Around 1966 Fender started using CTS pots.
- The third serial number system was implemented in 1970. Not enough information was available to the authors to determine year of manufacture by serial number. An added variable is that during the Magnavox years, Ampeg may have used separate serial number systems for each model or for models that shared the same chassis like the VT-22 and V-4.
- I purchased a different model DUO60. The serial number and certification are stickers on the side of the body. One says “ For manufacturer only 12201067” bar code. The other sticker has model information and UL certificate. If you don’t see serial number I’d contact the selller or amazon customer service.
One has a code of 1376902 (CTS pot, 2nd week of 1969), another has 1376852 (CTS pot, 52nd week of 1968) Stackpole pot as fitted to a 1971 Fender Telecaster. Fender Centralab and CTS pots, but used Stackpole widely in the late 1960s.
Look for this number: 035865
It’s a code for Stratocaster pots. Any vintage 66-76 strat pot must have 035865 stamped in the back. Simple. Some people on ebay are selling NOS pots claiming they are original Fender Strat pots but if they have a different (whatever) number then THEY ARE NOT STRATOCASTER POTS and they are not to be considered original parts. These NOS CTS pots are indeed as old as they claim to be and totally identical to the ones used by Fender, but have a different code, meaning they were destined to other (non Fender) instruments or electronic devices. BEWARE! I don’t normally indulge with capital letters but this time I did. Remember, 035865 is the deal.
There is a rumor that some 1968 strats were fitted with pots showing 032367, a code seen on Telecasters and P.Basses. I tend to believe this, I’ve seen some of these strats and the story seems legit to me in the end.
It also seems that pots were produced/ordered in mass during certain weeks only.
As istance, in 1971 I’ve only come across pots made in the 12th week. In 1970, I’ve only seen pots made in the 2th, 14th, 21th and 52th weeks.
250k= pot value
AUD=audio
137=CTS code
YY-WW (66=year, 18=week)
A strat pot with the Telecaster code (032367). I’ve seen this in a 68 strat for sale on ebay and took this pic.
Another 1968 strat I have seen for sale on ebay, showing the same code (please enlarge the pic, you should then see 032367 stamped in the tone pot)
Very late 1970 strat pot (52th week, the last one!). Notice also the anomaly with the straight plastic/fibre part, normally rounded. This happens only in the 52th week of 1970. Crazy stuff!
Late 1973 strat pot (035865 is the strat code). 137=CTS code 73=Year 50=Week
Cts Pot Serial Number Lookup
Cts Pot Serial Number Check
