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Average Price: $1,700

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Step back into the golden age of rock with the Fender 1978 Stratocaster Antigua, a vintage gem revered for its distinct character and unmistakable sound. Hailing from the late '70s, this solid body electric guitar captures the essence of an era defined by music evolution and innovation. The Stratocaster Antigua is celebrated for its classic three-single-coil pickup configuration, delivering a versatile tonal range that suits everything from bluesy licks to hard rock riffs.

The maple neck offers a smooth playing experience, perfect for both fast-paced solos and intricate chord work. With its iconic double-cutaway body design, the Stratocaster ensures easy access to higher frets, making it a favorite among lead guitarists. Crafted with attention to detail, this guitar showcases Fender's commitment to quality and craftsmanship, providing a reliable instrument for both stage and studio settings.

Whether you're a collector seeking a piece of music history or a musician looking to add a timeless sound to your repertoire, the Fender 1978 Stratocaster Antigua stands as a testament to enduring design and legendary performance.

Key Features:

  • Year of production: 1978
  • Solid body electric guitar
  • Classic three-single-coil pickup configuration
  • Maple neck for smooth playability
  • Double-cutaway body design for easy fret access
  • Vintage style tremolo bridge
  • Iconic design from a golden era of rock music

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 makes the Fender 1978 Stratocaster Antigua unique compared to other Stratocasters?

The Fender 1978 Stratocaster Antigua is distinguished by its rare Antigua finish, originally introduced on the Coronado models. This unique finish features a greenish-gray sunburst pattern that sets it apart from typical Stratocaster finishes.

What is the neck profile of the Fender 1978 Stratocaster Antigua?

The Fender 1978 Stratocaster Antigua typically features a medium "C" neck profile, offering a comfortable grip suitable for various playing styles, from intricate solos to rhythm playing.

What kind of pickups does the Fender 1978 Stratocaster Antigua have?

The Fender 1978 Stratocaster Antigua is equipped with a single-coil SSS (three single-coil) pickup configuration, providing the classic bright and clear Stratocaster tone known for its versatility across genres like rock, blues, and pop.

Is the Fender 1978 Stratocaster Antigua suitable for professional musicians?

Yes, the Fender 1978 Stratocaster Antigua's vintage construction and distinctive tone make it a desirable choice for professional musicians seeking a unique sound and classic aesthetics.

What type of wood is used for the body of the Fender 1978 Stratocaster Antigua?

The body of the Fender 1978 Stratocaster Antigua is made from alder or ash, contributing to its balanced tone with a strong midrange and excellent sustain.

Does the Fender 1978 Stratocaster Antigua have a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the Fender 1978 Stratocaster Antigua features a tremolo bridge, allowing players to add vibrato effects to their playing by altering the tension of the strings.

Matthew Scott

Matthew Scott

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

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

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Guitar of the Day: 1978 Fender Stratocaster Hardtail | Norman's Rare Guitars

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

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1979 Fender Stratocaster REVIEW and demo

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Video thumbnail for Fender Stratocaster 1978 Sunburst Hardtail played by Alex Labrie | Demo @ TFOA by TFOA Demos

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Video thumbnail for Fender Stratocaster antigua from 1979 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Fender Stratocaster antigua from 1979 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann

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Video thumbnail for 1979 Fender Stratocaster demo by Capsule Music

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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 Stratocaster (1978-1981).

Build quality

  • The 1978 Stratocaster Antigua is noted for its heavy weight, which some owners find distinct compared to other Stratocasters.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Antigua finish, available only in 1978 and 1979, is a standout feature and considered rare among collectors.

    Source
  • The original model is often compared to a reissued version that features a black scratch plate.

    Source

User experience

  • It's highlighted as the nicest Stratocaster played by some owners, despite its weight.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
baileyturner031204

It’s Okay

I borrowed mine from my sister. To be fair, however, I’m pretty sure it wasn’t a legit strat or at least it was some sort of crappier version if this guitar. But the pickups were cheap, the neck felt odd, it sounded not bad, but not good either, and the tremolo bridge was smaller than the average strat.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kirk Hammett uses Fender Stratocaster (1978-1981)

Kirk Hammett

Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Gibson TV episode titled "The Collection: Kirk Hammett of Metallica," Kirk Hammett mentions that he owns a 1978 Fender Stratocaster equipped with a DiMarzio Super Distortion pickup in the bridge position.

See how George Harrison uses Fender Stratocaster (1978-1981)

George Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

George Harrison played a 1978 Fender Stratocaster during a live performance with Carl Perkins at Shepperton, as shown in a user-uploaded photo.

See how Buckethead uses Fender Stratocaster (1978-1981)

Buckethead

Guitarist, Bassist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via YouTube

In mid-1997, Buckethead played a 1979 Fender Sunburst Stratocaster at several shows, as detailed in NatterNet's YouTube video, "The History of Buckethead's Guitars."

See how Mick Jones uses Fender Stratocaster (1978-1981)

Mick Jones

Singer, Guitarist

The Clash

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to a Premier Guitar article, Jones was given a "late 70s" all-black stratocaster with a maple neck by Fender (Paul Simonon was also given a Precision bass). He apparently favoured using the strat in the studio. I don't believe I've ever seen a photo of Mick playing this particular guitar, possibly because Fender-sponsored David Gilmour was playing one around the same time.

See how Stewart Copeland uses Fender Stratocaster (1978-1981)

Stewart Copeland

Singer, Guitarist

The Police

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:20, Copeland mentions that he owns a 1978 Fender Stratocaster.

See how Jack Steadman uses Fender Stratocaster (1978-1981)

Jack Steadman

Singer, Guitarist

Bombay Bicycle Club

...
Verified via Photo

Jack uses a Black 1979 Fender Stratocaster. As seen in the image, The guitar features a large 70's headstock and in some images, the guitar can be seen supporting a three bolt neck.

See how Jan Borysewicz uses Fender Stratocaster (1978-1981)

Jan Borysewicz

Guitarist, Bassist

Lady Pank

...
Verified via Photo

Jan posiadał ta gitarę od 1979 roku do 1989 (przez tę 10 lat była jego główna). Wielokrotnie przerabiana. W 1985 roku, Jan przemalował ja i zmienił pickguard na japońska flagę. Przerabiał ja też w 1988. Oddał ja przyjacielowi w 1989.

See how sullivan king uses Fender Stratocaster (1978-1981)

sullivan king

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 6:45 in a Youtube video posted in April 2020 showing off part of his guitar collection, Sullivan King highlights a black Fender Stratocaster. King mentions the guitar is a 1978 model specifically; the paint has begun to chip and peel with age.

King says that he initially borrowed the guitar from a friend to record his EP The Demented but enjoyed it so much he bought it from said friend.

See how Paco Huidobro uses Fender Stratocaster (1978-1981)

Paco Huidobro

Guitarist, Composer

Fobia

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Black Year: 1979

Paco Huidobro used a Fender Stratocaster (1978-1981) as a backup guitar during the Pastel tour, and it is pictured being used for a soundcheck. The image credit goes to Fobia's Instagram.

See how Sek Loso uses Fender Stratocaster (1978-1981)

Sek Loso

Singer, Guitarist

Loso

...
Verified via YouTube

In this 2005 MV of "ใจสั่งมา/Jai Sung Mah" (made for "Sek Loso The Collection" Compilation Album), Sek is playing a 1980 All Black Fender Stratocaster with a Maple Neck and Fretboard, SSS pickup configuration. He also used this guitar live to play "รับแฟนเธอไม่ได้" (Rab Fan Ter Mai Dai) during the Bird & Sek 2004 Concert.

See how Vlatko Stefanovski uses Fender Stratocaster (1978-1981)

Vlatko Stefanovski

Singer, Guitarist

Leb i Sol

...
Verified via Vlatkostefanovski

Listed on artists website

T

Þór Eldon

Guitarist, Composer

The Sugarcubes

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo of The Sugarcubes live you can see Pór playing a Tobacco Burst 1979 Fender Stratocaster

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 (1978-1981), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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chufungus

chufungus

Gear IQ 553

bradleyx

bradleyx

Gear IQ 114

1 alternative for Fender Stratocaster (1978-1981), curated by the Equipboard community.

Fender Antigua Stratocaster

 

newer similar sound cheaper alternative

Fender did two runs of the Antigua Stratocaster. One starting in 1978, and one starting in 2002. The ones from the first run are harder to find. The ones from the second run are a more affordable alternative if you are just looking for the finish and sound.

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