Description
Fender Stratocaster 1974 Sunburst Vintage USA
A fantastic example of an early 1970s Fender Stratocaster, featuring its classic sunburst finish, maple neck and fingerboard, three-bolt neck construction and original-era Fender electronics and hardware.
More than 50 years old, this is a genuine vintage American-made Stratocaster with plenty of character, natural ageing and the unmistakable look and feel of Fender's CBS-era instruments.
We've recently carried out a detailed inspection of this guitar, including removing the neck, checking the factory markings, dating the electronics and examining its hardware and finish. The results have allowed us to establish a much clearer picture of its history and originality.
Important Update: Dating & Pricing
This guitar was originally advertised as a 1973 Fender Stratocaster. Following a more detailed inspection, we've updated the listing to 1974 to better reflect the manufacturing dates found throughout the instrument.
The guitar features 1973-dated pickups and CTS potentiometers, while the neck markings are consistent with 1974 production. The neck plate serial number, 396890, is also consistent with this period.
It was common for Fender to use components manufactured in the preceding year, so the combination of 1973 electronics and a 1974 neck is entirely consistent with Fender's manufacturing practices at the time.
Original 1970s Fender Electronics
One of the most appealing aspects of this guitar is its period-correct electronics.
The three grey-bottom Fender single-coil pickups carry 1973 markings, while the CTS potentiometers date to the 10th week of 1973.
The guitar also retains its original-style three-way pickup selector switch, providing the traditional switching arrangement used on Stratocasters before the five-way selector became standard.
All three pickups and the electronics have been tested and are working correctly.
There is evidence of some previous soldering work within the wiring, although the pickups, potentiometers and selector switch appear to be original-era components.
Maple Neck & Vintage Fender Hardware
The maple neck features the large 1970s Fender headstock, original-style Fender F-stamped tuning machines and the three-bolt Micro-Tilt neck attachment system.
The neck heel carries factory markings consistent with 1974 production, while the neck plate is stamped with serial number 396890. The neck heel is stamped 0903 1943, consistent with Fender's 1974 neck dating system and indicating production around May 1974.
The neck has developed a lovely amber colour over the decades, with visible ageing and character consistent with an instrument of this period.
The guitar appears to have undergone a refret at some stage, with wider and taller fretwire than typically fitted to early 1970s Stratocasters. There may also have been some associated fingerboard finish work or overspray, although this has not been confirmed.
Finish & Overall Condition
The guitar retains what we believe to be its original sunburst body finish, showing natural signs of age and use.
It presents as a well preserved vintage instrument rather than a heavily modified example, with the majority of its important original era components still present.
As with any guitar of this age, there are signs of wear, finish ageing and evidence of maintenance carried out during its lifetime.
Features & Specifications
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Model: Fender Stratocaster
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Year: 1974
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Country of manufacture: USA
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Finish: Sunburst, believed original
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Neck: Maple
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Fingerboard: Maple
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Headstock: Large 1970s Fender headstock
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Neck attachment: Three-bolt with Micro-Tilt adjustment
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Neck plate serial: 396890
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Pickups: Three 1973-dated Fender grey-bottom single coils
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Potentiometers: CTS, dated 10th week of 1973
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Pickup selector: Original-style three-way switch
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Tuners: Fender F-stamped
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Bridge: Vintage-style six-saddle synchronised tremolo
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Frets: Probable later refret
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Electronics: Fully functional, evidence of minor previous soldering work
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Case: Period-correct 1970s Fender hard case
Period-Correct Fender Hard Case Included
The guitar comes with a period-correct Fender hard case featuring a black exterior, Fender logo and orange-red plush interior.
The case is in good vintage condition and is a welcome addition to an instrument of this age.
Please note: The original 1970s tremolo arm is not included.
A Genuine Vintage Stratocaster
Finding an early 1970s Stratocaster with its original-era pickups, electronics, hardware and finish is becoming increasingly appealing to players and collectors alike.
This example offers the character and history of a genuine vintage Fender, with the added playability of what appears to be a later refret.
We've taken the time to inspect and document this guitar carefully, and we're happy to discuss our findings with anyone considering purchasing it.
If you're looking for a vintage Stratocaster from Fender's early 1970s production, this is certainly one worth coming in to experience.
Looking to buy this 1974 Fender Stratocaster? You'll love Colemans Music. Visit us at 266 Coventry Street, South Melbourne, to inspect and play this guitar, or shop online with fast shipping Australia-wide.
We're a proudly independent, family owned and operated Australian music store that knows gear and backs it up with great service.
