Fender Stratocaster Hardtail | 1976 3-Tone Sunburst USA

1976 Fender Stratocaster Hardtail in original 3-Tone Sunburst finish. Ash body with maple neck and rosewood fingerboard. Hardtail string-through bridge. 3-bolt neck with Micro-Tilt. Bullet truss rod. CBS oversized headstock. 3-ply black pickguard. 3.4kg. Original hard shell case included.
 
This guitar was built at Fender's original Fullerton, California factory, the birthplace of the Telecaster and Stratocaster. The Fullerton plant operated from 1946 until 1984, when Fender was sold to a new ownership group and production moved to Corona. Guitars from this era are often referred to as "Fullerton" instruments, a term that has become shorthand for high-quality mid-century and 1970s Fender production.
 
Hardtail Strats are highly sought after for their punch, sustain, tuning stability and lighter weight compared to tremolo-equipped models. The string-through body design enhances resonance and low-end definition, making these guitars particularly responsive and lively. It showcases the factory-correct "tuxedo" transition look—featuring a 3-ply black pickguard paired with contrasting white pickup covers and control knobs. Factory stamps and the serial number on the neck plate (712418) confirm 1976 production.
 
Authentication Details
Serial 712418 is stamped on the neck plate, dating this guitar to mid-1976. Inside the body pocket, you will find the original purple circular "INSP 33" quality control stamp, model routing code 0962 (Sunburst Stratocaster), and "J. ROBERTS" inspector autograph. A fully functional 3-bolt Micro-Tilt system is in place. On the headstock, the correct standalone "PAT. 3,143,028" decal (used from 1971 to 1976) sits alongside the "Original Contour Body" decal and bullet truss rod nut. The oversized CBS headstock, bold black branding and dual wing string trees complete the period-correct look.
 
Test it for yourself at our Sydney shop, or we can ship it safely to your door anywhere in Australia. Contact us for a shipping quote.
In stock at Guitar Garage Sydney. $6,000
 
Key Features
Year: 1976
Made in: USA (Fullerton, California)
Serial: 712418
Model: Stratocaster Hardtail
Finish: 3-Tone Sunburst
Body: Ash
Neck: Maple, CBS oversized headstock, bullet truss rod
Fingerboard: Rosewood (slab board)
Scale: 25.5"
Frets: 21
Pickups: 3 x original single-coils
Pickguard: 3-ply Black
Controls: 5-way switch, Volume, 2 x Tone
Bridge: Hardtail string-through
Neck Joint: 3-bolt with Micro-Tilt
Neck Plate Stamps: Fender Micro-Neck Adjust Pat. 3550496
Body Pocket Stamps: INSP 33, 0962, J. ROBERTS
Tuners: Fender F-stamped
Weight: 3.4kg
Case: Original hard shell case
Condition: Very Good
 
Sound and Tone
Hardtail bridge adds sustain, punch and tuning stability. Ash body provides snap and resonance. Original single-coils deliver classic Strat chime. String-through design adds low-end tightness and acoustic resonance.
 
Feel and Playability
CBS-era neck with rosewood slab board. 3-bolt Micro-Tilt neck system. Frets have plenty of life. Comfortable 3.4kg weight.
 
Condition
Honest vintage wear consistent with age. Back has a prominent finish chip on upper belly area. Front has small nicks on upper horn tip and bottom edge near strap button. Patch of surface discolouration on lower right face. Pickguard, covers and knobs are intact with no cracking. Chrome hardware has minimal oxidation. Neck has minor wear in two spots. Rosewood fretboard is clean with no fret wear.
 
Historical Background
The CBS-era Stratocasters have developed a strong following in recent years. Players appreciate the larger headstock, the bullet truss rod and the distinctive 3-bolt neck plate. Hardtail examples are particularly collectable because they make up a smaller percentage of total production. This 1976 example represents the peak of mid-70s Fender production, with Fullerton factory stamps and period-correct decals confirming its authenticity.
 
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See also our other vintage Stratocasters.
Fender American Standard Stratocaster | 1990 Made in USA
1979 Fender Stratocaster USA | Black | Made in USA
Fender American Professional Stratocaster | 2020 Olympic White USA Made
 
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