this might help out a bit.

50's strat typically have a 'v' shaped neck , single ply pickguard and 8 mounting screws for the pickguard
60's strat typically come in the 'c' shape neck ,3-ply pickguard and 11 mounting screws for the pickguard

After CBS bought Fender over, they introduced the big headstock (aka the 70's headstock) and had 3 screws instead of 4 for the neck joint.

this is from what i can recall..hope it helps a bit

edit: useful info for identifying ur fender guitar

http://www.guitarnucleus.com/fenderserial.html

This post has been edited by ninehneh: Apr 29 2009, 02:44 PM