This early 1971 Fender Stratocaster with a 4-bolt neck is a standout piece of electric guitar history—coveted by both collectors and players chasing that iconic '70s Strat tone, infused with the last echoes of the late-'60s sound. It represents the final chapter before Fender, under CBS ownership, shifted to the 3-bolt neck joint later that same year.
 
Well-preserved for its age, this guitar remains in very good condition—rare for a 50+ year-old instrument, especially one likely to have seen stage use. Aesthetically and tonally, it evokes the spirit of Jimi Hendrix, capturing the vibe and sonic palette of his revolutionary playing style.
 
The 4-bolt neck plate is more than just a structural detail—it’s a hallmark of Fender’s pre-CBS craftsmanship. From late 1971 onward, CBS introduced several cost-cutting changes, including the 3-bolt neck with micro-tilt adjustment and larger headstock decals—features that defined the rest of the '70s. While some players appreciate the adjustability of the micro-tilt system, many still favor the solid, vintage-authentic feel of the 4-bolt design—especially for more expressive styles involving deep bends and heavy playing.
 
This particular Strat has only a few tasteful, mostly reversible modifications. A 5-way pickup selector switch has been added—a practical upgrade that many players consider essential for accessing the classic “in-between” tones (neck+middle and bridge+middle) that weren’t standard until 1976. An extra string tree was installed for enhanced tuning stability on the B and high E strings. The original nut has been replaced with a black one, a subtle change from the original white, but easily reversible.
 
At some point, aluminum shielding was ad
ded inside the pickup cavities and under the pickguard. The shielding within the body cavity has since been removed, and we’ve verified that the routing and finish remain original and untouched. The shielding under the pickguard remains in place, giving the next owner the option to keep it or remove it.
 
Tonally, a Strat from this era delivers everything you’d expect: bell-like highs, glassy clarity, and a lively midrange. The pickups offer a dynamic, articulate response—ideal for blues, funk, classic rock, or psychedelic leads à la Hendrix. The neck, which features beautiful flame figuring (rare for the '70s), plays exceptionally well and adds to the guitar’s visual appeal.
As is often the case with vintage models, the original plastic tremolo cavity cover (back plate) is missing.
 
In summary, this 1971 Fender Stratocaster with a 4-bolt neck is a rare and desirable example from a pivotal moment in Fender's history. Lightly modified but well-preserved, it offers both vintage character and exceptional playability. For collectors, it captures the essence of a transitional era. For players, it’s a tone machine with soul.
 
Includes: 1980s tweed hard case, tremolo bar, and bridge cover.
 
Technical Specifications:
Serial Number: 301463
Neck Pickup Output: 5.47 KΩ
Middle Pickup Output: 5.46 KΩ
Bridge Pickup Output: 5.50 KΩ
Neck Stamp: 22 JAN 71B
Pickup Dates: 2021 (1971) & 9460 (1970)
Pots: CTS 1377052 (52nd week of 1970)
Weight : 3.55kgs