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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

What is the neck profile like on the Fender 79 Stratocaster?

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.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Fender 79 Stratocaster's pickups?

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.

Is the Fender 79 Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

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.

How does the tremolo bridge on the Fender 79 Stratocaster affect playability?

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.

What are the finish options available for the Fender 79 Stratocaster?

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.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1979 Fender Stratocaster Black | Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1979 Fender Stratocaster Black | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1979 Fender Stratocaster Black | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1979 Fender Stratocaster Black | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1979 Fender Stratocaster Black | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender 1979 Stratocaster Hardtail Natural | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

Fender 1979 Stratocaster Hardtail Natural | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1979 Fender Stratocaster | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1979 Fender Stratocaster | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for I got a Birth Year Guitar! All original 1979 Fender American Stratocaster by Landon Bailey

I got a Birth Year Guitar! All original 1979 Fender American Stratocaster

Landon Bailey

Landon Bailey

Video thumbnail for Vintage Fender 1979 Stratocaster vs Vintera II 70's Strat | Old vs New by GUITARGUITAR

Vintage Fender 1979 Stratocaster vs Vintera II 70's Strat | Old vs New

GUITARGUITAR

GUITARGUITAR

Video thumbnail for 1979 Fender Stratocaster REVIEW and demo by BReilly66

1979 Fender Stratocaster REVIEW and demo

BReilly66

BReilly66

Video thumbnail for '79 Fender Strat - Junk or Jam?🕺✨🎸 TEAR DOWN & Guitar Demo // ON THE BENCH // Sienna sunburst by Play and Trade Guitars

'79 Fender Strat - Junk or Jam?🕺✨🎸 TEAR DOWN & Guitar Demo // ON THE BENCH // Sienna sunburst

Play and Trade Guitars

Play and Trade Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Stratocaster 1979 by Freddy Guitars

Fender Stratocaster 1979

Freddy Guitars

Freddy Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Big headstock adds distinctive visual appeal and vintage vibe

  • Punchy pickups, specifically the X1 bridge pickup, deliver clear and pristine sound

  • Excellent neck shape offers comfortable playability and reduced risk of warping

  • Effective shielding in body cavities improves noise reduction and sound quality

  • Micro tilt system allows for easy neck adjustments and customization

  • Outsourced Schaller machine heads enhance tuning reliability

  • Attractive vintage aesthetic with visible wood grain through the finish

  • Hardtail versions provide added sustain and tuning stability

  • Affordable vintage option with potential for increased future value

  • Offers a unique blend of character and mojo not found in other eras

CONS

  • Heavier than other models, which might not suit everyone's preference

  • Soft finish prone to picking up textures from surfaces

  • Some may dislike the aesthetic of the 3-bolt neck design

  • Potential inconsistency in quality control across different units

  • 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

  • A 1979 Stratocaster often has a non-hardtail bridge, adding to its versatility for different playing styles.

    Source
  • The 1979 Stratocaster uses a polyurethane finish on both the body and neck, differing from earlier models with nitrocellulose finishes.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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

  • Some 1979 models were known to use the S9 serial number up until 1981, indicating possible overlap in production periods.

    Source
  • The thick polyurethane finish on the 1979 Stratocaster can be brittle, leading to possible flaking if not handled properly.

    Source
  • Natural ash bodies combined with black accents and rosewood boards are particularly praised for their aesthetic appeal.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners often praise the all-black finish of the 1979 Stratocaster as particularly appealing and classic in appearance.

    Source
  • Owners frequently describe the 1979 Stratocaster as "heavy AF," indicating a substantial weight that some find desirable.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • To prevent finish damage from stands, cover rubber materials with microfiber cloths to protect the guitar's finish.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • DiMarzio pickups are confirmed in the bridge position of some 1979 Stratocasters for enhanced tonal versatility.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The distinct tonal characteristics of the 1979 Stratocaster have been described as "tone monster," suggesting it suits a wide range of musical styles.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Lee Anderton uses Fender 79 Stratacaster

Lee Anderton

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Rob chapman vlogs from the california. Lee, Chappers, and the andertons tv crew where in california for the namm show. In the vlog lee and the crew go to Guitar center Hollywood. While there lee finds a 79 strat, which he decided to buy

Genre Usage

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