77 Fender Custom tele question

[blakejcan]

Looking at grabbing one but wondering how to verify it?

From what I've researched the serial number should be stamped into the neck plate. That sound right?

From the pics, it doesn't have one that I can see so maybe that was a replacement plate. How else coudl I verify? Pop the neck and look for a stamp? Check the wiring caviity?

Thanks!

 

[jeremy]

neck/body dates, pot dates. not sure

 

[Mincer]

Is this an actual 77 Tele or a reissue?

 

[Sam SG]

Im almost positive that on Stratocasters the serial number went from the neck plate to the headstock in 1976. And that first year it was not an S serial but started with 76.
BUT....thats strats.
Also Ive had several 1970s stratocaster necks( liked them for builds) in the past, I do not recall an actual build date stamp on them. But believe there were numbers stamped that can probably be decifered.
I do know the flatwork on strat pups had dates on um.
My memory is foggy im going back 15yrs.
I would suggest going online to the Stratosphere( they part out all sorts of Fender guitars of all eras) or through them on ebay and study up on 70s tele parts pics.
There were certain inspectors in the 1970s one being Torres.
write down as many inspector stamp names as you find in the 76 to 77 era parts( necks bodys) strat parts too.
Look for inspection stamp names Pickup dates, pot codes etc....
EDIT....now that I think of it....I Think my 1979 25th anniversary strat had a date stamp in the body neck pocket that wasnt really legible but there....but again 15yrs ago.