Is there a difference between Fender’s 50s and 70s Strat body contours?

7th May 2010
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just wondering, i’ve heard that they are a little different. If so, whats the difference?

Hey there

The bodies are the same. It is the date stamping that varies a little and the quality of the wood.

2 Responses to “Is there a difference between Fender’s 50s and 70s Strat body contours?”

  1. Left-T Says:

    Hey there

    The bodies are the same. It is the date stamping that varies a little and the quality of the wood.
    References :
    Studio Guitarist / Berklee Graduate

  2. Russell E Says:

    In the mid to late 70’s, The Stratocaster developed an extremely thick body.It was, I’d say, at least an 1//2" to an inch thicker. It was a pretty heavy guitar. I had an 1979 or 1980 model, all maple body and neck with the black pickups and pickguard. the contours were about the same, except thicker. And it didn’t have that fairly large "backswoop" on the lower end on the top where your arm rests as you play.
    Man that was a nice guitar!
    But the strats today are back to the thinner "Contour Body" of the past.

    References :
    40 yrs guitarist/former pro musician

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