Fender

Fender Stratocaster, Sunburst (1973)

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Product information

1973 Fender Stratocaster in original Sunburst finish just into the shop!

While it's common knowledge that the 1970s brought with it some quality control issues for CBS-owned Fender, there are always exceptions to the rule. Case in point with this Strat from late 1973.

For starters, this Strat is no boat anchor - not even close. It weighs in at 7lbs 11oz on our scale, and feels perfectly balanced both seated and using a strap. Second, it has a fantastic playing neck with a very comfortable profile and lean taper. And despite the 3-bolt neck construction, the guitar feels remarkably solid and very resonant. Let's face it... it's just a great early 70s Strat!

It was clearly a well loved instrument for many years as evidenced by all of the natural wear, but it's hard to beat the vibe! Still, all the critical components of the guitar have remained. It features its original black bobbin pickups, two of three original pots (with the tone knobs being a proper period-correct replacement), and its original 3-way switch. The plastics are also original to the guitar with the exception of the second Tone knob.

It was refretted at one point with slightly larger fretwire, but still very much in line with an acceptable profile befitting of the guitar. The bridge pickup was rewound by vintage pickup repair master Tom Brantley due to a short in the coil, and it sounds phenomenal!

It's an inspiring guitar to play, and has exceptional tone and response that we often associate with instruments that have been working for decades. It quickly became a house favorite, and presents as an incredible value in the world of vintage Strats.

Body
Style
Solidbody
Body
Alder
Finish
Polyurethane
Color
Sunburst

Hardware
Pickups
Original Black Bobbin | 5.39k Neck / 5.65k Middle / 6.03k Bridge
Electronics
Original CTS pots | 137-7337 visible / Replaced CTS Tone pot | 137-7304
Controls
Volume (x1) / Tone (x2) / Original 3-Way switch
Bridge
Original Tremolo bridge w/ original saddles
Tuners
Original Fender
Pickguard
Original 3-Ply

Neck
Neck
Maple | 0901 4953 Neck Stamp (49th week of 1973)
Binding
None
Carve
C | .82"-.87"
Fingerboard
Indian Rosewood
Radius
7.25"
Inlays
Dots
Frets
Medium Jumbo (Refret)
Nut
Original
Scale Length
25 1/2"

Other
Serial #
526685
Weight
7lbs 11oz
Case
Original HSC