Fender Stratocaster Black 1980 CBS Era Vintage Electric Guitar

This is a Fender Stratocaster in Black finish. Made in the USA in 1980, this guitar features a bolt-on construction comprising an Alder body, Maple neck and 21 fret Rosewood fingerboard. CBS era appointments include the 3-point micro-tilt neck plate, bullet truss rod adjustment and large 70’s headstock with CBS era Fender logo. Chrome hardware is fitted including a 6-saddle bridge and CBS era split-post ‘F’ stamped tuning machines. A trio of CBS Fender single-coil pickups are installed, and are wired to a 5-way blade switch, master volume, neck tone and middle tone controls.

The Maple neck plays fantastically well, with the ‘70s neck profile feeling somewhat like a ‘U’ shape and providing a substantial yet articulate playing experience in all registers. The profile will feel familiar to those used to modern Fender necks, but provides a little more thickness for an authentic vintage playing experience. The Gloss finish to the rear of the neck assists with smooth navigation of the 25.5” scale, whilst the playwear that has accumulated over the years adds a real sense of mojo to the playing experience which is very inspiring in the hands. The Rosewood fingerboard is pleasant under the fingers, and with the 7.25” radius delivers a suitably vintage playing experience. The new frets the guitar has been fitted with could perhaps be described as medium jumbo, and provide a rock-solid playing surface with enhanced string bending and vibrato feel.

The trio of Fender CBS Alnico 5 Black Bottom single coil pickups installed in this guitar deliver clear and crisp tones, with shimmering cleans and punchy overdrives, just as you would expect from a Stratocaster. The neck pickup is warm and round, with plenty of power to push your solo tones to the front of the mix. The middle pickup is bright and spanky, and is well suited to funky rhythm tones. The bridge position handles gain very nicely and provides a richly saturated tone for rock rhythm parts. The controls are nice and responsive, and with the 5-way switch and traditional Stratocaster wiring provide the opportunity for a plethora of unique and interesting tones. An authentic vintage piece that remains highly practical and playable even after 46 years.