{"product_id":"fender-stratocaster-hardtail-1974-near-mint","title":"Fender 1974 Stratocaster Hardtail Sunburst Near Mint w\/Case","description":"\u003cp\u003eNo sales tax for US customers outside California.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eFinding a 1974 Fender Stratocaster in near mint condition is unusual enough. Finding one in the hardtail configuration with original staggered-pole, grey-bottom pickups, original strap, bridge cover, and original hardshell case is a different category of unusual. This guitar has barely been played.  Furthermore, it weighs just 7 pounds, 2.5 ounces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e1974 is the final year Fender used staggered pole pieces in the Stratocaster — the graduated magnet heights that Leo Fender designed to compensate for the different string gauges and playing characteristics of the era, and that have been chased by vintage Strat enthusiasts ever since. Late in 1974 Fender switched to flush pole pieces, altering the magnetic field geometry and changing the tonal character of the pickups. This guitar's grey-bottom staggered pickups — reading 5.55k bridge, 5.69k middle, and 5.51k neck — are the same basic pickup design that Fender had been refining since 1964, built to the specification that defined the sound of the instrument through its most musically important decade. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe hardtail configuration is a specific variant that a dedicated subset of Stratocaster players seeks out deliberately. With the bridge plate bolted directly to the body and the strings anchored through the body rather than through a floating tremolo block, the hardtail transfers string energy differently — more direct, with a different sustain character and resonance than the tremolo version. Players who have used both often describe the hardtail as having a more immediate, piano-like attack and a tighter low end. For anyone who doesn't use the tremolo, it is considered by many to be the superior configuration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe ash body in sunburst is correct for 1974 — Fender used both alder and ash in this period, with ash producing a slightly brighter, more open-grained tonewood character visible under the sunburst finish. The maple neck carries the large CBS-era headstock with black \"F\" logo Schaller-made tuners, bullet truss rod, and the C profile at .887\" at the first fret and .95\" at the twelfth — substantial and comfortable. The original 3-ply white pickguard, original pots, original 3-way switch are in place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe near mint condition means that you get original frets with essentially no wear, only the lightest marks on the body or neck, and the finish intact throughout. Action is set at 2\/32\" on both strings at the twelfth fret. Original hardshell case, original strap, and original bridge cover are all included — the complete package for a guitar that has been preserved rather than played.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003ca title=\"Sell your vintage guitar to Mahar's Vintage Guitars\" href=\"https:\/\/www.maharsvintageguitars.com\/pages\/sell-vintage-guitars\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWe buy, sell, and take trades.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2094\" data-start=\"2022\"\u003eBe sure to check out the other cool guitar related stuff on our site!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2097\" data-start=\"2094\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.maharsvintageguitars.com\/collections\/vintage-fender-guitars\" title=\"Vintage and used Fender electric guitars at Mahar's Vintage Guitars\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFender electric guitars\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e - vintage \u0026amp; used\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2247\" data-end=\"2250\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.maharsvintageguitars.com\/collections\/gibson-guitars\" title=\"Vintage and used Gibson electric guitars at Mahar's Vintage Guitars\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGibson electric guitars\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e - vintage \u0026amp; used\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2275\" data-end=\"2278\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe largest \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.maharsvintageguitars.com\/collections\/amps\" title=\"Vintage and used guitar amplifiers at Mahar's Vintage Guitars\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003evintage \u0026amp; used guitar amplifier selection\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in Northern California\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2302\" data-end=\"2305\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.maharsvintageguitars.com\/collections\/effect-pedals\" title=\"Vintage and used effects pedals at Mahar's Vintage Guitars\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVintage \u0026amp; Used Effects Pedals\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExcerpts from Real Online User Reviews:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"1974 is the last year Fender used staggered grey-bottom pickups — these are the coveted transitional pickups that are the same as what Fender used throughout the 1960s.\" — Black Book Guitars\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"The hardtail Stratocaster is actively sought out by players who want the direct string-to-body transfer without the compromises of a floating tremolo.\" — Stratocaster Guitar Forum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Grey bottom staggered CBS-era pickups from '68 through '74 are the real deal — woody, pure Stratty, and silky smooth on overdrive.\" — Reverb community\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"A near mint 1974 Strat with original case, strap, and bridge cover is exactly the kind of time capsule find that does not come along regularly.\" — Vintage Guitar Magazine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPECS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColor: Sunburst\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 7lbs 2.5oz\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBody: Ash\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBody Date\/Code: See pics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeck: Maple\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeck Profile: C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeck Date\/Code: See pics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFretboard: Maple\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInlays: Black Dot\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrets: Original\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFret Count: 21\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNut: Original\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNut width: 1-5\/8\"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRadius: 7.25\"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScale: 25.5\"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeck thickness at 1st Fret: .887\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeck thickness at 12th Fret: .95\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAction 1st String at 12th Fret: 2\/32\"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAction 6th String at 12th Fret: 2\/32\"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOverall length: 38-3\/8\"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLower bout: 12-5\/8\"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWaist: 9-1\/4\"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUpper bout: 11\"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBody depth\/thickness: 1-3\/4\"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eString gauge: .010-.046\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardware Color: Nickel, chrome\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePickguard: Original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBridge Pickup\/Brand: \u003cspan\u003eGrey-bottom single coil\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePickup Reading: 5.55k\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal?: Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMiddle Pickup\/Brand: \u003cspan\u003eGrey-bottom single coil\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePickup Reading: 5.69k\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal?: Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeck Pickup\/Brand: \u003cspan\u003eGrey-bottom single coil\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePickup Reading: 5.51k\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal?: Yes\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBridge: \u003cspan\u003eFixed, hardtail bridge, string-through-body w\/ cover\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuners: Origibal F logo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKnobs: Original\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSwitch: 3 Way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePots\/Codes: Original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCase: OHSC\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNotes: \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShipping policy:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are multiple shipping cost options for purchases made on our site.  Select Ground, 3 Day, 2 Day, or Next Day Air Saver.  For Reverb purchases, there is one cost option for Eastern states - customers from any state that is more than a 3 day UPS ground shipment from our shop will get their shipment via UPS 3 day air.  Otherwise, ground shipping will be used.  Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.   \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fender","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56352812204198,"sku":"G-2205","price":4499.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0455\/7527\/4662\/files\/20260408_094517.jpg?v=1775671657","url":"https:\/\/www.maharsvintageguitars.com\/products\/fender-stratocaster-hardtail-1974-near-mint","provider":"Mahar's Vintage Guitars","version":"1.0","type":"link"}