The Machine Head album from December 1971 was a milestone in Deep Purple’s history, including the classic Smoke on the Water.

At the beginning of 71 Ritchie began using this transitional sunburst Stratocaster. With the 4-bolt fitting from pre-71, maple neck and skunk stripe, stock pickups and electrics, he had the neck lacquer removed and the tremolo customized with an oversized ¼” diameter steel arm. Above the nut was a walnut spot and only one string tree was installed instead of two. Also the logo ‘WITH SYNCHRONIZED TREMOLO’ has been applied, making this neck a mix from a 70s Stratocaster neck with some details from the new 71 model. To be consistent this 71 neck should have a bullet and a 3-bolt tilt-neck attachment.

This special Strat was used for the Beat Club show in September 71 through the Machine Head recording session in December until autumn 1972 when a piece of the headstock was broken off during an enthusiastic performance. Nevertheless, Ritchie continued to use it until early 1973 when it was finally destroyed.