Fender Stratocaster Sunburst (USED, 1972)
Vintage
With so much attention focused on the Golden Era Fender electrics, later post-CBS examples have often gone overlooked as quality options. The 1970s proved to be a period of more distinct change as well, with polyurethane finish and 3-bolt necks being the most prominent examples of Fender moving in a different direction. But let's not discount that at now 45-50 years old, there are some fantastic examples finding their way through a sea of the ever-changing vintage landscape.
This 1972 Fender Stratocaster in its original 3-tone Sunburst finish is a great example of an early 70s Fender. Carrying over much of the aesthetic of the late 60s version, Stratocaster deviates from a bit of that with it's 3-bolt neck and bullet truss rod. Beyond that, it presents as one of the most iconic looks for the double-cut. Original staggered polepiece pickups have great output and sound excellent with chirpy top end and a slightly scooped midrange - we hear instant early Big Star / Alex Chilton tone with this one!
This guitar spent time in the Rochester NY rock band Eternity (as identified on the original Fender hardshell case) before being acquired by a South Burlington VT music store, where it remained stored by the owner for many years, unused. It was recently discovered by the family and made its way to us!
Condition: Very Good+. The original 3-tone sunburst is vibrant and rich with wear typical of a 50 year old guitar. The polyurethane finish has shrunken in some spots, but is quite stable. The volume pot was replaced as well as the original stamped Fender tuners (Schaller tuners are currently installed). Original frets are on the lower side, but have been nicely dressed to allow smooth low-action playability. The original 3-way switch was replaced with a 5-way switch as well.
Original Fender hardshell case included.
- Alder Body
- Maple neck
- Indian Rosewood fingerboard
- Original 3-tone Sunburst finish
- Medium C profile - .85" @ 1st Fret / .92" @ 12th fret
- 25.5" scale length
- Original pickups - 5.55k Neck / 5.73k Middle / 5.97k Bridge
- Replacement tuners (Schaller mini tuners)
- Replaced volume pot
- Replaced 3-way switch with 5-way switch
- Original Fender black hardshell case
- Weight: 7lb 11oz
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.