Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,559

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Fender 70's Hardtail American Vintage Stratocaster is a nostalgic nod to the golden era of rock, capturing the essence of the mid-'70s with authenticity and style. This Strat is not just an electric guitar; it’s a time machine that transports you back to when music was raw and riffs were revolutionary. With its wide headstock and sturdy 3-bolt neck plate, this model embodies the era’s distinctive aesthetics and robust playability. Whether you prefer the sleekness of Olympic White or the classic allure of a 3-Color Sunburst, this Stratocaster offers a palette to suit any player's taste. Its body, crafted from either Alder or Ash depending on the finish, delivers a rich tonal palette that’s as versatile as it is vibrant. Available with either maple or rosewood fretboards, this guitar ensures a comfortable playing experience, catering to diverse stylistic preferences. Ideal for musicians who value both vintage vibe and modern reliability, the Fender 70's Hardtail American Vintage Stratocaster is a must-have for those looking to channel the spirit of the '70s in their sound.

Key Features:

  • Double cutaway solid body design
  • Wide-style headstock for distinctive aesthetics
  • 3-bolt neck plate for enhanced durability
  • Available in Olympic White, Black, Natural, and 3-Color Sunburst finishes
  • Choice of maple or rosewood fretboards
  • Ash body for Natural and 3-Color Sunburst finishes; Alder for others
  • Years of Production: 2006 - 2012

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Vintage '70s Stratocaster
Finish Black, Natural, Olympic White, Sunburst
Year 2006 - 2012
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, Brown, Tan, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
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 American Vintage
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Fender 70's Hardtail American Vintage Stratocaster?

The Fender 70's Hardtail American Vintage Stratocaster features a "U" shaped neck profile, offering a comfortable grip that is ideal for players who prefer a thicker neck for enhanced control and stability during play.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on this Stratocaster?

This guitar is equipped with three single-coil pickups, delivering the classic Stratocaster sound known for its bright, clear tones with a balanced midrange, perfect for rock, blues, and funk styles.

Is the Fender 70's Hardtail American Vintage Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

While this Stratocaster offers excellent playability and tone, its vintage features and price point may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players seeking the authentic 70's Fender experience.

Does this Stratocaster have a tremolo system?

No, the Fender 70's Hardtail American Vintage Stratocaster features a hardtail bridge, which provides greater tuning stability and sustain compared to models with a tremolo system.

How does the body material affect the sound of this Stratocaster?

The body is made from alder or ash, both known for producing a balanced tone with pronounced mids and clear highs, contributing to the guitar's versatile sound suitable for various genres.

C. A. House Music

C. A. House Music

Fender American Vintage 70's Hardtail Stratocaster

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage 70's Hardtail Stratocaster by C. A. House Music

Fender American Vintage 70's Hardtail Stratocaster

C. A. House Music

C. A. House Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Incredibly smooth neck for comfortable playing

  • Distinctive "U" neck and 7.25" radius enhance fretwork comfort

  • Classic Stratocaster sound with added body and resonance

  • Beautiful natural ash body design

  • Exceptional sustain for prolonged notes

  • Durable and reliable craftsmanship

  • Perfect weight balance for comfortable handling

  • Sparkling single-coil sound preferred over humbuckers

  • Excellent value for a US-made Fender guitar

CONS

  • Misleading nitro-finish information in packaging

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender 70's Hardtail American Vintage Stratocaster.

Build quality

  • Some owners report loose neck pockets, potentially affecting stability.

    Source
  • Some '70s Strats have a "gummy" feel due to the changed paint recipe and thicker undercoats, which can bubble over time.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 70s Strat is noted for its visually distinctive fat headstock, appealing to certain aesthetic preferences.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • One user mentioned wider string spacing, with both E strings close to the fretboard edge.

    Source

User experience

  • A 79 Strat owner mentioned it as being lighter due to its three-piece alder body as opposed to heavier ash.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users find the 70s Strats less "spanky" and more suited to genres like shoegaze and bands like Smashing Pumpkins.

    Source
  • Modern Fender Custom Shop reissues are often considered superior to '70s originals in build and playability.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A 79 Hardtail Strat with minor wear and original case is priced around $2,000, indicating its vintage appeal despite mixed reviews.

    Source
  • Mid '70s Strats generally command higher prices compared to late '70s models due to fewer quality control issues.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Late '70s gray bottom pickups can be microphonic because of a change in the winding process, leading some users to prefer earlier models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite mixed reviews, some users find '70s Strats ideal for achieving Ritchie Blackmore's tone, particularly with lighter models.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Ltd Ed American Vintage '70s Hardtail Stratocaster review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Fender's 70s Hardtail American Vintage Stratocaster is a well-priced nod to the past without being a slave to vintage accuracy. While it might disappoint purists seeking exact historical replicas, it shines with a sensible selection of '70s-inspired features, offering versatile tones and a sleek, utilitarian aesthetic. The absence of a vibrato system and all-black cosmetics contribute to its unique charm, making it a solid choice for no-nonsense rhythm playing. Despite some deviations from period specifics, it's a commendable model in the American Vintage series for those more interested in functionality than historical precision.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
michaelpole

Number 1

The neck is incredibly smooth and easy to play. The guitar on the whole has a good weight to it too. Plenty of sustain.

josef_kanka

Fender 70's Hardtail American Vintage Stratocaster

Simply amazing Fender Strat (US Made) The price is really really good, if we remember, that its the american Fender guitar. I like everything on this guitar. The head, body, comfortable "neck", amazing sound of the single coils and many many other things. I love this guitar and i am sure, that i am not alone. How i have already said: Simply amazing!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rob Chapman uses Fender 70's Hardtail American Vintage Stratocaster

Rob Chapman

Singer, Guitarist

Dorje

...
Verified via YouTube

"They play really nicely, as they should be because they're Fender USA models" - Rob at 5:30 of this #product-demo.

See how Jon Howell uses Fender 70's Hardtail American Vintage Stratocaster

Jon Howell

Guitarist

Kowloon Walled City

...
Verified via Photo

In a video of Kowloon Walled City filmed at Sharkbite Studios, Jon Howell is seen playing a Fender 70's Hardtail American Vintage Stratocaster, providing clear visual evidence of his use of this specific guitar model.

Genre Usage

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

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