If you already have a basic understanding of the USA serial numbering system, just skip down to the next Bold Centered text.Most readers of this are probably already aware that Fender USA guitar serial numbers "theoretically" follow a pattern.

The JV and SQ guitars, as well as some of the E series, had USA parts (mostly pickups, switches, and potentiometers) that were shipped over to Japan to help speed up production while the new USA plant was being set up in Corona, California.

A full 25½" scale length, lead and rhythm circuit switching with independent volume and tone controls, and a floating tremolo with tremolo lock, were other keys to the Jazzmaster's character.

The tremolo lock can be manually activated to keep the entire guitar from going out of tune if one string breaks. The bridge and tremolo construction is very different from that of the Stratocaster and gives the Jazzmaster a different resonance and generally less sustain.

Serial numbers have been used in various locations on Fender instruments through the years.

They have been placed at the top of the neck plate, on the front of the headstock, on the back of the headstock, and on the back of the neck near where the neck bolts onto the body.