The 1970's CBS era bought a raft of changes for many models across the Fender catalog, with redesigns of their classic instruments and the introduction of a range of new models. This 1974 Fender Stratocaster is a perfect example of a mid '70s Fender guitar, with all the hallmarks of CBS era production.
This '74 Stratocaster is finished in a nicely aged three colour sunburst which certainly looks the part. This guitar is constructed from a Maple neck and fretboard with an Alder body. Unlike some '70s Fender guitars, this Stratocaster is relatively lightweight, giving the guitar a lively, resonant sound, both unplugged and amplified. All the typical early '70s features are there, with the larger headstock design, three bolt 'F' stamped neck plate and bullet truss rod.
This guitar is in very good condition, with some minor signs of play wear and lacquer checking to the body and fretboard that are to be expected from an instrument of this age. The original pickups are present and correct, with dates showing 26 36 73, with the bridge pickup is a flat pole piece variation. Although not standard during this period, there are other examples from 1974 that feature a mixture of staggered and flat pole pieces from the factory, due to '74 being a transitional year for pickup design. The original pots show a date code of 137 7243, dating them to the later part of 1972. This guitar also includes a later period Fender moulded hard case.
As with all our instruments, this 1974 Fender Stratocaster has been given a full service and appraisal by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 2 year warranty.
