The table below shows the Fender serial numbers as they were used from 1950 to 1964. The serial numbers are basically chronological, but as already mentioned, due to Fender's numbering methods, there are a number of serial numbers and years that overlap. The only way to try to find the date is to remove the neck from the body.

From 1990 to the present, all fabricated Fender amplifiers have a date code. This is printed on the quality assurance sticker (QA) on the back of the amplifier chassis. Where to find the serial/chassis number On older models, the serial number is punched on the right side of. The GB Hot Rod Deluxe is a 40-watt 1x12' combo especially fine-tuned for world-famous jazz guitar virtuoso and top-selling pop artist George Benson. Designed with superior tone, versatile features and an elegantly distinctive look befitting an artist of Benson's stature, the GB Hot Rod Deluxe smoothly handles the immediacy of his singing.

An updated version of the legendary amplifier that’s been the heart of many guitarists’ rigs, the Hot Rod Deluxe IV features modified preamp circuitry, smoother-sounding spring reverb and updated aesthetics that any player is sure to appreciate. A supercharged amp decked out with player-requested features, this scorching 40-watt 1x12' combo is ideal for guitarists who need hot-rodded power with performance to spare.
Features Include: Vanilla Nubtex vinyl covering, Cane grille cloth, and a 12' Celestion® Creamback speaker. The modified preamp circuitry improves overdriven note definition, so you'll have articulate sound no matter how hard you push this amp. The onboard spring reverb has been modified to add smoothness, so you still get rich, shimmering tone, no matter how much reverb you use. The updated aesthetics include a lightweight pine cabinet, improved control panel texture and graphics, ivory pointer knobs, steel-reinforced strap handle and lightly-aged silver grille cloth, giving it the unmistakable look and vibe you can only get from a Fender amp. Reliable, flexible and pedal-friendly, the Hot Rod Deluxe IV is an ideal addition to any electric guitarist’s amp collection.
Specifications:
Control knobs: Chicken-Head Style Pointer - Ivory
Inputs: Two - (1/4', Input 2 operates at -6dB)
Preamp Tubes: 3 x 12AX7
Power Tubes: 2 x 6L6
Speakers: One - 12' Celestion® Creamback
Dimensions: 12.70x21.20x25.60 IN
Weight: 48.60 LB

Fender Hot Rod Deluxe Serial Number B

The Hot Rod Deluxe is possibly the best-selling Fender guitar amplifier of all time. There have been a number of incarnations (including a current LTD lacquered-tweed limited edition, with a run of just 250 units), but if you have an older amp (pre-2003), the easiest way to determine the production date is to look at the chart below. The Serial number is the random number stamped onto the 3 barrel vintage bridge plate that comes affixed to the guitar. If you switch to that 6 hammer saddle bridge they include in the case and lose your 3 barrel plate, you got no serial number. These serial numbered plates are found in a large bin. The assemblers just grab and install them.

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Disclaimer: all information on this page have been carried together from the internet or are result of personal experience and have NOT been verified by the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.

I want to point out that this article is especially dealing with the Hot Rod Deluxe. Not his „bigger brother“ the Hot Rod Deville.

To sum up at least:
Both amps use the exact same printed circuit board, preamp, reverb, effects loop and phase inverter. The only but utterly significant difference is the power supply and amount of speakers as the Deville comes with two 12“ or even four 10“.

The Fender Hot Rod Deluxe (HRD condensed) has become Fenders most sold amp since it has been introduced in 1995. So I guess it’s fair to call this little all-tube mono combo guitar amplifier a modern classic.
Before we get into the several generations, limited editions and FSRs (Fender Special Runs) there are a few basic specs that have remained throughout the years:

• 3 channels (Clean, Drive, More Drive)
• Bass – Middle – Treble EQ
• Spring Reverb
• 12“ speaker at 8 Ohm
• 40 Watt
• 3x 12AX7 Tube preamp section
• 2x 6L6 power section
• solid state rectifier

THE MODELS

HOT ROD DELUXE
The standard model comes covered in a black Tolex with silver-thread grille cloth with a plate on the upper front saying „Fender Deluxe“. Built in California from 1995 to somewhen in 2002 / 2003 the moniker F.A.T. can be found. This stands for Fender American Tube.
It comes with a specially designed Eminence Legend 125 speaker ex factory.

Fender Serial Number Chart

HOT ROD DELUXE II
This one’s tricky to determine. Honestly I’m not even sure if HRD II is the official description though you stumble upon it several times on the web.
Furthermore not much has changed (still black Tolex / silver-thread grille / plate with „Fender Deluxe“ Eminence Legend speaker) BUT the production of this series moved to Mexiko in mid 2002 so the moniker F.A.T. has been dropped.
Dating this model from 2002 to 2010 is pure assumption.

HOT ROD DELUXE III
In 2010 an official update of the amp has been released. The speaker is now a Celestion G12P-80, the front badge changed from „Fender Deluxe“ to just „Fender“, the overdrive has been „tightened“ and the control penal became black.
Tolex and grille haven’t changed.
This is the series that is produced until present.

THE LIMITED EDITIONS

Fender Blues Jr Serial Numbers

Throughout the years Fender put out several limited editions, signature series and so called „Fender Special Runs“, meaning: these are commissioned by individual dealers and have been built to their specifications.
If I’m not mistaken, what varies from edition to edition is the just the look and the speaker. I did my best to gather all available information to give you an overlook of what Fender did here.

HRD White Lightning (2006 – 2007)
white Tolex / black grille – Celestion G12 Century Vintage speakers – badge with „Fender Deluxe“

HRD Texas Red (2008)
red Tolex / blonde grille – badge with „Fender Deluxe“

HRD Emerald Green (2008 / run of 800)
emerald green Tolex / oxblood grille – Celestion Vintage 30 speakers – badge with „Fender Deluxe“

HRD Orange Racing Stripe (2008)
polished wood lacquered orange with two black stripes / black grille – Celestion Vintage 30 speakers – badge with „Fender Deluxe“

HRD Bluesman (2009 / run of 500)
blue Tolex / silver grille – Celestion Vintage 30 speakers – badge with „Fender Deluxe“

HRD Emerald Isle (2016)
emerald green Tolex / oxblood grille – Eminence Cannabis Rex speakers – badge with „Fender“

WHAT WE HAVE IN STOCK

Fender Hot Rod Deluxe Serial Number Date

Taking the given hints / ignoring the serial number what we’re looking at here is a „post 2002 / pre 2010“ model that unofficially goes by the appendix „MKII“.
But after all a Hot Rod Deluxe is what it is: pretty much the Stratocaster of combos.