Fender Stratocaster Hardtail Black 1979

Vintage Stratocasters are among the most coveted guitars, not least because many great guitarists played their most famous hits on models from the '50s and '60s. However, their popularity has also caused prices to rise significantly, so let's move on to the next decade: the '70s!

The 1970s were an interesting period for Fender. After the enormous success of the 1960s, CBS wanted to increase profits by cutting back on the production process. But that certainly doesn't mean guitars from the 1970s weren't good instruments! This 1979 hardtail Stratocaster proves that fantastic guitars were still being built back then.

Stratocasters from the 1970s are usually known for their large headstock and relatively high weight, and this Stratocaster certainly doesn't disappoint at over 4.3 kilograms (9.7 lbs)! In the early 1970s, lightweight ash pieces were used, with the heavier parts naturally remaining as the decade progressed.

The body and neck are both from 1979, but each has a different serial number. The C-shaped neck feels solid and offers excellent playability. The black finish and pickguard are naturally reminiscent of David Gilmour's Stratocaster, while the 'bullet' truss rod and large headstock are typical '70s features. Also striking is the light color of the 7.25" radius fretboard. It was re-surfaced during a refret and then treated with Tru Oil. The nut was also faded with a Graphtech oil.

The 'hardtail' Strats are known for their resonance, and together with the three single-coil pickups, this guitar offers a wide range of tonal options! The neck and middle pickups have flush poles, while the replaced bridge pickup has staggered poles. The guitar also features Japanese potentiometers, and the pickguard is also different due to the non-recessed screws on the pickup switch. Fenders were, of course, popular guitars for modification, and this Stratocaster has certainly not left untouched in that regard. But that doesn't change the fact that this vintage guitar plays and sounds wonderful!

This guitar has been carefully inspected for condition and playability, then set up to our Gold Standard by a luthier. We make sure it arrives in your hands exactly as it should: sounding its best, playing effortlessly and ready to be enjoyed from the very first note.