Fender Tele Serial Number question

[Axwound]

Hi all,

I'm usually attracted to the less mainstream guitars, Burns, Minarik, DiPinto, but have decided it is time to get the feet wet with a Tele.

I'm aware of knockoffs and while I don't think this one to be the case, the serial is a bit odd. I can't decipher the mark b/w the 'Z' and the '1'. If I remove the "mystery character" I can track the guitar to a 2001-2002 MIM. However, I cannot find any info online regarding that extra character. Most sites describe an MZ1 followed by 5 digits. Also, is it typical for the serial numbers to be slightly crooked.

Thanks in advance, just want to cover my butt.