I'm looking at getting a vintage '76 Strat, natural ash, maple neck, black pickguard. It's got the 5 way switching set up which I thought only came in from '77. The seller says it was available in '76 as an optional extra and Fender began to phase the 5 way in with the black pickguards that - any truth in that?

CJ...anything is possible, but the switch became standard in 1977 according to A. R. Duchossoirs book "The Fender Stratocaster, 40th Anniversary Edition". Could they have been phasing it in or gauging it's appeal in '76, sure. Either way, I wouldn't let the switch be what keeps you from purchasing the guitar if you like it and the price is right. And unless he is the original owner, who knows how many hands or guitar techs that guitar has been through over the years.

T2

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What time is it? It's Fender Time.

True. Thanks for the advice T2.

+1 all around.

And post some pics after you take delivery -- it sounds like a sweet guitar.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

+1

FWIW, when I got my '75 the five-position switches were not available yet, and I had one with a black pickguard and white knobs and covers in my hand but went for the all white motif instead...

They were trying a lot of options at the time...so a variety is always possible.

As are after-market changes. Check the dates on the pickups and controls...

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1967 Epiphone Madrid EC-30
1975 Fender Stratocaster
1981 Rickenbacker 360
2002 BC Rich Bich
2007 Fender Standard Stratocaster
2012 Taylor GA3-12
2012 Squier Telecaster
2017 Les Paul Kit


"Make every song you sing your favorite tune."