We just can’t believe the condition of this 1970 Fender Stratocaster. You won’t either….

5 years into the CBS period, changes were definitely being made to the venerable Stratocaster, by this point a mere teenager. The finishing process had been changed from nitrocellulose to Polyester and the cloth cable had been swapped for plastic covered. The tone was changing as well. But in the hands of such luminaries as Jimi Hendrix and Robin Trower, this became the defining sound of the coming of the new decade.

There is no doubt that this is a very fine example. The poly finish is fantastic with only very minor dings in a couple of places, in fact there is only one point that the paint has been damaged enough to go through to the wood. Whats so immediately striking about this guitar is its lustrous sheen, both on the body and all over the neck. Its really a testament to the finish and the way in which the guitar has been preserved. 

As mentioned, the neck has retained its glossy finish. Whats even more impressive is the way the headstock is also so glossy. Often the nitrocellulose, still used to finish the headstock face, doesn’t survive as well as the polyester. The fretboard is in great shape as are the frets even though they might be showing a little wear in the first position. The plastics and hardware look great with no corrosion visible on the bridge. 

The electronics are untouched apart from the selector switch which has been changed to a five way a long time ago. The solder joints elsewhere look untouched.

The guitar comes with its correct black tolex case.

Sonically, with the classic grey bottom pickups this guitar certainly fills the position of archetypal late 60s/early 70s Strat. Neck has that smooth tone that begs for those lower string riffs so beloved of Mr H. The middle introduces more bite and aggression while the neck just cuts through. The ‘secret’ in-between tones are also very sweet on this guitar making for quite the package. The medium C neck is very comfortable and smooth to play.

This guitar is stunning and the fact it still has 4 bolts holding the neck to the body and has the beloved folded still saddles, makes it an even more promising prospect. Don’t let it get away…