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Average Price: $499

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Transport yourself back to the golden era of rock with the Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster. This electric guitar flawlessly merges retro aesthetics with modern reliability, giving musicians the best of both worlds. Crafted with vintage-inspired pickups, it delivers that classic, warm Strat tone perfect for everything from soulful blues licks to punchy rock riffs. The neck, with its flattened U-shape design, ensures comfort and playability, allowing for effortless transitions up and down the fretboard.

The standout feature of this Stratocaster is its iconic oversized headstock, a nod to its 1970s roots, complete with a matching oversized logo that exudes character and style. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, its distinctive look will certainly command attention. The guitar’s natural alder body not only enhances resonance but also adds a timeless visual appeal that pairs well with any setup.

With its combination of period-accurate features and contemporary construction, the Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster is a must-have for any guitarist seeking to capture the spirit of a legendary decade while enjoying the benefits of modern craftsmanship.

Key Features:

  • Three vintage-style alnico pickups for classic Strat tone
  • Flattened U-shape neck for comfortable playability
  • Iconic oversized headstock with matching logo
  • Natural alder body for enhanced resonance and timeless appeal

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Classic Series '70s Stratocaster
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Natural, Olympic White
Year 1999 - 2018
Made In Mexico
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material 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, Pau Ferro, Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 7.25"
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.65"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender Classic Series

FAQs

What type of neck profile does the Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster have?

The Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster features a U-shaped neck profile, which provides a comfortable grip and is ideal for players who prefer a thicker neck feel.

Are the pickups on the Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster suitable for rock music?

Yes, the three vintage-style single-coil pickups with alnico magnets deliver a bright and clear tone, making them well-suited for rock and other genres requiring articulate sound.

Is the Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster a good choice for beginners?

While the Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster can be played by beginners, its vintage-style features and specific neck profile may be better appreciated by intermediate to advanced players who are familiar with classic Stratocaster playability.

What is the fretboard radius on the Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster?

The fretboard radius on this Stratocaster is 7.25 inches, which is a vintage-style radius known for comfortable chord playing and a classic feel.

Does the Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster come with a tremolo bridge?

Yes, this Stratocaster is equipped with a vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive vibrato effects.

What materials are used for the body and neck of the Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster?

The body is made from ash, providing a bright and resonant tone, while the neck is constructed from maple, known for its stability and smooth playing surface.

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Fender Classic Series 70s Stratocaster - N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Series 70s Stratocaster - N Stuff Music by N Stuff Music

Fender Classic Series 70s Stratocaster - N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Series 70s Stratocaster by N Stuff Music

Fender Classic Series 70s Stratocaster

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster Electric Guitar Demo & Review by Matt The Guitar Guy

Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster Electric Guitar Demo & Review

Matt The Guitar Guy

Matt The Guitar Guy

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster (Tomáš Frolík) by Music City CZ

Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster (Tomáš Frolík)

Music City CZ

Music City CZ

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Series 70s Stratocaster 2016 Natural by 2tu Guitars

Fender Classic Series 70s Stratocaster 2016 Natural

2tu Guitars

2tu Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Captures authentic 70s Stratocaster vibe with improved craftsmanship

  • Snarly Strat tone without harshness

  • Familiar neck feel mimicking genuine 70s models

  • Excellent fit and finish comparable to high-end models

  • Versatile for multiple genres and projects

  • Natural Ash body offers a substantial feel without excessive weight

  • Stock pickups offer authentic vintage sound

  • Bullet truss rod adds to vintage authenticity

  • Minimal setup required out of the box

  • Offers great value for the price

CONS

  • Stock tuners may need upgrading for better stability

  • Pickup wires can be cumbersome to fit during modifications

  • Fender logo not true to original 70s aesthetics

  • Some users find the guitar somewhat heavy

  • Neck might feel chunky for those not accustomed to larger profiles

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The neck pocket on late '70s models can have significant gaps affecting stability; a tight fit is crucial for good playability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Late '70s Strat pickups can be microphonic due to changes in the wax application during the winding process, impacting tone.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight that natural finish models from this era are less visually appealing compared to custom finishes like ebony.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Late '70s models, especially from '78 to '81, are considered less reliable, often priced around $2000-$2500 on platforms like Reverb.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the stock tremolo with a steel block, like the Dimarzio version, can improve performance on these heavy models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Many users find modern reissues and independent builder reissues like Nash or K-Line superior in quality to '70s originals.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The tonal qualities of these Stratocasters, particularly with late '70s gray bottom pickups, are favored by fans of vintage sounds.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
davepepper

Amazing guitar for the money

Mine is a second-hand 2010 model sold as a standard Mex strat by a seller who didn't do his homework. I'd been in lust with big headstock 70s style black/maple strats since I saw the Edge playing one in 1983. There is nothing I don't like about this guitar. It changed how I felt about Fender Mexico strats and even strats in general - ones I'd tried before had disappointed - even turned down a Japanese Squier back in 85 in favour of a Matsumoku Aria Knight Warrior. This one came with Lace gold pickups, a kill switch and Fender locking tuners fitted and the original pickups in a bag. I took the Laces off, put them on my Squier Affinity and reinstalled the stock pickups and it sounded better (to my ears). Eventually fitted tone bleed and neck/bridge blend mod and it's perfect. Next string change will be reinstalling the original tuners because looks.... Which is why my black one also got a black three-ply pickguard. Don't judge me. Same guitar as a Vintera 70s. And available fairly cheaply.

jafromusic

Friend for life.

Had an '05 version since 2009 and I've been married to her ever since. Made a few cosmetic modifications over the years and swapped out the bridge and neck pickups for some Duncan Strat Hotrails. (I'm a heathen I know).

An extremely versatile guitar which I've used for a multitude of genres and projects over the past decade and I don't think I'll ever part with this lovely thing.

A couple of proviso's though are that it is somewhat on the weighty side and the neck is what Fender loving refer as "the baseball bat neck" so if you're not used heavy guitars or guitars with big necks then this won't be your cup of tea and you'll find it somewhat of an argument to play with if you find one of these.

But anyway, yeah, most of my playing career has been spent with this beauty in my hands and that's how it's going to stay.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ritchie Blackmore uses Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster

Ritchie Blackmore

Guitarist

Deep Purple

...
Verified via YouTube

He used this guitar in California Jam 1974. He also used this same guitar, in New York 1973. This guitar is a Fender Stratocaster Natural 70's Headstock with a Maple neck/fretboard.

See how Mark Speer uses Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster

Mark Speer

Guitarist, Composer

Khruangbin

...
Verified via YouTube

Per the posting notes of this 2018 Youtube video:

"Mark Speer tours with a single guitar: his 2001 Fender Classic Series ’70s Stratocaster. Speer hot-rodded the Strat with DiMarzio Cruiser pickups in the neck and bridge as well as extra-large frets and a TUSQ saddle and string trees. This Strat stays strung with D’Addario Chrome flatwound (.042–.032–.024–.016–.012–.010) strings. Amazingly, Speer has played the same (almost) round Jim Dunlop Green (.73 mm) Tortex pick for years."

While the particular guitar show here on EQUIPBOARD has a rosewood fretboard, Mark's guitar has a maple fretboard.

See how Bonnie Raitt uses Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster

Bonnie Raitt

Guitarist, Singer

Various Artists for Children's Promise

...
Verified via YouTube

Bonnie Raitt uses a few Fender Strats including this Natural version with a large 1970s-style headstock.

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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