Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster Natural Oil City Pickups, (Used)

The Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster in Natural with Maple Fingerboard is a vintage-inspired electric guitar combining authentic 1970s Fender styling with the exceptional versatility of an upgraded set of British-made Oil City Route 66 single-coil pickups.

Manufactured in Mexico, the Classic Series '70s Stratocaster recreates many of the distinctive features associated with Fender instruments from the 1970s, including the oversized headstock, three-bolt neck plate, bullet-style truss rod adjustment and substantial U-shaped maple neck.

Its solid ash body in Natural showcases the beautiful appearance of the wood grain, while the one-piece maple neck and fingerboard provide a traditional Fender playing experience.

This particular guitar has been modified with a black pickguard and a complete set of Oil City Route 66 single-coil pickups, replacing the original pickguard and Fender pickup configuration.

The black pickguard gives the guitar a striking vintage-inspired appearance, contrasting beautifully with the Natural finish and maple neck.

The Oil City Route 66 pickups are designed to capture the character of later-1960s Stratocaster sounds, offering slightly increased output, a smooth treble response and excellent articulation.

Hand-wound in the UK, the Route 66 set uses traditional plain-enamel pickup wire and features a slightly overwound bridge pickup, providing additional strength and balance in the bridge position.

The combination creates an appealing blend of late-1960s-inspired pickup tones and unmistakable 1970s Stratocaster styling.

A traditional five-way selector provides the familiar range of Stratocaster sounds, while the vintage-style synchronized tremolo offers expressive vibrato.

The maple neck features a 1970s U profile, 7.25-inch fingerboard radius and 21 vintage-style frets, making this an excellent choice for players who enjoy classic Fender neck dimensions.

This particular Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, weighs 7.96 lbs (approximately 3.61kg) and is supplied without a hardcase or gigbag.

The guitar carries serial number MZ8041586, consistent with Fender's 2008–2009 Mexican production period.

For guitarists seeking a distinctive vintage-style Stratocaster with boutique single-coil pickups and classic Fender character, this modified Classic Series '70s is an excellent choice.

At A Glance

Detail	Information
Brand	Fender
Model	Classic Series '70s Stratocaster
Finish	Natural
Fingerboard	Maple
Production Period	2008–2009 Serial Range
Country of Manufacture	Mexico
Modifications	Black Pickguard & Oil City Route 66 Pickups
Weight	7.96 lbs / 3.61kg
Condition	Very Good – Pre-Owned
Serial Number	MZ8041586
Case	No Case Included

Pre-Owned Condition Report

Very Good Condition

This Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster Natural is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

The guitar features its attractive Natural finish, maple fingerboard, oversized 1970s-style headstock and traditional Stratocaster body shape.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully for an accurate assessment of its individual cosmetic condition, including the body finish, neck, fingerboard, frets and hardware.

Upgraded Black Pickguard

The original pickguard has been replaced with a black pickguard.

This modification gives the guitar a distinctive appearance inspired by classic Natural-finished Stratocasters of the 1970s.

The contrast between the black pickguard, visible ash grain and maple neck creates an attractive vintage-style aesthetic.

Upgraded Oil City Route 66 Pickups

All three original pickups have been replaced with Oil City Route 66 single-coil pickups.

The installed set includes:

• Oil City Route 66 Neck Single-Coil

• Oil City Route 66 Middle Single-Coil

• Oil City Route 66 Bridge Single-Coil

These British-made pickups are inspired by later-1960s Stratocaster sounds and feature a smooth treble response with additional output compared with some lower-output vintage-style designs.

The bridge pickup is slightly overwound for increased strength and tonal balance.

This modification makes the guitar particularly appealing to players seeking boutique pickup tones in a traditional Fender Stratocaster.

Serial Number

MZ8041586

The MZ8 serial prefix corresponds to Fender's 2008–2009 Mexican production period.

Weight – 7.96 lbs

This guitar weighs 7.96 lbs (approximately 3.61kg).

Its manageable weight makes it comfortable for rehearsals, recording and live performances.

No Case Included

This guitar is supplied without a hardcase or gigbag.

A suitable Stratocaster case or gigbag is recommended for storage and transportation.

What's Included

• Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster Natural

• Installed Black Pickguard

• Installed Oil City Route 66 Pickup Set

• Tremolo Arm

Not Included: Hardcase or gigbag.

Service & Setup

The Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster features an adjustable bullet-style truss rod and vintage-style synchronized tremolo, allowing suitable adjustment of neck relief, string action, intonation and tremolo balance. The upgraded Oil City pickups can also be adjusted for height to achieve a suitable balance between the neck, middle and bridge positions. The traditional 7.25-inch fingerboard radius may benefit from careful action adjustment for players who use wide string bends. As with all guitars, setup can naturally change due to variations in humidity, temperature and other environmental conditions, potentially affecting neck relief, string action and overall playability.

Key Features

• Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster: Vintage-inspired Mexican-made electric guitar.

• Natural Finish: Highlights the attractive ash body grain.

• Solid Ash Body: Traditional 1970s Fender construction.

• Modified Black Pickguard: Distinctive vintage-inspired appearance.

• Three Oil City Route 66 Pickups: Boutique British-made single coils.

• Late-1960s-Inspired Pickup Voicing: Smooth highs and articulate response.

• Slightly Overwound Bridge Pickup: Improved tonal strength and balance.

• Plain-Enamel Pickup Wire: Traditional vintage-style pickup construction.

• One-Piece Maple Neck: Classic Fender appearance and playing feel.

• 1970s U Neck Profile: Substantial vintage-inspired neck shape.

• Maple Fingerboard: Traditional Stratocaster styling.

• 7.25-Inch Fingerboard Radius: Authentic vintage-style playing feel.

• 21 Vintage-Style Frets: Traditional Fender specification.

• 25.5-Inch Scale Length: Familiar Stratocaster string tension.

• Large 1970s-Style Headstock: Instantly recognisable styling.

• Bullet-Style Truss Rod Adjustment: Classic 1970s Fender detail.

• Three-Bolt Neck Plate: Traditional period-inspired construction.

• Five-Way Pickup Selector: Versatile single-coil sounds.

• Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo: Expressive vibrato capability.

• Tremolo Arm Included: Ready for classic Stratocaster vibrato techniques.

• F-Style Tuning Machines: Traditional 1970s Fender styling.

• Very Good Pre-Owned Condition: An attractive modified example.

• 7.96 lb Weight: Comfortable solid-body playing feel.

Why You'll Love It

This Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster offers an appealing combination of authentic vintage Fender styling and upgraded boutique pickup performance.

The Natural ash body, oversized headstock and substantial maple neck immediately evoke the appearance of classic Stratocasters from the 1970s.

The black pickguard further enhances this aesthetic, giving the guitar a striking appearance associated with some of the most recognisable Fender instruments of the era.

The upgraded Oil City Route 66 pickups are the most significant tonal feature.

Inspired by the sounds of the late 1960s, they provide the clarity, articulation and expressive character associated with traditional Stratocaster single coils.

Their slightly stronger output and smoother treble response make them particularly appealing for blues, classic rock, funk and expressive lead playing.

The overwound bridge pickup helps provide additional punch, making the bridge position particularly effective for overdriven rhythm guitar and lead work.

Combined with the vintage-style neck and tremolo, these upgrades create a guitar that offers familiar Fender character with its own distinctive voice.

Detailed Features & Benefits

Classic 1970s Stratocaster Design

The Classic Series '70s Stratocaster recreates the distinctive styling and construction features associated with Fender guitars from the 1970s. Its large headstock, three-bolt neck plate, bullet-style truss rod adjustment and U-shaped maple neck give it an unmistakable period-inspired appearance. These details make the guitar particularly appealing to enthusiasts of vintage Fender designs.

Solid Ash Body

The guitar features a solid ash body, a tonewood closely associated with Natural-finished Fender instruments from the 1970s. Ash provides a balanced tonal foundation with articulate highs and a strong, defined response. The Natural finish allows the attractive grain of the wood to remain visible, contributing to the guitar's traditional appearance.

Natural Finish with Black Pickguard

The original pickguard has been replaced with a black example, creating a distinctive visual combination with the Natural body and maple neck. This aesthetic is particularly associated with classic 1970s Fender guitars, giving the instrument a bold but understated appearance.

One-Piece Maple Neck

The Classic Series '70s Stratocaster features a one-piece maple neck and fingerboard, following the traditional construction associated with vintage Fender instruments. Its substantial U-shaped profile provides a reassuring playing feel, particularly for players who appreciate larger neck dimensions. The maple fingerboard offers a smooth, familiar playing surface for rhythm and lead guitar.

Vintage 7.25-Inch Fingerboard Radius

The fingerboard features a traditional 7.25-inch radius, providing the curved playing surface associated with vintage Fender guitars. This design feels particularly comfortable for chord-based playing and traditional rhythm techniques. Players who frequently use wide string bends may prefer an appropriately adjusted action to accommodate the vintage radius.

21 Vintage-Style Frets

The guitar features 21 vintage-style frets, maintaining the familiar playing feel of traditional Fender Stratocasters. The smaller vintage fret profile provides a different response from modern jumbo frets and is particularly attractive to players who appreciate classic Fender specifications.

Large 1970s-Style Headstock

The oversized headstock is one of the defining visual features of 1970s Stratocasters. It creates an unmistakable silhouette and is complemented by the model's period-inspired F-style tuning machines and traditional Fender decal.

Three-Bolt Neck Plate

The Classic Series '70s Stratocaster uses a three-bolt neck attachment inspired by the construction Fender introduced during the 1970s. This is an important identifying feature of the model and contributes to its authentic period-inspired specification.

Oil City Route 66 Neck Pickup

The Oil City Route 66 neck pickup provides the smooth, expressive sound associated with traditional late-1960s Stratocaster designs. Its articulate response is particularly effective for blues leads, clean melodic playing and warm rhythm tones. The slightly increased output provides additional presence while retaining the clarity of a vintage-inspired single coil.

Oil City Route 66 Middle Pickup

The Route 66 middle pickup complements the neck and bridge pickups with a balanced response suitable for rhythm playing. When combined with neighbouring pickups through the five-way selector, it provides the distinctive blended Stratocaster sounds associated with funk, pop and clean rhythm guitar.

Oil City Route 66 Bridge Pickup

The Route 66 bridge pickup features a slightly overwound design intended to provide additional output and tonal strength. This helps balance the naturally bright character of the Stratocaster bridge position, producing a punchier response suitable for blues-rock, classic rock and expressive lead playing.

British-Made Boutique Pickups

Oil City Pickups is a British manufacturer known for hand-wound pickups designed to offer distinctive vintage-inspired sounds. The Route 66 set belongs to its Masterwound range, with an emphasis on traditional materials and carefully selected winding specifications. This makes the modification particularly attractive to musicians seeking boutique pickup performance.

Five-Way Pickup Switching

The Stratocaster's five-way pickup selector provides access to the neck, middle and bridge pickups individually, along with two combined settings. This familiar arrangement allows players to move between warm, rounded sounds, bright lead tones and the distinctive blended pickup character associated with traditional Stratocaster guitars.

Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo

The guitar features a vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, allowing expressive pitch modulation and traditional vibrato techniques. Its adjustable saddles and spring system provide flexibility for different playing preferences, while the six-screw mounting arrangement retains the familiar appearance of vintage Fender hardware.

Excellent for Blues & Classic Rock

The combination of vintage Fender construction and Oil City Route 66 pickups makes this guitar particularly appealing for blues and classic rock. The neck pickup provides smooth, expressive tones, while the slightly overwound bridge pickup offers additional attack for driven rhythm work and sustaining leads. The traditional controls also make it easy to adjust the guitar's response directly from the instrument.

Who Is It For?

Vintage Fender Enthusiasts: Authentic 1970s-inspired styling and hardware.

Blues Guitarists: Expressive boutique single-coil tones.

Classic Rock Players: Punchy bridge pickup and traditional Stratocaster character.

Funk & Soul Musicians: Clear rhythm sounds and versatile pickup combinations.

Recording Guitarists: An interesting alternative to standard Fender pickup configurations.

Players Seeking Boutique Pickups: A complete Oil City Route 66 set already installed.

Guitarists Who Prefer Vintage Necks: Substantial U profile and traditional 7.25-inch fingerboard radius.

Playing Styles & Applications

The Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster is particularly suited to blues, classic rock, funk, soul, country, pop, indie and alternative music.

The Route 66 neck pickup provides warm, expressive lead tones.

The middle pickup offers articulate rhythm sounds, while the combined settings provide the familiar blended response of traditional Stratocasters.

The overwound bridge pickup is especially useful for blues-rock and classic rock, delivering additional punch and presence.

The vintage-style tremolo provides expressive vibrato for both rhythm and lead playing.

How It Compares

Modified Classic Series '70s vs Standard Classic Series '70s

A factory-specification Classic Series '70s Stratocaster features Fender vintage-style single-coil pickups and its original pickguard.

This example instead features a complete set of Oil City Route 66 pickups and a black replacement pickguard.

The modification gives the instrument a distinctive appearance and a different tonal character, particularly through the slightly overwound bridge pickup.

Classic Series '70s vs Fender Vintera II '70s Stratocaster

Both guitars draw inspiration from Fender's 1970s designs, including the larger headstock and vintage-style construction.

The Classic Series belongs to an earlier Mexican-made Fender range, while the Vintera II offers a more recent interpretation of vintage Stratocaster specifications.

This particular Classic Series example is further distinguished by its upgraded British-made pickups.

Classic Series '70s vs Fender Player Stratocaster

The Player Series offers a more contemporary Stratocaster specification, typically including a Modern C neck and flatter fingerboard radius.

The Classic Series '70s instead focuses on vintage features such as the U-shaped neck, 7.25-inch radius and 1970s-style hardware.

Players seeking a traditional Fender playing experience may particularly appreciate the Classic Series.

Fender Classic Series Heritage

The Fender Stratocaster was introduced in 1954, becoming one of the most influential electric guitars in modern music.

During the 1970s, the Stratocaster developed several distinctive features, including a larger headstock, three-bolt neck attachment and revised hardware.

These instruments became associated with generations of blues, rock and fusion musicians.

Fender's Mexican-made Classic Series was developed to recreate important instruments and design features from different periods of the company's history.

The Classic Series '70s Stratocaster celebrates that era through its ash body, substantial maple neck and period-inspired appointments.

This particular example combines that heritage with a modern boutique pickup upgrade, creating a distinctive variation on the classic design.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Electric Guitar
Brand	Fender
Model	Classic Series '70s Stratocaster
Series	Classic Series
Finish	Natural
Country of Manufacture	Mexico
Serial Number	MZ8041586
Serial Number Production Range	2008–2009
Body Shape	Stratocaster
Body Material	Ash
Body Construction	Solid Body
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Construction	Three-Bolt
Neck Profile	1970s U
Fingerboard Material	Maple
Fingerboard Radius	7.25" / 184mm
Fingerboard Inlays	Black Dots
Number of Frets	21
Fret Size	Vintage Style
Scale Length	25.5" / 648mm
Truss Rod	Bullet-Style Adjustment
Headstock	Large 1970s Style
Pickup Configuration	SSS
Neck Pickup	Oil City Route 66 Single-Coil
Middle Pickup	Oil City Route 66 Single-Coil
Bridge Pickup	Oil City Route 66 Single-Coil
Pickup Selector	Five-Way Blade
Controls	Master Volume, Two Tone
Pickguard	Black – Aftermarket
Bridge	Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo
Tuning Machines	Vintage-Style F-Stamped
Number of Strings	6
Electronics	Passive
Weight	7.96 lbs / Approx. 3.61kg
Condition	Very Good – Pre-Owned
Case	Not Included
Tremolo Arm	Included

Power Requirements

The Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster uses passive Oil City Route 66 single-coil pickups and does not require a battery or external power supply.

It connects to a suitable amplifier, effects processor or audio interface using a standard ¼-inch instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict

The Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster Natural with Maple Fingerboard is a fantastic choice for players seeking authentic 1970s Fender styling with the additional character of upgraded boutique single-coil pickups.

Its solid ash body, large headstock, U-shaped maple neck and vintage-style tremolo provide the traditional playing experience associated with classic Fender instruments.

The replacement black pickguard creates a striking visual contrast with the Natural finish, giving the guitar an unmistakable vintage-inspired appearance.

The Oil City Route 66 pickup set is the major attraction, offering late-1960s-inspired Stratocaster sounds with a smooth treble response and additional bridge pickup output.

This makes the guitar particularly appealing to blues, classic rock and expressive rhythm players.

This particular example is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, weighs 7.96 lbs, carries serial number MZ8041586 and comes with a tremolo arm but no case.

Best Suited For: Blues, classic rock, funk, vintage Fender enthusiasts and players seeking boutique single-coil tones.

Customers Usually Upgrade From: Fender Standard Stratocasters, Squier Classic Vibe models and conventional modern Stratocasters.

Most Commonly Paired With: Fender valve amplifiers, Marshall amplifiers, boutique overdrive pedals, compression, chorus, delay and reverb.

Our Tip: The Oil City Route 66 bridge pickup is slightly overwound, so try pairing it with a lightly driven valve amplifier for a stronger, more rounded Stratocaster lead sound.

Showroom Advice: The vintage 7.25-inch fingerboard radius and substantial U-shaped neck are important aspects of the playing experience. They're particularly appealing to guitarists who prefer older Fender neck specifications rather than modern flatter profiles.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying a pre-owned Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster from Fair Deal Music provides an opportunity to own a distinctive vintage-inspired Fender with upgraded British-made pickups.

Our experienced team understands the importance of clear condition descriptions, accurate model information and transparent details about modifications and included accessories.

This particular guitar is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, weighs 7.96 lbs, carries serial number MZ8041586 and features an upgraded black pickguard with Oil City Route 66 pickups.

Warranty, Returns & Delivery

This is a pre-owned electric guitar, with its condition, modifications and accessories detailed above.

Applicable warranty and returns arrangements are governed by Fair Deal Music's current terms, with available UK delivery and showroom collection options provided at checkout.

As no case is included, a suitable protective case or gigbag is recommended for transportation and storage.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Based in Birmingham, Fair Deal Music specialises in new, used, vintage and collectable guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects pedals, keyboards and professional audio equipment.

Our experienced team of musicians provides knowledgeable advice and personal service, helping customers find instruments suited to their playing styles and requirements.

Customers benefit from competitive pricing, UK delivery options, our Birmingham showroom and part-exchange services.

Part Exchange – Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of musical equipment, including Fender Stratocasters, vintage-inspired guitars, modified instruments, basses, amplifiers and effects pedals.

Your existing equipment could help towards the cost of this Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster in?

It is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

Does it come with a case?

No. A hardcase or gigbag is not included.

Is the tremolo arm included?

Yes.

How much does it weigh?

7.96 lbs, approximately 3.61kg.

What is the serial number?

MZ8041586.

What year was it manufactured?

The MZ8 serial prefix corresponds to Fender's 2008–2009 Mexican production period.

Where was the guitar manufactured?

Mexico.

What finish does it have?

Natural.

Has the guitar been modified?

Yes. It features a replacement black pickguard and a complete set of Oil City Route 66 pickups.

Are the original Fender pickups installed?

No. All three pickups have been replaced with Oil City Route 66 single coils.

What are Oil City Route 66 pickups?

British-made, vintage-inspired Stratocaster pickups designed to capture the sound of later-1960s single coils.

Are the pickups hand-wound?

The Route 66 set belongs to Oil City's Masterwound range, which is produced using traditional hand-winding methods.

Does the bridge pickup have a higher output?

Yes. The Route 66 bridge pickup is slightly overwound for additional strength and balance.

What is the body made from?

Ash.

What is the neck made from?

Maple.

What neck profile does it have?

A 1970s-style U profile.

What is the fingerboard radius?

7.25 inches.

How many frets does it have?

21 vintage-style frets.

What is the scale length?

25.5 inches.

Does it have the large 1970s headstock?

Yes.

Does it have a three-bolt neck?

Yes. This is part of the Classic Series '70s specification.

Does it have a vintage-style tremolo?

Yes.

Does it require a battery?

No. The Oil City pickups are passive.

Is it suitable for blues?

Yes. The Route 66 pickups are particularly appealing for expressive blues tones.

Can it be used for classic rock?

Yes. The slightly overwound bridge pickup works particularly well with overdriven amplifiers.

Is it suitable for funk?

Yes. The traditional Stratocaster pickup layout provides articulate rhythm sounds.

Can I part-exchange another guitar towards this Fender?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers selected guitars and other musical equipment for part exchange.