Specs:
• Model: Stratocaster
• Year: 1979
• Finish: Natural (ambered ash)
• Body: Ash
• Neck: Maple with skunk stripe
• Fingerboard: Maple with black dot inlays
• Pickups: Three single-coil
• Controls: Master Volume, 2 x Tone
• Bridge: 2-point tremolo (replacement plate) with aftermarket block-style saddles
• Tuners: Fender “F”-stamped Kluson-style, chrome
• Pickguard: Black
• Case: New Fender tolex aftermarket hardcase
• Country of Origin: USA

Originality / Changes
• Bridge / tremolo: newer 2-point tremolo (replacement bridge plate)
• Aftermarket bridge saddles
• Tone pot changed
• Case: New Fender tolex aftermarket hardcase
• Tuners: Fender “F”-stamped Kluson-style
• Finish: Natural ash with period wear and ambering

Personal Thoughts:
A proper late-’70s natural ash Strat, and honestly one of those guitars that just looks right the second you lift it out of the case. The ash body has taken on that warm, honeyed ambering these USA examples get with age, set off beautifully by the maple fretboard and black pickguard. It’s the classic natural-and-maple combination, with a bit of period wear that tells you it has been played and enjoyed rather than kept under glass.

It has the familiar three single-coil layout, and the practical updates are all sensible ones: a newer 2-point tremolo on a replacement bridge plate, aftermarket saddles, a changed tone pot and Fender “F”-stamped Kluson-style tuners. Together they make for a guitar that is set up to be played and gigged, with that bright, springy, slightly woody Strat voice that a late-’70s ash body seems to give you. The maple neck feels comfortable and familiar in the hand, and the guitar feels lively and resonant even when played unplugged.

It arrives in a new Fender tolex aftermarket hardcase, so it is ready to travel safely. For me, the appeal is the balance: all the character and looks of a 1979 USA Stratocaster, with a few practical touches that make it easy to pick up and enjoy straight away. A great-looking and great-sounding Strat for players who want the real thing, whether for the stage, the studio or simply the sofa.

Condition Report:
Excellent. Pleasing ambering with light lacquer wear and small edge marks for a late-’70s example, presenting very well in the photos.

Part Exchange Welcome:
Part exchange welcome, video demos are available via our YouTube channel at Squealing Pig Guitars, personal consignment service available via our site at 10% rate.