70's Strats

Duppy03

What's the up to date opinion of Fender Strats from the 70's. I remember years ago the general consensus being that they were really heavy and poorly made.

Is this still the case or was that a bit of a generalisation?

Bridgehouse

Duppy03 said:

What's the up to date opinion of Fender Strats from the 70's. I remember years ago the general consensus being that they were really heavy and poorly made.

Is this still the case or was that a bit of a generalisation?

The up to date opinion is the same as it was in 1980. 70s Strats start ok and descend into heavy boat anchor state with poor fitting necks and general crapness.

Unless they don’t - as opinion as always is divided. 

DrCornelius

If you are ever an hour East come and give mine a try, I'm really pleased with it and grateful to @Sevenof9 for sending it my way. I've had all sorts of Strats including a lovely 62 but this one has its own thing going on. It's not as sweet sounding as my 62 but it sounds angrier and has some real personality which I like.

I think if you kiss enough frogs you'll find one that suits you

Bridgehouse

BTW - I have a 74 Precision, and I love it. 

crunchman

Based on the 70's Strats I've tried, just get a Mexican Classic Series one instead, and spend the difference on a nice holiday.

guitars4you

not a specific answer - the general overall deterioration of 70's model diminished as the 70's wore on - Early 70's model suffered far less - very early models still featured vintage trem assembly and up to/around 73/74 they still featured the same staggered pole piece p/ups as a late 60's model - many still a good weight

Not all 70's Fenders are bad - but you do need to evaluate each on its own basis and decide accordingly - Some like the  character they offer

Weight, curves and contours + neck pocket join generally got worse as the decade went on

Equally I've seen a few customised 70's Strats with a good refret, pick-up + trem change that have turned out fine

NPP

http://thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/127909/70s-strats-who-has-one-thoughts/p1 ;

SteveRobinson

Duppy03 said:

What's the up to date opinion of Fender Strats from the 70's. I remember years ago the general consensus being that they were really heavy and poorly made.

They haven't got any better but they have become more expensive.

richardhomer

SteveRobinson said:

Duppy03 said:

What's the up to date opinion of Fender Strats from the 70's. I remember years ago the general consensus being that they were really heavy and poorly made.

They haven't got any better but they have become more expensive.

And still have errant apostrophes....

Bridgehouse

richardhomer said:

SteveRobinson said:

Duppy03 said:

What's the up to date opinion of Fender Strats from the 70's. I remember years ago the general consensus being that they were really heavy and poorly made.

They haven't got any better but they have become more expensive.

And still have errant apostrophes....

For most though, it’s Fender’s introduction of the micro-pedant that they don’t get on with....

richardhomer

Bridgehouse said:

richardhomer said:
And still have errant apostrophes....

For most though, it’s Fender’s introduction of the micro-pedant that they don’t get on with....

I thought the Bullshit Truss Rod was the thing most people objected to?

Bridgehouse

richardhomer said:

Bridgehouse said:

richardhomer said:
And still have errant apostrophes....

For most though, it’s Fender’s introduction of the micro-pedant that they don’t get on with....

I thought the Bullshit Truss Rod was the thing most people objected to?

Nah. That was just bullshit made up by Gibson owners with warped necks and shit neck angles.

richardhomer

Bridgehouse said:

richardhomer said:

I thought the Bullshit Truss Rod was the thing most people objected to?

Nah. That was just bullshit made up by Gibson owners with warped necks and shit neck angles.

Yeah that’s been Norlin away at me....

Bridgehouse

richardhomer said:

Bridgehouse said:

richardhomer said:

I thought the Bullshit Truss Rod was the thing most people objected to?

Nah. That was just bullshit made up by Gibson owners with warped necks and shit neck angles.

Yeah that’s been Norlin away at me....

I walnut deny it - they made some heavy beasts back then

richardhomer

Bridgehouse said:
I walnut deny it - they made some heavy beasts back then

Only Natural you should say that - I believe Neil Finn said much the same....

Rocker

I had one.  In the mid 1970s.  Greatest pile of shite wood cut into a guitar shape imaginable.  Probably needed a decent setup, there were no guitar techs in Co. Westmeath back then.  Not sure if there are any today either.  At that time I and just about every other amateur guitar player [playing the pubs] did not know that a guitar needed or might need a setup.

A little part of me suggests that with a decent setup, a 1970s Strat could be a decent guitar.  But in all honesty, I could not recommend one......

Duppy03

This guy sure makes his 1979 Strat sound sweet!

https://youtu.be/xtcLN3D96CI

Duppy03

So did things get better when Dan Smith took over in the early 80's?