How to tell the difference between a real fender guitar and a squire?

Question by GN’Rfan (Mikki): How to tell the difference between a real fender guitar and a squire?
Hi,
I’m going to look at a guitar that I’m interested in buying, its advertised as a fender strat but it is painted with “the frankenstrat” markings, the headstock included. So how will I be able to tell if it is a true fender strat or not just some knockoff? Also how can you tell the difference between a mexican made fender and an american made one? Thank you

Best answer:

Answer by Terrasstudents
Fenders are usually easy to tell if their knockoffs. If you can look at the serial code on the back of the guitar it should look something like this if its from the past ten years
N9 + 5 or 6 DIGITS
V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (American Vintage Series except ‘52 Telecaster)
1999
1999

N9 + 5 or 6 DIGITS

Z0 + 5 or 6 DIGITS

DZ0 + 5 or 6 DIGITS (Am. Deluxe)

V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (American Vintage Series except ‘52 Telecaster)
2000

Z0 + 5 or 6 DIGITS

Z1 + 5 or 6 DIGITS

DZ1 + 5 or 6 DIGITS (Am. Deluxe)

V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (American Vintage Series except ‘52 Telecaster)
2001

Z1 + 5 or 6 DIGITS
Z2 + 5 or 6 DIGITS
DZ2 + 5 or 6 DIGITS (Am. Deluxe)
V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (American Vintage Series except ‘52 Telecaster)
2002

Z2 + 5 or 6 DIGITS
Z3 + 5 or 6 DIGITS
DZ3 + 5 or 6 DIGITS (American Deluxe Series)
V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (American Vintage Series except ‘52 Telecaster)
2003

Z3 + 5 or 6 DIGITS
Z4 + 5 or 6 DIGITS
DZ4 + 5 or 6 DIGITS (Am. Deluxe)
V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (American Vintage Series except ‘52 Telecaster)
XN4 + 4 Digits
2004

Z4 + 5 or 6 DIGITS
Z5 + 5 or 6 DIGITS
DZ5 + 5 or 6 DIGITS (Am. Deluxe)
V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (American Vintage Series except ‘52 Telecaster)
XN5 + 4 Digits

Your other question should also be answered by looking at the back of the guitar. Usually it will say Made in USA of Made In Mexico or most comonlly made in Asian countries.

What do you think? Answer below!