What's Up With 70's Fender?

Today I'm delving into a highly debated era of vintage Fender guitars and basses, the 1970's era a.k.a. the CBS era. From cost-cutting to cosmetic changes and more, this era of Fender is often viewed as being significantly lesser than that of the "Golden Era" of Fender from the 50's and 60's. So, I'm asking the question: are these hidden gems or is there value just due to their collectibility?
I'll be looking at 5 different 1970's Fender guitars today and doing a non-scientific overview on how they play, sound, and their vibe in general!
What do you think about CBS era Fender?
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Chapters:
0:00 1970's Fender Overview
2:34 1977 Fender Stratocaster
4:16 1978 Fender Precision Bass
9:09 1973 Fender Musicmaster
10:45 1979 Fender Stratocaster
16:44 1974 Fender Telecaster
20:25 Final Thoughts
Filmed & Edited by Thomas Filbert

[@thefloop2813]

i thought fender stopped using nitro in 1968 Edit:: Lord google informs me they stopped using 100% nitro in 1968. They switched to a nitro final coat over top of polyester, so kinda sorta. Thank you for the informative video sir

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Lord Google and modern Fender also say they will do nitro, polyurethane, or polyester. Just better to play it safe with older stuff haha. Tha ks for watching and the further research!

[@thefloop2813]

@@aflashfloodofgear I don't even remember when or where I learned they stopped in 1968 it just stuck out in my brain when ya said nitro. Figured I better look into though once I posted. No clue, Im guessing some9ne probably just told me that somewhere along the line and it stuck.

[@ES-qm5hr]

Usually, it was a plastic sealer on the body with polyurethane, or polyester as the main finish depending on the colour. Then they would shot nitro over some parts like the headstock to protect the decal, and some final nitro finishes over custom colours. It's why you see custom colours vary so much, some got a nitro top coat, and others didn't. I know on my vintage guitars with custom colours that I've worn off most of the nitro topcoat, I've even lost some decals off the headstocks due to the nitro that protected them having disappeared over time. Always best to just use a damp soft cloth with light water and detergent mixture on these old finishes. I've seen other solvents like naptha, and alcohol totally remove finishes that were old.@@aflashfloodofgear

[@luzzyfows]

fender more paused using nitro they def use it now on some upper end and Mexican roadworn..

[@kennyblackbird5674]

My dad bought me a Fender Champ back in '76 and a few years later I bought myself a Fender Deluxe Reverb when I was 15, it was a shame I couldn't afford an American made Fender guitar back then. I always was intrigued with 70's Fender guitars especially Strats! When I would have the opportunity to play a Fender Strat, either a friend owned one or at a music store, I did noticed inconsistency from guitar to guitar. Some were easy to play and some felt very unplayable. After 47 years of Japanese copies, super Strats and couple of Squiers I bought a used Mexican Fender Classic Strat that I did a couple of modifications and adjustments. If the 1970's Fender quality control was like the modern day Mexican made quality control then I understand why 70's Fenders get a bad rap!

[@enidsnarb]

Before the existence of The Guitar Center there was a place in my home area (Pomona Valley ) called simply The Guitar Store! I got a 63 sunburst Strat there in 76 for 300 bucks ! It was run by a very nice guy named Pat Ireland but since he was always trying to sell new 70’s Strats we dubbed him “ New Strat Pat “ . That was a long time ago and for the last 21 and a half years I have been working as a luthier full time at a well established store and my love for 70’s Fenders has grown quite a bit ! The materials are great , but yes I think a lot of employees were partying on lunch breaks! I love Silver Face 70’s Fender amps too !

[@aflashfloodofgear]

That's such a great story and insight on things, thanks for sharing! Very interesting to hear. Haha there must have been a little too much partying on the lunch breaks for sure 😂

[@scottenglert4083]

I have an original 1979 natural finish hardtail strat - was lucky enough to buy it about 6 years ago before the 70s stuff started to come into favor a bit more. It is a heavy beast and I'm a fairly low end intermediate hack who doesn't really have anything else to compare it to (it was my first electric guitar and everything else since have been Squiers etc.) - but as you mention, the neck on it is a fantastic feel to me (I have small hands - so the 7.25 radius is helpful) and the finish is aging to this really cool looking almost caramel color (and I swear that over the 6 yrs I've had it, that color / patina has gotten darker). It has its share of bumps and bruises (the finish along underside / bottom edge of neck is wearing pretty good from *lots* of previous play (not me) and the frets are original and don't have much life in them) but I really dig it. Thanks for covering this era - cool to get your take on them...

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@stevehaye]

i have the same '79 strat in trans red with maple board. i bought it new in 1980. great guitar!

[@aflashfloodofgear]

That's awesome, love to hear it!

[@Tonetwisters]

I am blessed to own a '73 Stratocaster. I have changed the bridge. It was thoroughly enjoyed by previous owner(s) because it is desperate for a fret job.

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Now that's arguably how a guitar should be, enjoyed and actually played!

[@tsant6591]

Great presentation and information! I grew up playing in the 70s, and I have a place in my heart for that decade!

[@D-Rguitar]

2:56 Balance & Composure, nice!

[@aflashfloodofgear]

You know it!

[@buck7477]

Big chunky fat slick maple fingerboard is what I think of like the Leo Fender Stingray Music Mans. I’m always seeking those necks. Like Robin Trower plays.

[@pedalscapes]

Great stuff! My 1st proper electric was a 70s deluxe - had the flat fret thing going on too - Got it re-fretted and it bought so much life to the guitar - Cheers 😎

[@danielflintknapping]

Great video! Recently many used 70s strats been put out on the used market where i live so it peeked my interest. Very informative video!

[@firecrackerheart]

great vid. been really enjoying your channel of late!

[@gibsonprs]

Stoked to hear the balance and composure riff

[@ThomasFilbert]

I need to get me a 70's Fender now

[@dzl8596]

Nice video with great explanations.

[@Murphy_Peoples]

Great information and well presented.

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Thanks, Murphy!

[@stillwateracoustic]

I have a late 70s strat (aprox 77) not all stock when I bought it around 1982. Khaler bar installed and the finish pretty sure was not stock. May want to just put an more original bridge on it? But want it back as a player - neck is in good shape and frets amazingly do not buzz.

[@gloifti]

Beautiful Music Master.... the headstock figuring really stands out.

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Trying really hard not to keep it haha

[@GROCK619]

Keep it up y'all...Nice Work!!!

[@billerickson8871]

Great review.. just recently discovered your company on KZbin, I enjoy your style, and hope to meet you at a show sometime... we always attend the Amigos in Costa Mesa.... I have four 79 Stratocasters, two 78 P Basses, and a 72 J Bass... plus countless other guitars and amps... I love the 70's guitars, and any 60's Piggyback amps...

[@aflashfloodofgear]

We were there earlier this year! Not sure if we will make it next year, but hope to meet at a show sometime. Sounds like you have quite the collection of cool stuff!

[@ericskinner7355]

Probably because of Jimi, Ritchie, Uli, and a few others, I am drawn towards the larger headstock...

[@joeking433]

I sold a 1973 Fender Strat for $350 in 1988. I'm still kicking myself.

[@aflashfloodofgear]

DANG!

[@JimiHendrix-es4lv]

I bought my 73 hardtail second hand in 1977 for $400 Aus.

[@tajvida8710]

You use some very interesting spread chord voicings in your demos…curious as to who your favorite guitar influences are?

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Will have to ask Alex. Actually we're supposed to do a live stream at some point to answer these types of questions!

[@aisle_of_view]

Cool instruments. I like your attitude.

[@buck7477]

Make a video examining the 70s era Leo Fender Music Man Stingrays and Sabre geetars! Not the Basses

[@3XATHAT]

This Episode Gets the "Danny Partridge" (of the Partridge Family) Seal of Approval Cheers AAA

[@-doggy-6670]

Porter pickup sounds nice👍

[@jasonwaltrowski2315]

Your tele is pretty cool, I think it's my favorite next to that red strat

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Thanks! The red strat is probably cooler haha

[@GRBAquatics]

Very Cool, Awesome Thankyou. That Music Master is sweet.

[@aflashfloodofgear]

It is very sweet 👍

[@kidamathias]

Balance and Composure!

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Yes!!

[@russellancil]

this is the guitar im wanting 70s deluxe , but im a lefty , just love the style of these. why dont they make them in lh , or even squire lh version , if you know to any im first in line plz , great channel very informative ,

[@501chorusecho]

that 77 strat does not have a lacquer finish on the neck....it is dipped in polyurethane

[@aflashfloodofgear]

More so using lacquered in a generic sense to imply the smooth finish and feel. Otherwise would have stated something more specific like polyester, polyurethane, or nirto 👍 Sorry for the confusion

[@keithclark486]

Do you ever run across any 88/89 Fender HM strats Original ones?

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Occasionally. I wanna say we had one a little bit ago

[@egnbigdave]

I'll take an Early 70's P bass over a 60's or 50's any day of the week.

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Definitely understandable!

[@alainmalo3791]

Elle sons classe c'est guitare de set époque , de 72 à 83/84 réglage du manche avec une balle dans la tête.77 , 5 position , quelle performance la classe 😁🤔👍🎸

[@alexbudnick9682]

I want the Music Master 😍

[@davidloss2608]

what's the last year Fender used nitro on their guitars?

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Fender still uses nitro on some of their guitars. They cycle between nitro, polyurethane, and polyester on various models. Yoy can read more about it on the Fender website: www.fender.com/articles/behind-the-scenes/the-science-and-style-of-finishes

[@oldguywithpedals]

A friend of mine has a ’78 hardtail strat that has a nitro finish.

[@snuffelsuf]

Did he give it a white glove test before he says it was clean?

[@hotwheel6663]

I like Tele deluxe guitars don't see many in natural.

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Yeah! They are definitely a winner

[@giabgr]

70s Fenders - thin nitro finishes?

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Already addressed this in another comment might just pin it haha. The bottom line, yes and no

[@jchavins]

I started playing Fenders in 1964......Jazzmaster, Jaguar, Mustang, Duo Sonic.....in the early 80's I played 60's Strat and 70's Tele and 1983 USA Bullit (excellent guitar)......I don't understand all the hype for them...they weren't that good......my 2009 (? maybe 2011) Tele USA Nashville B bender is so much better than the old ones its incredible. If it were lighter I probably would never part with it or play anything else.....Its lightyears better than my Brad Paisley Esquire.....

[@aflashfloodofgear]

You bring up something very interesting - hype vs actual play-ability and which is actually true!

[@brianfromoregon2244]

I thought 70s were poly finish on the body and nitro on the necks

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Honestly, it's a bit of a mixed bag. Fender also started using polyester finishes in the 70's along with polyurethane they started using in the 60's. Better safe than sorry

[@thejuggernaut5327]

Bidding on guitars from Taco Bell. I love it!

[@ST-xg3gy]

There are so many great Taco Bell stories.

[@dillonwade7438]

Those 70s Fenders are not finished in nitro. They stopped using nitro finishes in 1968.

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Not entirely true, Fender still uses nitro on some guitars. Fender has used a mix of nitro, urethane, and polyester over the years. Only way to be certain is to test the finish. Anyway, if you wanna read more Fender has a great article www.fender.com/articles/behind-the-scenes/the-science-and-style-of-finishes

[@dillonwade7438]

I was meaning during the CBS era. Those 70s Fenders aren’t finished in nitro.

[@aflashfloodofgear]

@@dillonwade7438 again, not entirely true. If you're not doing a test to check, it's always better to play it safe with older instruments

[@colinwhite1997]

Cool video! Only gave it 2 stars though: All these Fenders and not a single Jimi Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughan riff!!!!!!!

[@aflashfloodofgear]

You play the guitars next time then 😘

[@Allan-ts1ux]

70s are good ones ..

[@aflashfloodofgear]

They are underrated for sure

[@allstopblue5717]

I still can’t understand why anyone would prefer noiseless pickup and why does Fender continue to make them. Nobody likes them.

[@alexlococo3866]

I'm sooo sorry tp tell you the truth about the 70s worst production in fender guitars and why...at the possession of CBS one of the first thing they do is find ways to "SAVE " Money in production and personal which piss off lots of fender employers and the consequences of that was devastating for Fender...meaning: no control quality at all because in the factory nobody gives a fuck of what they are doing...i can tell you examlle of wiring pickups without the right turn..just for mention a few...The 70s Fenders are the worst of the fender story and almost everyone knows that...I WILL NEVER BUY ONE...NEVER

[@aflashfloodofgear]

For sure quality control and etc were huge issues. That's kind of the point of this video though, are they really as bad as the internet says vs actually playing them. In this business I've played literally thousands of guitars including a very wide array of Fenders from many different eras, so I just wanted to do a dive into 70's Fender. Not saying they're the best or anything like that...

[@alexlococo3866]

Fair enough...I LOVE your channel and what you do

[@stillwateracoustic]

​@@alexlococo3866 my 70s still plays with little work every done - a total workhorse. So yes, I have seen all those reviews on how bad they are, but have one that even aged and in need of some care is still a player.

[@nathanbouton6700]

Not having old, shit, oxidized solder joints is somehow bad? Are you mental? No bearing what so ever on an otherwise all original guitar.

[@JTStein]

The seventies were not so good for Fenders, Martin's, and U.S. automobile manufacturers.

[@daveduffy2823]

The 70’s were a decade of bad inflation and the US making junk that opened the door for imports. Quality wise, as a player, I would stay away from any 70’s gear made in the US. I would stay away. 80’s models are great. But, there are always flowers among the weeds, so you might have gotten some gems.

[@seanfagan7384]

You can keep all the 70s fender cbs crap

[@aflashfloodofgear]

That's the popular opinion. You'd be surprised by some of it especially considering price point

[@KennyBlackbird-oo1pt]

​@@aflashfloodofgear70's Fender 👍👍👍

[@mobiscuits8036]

You’re a guitar centric channel and don’t know anyone to make you some original music? The royalty free song you used is also used by a KZbin”r that makes videos about Pokémon.

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Hey, we like our lofi hip-hop beats so that's actually by choice haha. We could make our own music but it's tough enough making music for our own bands and having time to make these videos and work. We also have to choose what we allocate our budget to so paying to have someone make songs is not in the cards right now. There's licensing and all kinds of other potential stuff that have to get dealt with too. It's a process and we're doing what we can 👍

[@mobiscuits8036]

Make all the excuses you want. It’s still tacky.

[@soverignhuman5862]

Fender wasn't a luthier or musician....he was electrician and marketing genius... He stole the solid body from Paul Bigsby and Les Paul ...he should have been sued by Paul who was seriously ripped off.

[@victorycrosby4896]

Cinnamon hush puppies thats funny 😁