Sometimes a 1973 Fender Stratocaster Hardtail is what you need…

Built alongside their tremolo loaded brethren from 1954, some consider these guitars an improvement on the design. 

This guitar is in great shape with just a few minor bumps and knocks. The Olympic White finish is still vivid, a little faded but not abused. 

The neck too is still glossy and feels very comfortable. It's been refretted. The maple board is terrific and free of any wear. The tuners have been replaced with Hipshot locking tuners but there are a set of later F stamp tuners included in the sale.

Under the hood we find two correct grey bottom pickups in great shape. The neck pickup has been rewound by Montys. The bridge pickup is currently a Tonrider pickup and loom has been replaced. The guitar comes with its correct bridge pickup and loom though its likely that the bridge pickup might need rewinding. 

The guitar comes with a period correct hardshell case.

There are an increasing number of players, who include Joe Bonamassa, Robert Cray and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, who prefer the sound of a hardtail Stratocaster. The more direct contact the string has with the wood of the body adds that little bit extra sustain. This guitar does not disappoint with plenty of Strat tone on tap.

For those of you who don't need a tremolo but want that tone, this guitar certainly delivers and at a price that won't break the bank.