YOU ARE BIDDING ON A RARE 1974 VINTAGE (NEARLY 35 YEARS OLD!) FENDER STRATOCASTER.
I'M NOT A SPECIALIST BUT I KNOW THE MORE ORIGINAL THESE OLD ONES ARE THE BETTER!
THIS HAS A WONDERFUL NATURAL FINISH THAT HAS AGED LIKE A FINE PIECE OF WOOD SHOULD.
1 penny start with NO RESERVE!!!
I'll start with a run down of each area.
The finish on this guitar is gorgeous, the body has aged nicely and has that nice soft feel and smell to it like an old piece of valuable furniture! There are a couple of tiny blemishes here and there, but nothing that is out of character - I've tried to show in the pics that it's in excellent condition, and have also showed the contrast of the wood under and outside the scratchplate. Good site here for dating the guiitars by serial number http://www.provide.net/~cfh/fender.html
The tuners, scratchplate, knobs, pickup selector switch and pots are all original. The wire to one of the pots shows some signs of solder so I'm not sure whether this has had a replacement at some time - I've pictured as much as I can so the experts can help themselves - I can take more pics if necessary.
The best bit of these old Fenders in my opinion, the neck is soft and plays very easily through the fingers. I have a set of 009's on at the moment and the difference in how easy this plays compared to some modern strats is incredible! The new ones definitely feel more 'manufactured' whereas these old ones feel like they've been honed for many years!
There are a couple of tiny blemishes but again nothing that detracts from the character or playability of the guitar, just me trying to be upfront with bidders.
As with all good strats these things have such a wide range of tones. I will describe them best using examples, as this guitar ranges from full out early gilmour through subtle Robert Cray right out to screaming Gary Moore texas blues if needed! It has a great punchy sound and is still very bright yet not harsh.
This is still doing its job and protecting this beautiful guitar. You can see from the pics it has some wear and tear, and the clasps/locks aren't perfect, but what the hell, it still closes without an issue, does its job and looks cool, so who cares!
- Additional Pictures (high resolution + more details)
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo30/foxworth_photos/1974%20NATURAL%20STRAT/DSC01336.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo30/foxworth_photos/1974%20NATURAL%20STRAT/DSC01337.jpg
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http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo30/foxworth_photos/1974%20NATURAL%20STRAT/DSC01357.jpg
- POSTAGE, PACKING & COLLECTION
The guitar will come bubble wrapped inside its case. The case will then be put in a cardboard box and sealed with more protection. It will then be sent via a courier and insured for the amount nearest the final value fee (or more if winning bidder specifies).
Approx Postal costs here: http://www.pfwwsg.parcelforce.com/portal/pw/PriceFinder;jsessionid=OBLFN2JALCEJ2FB2IGLEOSQ?catId=24400720&reset=true&gear=pricingcalc
Collection from London area is not a problem, I may even deliver by hand if bidder lives in the South East and is prepared to pay.
I do not have an issue posting abroad, but I do ask that you please contact me prior to bidding to avoid wasting my time.
I will accept Paypal, a cheque in advance or money order in advance. I will not accept Cash on delivery/collection unless previously agreed with me.
Contact me with questions via email, then I can supply a mobile number if you'd like to speak in person.
GOOD LUCK!
On 20-Nov-08 at 08:40:00 GMT, seller added the following information: MORE PICS OF NECK AND BODY STAMPS - NOT VERY REVEALING BUT I READ ON SAME IDENTIFIER SITE I POSTED ABOVE
THAT ONLY 50% OF FENDERS IN THIS ERA GAVE ANY USEFUL INFO!
serial number and POT numbers in question answers.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo30/foxworth_photos/1974%20NATURAL%20STRAT/DSC01358.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo30/foxworth_photos/1974%20NATURAL%20STRAT/DSC01359.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo30/foxworth_photos/1974%20NATURAL%20STRAT/DSC01360.jpg