Jazz bass serial no. quandry

[djh13]

hey there....I was wondering if anyone could help me figuring out when my bass was made.  First, my s/n is A035833 and has Made in Japan on the headstock.  From what I've gathered, if it has MIJ and starts with A......, then it was manufactured in 85-86, but I could swear it is much newer than that.
any ideas?

[Aussie Mark]

If it says "Made in Japan" then the A series is 85-86.  If is say "Crafted in Japan" then the A serials are 97-98

[djh13]

yeah, that's what I thought....but this bass seems more 97-98 to me, which was around the time I bought it

[hieronymous]

Any pictures? I am definitely an aficionado of Fender Japan, having lived in Japan for a while and owned several. They produced a lot of instruments since the '80s, a lot of variation that isn't necessarily understood or appreciated outside of Japan.

[djh13]

these didn't come out so great, so let me know if you need a clearer shot
thanks for your help

[djh13]

here are a couple more

[godofthunder]

 Nice looking bass either way! '75 RI ?

[djh13]

thanks....yeah, I don't know what it is yet, but it's a great bass and still looks and plays good

[dadagoboi]

Pretty sure you will find a date stamp in the neck pocket.  I own a similar Japan Jazz body, had a 4 bolt Fender CS neck when I bought it.  IIRC it's a '97