I am offering a Fender Stratocaster from 1979, a still manufactured in Fullerton, California (USA), Stratocaster model from the CBS era featuring a solid alder body, 3-bolt maple neck with medium “C” neck profile, fine maple fingerboard with 7.25” fingerboard radius and 21 frets, three wiry Fender Fullerton Stratocaster singlecoil pickups, high-quality Fender 6-point tremolo bridge, and Fender “F-Logo” tuners in an authentically aged 3-Tone Sunburst high-gloss finish with large headstock in beautifully preserved original condition, including the original Fender hardshell case and professional setup with 10-gauge Elixir strings.

This late ’70s Stratocaster in 3-Tone Sunburst embodies the typical aesthetics and playing feel of the CBS Fullerton era, which is now among the most sought-after vintage vintages. This 1979 Stratocaster features a solid alder body, which, with a total weight of 4.57kg, has a substantial heft and delivers not only good acoustic resonance but also precisely that blend of wiry attack and clear transparency for which Stratocasters from this era are still prized today.

The maple neck, featuring the characteristic 3-bolt construction with Micro Tilt, sits comfortably in the hand thanks to its medium “C” profile, while the maple fingerboard adds extra liveliness and overtones to the tone. The 7.25" radius, combined with the 21 vintage frets, also provides an authentic playing feel reminiscent of the classic feel of a genuine pre-CBS Strat, exuding an incredible vintage vibe from the very first touch.

Sonically, the trio of original Fender USA Stratocaster singlecoils delivers an impressive range: from a bell-like clean tone to a biting funk attack and a wiry, earthy rock crunch. The guitar offers that typical, slightly compressed 70s Strat response with clear midrange presence and excellent dynamic response. The original 5-way switch (standard from the factory starting in 1977) also makes the entire sound spectrum easily accessible.

A sound sample of the model can be found above at the end of the photo gallery.

True to the era, Fender “F-Logo” tuners on the back of the oversized headstock work reliably, and the protruding bullet truss rod access is located on the front of the headstock.

The solid 6-point vintage tremolo bridge with a large steel block contributes significantly to this Strat’s sustain-rich, open tone, and the three-ply black pickguard creates a striking visual contrast to the three-color sunburst—pure vintage feel.

Technical Specifications:

• Origin: Fullerton, CA, USA
• Year of manufacture: 1979
• Body: Solid alder
• Neck: Maple with walnut skunk stripe, 3-bolt
• Neck profile: Medium “C”
• Fingerboard: Maple with black dot inlays
• Fingerboard radius: 7.25"
• Frets: 21
• Nut width: 41.4mm
• Headstock: Large headstock with bullet truss rod
• Pickups: 3x Fender Fullerton Stratocaster singlecoil
• Electronics: 5-way switch, 1x volume and 2x tone controls
• Tuners: Fender “F-Logo” tuners
• Bridge: Fender 6-point vintage bridge with solid steel block and six saddles
• Hardware: Chrome
• Pickguard: Black, 3-ply
• Finish: 3-Tone Sunburst, High-gloss
• Scale length: 648mm
• Weight: 4.57kg
• Serial No.: S790737
• Includes original Fender vintage hardshell case (one hinge defective; protective function not impaired), tremolo arm, strap locks

Despite its age, this Fender Stratocaster is in well-played but excellent condition and (apart from the strap locks) remains completely unmodified and in original, technically flawless condition. Visually, there is various age-related wear on the instrument, which results in an authentic vintage patina (see photos). The frets are still in good condition.

The instrument has received a professional setup with 10-46 Elixir Optiweb strings, and I (a long-time guitar teacher) will ship it via insured DHL shipping for €49.99 within Germany or €79.99 within the EU. Worldwide shipping available—individual shipping costs upon request.

All images shown are of the actual instrument for sale.