Here for sale we have a Fender Stratocaster Hardtail in Natural finish. Made in the USA in 1977, this guitar features a bolt-on construction comprising an Alder body, Maple neck and 21 fret Maple fingerboard. CBS era appointments include the 3-point micro-tilt neck plate, bullet truss rod adjustment and large 70's headstock with CBS era Fender logo. Chrome hardware is equipped including a 6-saddle hardtail bridge and CBS era split-post 'F' stamped tuning machines. A trio of CBS Fender single-coil pickups are installed, and are wired to a 5-way blade switch, master volume, neck tone and middle tone controls. 

The Maple neck plays fantastically well, with the '70s neck profile feeling somewhat like a 'U' shape and providing a substantial yet articulate playing experience in all registers. The profile will feel familiar to those used to modern Fender necks, but provides a little more thickness for an authentic vintage playing experience. The Gloss finish to the rear of the neck assists with smooth navigation of the 25.5" scale, whilst the playwear that has accumulated over the years adds a real sense of mojo to the playing experience which is very inspiring in the hands. The Maple fingerboard is pleasant under the fingers, and with the 7.25" radius delivers a suitably vintage playing experience. The Stainless Steel frets could perhaps be described as medium jumbo, and provide a rock-solid playing surface with enhanced string bending and vibrato feel. 

The trio of Fender CBS single coils installed in this guitar deliver clear and crisp tones, with shimmering cleans and punchy overdrives, just as you would expect from a Stratocaster. The neck pickup is warm and round, with all of the power to push your solo tones to the front of the mix. The middle pickup is bright and spanky, and is well suited to funky rhythm tones. The bridge position handles gain very nicely and provides a richly saturated tone for rock rhythm parts. The controls are nice and responsive, and with the 5-way switch and traditional Stratocaster wiring provide the opportunity for a plethora of unique and interesting tones. An authentic vintage piece that remains highly practical and playable even after 47 years. 

Brand- Fender

Model- Stratocaster Hardtail

Finish- Natural

Year- 1977

Made In- USA

Body- Alder

Neck- Maple

Fingerboard- Maple

Fingerboard Radius- 7.25"

Frets- 21 Stainless Steel 

Scale Length- 25.5"

Nut Width- 1.654"

Pickups- 3x Fender CBS Single-Coils; Neck (5.48k), Middle (5.53k), Bridge (5.60k)

Controls- 5-Way Blade Switch, Master Volume, Neck Tone, Middle Tone

Luthier Report

Our ID: 128012413771

Weight: 7.6lbs  

Serial: S783160

Aesthetic Condition:

Headstock: Overall good condition. Scratching, indentation and chipping of the finish is present across all aspects of the headstock. Extensive nitro-checking is apparent to the front face. This is typical of a well used instrument of this age.

Neck: Overall good condition. Both the rear and the fingerboard demonstrate multiple instances of light to moderate indentation, cracking the finish in places. A mild scratch is present to the treble side rear of the neck at the 5th fret. These do not affect the overall playability of the instrument.  

Body: Overall good condition, all aspects of the body demonstrate moderate scratching, indentation and chipping of the finish. Mild finish cracks are present to either side of the neck pocket, as is common with bolt-on guitars. These do not flex under pressure and present no structural concern. Extensive nitro-checking is apparent to all surfaces, along with thinning and wear of the finish in high contact areas such as the forearm contour and centre of the rear face. This is typical of a well used instrument of its age.

Condition of Frets:

This guitar has had a professional refret with stainless steel frets, performed by Jacks Instrument Services in Manchester. The original frets and invoice for the work are included in the case. The new frets demonstrate very light signs of use, not affecting playability. There is considerable material remaining for any fret work the new owner may wish to perform.

Current Set Up:

Truss Rod: Fully functional. Truss rod adjustment tool (1/8" hex) not included.

Hardware: Fully functional with light signs of wear. The pickguard is slightly lifting near the neck pickup and shows a light crack next to the bass side neck pickup height adjustment screw. The height remains adjustable.

Structural: No concerns or issues to note.

Height of the string from the 12th Fret-1.5mm - Bass 2.25mm

Please be aware that the action on a guitar may move slightly in transit and this measurement is the current height.

Strings on Guitar - 11-52

Further Notes:

The truss rod is one directional, and we have used a heavier gauge of strings to bring the neck flat. The neck pocket has been shimmed to better accommodate the neck by the previous owner.

This guitar demonstrates extensive nitro-checking and finish wear, as is to be expected with a nitro finished instrument of this age. Whilst this report details extensive markings and wear, the instrument has been well maintained and cared for over its 47 year life. 

Electrics: 

Fully functional.

Case & Accessories

Original Fender rectangular hard case

The case demonstrates notable signs of use but remains functional. ‘Ashtray’ bridge cover and original 1977 Owner’s Manual included in the case. Truss rod tool not included. 

Please be aware that for international buyers import fees are not included in our postage and packaging cost, this only covers the cost of the guitar being sent to you. Import fees will be charged by Customs upon the guitar's arrival in the recipient country. Due to Brexit, this also applies to EU buyers. We advise checking the total import cost with Customs as this is not information we are able to accurately provide.