Vintage Fender Stratocaster - USA 1970

The big headstock, the swooping Fender decal, the rosewood fretboard and the patina on this three-tone burst alder body all combine to say one thing: You’re looking at an original 1970 Fender Strat. This iteration of the Fender Strat came into existence in the golden age of hard rock at the tail end of the 1960s. From Hendrix, Richie Blackmoore, Yngwie Malmsteen, Jeff Beck and many other big names have honed their sound with one of these classic big headstock Stratocasters in their hands. The unmistakable look of these late 60s and early 70s Strats sets them apart from the pack and make a bold acknowledgment of the one of the most iconic eras of rock and roll.  

This guitar is in great condition. The finish on the body has relatively minor signs of wear for a guitar of this age and just enough patina to allude to its historical pedigree. The headstock has aged to a nice dark amber tint and the decals are clean and undamaged. Tuners have been replaced with Schaller tuners. A skilled luthier could reinstall original tuners with little evidence of this modification, however this is not necessary, and the tuners do work well. The back plate/trem cover appears also to have been replaced. The frets are in excellent shape and bending is a breeze. One will have no trouble channeling their inner 70s guitar god with this setup.  

The front two pickups are original, however there is some conjecture as to the origin of the bridge pickup as there is less ageing on the pickup cover and pole pieces.

The neck profile of this guitar is slightly thicker than a medium C, with a bit more material around the shoulders than on many modern and early 60s Strats. This has an upgraded 5-way switch and the tone from all pickups is bell-like and clear with good balance and functionality in all settings.  

This is a fine example of a classic 1970 Strat. With tons of vibe and great playability. A well looked after and loved instrument which will be the pride and joy of any serious Strat fan.  

Scale length: 25.5” 

Fretboard Radius: 7.25” 

Action at 1st fret: 0.25mm 

Action at 12th fret: 1.75mm 

Neck depth at 1st fret: 21.5 

Neck depth at 12th fret: 25mm 

Nut Width: 40.9mm 

12 fret width: 51.5mm 

Neck material: Maple/rosewood fretboard 

Fretboard inlays: pearl dots 

Body: Alder 

Body size at lower bout: 32cm 

Front Pickup: Original 

Middle Pickup: Original 

Bridge Pickup: Unsure (looks to be newer than middle and neck) 

Tuners: Unoriginal (made in W Germany?) 

Pickguard: White three ply 

Bridge: Fender 

Electronics: Volume, tone tone with 5-way switch (replaced) 

Hardware: Chrome/nickel 

Case: Original hard-shell case