When did the MIM’s start putting serial # on the back?

[PennyroyalWe]

I’ve found plenty of resources online for dating fender instruments by serial number, neck, body, and pot dates, but I can’t find anything indicating when they changed the layout for the logo & serial number. When did they switch from putting the MIM and serial number on the from to the back, as well as the logo redesign? Through random chance and googling I’ve narrowed it down to sometime between ‘01 and ‘11. Not that it’s of any consequence, I think they both look good, but there is a bass with the older style I’m eyeing up but the image isn’t good enough to make out the serial#. I’m wondering what’s the most recent it could have been made?

 

[Snakeman1066]

not sure...I have one from 2017 and serial number is on the back...

 

[hypercarrots]

2007

2008

 

[Bassmingo]

As Mr carrots said, most likely 2008.
Related question: how long did they do the shading on "made in Mexico" like on my 04/05 P?

 

[Picton]

Never seen that shading before.

 

[PennyroyalWe]

As Mr carrots said, most likely 2008.
Related question: how long did they do the shading on "made in Mexico" like on my 04/05 P?

View attachment 3275642

Never seen that before either. Did you buy it new like that?

 

[hypercarrots]

As Mr carrots said, most likely 2008.
Related question: how long did they do the shading on "made in Mexico" like on my 04/05 P?

View attachment 3275642

it's a writing implement modification. they don't come like that from the factory.

 

[Bassmingo]

it's a writing implement modification. they don't come like that from the factory.

Well I'll be damned. I never really studied it too closely before, but you're right. It's a damn permanent marker. I don't think the previous owner did that (he's a friend). Perhaps the guy before him was ashamed of its heritage!

 

[foal30]

Never seen that shading before.

It's kind of shady

 

[Picton]

It's kind of shady

In more ways than one.

At first I thought it was an Ireland thing, something for export, though obviously that makes no sense. Sheesh. If someone's ashamed it's from Mexico, just do what everyone else does, take a razor blade, and scrape off that part of the decal.

Still unsightly, but probably not as wierd as this.

 

[Elusive1]

2008
View attachment 3275631

Not a bass, but here's a pic of my MIM Tele. Seems 2008 was a transition year