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Average Price: $499

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Description

The Fender Stratocaster Classic Series 70's takes you on a sonic journey back to the golden era of rock with its blend of nostalgic aesthetics and modern reliability. This guitar embodies the spirit of the '70s with its classic oversized headstock and a sleek maple neck that offers a smooth playing experience, making it perfect for those iconic riffs and soulful solos. Its three alnico single-coil pickups deliver a vintage-voiced sound that's as rich and dynamic as the decade itself, capturing every nuance of your playing with precision and clarity.

Feel the smooth response and vibrant tone that makes this guitar a favorite among musicians who crave both style and substance. Whether you're jamming in the studio or performing on stage, the Fender Stratocaster Classic Series 70's provides an authentic experience with its reliable build and comfortable U-shaped neck profile. This is not just an instrument but a piece of musical history that resonates with the heart of every guitarist looking to channel the legendary sounds of the past into their own unique style.

Key Features:

  • Classic oversized headstock design
  • Maple neck with U-shaped profile for comfortable playability
  • Three alnico single-coil pickups for classic vintage tone
  • Timeless styling with a nod to 70's aesthetics
  • Reliable and modern construction for consistent performance

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 is the neck profile of the Fender Stratocaster Classic Series '70s?

The Fender Stratocaster Classic Series '70s features a U-shaped maple neck, providing a comfortable grip that is particularly suited for players with larger hands or those who prefer a more substantial neck feel.

What type of pickups are used in the Fender Stratocaster Classic Series '70s?

This model comes equipped with three vintage-style single-coil pickups with alnico magnets, delivering the classic Stratocaster sound known for its bright, clear tones suitable for a wide range of music genres.

Is the Fender Stratocaster Classic Series '70s suitable for beginners?

While it is a high-quality instrument, the Fender Stratocaster Classic Series '70s might be better suited for intermediate to advanced players due to its vintage-style features and specific neck profile, which may require some getting used to for beginners.

Does the Fender Stratocaster Classic Series '70s come with a gig bag?

Yes, the Fender Stratocaster Classic Series '70s includes a deluxe gig bag, providing protection and easy transport for the instrument.

Can the Fender Stratocaster Classic Series '70s handle different music genres?

Absolutely, the Fender Stratocaster Classic Series '70s is versatile and can handle a wide range of music genres thanks to its single-coil pickups and classic Stratocaster tone, making it suitable for rock, blues, funk, and more.

Reviews

PROS

  • Captures authentic 70s Strat vibe without common vintage flaws

  • Excellent craftsmanship; comparable to high-end 90s USA models

  • Snarly Strat tone with no harshness

  • Neck feels familiar and comfortable; great for vintage enthusiasts

  • Classic 70s look; stunning natural finish option

  • Stock pickups deliver an authentic vintage sound

  • Solid construction; substantial yet not overly heavy ash body

  • Minimal setup required; ready to play out of the box

  • Bullet truss rod adds to vintage authenticity

CONS

  • Pickup wires are flimsy and cumbersome to install

  • Vintage F-style tuners prone to splitting

  • Thin frets may not suit all playing styles

  • Chunky neck may not be comfortable for everyone

  • Fender logo doesn't match original 70s style

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The three-bolt neck design, while innovative, often suffered from poor implementation due to sloppy factory conditions.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some '70s Strats suffer from intonation issues due to inexperienced setups, but can become great instruments with professional adjustments.

    Source
  • Owners have dealt with neck pocket gaps by jamming quarters or guitar picks into the gaps to stabilize the neck.

    Source

Comparisons

  • An '83 MIJ Squier SQ serial Strat is recommended as having build quality on par with the JV series, offering a viable alternative to Fender ST-72s.

    Source
  • It's noted that MIJ Strats, especially those from the FujiGen factory, generally exhibit better build quality than CBS-era Strats.

    Source
  • While some '70s Strats are praised, many find modern Fender Custom Shop reissues or independent builder re-issues like Nash and K-Line to be superior in quality.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner with both a '64 Strat and a '70s Strat prefers the latter for its wide headstock and vibrant sunburst finish, despite its heavier weight.

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  • '70s Strats can be heavy, with some models weighing close to a Les Paul, which may affect comfort during extended play.

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  • Some users report that '70s gray bottom pickups can sound microphonic due to changes in the winding process, affecting the tone.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The desirability and price of earlier '70s Strats are reportedly on the upswing, indicating potential for price appreciation.

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  • Mid-70s Strats generally command higher prices due to better QC compared to late '70s models, which are often less reliable but cheaper.

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Use cases and applications

  • Despite build quality issues, some '70s Strats are favored for their unique tonal qualities, reminiscent of those used by artists like Uli Jon Roth.

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  • Despite some negative reviews, specific '70s Strats are favored among fans of artists like Ritchie Blackmore for their unique tonal qualities.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners replace the original tuners with vintage Schallers or modern equivalents to improve tuning stability, citing issues with the original tuners freezing up.

    Source
  • Owners have replaced the cheaper trem system with a Steel block Dimarzio version for improved performance.

    Source

Build quality

  • It's noted that '70s Strats often have issues with a loose neck pocket, particularly in models from '78 to '81, impacting playability.

    Source
  • The thick poly finish on some '70s Strats is described as plastic-like and may contribute to a heavy and less resonant guitar.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Classic Series ’70s Stratocaster guitar review - menga.net

menga.net

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how George Harrison uses Fender Stratocaster Classic Series 70´s

George Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

George Harrison used a Fender Stratocaster Classic Series '70s in Sunburst as his second Stratocaster with the Traveling Wilburys, as shown in the user-uploaded photo.

See how Chetes uses Fender Stratocaster Classic Series 70´s

Chetes

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Usada en vivo con Zurdok en la época de Antena

Genre Usage

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

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