Up for sale, a 1973 Fender Stratocaster Hardtail in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with a hardshell case. Lightweight at 7lbs 6oz, this Stratocaster is an uncommon iteration with string-through body construction and a gloss Mocha finish, produced during the first year this particular finish was available.

Tonewoods include an alder body and a maple neck with a rosewood fretboard, delivering a unique resonance and punch with an array of traditional ‘70s Strat tones. The trio of gray bobbin single coil pickups feature staggered pole pieces, offering a distinct sound in each position on the three-way switch. The bridge has a snappy twang and bite, the middle pickup has a certain honk and percussive clarity, the neck single coil has a smooth, yet detailed tone that's ideal for solos and lead work. Cheating the “in between” positions on the switch delivers honky quack. This Hardtail Stratocaster has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 10-46 strings, low action, and accurate intonation.

Neck Specs:

• Wood: Maple
• Shape: Medium U, measuring .820” 1st fret, .875” 12th fret
• Fretboard: Rosewood, 7 ¼” radius, dot inlay
• Frets: Medium jumbo, refret, no wear
• Scale Length: 25 ½”
• Nut: 1 5/8”, bone (upgraded)
• Tuners: F-stamped
• Serialization: Six-digit stamp
• Factory Markings: Faint green ink stamp on neck heel

Body Specs:

• Wood: Alder
• Pickups: Gray bobbin single coil x3 (1973 date stamps on bobbins)
• Controls: Volume, Tone x2, Three-way pickup selector
• Harness: CTS pots date to the 10th week of ‘73
• Hardware: Hardtail bridge with block saddles, jack cup
• Plastics: Three-ply white pickguard, lightly yellowed knobs/pickup covers

The gloss Mocha finish exhibits light scuffing on top, faint buckle rash central to the back, and some minor marks consistent with use. There are also a few small touched-up dings along the body perimeter. The gloss on the neck profile is smooth to the palm, with palm wear along the shoulders and a few shallow nicks on the profile length.

A modern Fender G&G Deluxe brown tolex hardshell case is included.