Pre-Fender CHARVEL *PRO SERIES* MIJ Serial number theory

[mateo69]

The more research I do, the more questions I have.:think:

I have a 'theory' that the 8-digit serial numbers on the MIJ CHARVEL 'Pro Series' guitars are YY/MM/Prod#

The 'Pro Series' were the 5 models introduced in late 2001 as:
292-0100 - Journeyman
292-0300 - Standard
292-0500 - Traditional
292-0200 - Model A
292-0205 - Model A Plus
292-0206 - Model A Plus K

It appears these were made into early 2002, and then Akai sold Jackson/Charvel to Fender.

All of the pictures of serial numbers that I can find on the interweb seem to fit into this theory.

The 2 Pro Series guitars I just bought are 0201xxxx (Traditional) & 0203xxxx (Standard) and the last 4 digits are only 5 numbers apart.

Does anyone else either own a Pro Series guitar, or have info that either supports or contradicts this theory?

-Mateo

[Rich#6]

the model A that was on ebay was 01110114. that factory is known for just grabbing a plate from a box. Very few people on this board own these.

[Rich#6]

on ebay
01110143 traditional
01110215(hard to see last 3 digits) standard
Looks like grabbing a plate from a box to me with only the year is consistent.

[mateo69]

Thanks again Rich!!

I have been scouring the web and ebay as well trying to find more pics...but most people don't like to show their serial numbers for some reason.

[Rich#6]

It has to do with the older ones being copied and with vultures that try to say you have their guitar( some might be ligit and be stolen).

[mateo69]

Looks like grabbing a plate from a box to me with only the year is consistent.

Rich, I believe you are correct...AGAIN!

I just received both of my guitars and one is stamped '2002.4.5' on the heel of the neck and the neckplate # is '0203xxxx'

I haven't taken the neck off the other guitar yet.