Fender Stratocaster, Sunburst (1973)
Strat-Style · Vintage
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.
| Style | Solidbody |
| Body | Alder |
| Finish | Polyurethane |
| Color | Sunburst |
| 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 | 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" |
| Serial # | 526685 |
| Weight | 7lbs 11oz |
| Case | Original HSC |
Every instrument is thoroughly checked and set up before shipping fully insured via UPS with tracking to your door. We reuse boxes and materials to cut waste when they meet our protection standard.
Inspect it, play it, and if it isn't right, contact us within 48 hours of delivery to arrange a return or one-time exchange. Returns are subject to a 5% restocking fee, and the buyer covers shipping both ways.
Pricing
We price vintage instruments using current market trends and our extensive in-house sales history, ensuring each piece is accurately valued and fairly positioned.
Tasteful Restoration
When restoration is needed, we approach it with respect and restraint - always in service of preserving the instrument’s integrity and extending its musical life for decades to come.
Accurate Listings
Every vintage guitar we list is authenticated by our seasoned team and photographed in high detail, with clear, honest descriptions that show exactly what you’re buying - no surprises.
Shipping
With decades of experience shipping high-value guitars, we know how to pack and protect vintage instruments so they arrive exactly as they should: safe, sound, and ready to play.