Fender Stratocaster 1970

$999.99 to $3,576.49 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (2)

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Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated July 5, 2026.

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5.0 (2)

$999.99

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5.0 (11)

$3,576.49 1 available New

$1,896.31 108 available Used

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Average Price: $2,158

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Fender Stratocaster 1970 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Fender Stratocaster 1970". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Experience the timeless allure of the 1970 Fender Stratocaster - Sunburst, Maple Fretboard, an instrument that bridges vintage charm with enduring performance. Known for its unmistakable sound and sleek design, this Stratocaster hails from a period where craftsmanship met innovation, making it a sought-after piece for collectors and players alike.

The 1970 model features the larger headstock introduced in the late '60s, a design element that not only enhances its visual appeal but also contributes to its unique tonal characteristics. Crafted with an alder body and a maple neck, this guitar offers a crisp, resonant sound that has defined countless legendary performances. The 3 single-coil pickups deliver a versatile tonal palette, from bright and glassy highs to warm, full-bodied lows, ensuring your sound stands out in any mix.

Whether you're channeling the soulful licks reminiscent of Hendrix or crafting your own sonic signature, the 1970 Fender Stratocaster provides a platform for boundless creativity. Its sunburst finish, a nod to the classic styling of its era, ensures you're not just heard, but seen. Ideal for both stage and studio, this Stratocaster embodies the rich history of rock and roll, ready to inspire the next wave of musical expression.

Key Features:

Offset solidbody design
Alder body with maple neck
Maple fretboard
3 single-coil pickups with 3-way pickup selector
Sunburst finish
Larger headstock design from the late '60s

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Stratocaster with Maple Fretboard, Stratocaster with Rosewood Fretboard
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 type of wood is used for the body of the 1970 Fender Stratocaster - Sunburst, Maple Fretboard?: The body of the 1970 Fender Stratocaster is made from alder, which is known for its balanced tone with a slight emphasis on the midrange frequencies.
What kind of pickups does the 1970 Fender Stratocaster feature?: This Stratocaster model is equipped with vintage-style ’70s pickups in an SSS configuration, delivering classic Fender tones known for their clarity and versatility.
How does the maple fretboard affect the playability and tone of the 1970 Fender Stratocaster?: The maple fretboard provides a bright, snappy tone and a smooth playing surface, which is favored by many players for its articulate sound and feel.
Is the 1970 Fender Stratocaster suitable for vintage tone enthusiasts?: Yes, with its vintage-style ’70s pickups and alder body, this Stratocaster is ideal for players seeking authentic vintage Fender tones.
Does the 1970 Fender Stratocaster - Sunburst come with a tremolo system?: Yes, it features a vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and classic vibrato effects.

Videos

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Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1970 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Original 1970 Vintage Fender Stratocaster

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Reviews

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Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

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Japanese Aerodyne Strats, particularly the HSS model, are highlighted for their playability and have become highly favored by recent buyers.
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Late 70s gray bottom pickups can be microphonic due to changes in the waxing process, affecting tone; earlier pickups had wax added during and after winding.
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Owners frequently replace pickups due to inconsistency, with many opting for Seymour Duncan or other aftermarket options for improved tone.
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Use cases and applications

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Despite some negative views, certain 70s Strats have been described as dream instruments, comparable or superior to modern American Series Strats from 2000-2007.
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Despite flaws, some owners report their 70s Strats as reliable workhorses, staying in tune well and suitable for gigs and studio work.
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Comparisons

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Modern Fender Custom Shop reissues and independent builders like Nash or Mario Martin are often considered superior in build quality compared to 70s models.
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The Silver Sky SE model, despite initial skepticism, has won over players with its impressive performance, often surpassing Fender and Gibson models.
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The American Standard Strat is favored for its CS Fat 50s pickups, noted for their exceptional tone among various models.
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It's noted that the pickups from 1973-74 are praised for their tone, while post-1974 models are described as more "modern" or "jangly."
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Value and pricing

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Mid-70s Strats are generally priced higher than late-70s models due to better quality control, but late-70s models can be found for $2,000-$2,500.
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Used American Pro2 or American Original models are recommended within the $900-1400 budget, leveraging current market softness for better deals.
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Build quality

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Some 70s Strats have a "gummy" finish due to changes in the paint recipe, which can feel sticky and may bubble over time.
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The thick polyester finish, described as "plastic-like," can be brittle and feels more like a coating rather than a finish, impacting the guitar's resonance.
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User experience

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Some players find the Player Plus SSS underwhelming in tone, despite its attractive finishes like Tequila Sunrise.
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Heavy weight is a common complaint, with some guitars rivaling the heft of a Les Paul, affecting playability over long sessions.
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Features and functionality

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The Robert Cray Signature model is appreciated for its neck feel but criticized for lacking a treble pickup tone control.
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The oversized headstock from the 70s era is polarizing; some love its unique look, while others find it aesthetically displeasing.
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Setup and maintenance

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Users have reported neck pocket gaps large enough for coins, impacting stability; some have used shims or glued necks to improve fit.
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Ritchie Blackmore

Guitarist

Deep Purple

Verified via YouTube

Ritchie Blackmore played a 1970 Fender Stratocaster in Sunburst with a Maple fretboard during Deep Purple's 1973 concert in New York, as seen in the full concert video on YouTube. He also used this model in 1977 with Rainbow in München. Known for its beautiful clean tone, this guitar pairs exceptionally well with the distortion from Marshall amps.

Rob Baker

Guitarist

The Tragically Hip

Verified via YouTube

Color/Finish: Mocha Brown

Rob Baker is confirmed to use a 1970’s mocha brown Fender Stratocaster, as evidenced by the official music video for "Blow At High Dough" by The Tragically Hip, where he is seen playing this guitar clearly at 1:47. The video, published by TheTragicallyHipVEVO on YouTube, supports this observation. Baker's use of this guitar dates back to when it was first purchased for him by his parents at age 13, and it has been a consistent choice for many of The Tragically Hip's albums.

Steven Seagal

Guitarist

Verified via 96.1 The Eagle

Here we can see Seagal using his Strat.

Sean Harris

Singer

Diamond Head

Verified via YouTube

Sean is seen playing a Sunburst Fender Stratocaster in the 1979 live performance of "Am I Evil?".

Johan Duncansson

Singer, Guitarist

The Radio Dept.

Verified via We All Want Someone To Shout For

In a review of The Radio Dept.'s performance at Bowery Ballroom on March 8, 2017, captured by Will Oliver on "We All Want Someone To Shout For," Johan Duncansson is pictured playing a 1970 Fender Stratocaster in Sunburst with a Maple Fretboard.