Can anyone help me identify a counterfeit guitar?

[Rich_T]

I think I have bought one...

I bought what appeared to be a 1996 fender 50th anniversary strat. It has what looks like a 60s style neck, with a serial number nowhere to be found. It's a less than smooth shell pink, with an oddly cut pickguard and a weird ghetto route to allow for truss rod access at the body end.

It looks wierd to me, the guys in the store told me it was a Fender Japan 50th anniversary strat.

[Bones]

I think I have bought one...

I bought what appeared to be a 1996 fender 50th anniversary strat. It has what looks like a 60s style neck, with a serial number nowhere to be found. It's a less than smooth shell pink, with an oddly cut pickguard and a weird ghetto route to allow for truss rod access at the body end.

It looks wierd to me, the guys in the store told me it was a Fender Japan 50th anniversary strat.

I am pretty sure the Japanese stuff from that timeframe put their origin at the heel of the neck. Does that part even look like it may have been sanded off?

Can we get some pics of the problem areas? I think if you are questioning the authenticity of it, it is probaby a fake.

[Gearjoneser]

Did the guys in the store sell it to you? Make whoever sold it to you take it back if it turns out to be a parts guitar.

Post pics.

[Rich_T]

Did the guys in the store sell it to you? Make whoever sold it to you take it back if it turns out to be a parts guitar.

Post pics.

Totally, if this isn't 100% legit, they are having it back.

[Rich_T]

Thanks dude, here are some pics:

[ImmortalSix]

1996, while it was the 50th year of the company, was not a year that Fender produced "50th Anniversary" models.

The Standard and American Standard lines, at least.

They simply got a gold sticker on the back of the headstock that said "50 Years of Excellence" or something. I have a 1996 American Standard at home that I can take a look at if you want me to.

[Rich_T]

1996, while it was the 50th year of the company, was not a year that Fender produced "50th Anniversary" models.

The Standard and American Standard lines, at least.

They simply got a gold sticker on the back of the headstock that said "50 Years of Excellence" or something. I have a 1996 American Standard at home that I can take a look at if you want me to.

Yeah, mine has that. The neck is almost believable, but there is something suspicious about the body. It is super light.

[Bludave]

Post pics & serial # please. This way we can help you identify what you have

[ImmortalSix]

Post pics & serial # please. This way we can help you identify what you have

Also, you can telephone Fender and give them the serial and they will tell you what the neck specs / guitar body specs (if the neck and body are still together) should be.

Email works too.

[Rich_T]

Pics are up, can't find a serial anywhere on this thing.

[ImmortalSix]

Pics are up, can't find a serial anywhere on this thing.

I can't see the pictures here (probably intercepted by our work's filter) - I suggest emailing Fender your pics and asking them if it looks legitimate, given the information you have about it.

[DrNewcenstein]

It's the pic host - they're red Xs for me at home.

Does Fender not stamp their neck pockets or body cavities with the model?

[Rich_T]

I've reposted those pics from a different host. Thanks for your input guys

[Aceman]

I don't know - looks pretty fender to me. Which fender is the question - or all Fender.

Again - get it verified or take it back.

[Wonker]

The 5-way Switch and pots don't look right to me from the pic I see. I also don't see the CNC guide hole.

[uOpt]

As you say, looks like somebody cut that trench into the body to allow access to the heel. But that doesn't mean the neck isn't original, they didn't care that you can't access it without taking the neck off.

The neck looks high quality to me. I think it's odd to have heel truss rod and 62 style rosewood but I don't have a Fender neck catalog in my head.

The SSS route points to the body being not some kind of standard model, might be some form of 62 RI or somesuch. Or non-Fender. I don't like the look of the paint.

Is the tremolo block magnetic?

[andrizzle]

I don't know if this is helpful, but I was on TGP earlier and this guy had basically the EXACT SAME situation and guitar...

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/sho...d.php?t=838111

I thought the shell pink was a cool look, so I was lusting after it briefly until he said he can't find a serial #.... did you check behind the neckplate?

Everything about yours LOOKS legit... the logo is a great fake if it is one! All the verbage on the headstock is appropriately placed as well

[Gearjoneser]

I think it's a Fender 60's reissue neck of some sort, bolted onto all aftermarket parts.

Dull paint. Laminated, not solid....not sure what Japan used.
11 holes for the pickguard, instead of 50's/60's 8 hole, which is the giveaway.
No Fender markings on neck plate or bridge saddles.
5 way switch doesn't look Fender, but not sure.

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Should say Made in Japan, at the heel, if I remember correctly!
No serial on the neckplate, funny looking vib saddles...
Partsocaster!

[Gearjoneser]

Wait....it's possible that it IS authentic. But maybe just the bridge pickup has been changed. Now I'm not sure. Look at this one. 11 hole, and no markings on the neck plate or bridge saddles. Also no MIJ anywhere. The tuners on this one look wrong though. Now, I'm stumped.

http://www.gbase.com/gear/fender-jap...99-shell-pink#