company use a different serial number because it is sold in a bundle? There would be too many disadvantages and doesn't make any sense. There is no other difference.

These 'SI' Minis have the same inspection sticker on the back on the peghead as those with 'SI' serial numbers. Both say 'Crafted in Indonesia' but with different fonts. My theory is that there is a second Samick location that produces these guitars, and to distinguish there is a different source, the letters were switched around. Yet to be confirmed though.

In a couple of instances I have noticed guitars with an orange sticker with a number, that does not conform to the standard number structure. As I recall they are 10 or 11 characters, all numerals. This is a relatively common practice when non-conforming guitars are sold in bulk to a dealer/middle-man who refurbish them and sell them to the open market.

I have been looking at many Mini Strat listings by now, and I can not remember ever seeing a black Mini that did not have an 'IC' serial number. Red I have seen all three, but 'SI' seems to be dominant.

In 2008 Fender started having 'Fender' branded instruments made in the Cort facility in Indonesia for the first time. The new series of guitars were given serial number starting with 'ICF' - with the letter 'F' for Fender. At the same time Squiers made in the same factory started getting serial numbers with 'ICS' - where 'S' stands for Squier to follow the same pattern.

Indonesian Squier Serial Number Lookup Age

For many years I believed the first two numbers in the string of eight/nine was the year the neck was made. It seemed to make sense, especially considering the guitar above (SI02095734) where the inspection date (9/02) was written by hand on the inspection sticker.

Fender Squier Serial Numbers Indonesia

It all made sense until I learned Fender started manufacturing Squier guitars in Indonesia in 1999 (thanks Martin!) - one of my Minis has '90' in the serial number - there went that theory. That said, it seems reasonable to assume there is some correlation with these numbers and year of manufacture on some guitars, but doesn't seem to always apply.

There are comments on the net saying the next two numbers are the month. I believe that to be incorrect, as two out my guitars have '60' and '30' in those places.

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