1972 Fender Stratocaster

Check out the feature from our luthier Tyler in the ECG Newsletter:

"If Dan Smith’s revitalization of Fender in the early '80s serves as an inspirational tale of an American icon redeemed, CBS’ handling of Fender in the decade prior could be considered the polar opposite. It turns out the creative genius that brought you The Red Skelton Show couldn’t quite figure out the intricacies of the electric guitar. Before CBS could fully dig in their claws, though, the late '60s and early '70s saw some of the last golden-era magic that would ever come out of Fullerton. Features like a large headstock and maple cap fretboard may put one in mind of the horrors of that era, but the high quality of build and excellent tone would have been right at home during Leo’s tenure.

This specific example is relatively clean and original. The original tuners have been replaced with period Schaller units, as was so common at that time. The bridge pickup has also been swapped with what appears to be an earlier black-bottom Fender equivalent, though some may see that as an upgrade. Even though it falls on the chronological cusp, this thing feels, sounds, and plays exactly like the best '60s Strats from the middle of the decade."