Squier Guitar Serial Number Lookup/Decoder

Squier, a subsidiary of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, is a renowned manufacturer of budget-friendly, officially licensed electric guitars and basses. Originally a high-quality string manufacturer founded in 1890 and acquired by Fender in 1965, the brand was reactivated in 1982 to produce accessible, entry-level versions of iconic Fender models like the Stratocaster and Telecaster.

Squier Serial Number Lookup/Decoder FAQs

Where can I find the Squier serial number?

Most Squier by Fender guitars list the serial number on the back of the headstock. Some acoustics place it inside the soundhole on a paper label, and older instruments may use a neck plate or stamped marking. If you cannot find it, check the headstock back and the neck joint first.

What can this Squier serial number lookup/decoder tell me?

It typically identifies the production year, factory or plant code, and country of origin. Some serial formats also hint at model lines or production sequence, but that varies by era.

Why won't my Squier serial number decode?

Serial formats change over time, and limited runs or custom shop instruments can deviate from standard patterns. Try removing spaces or hyphens, and if it still fails, reach out so we can review it and improve the decoder.

Decoder Note

Note: If you try a serial number and the decoder is not able to decode it, please contact us and let us know so we can check the number and fix the decoder. Thank you!

How to decode a Squier serial number

Squier guitar serial numbers are typically found on the back of the headstock or neck plate, with the first one or two letters indicating the country/factory (e.g., “CY” = China Yako, “IC” = Indonesia Cor‑Tek) and the following numbers indicating the year (e.g., “20” = 2020). Newer models (post‑2020) may use a four‑letter prefix for factory/country, followed by a month letter (A–L) and two‑digit year.

Decoding Key Prefixes & Decades

E (Eighties): 1980s (e.g., E9 = 1989).
N (Nineties): 1990s (e.g., N0 = 1990).
M (Millennium): 2000s (e.g., MZ = 2000s, CY = 2000s China).
No Prefix: Often indicates 1980s Japanese or early Squier.

Common Factory & Country Codes

IC/ICS/ISS: Indonesia (Cort/Samick).
CY: China (Yako).
YN/YN: China (Yako).
MN/MZ: Mexico (Ensenada).
JV/SQ/E/A/O/P/Q/S/T/U/N: Japan.
KC/KI: Korea (Cor‑Tek/Intex).

Tips for Specific Years

2020s: 4‑letter prefix (e.g., CYGA) + A–L (Month) + 2 numbers (Year).
2009–2010: Some Indonesia models use ICS09XXXXX or ICS10XXXXX.
Exception: Reissue or artist models may not follow standard dating conventions.