1978 Fender Stratocaster
The 1978 Stratocaster — CBS era. Accessible vintage Fender.
Current Market Value
Excellent
$2,800–$4,000
Very Good
$1,600–$2,800
Good
$800–$1,600
Fair
$400–$800
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Specifications
| Body Wood | Alder (Ash for transparent finishes) |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Maple or Indian Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 25.500" |
| Frets | 21 |
| Pickup Config | SSS |
| Bridge | Synchronized tremolo (3-bolt micro-tilt neck on some) |
| Tuners | F-stamped tuners |
| Finish Options | Sunburst, Custom colors, Natural |
| Est. Production | 22,000 |
Pickups & Electronics
Three single-coil pickups. 5-way switch standard.
What Changed in 1978
Late CBS era. Quality improving slightly.
Collector's Notes
CBS-era Strats offer excellent player value. 3-bolt vs 4-bolt is key identifier.