What S did i buy?

[dragsternj]

I just got a S from the eveil bay and its supposed to be a s540. Differences are it does not have the "custom made" inlay on the 21st fret, just sharkies all the way. and the pole pieces at the single coil are staggered like a strat.It does NOT say S Series on the headstock. Neck is really nice, with cream binding.
Serial number F915632 Made in Japan/black.

???????

[Act of God]

Sounds like a 1989 540S LTD. It wouldn't say S series on the headstock if its pre-AANJ. I assume is has the old square neck joint right?

[dragsternj]

yes. I thought first 2 numbers in the serial show the year made?

I just played it and switched to one of my jems and the jem neck is so much thicker.

[S420]

Have any pics? I have a white one, just as yours. I was bidding on a matching black one, but the seller ended it to sell to someone else for a tad more cash.....ugh I dislike that!

[Act of God]

Good point, pics now!

[dragsternj]

Originally Posted by S420

Have any pics? I have a white one, just as yours. I was bidding on a matching black one, but the seller ended it to sell to someone else for a tad more cash.....ugh I dislike that!

When was that? I got this one last week.

[stratoskier]

Dragsternj, in the early years (I forget when it switched), the 1st digit of the serial = the last digit of the year. So "F9..." is 198"9" Very goofy system -- no wonder they changed it.

And yes, those early Wizard necks were insanely thin.

Yours should have IBZ pups in it -- is that correct?

Bert

[ChrisPcritter]

In 89 it would have an F2 C2 and F1. Very thin neck, no custom made emblem on fretboard and the number system changed to two numbers in 97. As for it being a goofy system.. I kind of like it since F= Fujigen factory in japan, 9 is year and 15632 is the 15,632nd guitar made at that factory that year. I have seen fenders with a wrong serial number for the year and called fender and had them tell me that it was because they ran out of numbers that year so they used left over serial numbers from previous years. Great guitar.. mine is one of my favorite to play....Chris

[S420]

This auction was last week. The seller was from NY, I was actually going to drive and get it at auctions end.

[Drow Swordsman]

Originally Posted by Act of God

Good point, pics now!

Agreed! Pictures please

[dragsternj]

Originally Posted by S420

This auction was last week. The seller was from NY, I was actually going to drive and get it at auctions end.

Sorry Man Buy it now

Hope you don't hate me all that much if i tell you it was not as pristine as advertised, but still in excellent shape for a 15 year old axe. It is the worst smelling guitar i EVER bought. Awful. I already used Lysol, Windex, Fender Guitar Polish and its STILL not gone. I think you will see it on the bay one of these days, because the neck is really insanely thin, maybe to thin for me. Haven't decided yet if i like it or not. Knowing me i will probably pump a couple hundred dollars into it an than sell it for less than i got it . I have to leave for europe and am only home for 3 days, once i am back and play around some more with her, i make a decision.

Also will post pics than.