Back in the late 1970's early 80's I had a used Fender Stratocaster. I'm not sure what year it was. It had to be earlier than 1978. The thing that stands out about that guitar was how light it was. All of the newer Fender Strats of that time I remember had a back plate with electronics mounted in the back and were allot heavier. My guitar did not have a back plate or electonics mounted in the back. What was it? Was it a very special guitar that I should have held on to? It was sunburst color with maple neck. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Fender Stratocaster don't have electronic mounted in the back , The back plate are only to cover tremolo springs.

You just have the standard Stratocaster IMO
Photos ?

There is a cover on the back of 99% of Strats, but that's for the tremolo springs and general gubbins.

Sounds like you had a hardtail (non-trem) 70's Strat from your description. Not that rare, but a very useful different flavour of the Fender recipe. I have a late 80's Japanese hardtail 60's Strat in my stable, it just has that nice variation in tone that sometimes is just right for the job. Well, at least it does when it's all in one piece - it's currently stripped down for refinishing.

+1 vulpinity

No back plate = hard tail

So Fender hard tail isn't very rare? Dang, I thought I might have been on to something. I sold it in 1985 and I haven't seen another like it since.....

I have a nice 89/ 90 American strat now. I can put it down for months and pick it up and its still in tune, just the way I left it.

I'm trying to figure out that opening to Purple Haze, the last few notes are stumping me...

Thanks for the quick replies.