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Average Price: $1,700
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$400
$1001+
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Description
The Fender 79 Stratacaster is a tribute to the enduring legacy of the Stratocaster series, offering a blend of vintage charm and modern playability. This solid body electric guitar is a favorite among musicians who appreciate the classic tone and sleek design that Fender is known for. The 79 Stratacaster is equipped with three single-coil pickups, allowing for a versatile range of tones from bright and punchy to warm and mellow. This guitar is perfect for musicians across various genres, from blues to rock and everything in between.
The maple neck features a comfortable "C" shape profile, providing smooth playability and effortless access across the fretboard. The vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge ensures reliable tuning stability while allowing for expressive pitch bending. A classic 5-way pickup selector switch offers a wide array of tonal options, giving players the flexibility to experiment with their sound. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Fender 79 Stratacaster delivers a consistently rich and dynamic sound experience.
Key Features:
- Solid body electric guitar design
- Three single-coil pickups for versatile tone
- Maple neck with "C" shape profile
- Vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge
- 5-way pickup selector switch for tonal variety
- Classic Stratocaster aesthetic with modern playability
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Stratocaster |
| Finish | Antigua, Black, Blonde, Lake Placid Blue, Natural, Olympic White, Sienna Sunburst, Sunburst, Walnut (Mocha), Wine |
| Year | 1978 - 1981 |
| 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, Red, Tan, 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
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What is the neck profile like on the Fender 79 Stratocaster?
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The Fender 79 Stratocaster typically features a "C" shape neck profile, which is comfortable for most players and offers a balanced feel suitable for a variety of playing styles.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Fender 79 Stratocaster's pickups?
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The Fender 79 Stratocaster is equipped with single-coil pickups in an SSS configuration, delivering bright, clear tones characteristic of classic Stratocasters, ideal for genres like rock, blues, and pop.
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Is the Fender 79 Stratocaster suitable for beginners?
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While the Fender 79 Stratocaster is a vintage model that might appeal more to collectors and experienced players, its playability and iconic tones could also benefit dedicated beginners looking for a long-term investment.
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How does the tremolo bridge on the Fender 79 Stratocaster affect playability?
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The tremolo bridge on the Fender 79 Stratocaster allows for pitch modulation effects, providing players with additional expressive capabilities, though it may require careful setup to maintain tuning stability.
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What are the finish options available for the Fender 79 Stratocaster?
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The Fender 79 Stratocaster comes in various finishes, including Antigua, Black, Blonde, Lake Placid Blue, Natural, Olympic White, Sienna Sunburst, Sunburst, Walnut (Mocha), and Wine, offering a range of aesthetic choices.
Videos
Normans Rare Guitars
Guitar of the Day: 1979 Fender Stratocaster Black | Norman's Rare Guitars
Reviews
PROS
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Big headstock adds distinctive visual appeal and vintage vibe
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Punchy pickups, specifically the X1 bridge pickup, deliver clear and pristine sound
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Excellent neck shape offers comfortable playability and reduced risk of warping
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Effective shielding in body cavities improves noise reduction and sound quality
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Micro tilt system allows for easy neck adjustments and customization
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Outsourced Schaller machine heads enhance tuning reliability
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Attractive vintage aesthetic with visible wood grain through the finish
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Hardtail versions provide added sustain and tuning stability
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Affordable vintage option with potential for increased future value
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Offers a unique blend of character and mojo not found in other eras
CONS
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Heavier than other models, which might not suit everyone's preference
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Soft finish prone to picking up textures from surfaces
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Some may dislike the aesthetic of the 3-bolt neck design
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Potential inconsistency in quality control across different units
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Black pickguard may not appeal to all users' tastes
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender 79 Stratacaster.
Features and functionality
Comparisons
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A significant number of Stratocasters from 1979 account for about 25% of the production from 1954-1979, making them relatively common yet underrated.
Source
Build quality
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Some 1979 models were known to use the S9 serial number up until 1981, indicating possible overlap in production periods.
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The thick polyurethane finish on the 1979 Stratocaster can be brittle, leading to possible flaking if not handled properly.
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Natural ash bodies combined with black accents and rosewood boards are particularly praised for their aesthetic appeal.
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User experience
Setup and maintenance
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To prevent finish damage from stands, cover rubber materials with microfiber cloths to protect the guitar's finish.
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Mods and upgrades
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DiMarzio pickups are confirmed in the bridge position of some 1979 Stratocasters for enhanced tonal versatility.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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