Sometimes a 1974 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 good shape with just a few minor bumps and knocks. The black  finish looks great, free of any wear on the front or back. 

The neck has a story to tell. A new fretboard has been fitted, radiused at 12”.This seems to have been done a while ago by the look of the lacquer on the headstock. Elsewhere things are unchanged. Decal looks to be correct as do the tunerts.

Under the hood we find classic grey bottom pickups in brilliant shape with no rewinds at all. Volume pot has been changed but there are no further signs of any changes.

The guitar comes with a hardshell case.

As mentioned previously, there are 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 at a price that won't break the bank..