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Average Price: $2,730

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$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

Step into the world of vintage rock with the 1970 Fender Stratocaster, a guitar that embodies the electric spirit of the '70s. This Strat isn't just an instrument; it's a piece of musical history that has defined countless sounds and styles. Featuring a robust ash body and a distinctive large headstock, this guitar is a time capsule from an era when rock was king and innovation was key.

The 1970 Stratocaster offers a classic U-shaped neck, making it a joy for your hands to glide over its sleek maple fingerboard. With three vintage-style single-coil pickups, this guitar delivers the quintessential Strat sound — crisp, clear, and full of character. The 5-way pickup selector switch provides you with an array of tonal possibilities, from bluesy riffs to sharp, cutting leads.

Married with a 3-point Micro-Tilt neck adjustment and a bullet truss rod, this Strat offers both stability and flexibility, allowing you to fine-tune your setup to perfection. Whether you're playing in a dimly lit club or recording in the studio, this guitar's iconic design and sound will ensure you're heard loud and clear.

Key Features:

  • Ash body with a large headstock
  • U-shaped maple neck and fingerboard
  • 3 vintage-style single-coil pickups
  • 5-way pickup selector switch
  • Bullet truss rod and 3-point Micro-Tilt neck adjustment
  • Vintage-style synchronized tremolo
  • 21 frets with black dot inlays
  • Fender/Schaller vintage F-style tuning machines
  • 25.5" scale length
  • Deluxe gig bag included

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Stratocaster with Maple Fretboard, Stratocaster with Rosewood Fretboard
Finish Black, Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Charcoal Frost, Dakota Red, Fiesta Red, Firemist Gold, Firemist Silver, Ice Blue Metallic, Lake Placid Blue, Ocean Turquoise, Olympic White, Seafoam Green, Sonic Blue, Sunburst, Teal Green
Year 1966 - 1971
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder, Ash
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Grey, Red, Silver, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender Vintage CBS Era

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of a 1970 Fender Stratocaster?

The 1970 Fender Stratocaster is known for its bright and clear tone, with a pronounced midrange and bell-like chime, making it versatile for genres like blues, rock, and funk.

What is the neck profile of the 1970 Fender Stratocaster?

The 1970 Fender Stratocaster typically features a C-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable grip for most hand sizes, ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.

How does the pickup configuration affect the sound of the 1970 Fender Stratocaster?

With its SSS (single-coil) pickup configuration, the 1970 Fender Stratocaster offers a range of tones from sharp and cutting to warm and mellow, suitable for various playing styles.

Is the 1970 Fender Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

While the 1970 Fender Stratocaster is a classic instrument with historical significance, its vintage nature and potential cost may make it more suitable for experienced players or collectors.

What materials are used in the body of the 1970 Fender Stratocaster?

The body of the 1970 Fender Stratocaster is typically made from alder or ash, contributing to its resonant and balanced tone.

Mimisounds

Mimisounds

My first VINTAGE Stratocaster! (1970 Fender Strat)

Video thumbnail for My first VINTAGE Stratocaster! (1970 Fender Strat) by Mimisounds

My first VINTAGE Stratocaster! (1970 Fender Strat)

Mimisounds

Mimisounds

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 1970 Fender Stratocaster and 1965 Deluxe Reverb by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1970 Fender Stratocaster and 1965 Deluxe Reverb

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1970 Fender Stratocaster | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1970 Fender Stratocaster | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1970 Fender Stratocaster played by Greg Martin by Carter Vintage Guitars

1970 Fender Stratocaster played by Greg Martin

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for FAT STRAT VINTAGE TONE ALERT 🚨!!! - 1970 Fender Stratocaster by Walt Grace Vintage

FAT STRAT VINTAGE TONE ALERT 🚨!!! - 1970 Fender Stratocaster

Walt Grace Vintage

Walt Grace Vintage

Video thumbnail for Original 1970 Vintage Fender Stratocaster by PREMIER GUITARS

Original 1970 Vintage Fender Stratocaster

PREMIER GUITARS

PREMIER GUITARS

Video thumbnail for Fender Stratocaster from 1970 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Fender Stratocaster from 1970 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for 1970 Fender Stratocaster Demo by Capsule Music

1970 Fender Stratocaster Demo

Capsule Music

Capsule Music

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1970 Fender Stratocaster.

Build quality

  • Look for a tight neck pocket; a half-inch gap indicates poor quality control prevalent in late '70s models.

    Source
  • The large headstock design is appreciated for its distinct 70s aesthetic, despite some criticisms.

    Source
  • The 1970s poly finishes, though typically durable, can exhibit unexpected cracking when exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations, unlike more modern formulations.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the stock trem system with a Steel block Dimarzio version can improve performance on later '70s Strats.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Late '70s gray bottom pickups can be microphonic due to a change in the pickup winding process, affecting tone clarity.

    Source
  • Pickups from 1970-1974 have staggered poles, producing a notably sweeter sound compared to later 70s models.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Early to mid-'70s Strats typically have higher quality and demand more compared to late '70s models.

    Source

User experience

  • The weight of '70s Strats varies greatly; lighter models around 3kg are preferred for comfort.

    Source
  • The thick D neck profile with a 7.25" radius is favored for its comfortable feel by some owners.

    Source
  • Owners report that neck lacquer on some 1979 models may peel off in large sections during maintenance.

    Source
  • Despite heavier weight in models from 1977-1979, these guitars are noted for their great sound quality.

    Source
  • Some owners appreciate the natural relic look of cracked finishes, associating it with authenticity and a storied past, though others prefer pristine conditions.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Whammy bar holes can become stripped, requiring a fertile with a screw hole to be installed as a fix.

    Source
  • Poly finishes can crack under significant temperature shifts, indicating potential storage issues like being in unpressurized airplane cabins, affecting the guitar's aesthetic over time.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Finish issues in 1970s Strats differ from those of vintage nitrocellulose lacquer guitars, with poly finishes cracking differently due to their thick sealer undercoatings.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Vintage Bench Test: 1970 Fender Stratocaster - Blonde Ambition

guitar.com

The 1970 Fender Stratocaster presents a fascinating mix of vintage charm and modern alterations. While it impresses with its surprisingly light weight and lively acoustic tone, some may find the modified features, like the enlarged headstock and poly finish, hard to swallow. The guitar's unique voice—brighter and snappier than its pre-CBS counterparts—offers a fresh take on classic tones, though it may lack the depth some players crave. Overall, this model serves as a testament to Fender's ability to produce quality instruments post-CBS takeover, appealing to collectors and players alike, yet it may not satisfy purists seeking the original Stratocaster feel.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mac DeMarco uses 1970 Fender Stratocaster

Mac DeMarco

Singer, Guitarist

Mac DeMarco

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0.41 Mac describes his wood finish 1970 strat that he broke in two. The guitar in the photo is the one that he is referring to.

See how Jack Sherman uses 1970 Fender Stratocaster

Jack Sherman

Singer, Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via VeniceQueen.it

During the recording of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ debut, Jack Sherman used a 1970 Fender Stratocaster with a 1961 neck.

Album Usage

The 1970 Fender Stratocaster has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1970 Fender Stratocaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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