Vintage 1973 1975 Fender Stratocaster Tobacco Sunburst w/ Hard Case

Description

For sale is a beautiful tobacco (or two tone) sunburst Fender Stratocaster.
Dating via the serial number shows it to be from 1973. The neck, however, is stamped with the code 09033353. The code reads “09-03-33-5-3”, which means “09” for Stratocaster, “03” for fretted neck with maple fretboard, “33” for made on the 33
rd
week of the year, “5” for the year 1975, and “3” for made on the 3
rd
day of the week.
The pots are stamped “1377315” (although I am guessing at the last “1”), where the “137” stands for the manufacturer (CTS), “73” for 1973 and “15” made on the 15
th
week of the year.
The pickups are definitely not original. These pickups look like newer pickups found on American Standards since they are consistent with the bottom side hole pattern of American Standard pickups, are clearly wax potted (the originals would have been lacquer potted), and have alnico magnets. They are however very dynamic and sound great. If you can identify these pickups please let us know.
Research shows that Fender was not strict about matching parts with their corresponding years as Fender always kept stockpiles of parts and they were used up at different rates. Whether this is a 1973 Strat with a 1975 replacement neck or a 1975 Strat with overstock pots and neck plate (or replacement neck plate) – it is up to you. This guitar nevertheless has the characteristics of a mid 1970's Strat.
There is a crack on the neck at the end of the truss rod that goes down underneath the nut (please see second to last picture). The action is a little high for probably most players' taste and the neck needs the micro tilt adjusted to further lower the action without any fret buzz. We strongly recommend it set up to one's personal tastes regardless. The tuning peg of the 5
th
string broke in half so we super glued it back together – it is holding fine and the tuning mechanism works flawlessly, though the crack going down the middle is still visible (please see 6
th
picture).
This guitar was definitely modified to play better. The neck has been sanded (note the headstock still has the finish visible). While this takes originality from the instrument, it certainly feels nicer as there isn't so much friction from the neck finish and thus plays buttery smooth. The neck has also been refretted with jumbo (or possibly medium jumbo) frets making bending and vibrato very easy.
Includes the pictured modern Fender molded case which has some scuffs but in overall very good condition.
Please examine all pictures carefully to see cosmetic blemishes. What you see is what you get.
We are a family-owned pawnshop and have been in business for almost 40 years.
Please send us a message if you have any questions PRIOR to bidding.
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FINE PRINT (PLEASE READ!)
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