Fender Stratocaster, Natural (1974)

"70's Strats aren't very good"... This '74: Hold my beer.

1974 Fender Stratocaster in original Natural finish just into the shop from the son of its original owner.

The color, the headstock shape, and the 3-bolt neck plate tell anyone looking that this is squarely a 1970s Fender electric. But if you plug it in, close your eyes, and get to playing it, you'd start to think a lot differently about what the guitar is all about.

For starters, it's amazingly light for an Ash-bodied Strat. Weighing in at 7lb 4oz, it's just superbly comfortable. And with that welterweight designation, it resonates like crazy! Playing first position rhythm work gets the whole body vibrating, and single note lines jump right out of the guitar with clarity and "pop". The original stagger pole single coil pickups are strong and lively, with very little change in makeup compared to late 60s examples. The circuit is untouched, complete with the original 3-way switch that has nice resistance and feel. Plastics are also very clean, especially the knobs. Even the original frets show light wear for their age.

The guitar includes its original hardshell case and accompanying original leather strap.

It's hard to think you could find any Strat from this era that would check as many boxes as this guitar does. It's a total sleeper!