1974 Fender Stratocaster
The CBS-era 3-bolt Stratocaster — a different animal from the four-bolt pre-CBS models. Natural ash-body Strats from this era are increasingly collected. Excellent player value at vintage prices.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Specifications
| Body Wood | Alder (two-piece, 3-bolt neck), or Ash (natural finish) |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Maple or Rosewood (Indian) |
| Scale Length | 25.500" |
| Frets | 21 |
| Pickup Config | SSS |
| Bridge | Synchronized tremolo (revised — some with 3-bolt micro-tilt neck) |
| Tuners | F-stamped tuners |
| Finish Options | Sunburst, Natural, Custom colors, Antigua (new — cream and brown burst) |
| Est. Production | 18,000 |
Pickups & Electronics
Three single-coil pickups. 'Bullet' truss rod adjustment at headstock. Wider spacing between pickups.
What Changed in 1974
Major CBS-era changes: 3-bolt neck attachment with micro-tilt, bullet truss rod nut at headstock, and 'large' body with wider pickup spacing. The 'large body' era Strats are a distinct instrument from pre-CBS models.
Collector's Notes
3-bolt neck vs 4-bolt is the key CBS-era identifier. Natural ash body Strats from 1973-1977 are a growing collector category. Some players actually prefer the wider pickup spacing of this era.