How old is my Fender 12 string?

Subject: Fender 12 string
From: fat B****rd
Date: 17 May 08 - 04:30 PM

I have an oldish Fender F-55-12, the serial number looks like F 975.
Can anybody tell me how I'm supposed to date it - the guitar - from this number. I've tried many sites but can't get anywhere.
Thank you. Charlie

Subject: RE: Fender 12 string
From: fat B****rd
Date: 18 May 08 - 02:20 AM

Maybe this is in the wrong section. Somebody help me, please !!

Subject: RE: Fender 12 string
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 18 May 08 - 04:09 AM

If a mudelf made the title "how to date a Fender F 55-12 acoustic 12-string" it might get more hits. I imagine people think from the titme that it's just another "I've got a great guitar" thread.

You are right that the Fender website is crap - saying only : =

F55-12
1972-1980
$270
Spruce top, bubinga back and sides


And asserting that they have no number records. Unbelievable!

I know that there are sites out there with much more information about the Fender amps than Fender themselves have so it may be worth a thorough trawl of the internet and if you do find a site with info about Fender acoustics (I have seen many crap and one or two good, one spectacularly good) pm them or try their forum if they have one.

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: fat B****rd
Date: 18 May 08 - 06:48 AM

Richard, Thank you so much. I must agree about the Fender websites that I've seen.I'll keep on looking.
Best regards from Charlie.

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: mandotim
Date: 18 May 08 - 02:48 PM

Just out of interest, I think this is the same model that Simon Nicol of Fairport Convention has played for years; he's tried lots of 12s, but won't swap this one for anything.
According to the Fender product dating site,it was made between 1972 and 1980, imported from Asia. The same site states that the serial numbers for these guitars were never archived, so it is not possible to date them precisely. Having said that, given the volumes of these guitars produced, a serial number of 975 suggests an early one.
Hope this helps a bit.
Tim

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: fat B****rd
Date: 18 May 08 - 03:43 PM

Thankyou, Mandotim. I'll keep searching. Me and Simon Nicol eh?

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 18 May 08 - 05:14 PM

The F series were fantastic - my first serious guitar. I had an F85. Gerry Lockran once said to me about it, I've got the expensive American copy of this guitar........!

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: philsfenders
Date: 07 Jun 08 - 08:49 AM

I've been researching the history of the Fender F-series for about 5 years now, for the simple reason that there is a serious lack of information about these guitars on the web. My website is www.philsfenders.com and all the information on the F-55-12 can be found there. I have been unable to trace any serial numbers that identify the year of manufacture. No accurate records were kept. On some of my guitars the date is actually stamped on the neck block and sometimes on the rectangular label inside the guitars. It worth having a good look inside. You can also roughly date the guitar by specification as well, as subtle changes were made throughout the 70's.

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,xroadsyeoman
Date: 03 Oct 08 - 05:27 PM

I too have a mod f55-12 ser.721015 that I'm trying to date, as I would like to sell it with hard case.
10/3/08

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,Leo
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 01:49 PM

I have the Fender 55-12 with F7814001

What is the age??? Bought new and hardly played.
Looks like new.

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,sean
Date: 18 Dec 08 - 12:31 PM

I have a fender f-310-12 think its an 86- 94 but not sure any ideas? serial 6619056

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,johntrem
Date: 21 Apr 09 - 10:12 PM

I own one that I puchased used in (I think) 1977. The number stamped on the block is 2412 3. The number stamped on the sound hole label is 7401. I'm inclined to think that the year of manufacture is 1974. Its frustrating that serial numbers for these guitars are so varied and don't follow a specific pattern.

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,roj
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 05:30 AM

You might get some help on the Fender forum. There's a chap on there lists the model you've got, and he says it's 1980 vintage. If you asked him the serial number of his it might give you a clue, but Fender's numbering system has elevated serial listing chaos to an art form.


Good Luck!

Brian

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,David
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 07:50 PM

G'day Thread, this is Dave from Down under in Australia Oz.I have been trying in vain to find the age of my beloved F-55-12.the serial no. is 322 105 there is no date stamped anywhere and by the serial no. well that gives no clue to the manufacture date unlike,'Guest Johntrom" stating his serial no. is 7401.I puchased this guitar in 1979 second hand.the guitar had some years on it already but how many I don't know.I am not interested in it's worth I never sell my guitars, they are my family. My wife left me but my guitars are still with me.well good luck in your search.If anyone out there has an idea of the age of my Fender F-55-12 please post some info .cheers! David

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: Max
Date: 29 Apr 09 - 10:43 AM

I'm determined to get to the bottom of this. I've already spoke to one rep in the UK who wasn't much help. I've been watching this conversation go on online for 15 years. It's time that Fender made a statement that either they can decode the serial numbers or that they made a mistake in making them meaningless. We'll get an official comment from Fender in this thread before I'm done.

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: fat B****rd
Date: 29 Apr 09 - 10:52 AM

Outstanding, Max, outstanding. Thankyou.

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,Bill R in Sydney
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 07:53 AM

Guys,

Here's a note from down under.
I've got a F55-12 s/n 7941781 - a present from my wife about 80/81 - so I suspect a 79 build.
It's been left out in the rain around camp fires, played in bays off the back decks of many a boat and has still outlived lots of other guitars.
When I thought about replacing it, I found out what I was dealing with and have since bought a case, replaced the machine heads, and treat it with renewed respect.
I play a lot more expensive guitars - regularly - but still love coming back to the old Fender.
Whatever the background, someone made a gem.

Bill

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,Jeremy
Date: 05 Jul 09 - 11:00 PM

I'm selling my Fender F55-12. There is no price just a best offer wanted. the serial number is 519915. If anyone is interested send me an email @ [e-mail]. I know how lovely these guitars are but I need a good 6 string electric acoustic. I will trade for another good 6 string acoustic electric though. Please email email me before I throw it away. It is in a good condition and still sounds great. I need it gone. Serious offers only. Will post over seas if buyer is willing to pay for postage at your own cost. I'm in Darwin, Australia. 0812

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: Dead Horse
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:46 AM

You could try cutting it in half and counting the rings, but for accuracy you cant beat The Hendrix Carbon Dating Method, which involves petrol and a match.
Both of these methods will have the added bonus of making surviving Fenders increase in value :-)

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 02:08 AM

II seem to remember one coming into the store in which I worked in 1967. It was new.

That was in Chicago -- at the Old Town Folklore Center. But I never knew the number.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 12:12 AM

How could I date my fender 6 string Gemini acoustic? The serial number in the inside sticker is "0440795". I rember getting it used in the mid-eighties. Thanks a bunch and my e-mail addy is [e-mail]

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Nov 09 - 04:22 PM

I bought mine new, in 1973. Stamped on the neck block: K018025.(The instrument serial number.)
Printed on the inside seam strengthening strip that runs the length of the back: T3273. (This might also be found printed on the label.)

It seems that this printed number denotes the build date.

Hope this helps.

Grocer.

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,Barry
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 11:59 AM

I also have a Fender F-310-12 that I am trying to date. Serial number is 91206791. Great guitar! Sounds better and stays in tune better than my Takamine EF-381C 12-string!

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,bash !
Date: 27 Jan 10 - 03:40 PM

i also have a Fender f310-12 12 string.
The serial # is 106.
Have you been able to determine if the serial # has anythingto do with the order it was made?

There is a link i found for the date estimated between 1985 and 1988.

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,Lash
Date: 06 May 10 - 10:47 AM

I'm only speculating here but I have noticed on these posts a pattern. While it is true Fender has a messed up numbering system, it seems that for some of the numbers, there is a pattern. My F55-12 has a serial number of F 7933161. I received it from my mom for, I think, christmas of 79 or my birthday in 1980. I have a picture of me playing it in the fall of 80, possibly the early winter of 80. As I read some of the posts here, there are serial numbers beginning with 72, 78, etc, and my begins with a 79. It is very plausible to believe that on some of these numbers, they reflect the manufacture date. I believe mine is a 79 because my mom bought it brand new and I received it shortly thereafter. I shaved the bridge down a bit several decades ago and learned how to pick it in the style of Chet Atkins. I love this guitar. I hope I have been of some help or at least given you some ideas to ponder. But I don't know for sure.

Subject: Where to find ?
From: GUEST
Date: 24 May 10 - 08:48 PM

Excuse me please. Where can you find a 1974 Fender F55 12 string guitar?    Thank you

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,BSS
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 10:09 PM

I own an f 310-12 in mint condition. The very first one built.
I knew some poeple back in the day at Fender. It's the real deal
serial #0. How much ya think?

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Aug 10 - 06:42 AM

I have one stamped: 109025 and T 35 73 May be done in 1973,i've bought it new in Paris,i think it was this year (1973),I don't remember exactly...

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: Sarah McQuaid
Date: 07 Aug 10 - 09:41 AM

Only just spotted this thread, so I don't know whether people are still looking for info. I'm referring to my well-thumbed copy of Gruhn's Guide to Vintage Guitars and under "Fender Acoustic Flat Tops" (which I assume is what everybody above is talking about?) it says that the F-series was introduced by 1969 and discontinued by 1979. Here are the serial numbers / dates Gruhn gives for the F-series (note that there's some overlap between years):

100173-147397 : 1965
115151-215697 : 1966
180882-230599 : 1967
213820-262774 : 1968
224160-290835 : 1969
293780-304089 : 1970
295668-331031 : 1971
315451-375648 : 1972
362789-588161 : 1973
538585-615662 : 1974
608004-717257 : 1975

Hope that helps!

Sarah McQuaid

www.sarahmcquaid.com

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Aug 10 - 05:11 AM

Hi Sarah,thanks for the answer,I'm French,living just near Cannes,in the south,I did not know you,I'm curious,and so that,I "clicked" (???)on my mouse to visit your site,and very very surprised....I enjoy a lot,I'm a guitar player ,since 1964 (!!!!!),and at this time,I still play..I enjoy a lot your music,I like folk,blue grass,anc country music,but traditional.At this time,I just had a look on your site,but I will spend a longer time to discover all your songs.It's fantastic to see a lot of vidéos,I will write you later.Friendly Denis.

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: Sarah McQuaid
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 04:10 PM

Merci mille fois Denis! Tu es très gentil. Je voudrais bien faire quelques concerts en France, car j'aime bien ton pays et ces gens! S'il y a un club ou festival où tu penses que je serais bienvenue, je serais très reconnaissante si tu pourrais m'en envoyer les particuliers.

Merci encore une fois!

Amitiés,

Sarah

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: Smokey.
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 04:53 PM

Your link doesn't work - try this one:

www.sarahmcquaid.com

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: janclan
Date: 20 Sep 10 - 08:16 PM

HI
I have a Fender F-55. The only number I can find (601915) is stamped onto the centre strip inside the guitar next to the neck join. Would some one be able to tell me if this is the serial number please. There is no number printed onto the lable. I bought it about 18 years ago in Perth Australia. I hardly ever play it and every time I change the strings and clean it up to sell I just cant part with it as it still sounds sogreat. The neck is still ingreat shape and there is little to none bulging of the top at the brindge.
CHeers
David

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: janclan
Date: 20 Sep 10 - 08:17 PM

Thats a Fender F-55 12

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,Tom Brennan
Date: 07 Nov 10 - 07:55 AM

Hi
My Fender 12 string is a F-55-12, a number appears just inside the hole on a cross brace piece of 2576-E , I would like to find out the history and worth of this Guitar, it is in excellent shape.

I can be contacted at - [e-mail]

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,Harry
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 07:09 PM

In about March 1978 I was talked into buying a new Fender 12 string (F-55-12) by the sales man in music shop on Park St in Sydney. On the neck block it has K 118025 and on the binding down the center is the serial number T3273. This Fender was put together in Japan possibly from parts made in America and shipped to Japan when Leo sold out. Apart from a Taylor 12 string I am yet to hear one that sounds as nice and plays as well. Cheers Harry

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,corrugated iron
Date: 13 Feb 11 - 04:58 AM

I bought my F5-12 in Melbourne, Australia, about Feb 1980 and its still plays beautifully. It is no longer as stridently "jangly".

It has a serial number Y13700 on the label inside the sound hole

I think it was made in Japan while Fender US production was slowed or stopped to modernise the factory.

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,me
Date: 28 Jun 11 - 10:23 AM

I traded my stratocaster for a f-55-12 back around 1980. I still have it, the number is 7943602. I should have kept my strat.

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,999
Date: 28 Jun 11 - 10:39 AM

I traded a 1962 Telecaster for an acoustic Framus back in 1964. I know the feeling.

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,Jayne
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 02:34 PM

my F55-12 serial number is 7930815 and I bought in Soho London in about '81. I got it cheap as it had a bit of a dent in the back - paid £80 for it. Hardly ever play it now. J

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,Joel
Date: 28 Jul 11 - 09:09 PM

http://www.fender.com/support/articles/acoustic-instruments-product-dating

i found this to be quite helpful

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 06:36 AM

I have a Fender Model F-55-12 stamped inside 893 at the start of the finger board just under the acoustic hole. I seem to remember buying it around 1978. Apparently it was seven years old at that time. I paid £ 70 which was also the price when originally purchased. It had never been used. I still have it and it is still almost as new. I also still have a Levin junbo (swedish) LM-26 six string which I purchased second hand from a friend (£ 35) when I was 19. I am now 65. The guitar is now 63 years old. Rock on! Mike Amersham England.

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: fat B****rd
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 07:29 AM

Thank you, Guest Mike. That serial number of yours is a bit more in line with mine (975) I've had the guitar since 1990 but it would seem to be a 1970s model.
Charlie

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,Gabe in Sydney Australia
Date: 26 Sep 11 - 09:17 AM

I have had an F-55-12 since 1990 when I bought it 2nd hand. The serial number is F7903704.   Any chance that someone can give me any idea of when it was made? Also does anyone know which part of Asia these were made? I am suspecting Japan.
Many thanks   Gabe

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: StephenX
Date: 26 Sep 11 - 10:14 AM

Looks like all the appropriate places have been checked already, but for grins you might check the Telecaster guitar forum :
http://www.tdpri.com/forum/index.php

There are many very knowledgeable folks there on all things Fender.

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Oct 11 - 01:25 AM

Model F310-12. Serial No. 00000041

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 07:45 PM

My Fender 12 string has a stamp inside and toward the neck on the cross brace with a stamp "376-E". On the label is the F-55-12 that is pasted through the sound hole,not sure what year is was made and I can't find any other serial numbers on the guitar.

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,Dsch.
Date: 02 Jan 12 - 10:20 PM

I have a F310-12 serial#S00000046,I've had it for 25 to 30 years, it has a paper label inside the sound hole with Fender, model,serial#. No other numbers found on guitar.Any ideas on year? I'm thinking 69 to 72.

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 06:58 AM

Does an A- serial number mean anything?

This is ny serial no.

A 5012896

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,howlin howard
Date: 23 Jan 13 - 07:09 AM

My f55 12 also has 109025 same as the one bought in Paris! Number on neck block inside.Bought in Cardiff 1972

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,Cameron
Date: 16 Mar 13 - 06:48 AM

My F310-12 is numbered A6476398 and has a Made in Korea sticker. It seems from this string that no-one has any idea how these serial numbers work. Frustrating!!

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,Martin
Date: 18 Jun 14 - 04:46 PM

My F55-12 also has number 109025 on the neck block inside, like the one bought in Paris and the one bought in Cardiff. It also has the letter K above that number. I'm very surprised -- that number seems to be a batch number, not a serial number. Has anyone else got a letter above the numhber on the neck?

I bought mine second-hand in Avignon, France, in 1980 and carried it on my knee in a cardboard box on coaches and ferries all the way back to my home to the north of England because I couldn't afford a case. It's a bit lacking in bass but apart from that the sound is nice and it has a very thick, solid neck. It won't be for sale while I am still alive.

This page:
http://www.fender.com/en-DK/support/articles/acoustic-instruments-product-dating/
says that the F55-12 was made from 1972 - 1980 in Asia.

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,Martin
Date: 18 Jun 14 - 04:59 PM

I forgot to mention that my F55-12 bought in Avignon in 1980 also has the number T 35 7 3 stamped with ink on the flat bracing rib that runs inside the body of the guitar from the neck end to the bottom end of the body, passing under the sound hole.

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Jun 15 - 03:38 PM

I also have a a F310-12 serial no.00000045    early 1985

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 27 Aug 15 - 03:23 PM

I have one that is numbered 00000059

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,MustangSally
Date: 18 Aug 18 - 05:44 PM

My F55-12 also shows 975 stamped on the label inside the guitar and my Dad bought it for me in1975 for Xmas! Love it but might sell it. Had 11 surgeries on both my hands and can’t play anymore????????

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,Jala
Date: 26 Dec 18 - 12:37 AM

I am also trying to find the history of a F55-12 for my son.
His father had it when I met him :)
It had been his special girl till then..he loved it so much!
We had two boys who grew up strumming her, she was always there. But now their father has passed away leaving two teenagers with questions, some are hard to answer - and this guitars details is one of them !!!

Subject: RE: How old is my Fender 12 string?
From: GUEST,Martin
Date: 31 Oct 19 - 08:04 PM

I posted here a few years ago - I have the F-55-12 bought second-hand in Avignon in 1980 with the proceeds of 3 weeks picking grapes. The number on the neck block is K109025, the same number as a couple of other guitars mentioned in this thread, and the number on the center brace on the back is T 35 7 3. Since someone in this thread bought an F-55-12 with that same neck block number in Paris in 1973, I expect that mine is also from around that year.

Looking at the posts in this thread, I'm wondering if a K in front of the neck block number may refer to Korea (probably Samick who have made guitars for lots of US companies), a Y to Yamaha in Japan, and an F to Fender in the USA. The 025 at the end of the neck block number also seems to have some significance.

My guitar does not have the adjustable bridge that I see in photos of F-55-12s. I presume that the bridge on mine was replaced with a non-adjustable one in the 1970s when a piezo pickup was fitted. I had a K&K Pure Mini pickup installed recently and it sounds very sweet even though it still doesn't put out deep bass.

I've had mine for nearly 40 years, it sounds and plays great, and it's in very good condition despite the fact that I hauled it around and played gigs with it in the early 1990s. I now have a beautiful Guild 12-string that sounds better, but that Fender is like a member of my family and it goes when I do.