I have an Artist I bought new in 1972, and although its serial number is in the 4200's (with no letter prefix), I've heard of older ones with higher serial numbers. The information contained in this guide was culled from our archives of Fender price lists and catalogs, beginning with 1968. 'Since its official debut in early 1954, the Stratocaster, designed by Leo Fender, has proved to be poaibly the most popular electric guitar ever manufactured quite a legend of its own! From 1953 to 1967, this was a two-letter stamp that corresponded with the month and year the amp was manufactured.

Hamer Guitars are among the finest guitars ever built.