Pricing and availability

Average Price: $1,225

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Step into the world of vintage flair with the Fender Antigua Stratocaster, a dynamic tribute to the iconic '70s era. This limited-edition reissue captures the essence of a classic, blending historical charm with modern playability. A rare find in Fender's lineup, this guitar is celebrated for its unique Antigua finish, adorning both the body and pickguard, making it a collector's dream and a player's delight.

At the heart of the Antigua Stratocaster are its three vintage-style single-coil pickups, delivering that timeless Strat sound, characterized by crystal-clear highs and punchy mids. These pickups are complemented by a modern five-way blade switch, offering easy access to a versatile range of tones, perfect for any genre.

The guitar's design is a nod to its era with a large headstock, a bullet truss rod nut, and the distinguished CBS-era logo that harks back to its roots. The 7.25" radius maple fingerboard with 21 vintage-style frets ensures a comfortable and authentic playing experience, whether you're bending bluesy notes or shredding solos.

Crafted with an alder body and a smooth maple neck, the Fender Antigua Stratocaster is not only a sight to behold but also a joy to play. Its vintage-style tremolo bridge adds another layer of nostalgia, allowing for expressive pitch bends and vibrato. This Stratocaster is more than just an instrument; it's a piece of history, reimagined for today's guitarist.

Key Features:

  • Limited-edition reissue with vintage '70s aesthetics
  • Rare Antigua finish on both body and pickguard
  • Alder body, maple neck
  • 7.25" radius maple fingerboard with 21 vintage-style frets
  • Three vintage-style single-coil Strat pickups
  • Modern five-way blade switch for versatile tone selection
  • Vintage-style tremolo bridge
  • Large headstock with bullet truss rod nut and CBS-era logo
Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

1979 Fender Antigua Stratocaster | Guitar of the Day

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

1979 Fender Antigua Stratocaster | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender USA Stratocaster Antigua 1979's by brusheight

Fender USA Stratocaster Antigua 1979's

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Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners note the need for a setup, specifically intonation adjustments above the 12th fret, despite neck adjustments.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Suggested mods include swapping the pickguard with parchment or aged white, mint green, or satin black for aesthetic variation.

    Source
  • Owners often replace the bridge pickup with Seymour Duncan HotRails for a heavier tone, enhancing versatility.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The pickups have output around 5.85-6k, with a hotter bridge pickup, offering a balanced tone.

    Source
  • The 1979 model's neck finish is described as smoother and more comfortable than later reissues.

    Source
  • Recent models have "Made in Ensenada" instead of "Made in Mexico" on the headstock, a change noticed in the Player II series.

    Source

User experience

  • The dark rosewood fingerboard is described as having a nice feel, contrasting with the rougher player series fretboards.

    Source
  • One owner mentioned that after owning 15+ vintage Strats, the Antigua's unique finish garners the most comments during gigs.

    Source
  • A user shared positive feedback even after a year of ownership, recommending a PLEK setup for optimal playability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The hardtail design is praised for aesthetics and function, despite some wishing for a tremolo version.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners report that the thick poly finish on the 1979 models can be prone to cracking over time.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The neck on the Antigua Stratocaster is compared favorably against the American Performer series, noted for feeling more premium and substantial.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Marty Friedman uses Fender Antigua Stratocaster

Marty Friedman

Guitarist

Megadeth

...
Verified via Photo

He is seen playing a Strat with an Antigua finish in the studio with Deuce around 1979-1980

See how Stuart Adamson uses Fender Antigua Stratocaster

Stuart Adamson

Singer, Guitarist

Big Country

...
Verified via YouTube

In the promotional video for "In a Big Country", Adamson can be seen playing an Antigua Strat. The first clear sighting occurs at the 10-second mark, but it can be glimpsed throughout the duration of the clip.

See how Jeramy "Rainbow" Gritter uses Fender Antigua Stratocaster

Jeramy "Rainbow" Gritter

Guitarist, Composer

The Voidz

...
Verified via Facebook

In this Facebook video, you can see Beardo playing with his 1978 Antigua fender Stratocaster.

Genre Usage

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

1 alternative for Fender Antigua Stratocaster, curated by the Equipboard community.

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$1,700.00

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound high-end alternative

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Community setups

Gear Guides

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    hammo97
    hammo97

    Gear IQ 88