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Average Price: $506
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$400
$1001+
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Description
Step back in time with the Fender Stratocaster 1977, a vintage masterpiece that continues to capture the hearts of musicians and collectors alike. As one of the most iconic guitars in music history, this solid body electric guitar offers a timeless blend of style and sound that remains as relevant today as it was decades ago. Known for its signature double-cutaway design, the Stratocaster 1977 delivers unparalleled playability and a versatile tonal range that suits a variety of musical genres.
Equipped with three single-coil pickups, this guitar provides the classic Fender bell-like high end, punchy mids, and robust lows that have defined countless recordings. The maple neck and fingerboard offer a smooth playing experience, while the synchronized tremolo bridge allows for expressive pitch modulation. Attention to detail is evident in every element of this Stratocaster, making it a reliable workhorse for gigging musicians and a cherished piece for enthusiasts.
Key Features:
- Year of Manufacture: 1977
- Construction: Solid body
- Neck: Maple, bolt-on
- Fingerboard: Maple
- Pickups: Three single-coil
- Bridge: Synchronized tremolo
- Controls: Master volume, two tone controls, 5-way pickup selector switch
- Made in USA
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Stratocaster |
| Finish | Antigua, Black, Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Lake Placid Blue, Natural, Olympic White, Sonic Blue, Sunburst, Walnut (Mocha), Wine |
| Year | 1971 - 1977 |
| 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 |
| 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 | 1.625" |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | SSS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Series | Fender Vintage CBS Era |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What are the tonal characteristics of the 1977 Fender Stratocaster?
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The 1977 Fender Stratocaster is known for its bright and clear tones, characteristic of its single-coil pickups. It's versatile for genres like rock, blues, and funk, providing a classic Strat sound with a distinct vintage vibe.
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What is the neck profile of the 1977 Fender Stratocaster like?
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The 1977 Fender Stratocaster typically features a "C" shaped neck profile, offering a comfortable grip that suits a variety of playing styles, from chordal rhythm work to fast lead lines.
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Is the 1977 Fender Stratocaster suitable for beginner guitarists?
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While the 1977 Fender Stratocaster is a high-quality instrument, its vintage status and value might make it more suitable for experienced players and collectors. Beginners may prefer a more affordable, modern Stratocaster model.
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What materials are used in the construction of the 1977 Fender Stratocaster?
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The 1977 Fender Stratocaster is constructed with either an alder or ash body, a maple neck, and a fretboard made from either maple or rosewood, contributing to its classic tone and aesthetic.
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Can the 1977 Fender Stratocaster handle different music genres?
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Yes, the 1977 Fender Stratocaster is highly versatile and capable of handling a wide range of music genres, including rock, blues, jazz, and funk, thanks to its iconic single-coil pickup configuration.
Videos
Normans Rare Guitars
1973 Fender Stratocaster | Guitar of the Day
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional vintage tone with unique, twangy, and jangle-like sound
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Lightweight and resonant, particularly models from the early 70s
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Fast-playing necks with thin profiles, ideal for players with shorter fingers
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Original gray bottom pickups deliver incredible vintage sound
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Natural Swamp Ash provides warm tones, bite, and sustain
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Beautiful natural finish with appealing grain and aged aesthetics
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100% stock models offer a unique, unaltered vintage experience
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Sturdy construction with Pat Pend Saddles and stagger pole pickups
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Highly regarded for capturing the essence of the Hendrix sound
CONS
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Some models can feel heavy, around 8-9 lbs, depending on the year
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Potential need for refretting due to age and wear
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Quality can vary; inspection before purchase is recommended
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Yellowing of finish over time, depending on storage conditions
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Stratocaster (1971-1977).
Build quality
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The thick poly finish on the 1977 Stratocaster is prone to wear, especially at the forearm contour, indicating heavy use or age.
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A 1977 Strat with a white pickguard might not be fully original; Fender switched to black plastic parts by then. Confirm color for authenticity.
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Late 70s Stratocasters labeled "white" not "Olympic White," confirming color details can impact authenticity claims.
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Comparisons
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The 1977 Stratocaster offers a cleaner pickup tone compared to hotter pickups, reminiscent of Lace Gold Sensors, suitable for cleaner musical styles.
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User experience
Value and pricing
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A $3,000 price is reasonable for a vintage '77 model, less than most Fender Custom Shop Strats.
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Good 70s Stratocasters have appreciated in value recently, making them a potentially solid investment.
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Gray-bottom pickups from this era are highly valued, with some sets selling for nearly $900, making them a lucrative part if selling individually.
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Features and functionality
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 12 Ratings
5339
Amazing
Fantastic guitar Ive had this since the early 90s 1991 maybe, its a hardtail strat in the coffee colour all standard save tuners which are new american pro non locking tuners, nice maple neck pickups and electronics all stock no trouble with sloppy neck pockets which is common in the 70s this ones all good and its an amazing guitar
874
dream guitar :)
i love this guitar in every way. the maple neck is just amazing with the 7.25 radius, the pickups sound really nice and are a dream to play with. It's a nice heavy body which is a change from most of my guitars but i like it! not much needs to be said really about it, a perfect guitar
Artist usage
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Jimmy Page came into possession of a 1971 Fender Stratocaster in 1991 during his time in Lake Tahoe for the Coverdale/Page recording sessions. According to Guitar World, the guitar was initially given to Page by Robbie Cade, the lead guitarist of Public Eye, during a performance at the local Legends bar. Page played the vintage Stratocaster on stage during impromptu jam sessions, and ultimately, Cade gifted the instrument to him. The CBS-era Stratocaster features a much-faded Olympic White finish with road scars, an oversized headstock, a maple neck and fretboard, and a trio of EMG single coils. This information is validated by Matt Owen in Guitar World.
In this performance on Conan O'Brien's show Mac Demarco is seen using a 1973 Natural Fender Stratocaster.
Malmsteen's famous '72 Fender Stratocaster dubbed by fans as "Play Loud" due to a sticker the guitar once wore or "The Duck" due to its yellow finish and Donald Duck sticker on the Headstock, has come to be associated with Malmsteen as his go-to guitar rig. Malmsteen has used this guitar throughout his musical career and has had fender make several copies of it.
Malmsteen prefered the 70's headstocks because he claims they have more sustain. He also modified his Stratocaster by converting the neck from a 3-Bolt to a 4-Bolt (if needed) refretting the neck with Dunlop 6000 fretwire, installing Wilkinson Tremolo Springs adding a brass nut, removing the middle String Tree, installing DiMarzio HS3 Single Coil guitar pickups and most famously Scalloping the fretboard.
Fender honered Malmsteen by making a signature model based on this guitar.
In this live session https://youtu.be/Xnmzins2Uow?t=961 he uses, what seems to be a black Fender Strat 1976, not sure though; modified for sure: 3 humbuckers instead of single coils.
Shawn Mendes recently acquired a 1976 Black Fender Stratocaster, as shared by Imperial Vintage on Instagram. This classic guitar is featured in his recent posts, showcasing its impressive sound.
Ritchie used this "Machine Head" Strat as his main guitar between early 1971 and early 1973. This axe was used at the Beatclub show (Sept 71) and the Machine Head recording session (Dec 71) until summer or autumn 1972. Then during a heavy showcase, this fine guitar was rather damaged by Ritchie at the headstock. Nevertheless, Ritchie played this guitar until early 1973. Than the axe was finally destroyed by Ritchie and was replaced by a newer 1972s sunburst Strat with a scalloped, lacquered fretboard. This guitar carries all specs of a standard 72s Fender Strat like a bullet truss-rod at the nut and 3-bold tilt-neck.
Matthew Followill posts a photo to Instagram of his 1973 Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar. He says, "New love. 73 Stratocaster, sounds amazing!" (posted Oct 2014). His Strat is a Natural finish with a maple fingerboard.
Used in recent concert for most songs at Recinto de festivales de Benicàssim (July 2024) instead of usual Gibson ES335.
Album Usage
The Fender Stratocaster (1971-1977) has been featured on the following albums:
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 Stratocaster (1971-1977), it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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