Fender Stratocaster Sunburst 1970

Due to the shift to mass production, Fenders built during the CBS era often consisted of parts from multiple years, as can be seen with this Stratocaster, completed in 1970. The alder body with a three-tone sunburst is one of the most classic Fender color combinations, beloved by many guitarists!

The neck is stamped green 22 22 018 B, indicating that it is a Stratocaster neck (22) with a normal nut width (B). Furthermore, the neck has specifications that could date it to 1968 or an early 1969 example. For example, two patent numbers are visible beneath the black Fender logo, while 1970 examples only had one. The neck also lacks the skunk stripe on the back, which was introduced sometime in 1969. The neck also features the large headstock that became standard from late 1966 onward, as well as the four-screw mounting system, which was replaced in 1971 by the three-screw system with a micro-tilt.

In terms of electronics, this Stratocaster is still largely original. The bridge and middle pickups are Grey Bottom single-coils, and the neck pickup uses a Black Bottom single-coil. The pickups are stamped; the bridge pickup has a #260, the middle pickup has a #270, and the neck pickup has a #280, although this stamp is placed on the body because it would otherwise be illegible due to the black underside of the pickup. These stamps indicate that the pickups are most likely the 26th, 27th, and 28th pickups from 1970. The three CTS potentiometers are from 1970, and the guitar features a replacement five-way switch to enable the much-loved intermediate positions.

The guitar has also been refretted, and both sides of the fretboard have been neatly flattened for a comfortable playing experience. The nut has also been replaced, but the guitar is otherwise completely original. The playwear in the finish reveals that the guitar has been played extensively; several dings can be found on the body, and the finish on the back of the neck has been largely worn away. From the very first chord, you'll feel the guitar's enormous resonance, a feeling that makes you want to keep playing this Stratocaster!

The guitar comes with a TFOA passport and comes in a hardshell case.