My theory is that there is a second Samick location that produces these guitars, and to distinguish there is a different source, the letters were switched around. Both say 'Crafted in Indonesia' but with different fonts. These 'SI' Minis have the same inspection sticker on the back on the peghead as those with 'SI' serial numbers. Why would a company use a different serial number because it is sold in a bundle? There would be too many disadvantages and doesn't make any sense.

The word on the net is that they denote the fact they were sold in a kit or bundle with a cheap practice amp, cable, picks and some other material geared toward young beginners. The source of the Minis with serial numbers starting with 'SI' have been difficult to research. 'IC' are made by Cort while IS are made by Samick, both in Indonesia. In the case of the Mini Strats, I have seen 'IC', 'IS' and 'SI'. The two letters leading denotes what plant the instrument was made in. Fender and Squier serial numbers, for guitar made overseas, has in the last 20 years or longer consisted of two letters followed by eight (sometimes nine) numerals. The Squier Mini is manufactured in at least two different plants, both in Indonesia. Squier Mini Serial Numbers - The Long Story I will examine this guitar closer on a separate page in the near future. Upon close inspection of internal components I noticed several small but significant differences with the other guitars.

Looking at the back of the peghead it looks right. Notice the wood grain - this is not maple.

Cort bass guitar serial numbers