Just a Theory...
(Work in Process)
It looks like these serial numbers are date based.
1995: 5 (no letter prefix) seven digit serial number
1996: F6
1997: F7 and F97 gold foil MADE IN KOREA sticker
1998: F98 gold foil MADE IN KOREA sticker
(Note some special/custom order finishes on basses appear in 1998.)
1999: F99 gold foil MADE IN KOREA sticker
2000: F0 or F2 gold foil MADE IN KOREA sticker
Switches to inked serial numbers and "MADE IN KOREA" stamp
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005: 5 (no letter prefix), eight digit SN, "MADE IN KOREA" all caps ink stamp
I’m also noticing the use of 0 almost like a place holder.
Like year, then month, then number count.
Some years the count leaves room for up to 3 digits, some years 4 digits.
Also, some years they use two digits for the year, some years just one.
Possible format:
FYMM####, FYYMM### or FYYMM####
And this type of serial number is still a bit of a mystery but seems to follow the format of the letter prefix ones, so it may be legit.
Korean Stamped No Letter Prefix Serial Number Neckplates
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