Fender MIJ Traditional 70's Stratocaster, Vintage White, Open Box Electric Guitar

This Item has been opened to check the quality; it may have some signs of damage, feel free to call up and ask about the instrument 0121 643 1685

Quick Product Summary

The Fender Made in Japan Traditional 70s Stratocaster in Vintage White – Ex-Display brings together unmistakable 1970s Fender styling, Japanese craftsmanship and a carefully balanced specification that combines traditional character with comfortable everyday playability.

Its gloss-finished ash body is paired with a maple “U”-shaped neck, maple fingerboard, 9.5-inch radius and 21 vintage-style frets. Three Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat® pickups retain the clear, expressive and immediately recognisable SSS Stratocaster sound, while the six-saddle synchronized tremolo and Fender Vintage “F” stamped tuners reinforce the guitar's distinctive '70s-inspired appearance.

Offered here as an Ex-Display example, this is a particularly attractive option for players looking for a Japanese-made Fender with genuine retro character, classic Stratocaster versatility and a specification that differs noticeably from Fender's more modern Player-series instruments.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Fender
Series	Made in Japan Traditional
Model	Traditional 70s Stratocaster®
Model Number	5381302341
Finish	Vintage White
Condition	Ex-Display
Body	Ash
Neck	Maple
Neck Profile	“U” Shape
Fingerboard	Maple
Pickups	3 x Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat®
Included	Gig Bag
Main Appeal	Japanese build quality with classic '70s Fender styling
Best For	Blues, rock, funk, indie, pop, country and classic Strat players

Ex-Display Condition Report

Condition: Ex-Display

This guitar has been used for display purposes rather than supplied as a completely untouched sealed-box example.

No specific cosmetic marks, faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied for this listing.

As an Ex-Display instrument, it will be checked by the Fair Deal Music team before leaving our Birmingham store to ensure the key functional areas are operating correctly.

For additional reassurance, ask our team about a video demo of the exact guitar before purchase.

What's Included?

• Fender Made in Japan Traditional 70s Stratocaster®, Vintage White

• Fender Gig Bag

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

This example is offered as Ex-Display.

No specific cosmetic blemishes or functional issues have been supplied for the listing, so we have deliberately not added speculative condition details.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Before leaving Fair Deal Music, this guitar will be checked across the key areas that matter to a player, including:

• Pickup and electronics operation

• Volume and tone controls

• Five-way pickup selector

• Output socket

• Tuning machines

• Tremolo and bridge hardware

• Neck and fret condition

• General structural condition

• Playability and basic setup

Our aim is to make sure the guitar is ready to be played and enjoyed when it reaches its new owner.

Service / Setup Work

This Stratocaster will be checked and set up as required before dispatch.

As with any guitar, setup can shift slightly during transportation because of changes in temperature and humidity. Small adjustments after delivery may occasionally be beneficial depending on climate, string preference and individual playing style.

Why Choose The Fender MIJ Traditional 70s Stratocaster?

Japanese Fender Craftsmanship

Fender's Made in Japan instruments have a strong reputation among players who appreciate precise construction and distinctive specifications. This Traditional model takes familiar Stratocaster ingredients and packages them into a guitar with a recognisably Japanese Fender identity rather than simply reproducing the specification of a current Mexican or American model.

Ash Body With Classic Vintage White Styling

The ash body is finished in gloss polyester and paired with Vintage White, maple and eggshell appointments for a distinctly retro appearance. It is a strong choice for players who want their Stratocaster to look recognisably influenced by Fender's 1970s period.

Substantial “U”-Shaped Maple Neck

The maple neck uses a “U” profile, giving it more substance through the hand than Fender's slimmer Modern “C” shape. It should particularly appeal to guitarists who prefer a neck they can properly feel rather than an especially thin contemporary profile.

Vintage Character Without A 7.25-Inch Radius

One of the most interesting features of this Japanese Traditional model is its 9.5-inch fingerboard radius. It retains the visual and structural influence of a '70s Strat while offering a flatter playing surface than the 7.25-inch radius found on Fender's more strictly vintage-inspired Vintera II '70s models.

Three Classic Stratocaster Pickup Voices

The Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat pickups provide the familiar SSS layout that has made the Stratocaster such a versatile instrument. Five-way switching covers everything from clear neck sounds and articulate bridge tones to the distinctive hollow character of the two combined-pickup settings.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Fender MIJ Traditional 70s Stratocaster vs Player II Stratocaster

The Player II Stratocaster is better suited to guitarists wanting a clearly modern Fender. Its Modern “C” neck, 22 medium-jumbo frets, rolled fingerboard edges and two-point tremolo make it particularly accessible for contemporary playing.

The MIJ Traditional takes a more old-school approach with its “U”-shaped neck, 21 vintage frets, '70s-inspired hardware and Japanese construction. Interestingly, both use a 9.5-inch fingerboard radius, so the MIJ offers vintage flavour without requiring the more curved radius found on many period-inspired Fenders.

Fender MIJ Traditional 70s Stratocaster vs Vintera II '70s Stratocaster

The Vintera II '70s Stratocaster goes further towards recreating the physical feel of the decade. Its '70s “U” neck is paired with a 7.25-inch radius fingerboard, vintage-tall frets and dedicated Vintage-Style '70s Strat pickups.

Choose the Vintera II if period-inspired fingerboard geometry is a priority. Choose the MIJ Traditional if you like the '70s aesthetic and fuller neck character but prefer the easier transition of a 9.5-inch radius.

Fender MIJ Traditional 70s Stratocaster vs American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster

The American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster sits further up Fender's vintage-focused range and takes the recreation concept considerably deeper with Pure Vintage '73 pickups and more period-specific American construction.

The MIJ Traditional offers a different balance. It retains recognisable '70s styling while making concessions towards contemporary usability, particularly with its 9.5-inch radius. It is a strong option for players who want vintage influence without needing the more uncompromising specification or higher investment associated with American Vintage II.

Who Is The Fender MIJ Traditional 70s Stratocaster For?

This Stratocaster is particularly well suited to:

• Players attracted to 1970s Fender styling

• Guitarists who appreciate Japanese-made Fender instruments

• Players who prefer a fuller “U”-shaped neck

• Guitarists who want vintage character with a 9.5-inch radius

• Blues and classic rock players

• Funk and soul rhythm guitarists

• Indie and alternative musicians

• Country and roots players

• Studio musicians needing traditional SSS Stratocaster versatility

• Players upgrading from Squier or entry-level Fender instruments

• Buyers looking for additional value from an Ex-Display guitar

Looking for advice on choosing between a Made in Japan Traditional, Player II, Vintera II or American Vintage II Stratocaster? Our experienced team of musicians can help you compare neck profiles, fingerboard radii and pickup configurations by phone, online or in our Birmingham showroom.

Suitable Genres And Playing Styles

Blues

The neck and neck/middle positions give you the responsive, rounded and glassy sounds that make an SSS Stratocaster such a natural fit for blues. The guitar responds well to dynamic playing and edge-of-breakup amplifier settings.

Classic Rock

Switch to the bridge or middle pickup, introduce overdrive and the Strat delivers the attack and definition required for rhythm work and expressive lead playing.

Funk & Soul

The bridge/middle and middle/neck positions offer crisp transient response and the characteristic scooped quality that works particularly well for clean rhythmic playing.

Indie & Alternative

Single-coil Strat pickups make an excellent platform for chorus, phaser, delay, reverb, fuzz and other effects. The guitar can stay articulate even when a pedalboard becomes more complex.

Country & Roots

The bridge pickup gives you the brighter response needed for clean picking and more percussive styles, while the other pickup positions provide useful alternatives for rhythm and lead work.

Recording

Five pickup settings make a Stratocaster extremely practical in the studio. Different positions can create enough tonal contrast to layer several guitar parts without immediately reaching for another instrument.

9.5-Inch Radius vs Vintage 7.25-Inch Fender: Which Is Right For You?

The 9.5-inch fingerboard radius is an important part of what makes this Made in Japan Traditional Stratocaster interesting. Fender's more historically focused instruments often use a 7.25-inch radius, creating a more noticeably curved fingerboard. A 9.5-inch board is flatter, making it a familiar choice for players accustomed to modern Fender guitars while still feeling recognisably like a Stratocaster.

That makes this model a particularly strong bridge between traditional styling and everyday usability. If you love the large-headstock, '70s-inspired Fender aesthetic but do not necessarily want an extremely vintage fingerboard feel, the MIJ Traditional specification makes a great deal of sense.

Story & Context

The Stratocaster began life in 1954, but Fender continued to evolve the design throughout the following decades. By the 1970s, Stratocasters had developed a visual identity that was clearly distinguishable from their '50s and early-'60s predecessors.

Features such as the larger headstock treatment, three-bolt neck construction and distinctive “F”-style tuning machines became closely associated with the CBS-era Stratocaster aesthetic. Those guitars have since developed their own following among players who want something visually and physically different from an early-'60s-inspired Strat.

The Made in Japan Traditional 70s Stratocaster draws on that period without attempting to make every specification rigidly vintage-correct. Its 9.5-inch radius is a good example: it retains much of the '70s visual character while making the fingerboard more familiar to players accustomed to modern Fender instruments.

That balance between Fender heritage and Japanese production is what gives the Traditional series its identity.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Name	Made in Japan Traditional 70s Stratocaster®
Model Number	5381302341
Series	Made in Japan Traditional
Orientation	Right-Handed
Colour	Vintage White
Body Shape	Stratocaster®
Body Material	Ash
Body Finish	Gloss Polyester
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Finish	Gloss Urethane
Neck Shape	“U” Shape
Fingerboard Material	Maple
Fingerboard Radius	9.5" / 241 mm
Scale Length	25.5" / 64.77 cm
Number Of Frets	21
Fret Size	Vintage
Position Inlays	Black Dot
Nut Material	Bone
Nut Width	1.615" / 41.02 mm
Bridge Pickup	Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat®
Middle Pickup	Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat®
Neck Pickup	Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat®
Pickup Configuration	SSS
Controls	Master Volume, Tone 1 Neck, Tone 2 Middle
Switching	5-Position Blade
Bridge	6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo
Tuning Machines	Fender® Vintage “F” Stamped
Hardware Finish	Nickel/Chrome
Neck Plate	3-Bolt
Pickguard	3-Ply Eggshell
Control Knobs	Eggshell
Switch Tip	Eggshell
Strings	Nickel Plated Steel .009-.042
Case / Gig Bag	Gig Bag
Condition	Ex-Display

Specification Note

Exact individual weight and serial number have not been supplied for this listing and have therefore not been estimated or added.

Power Requirements

The Fender Made in Japan Traditional 70s Stratocaster uses passive single-coil pickups, meaning no battery or external power supply is required.

Simply connect the guitar to a suitable guitar amplifier, modeller, audio interface or pedalboard using a standard instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Verdict 🎵

★★★★★ 5/5

The Fender Made in Japan Traditional 70s Stratocaster Vintage White hits an appealing middle ground. It looks and feels deliberately influenced by Fender's 1970s period, but the 9.5-inch radius makes it much easier for a modern Strat player to adapt to than some stricter vintage recreations.

The combination of an ash body, substantial “U” neck, maple fingerboard and classic SSS electronics gives the guitar plenty of traditional Fender identity, while its Made in Japan construction adds another reason to consider it over a conventional production Strat.

As an Ex-Display example, it is especially worth considering for the player who cares more about getting the right instrument and specification than receiving a completely untouched box-fresh guitar.

Best suited for: Players wanting '70s Fender character with a more accessible 9.5-inch fingerboard radius.

Customers usually upgrade from: Squier Classic Vibe Stratocasters, Fender Standard models and Player-series Stratocasters when looking for a more distinctive vintage-influenced Fender.

Most commonly paired with: Clean or edge-of-breakup valve amplifiers, modelling amps, overdrive, fuzz, compression, chorus, delay and reverb.

Our tip: Compare this directly with a Vintera II '70s Strat if possible. The difference between the MIJ's 9.5-inch radius and the Vintera II's 7.25-inch radius is likely to be more important to your buying decision than the visual similarities between them.

Showroom feedback: The fuller “U” neck gives this Strat plenty of character, but the 9.5-inch radius prevents it from feeling overly demanding for players moving across from modern Fender guitars. It is a strong combination for someone who wants the '70s look without sacrificing familiar playability.

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.

Our Birmingham showroom is backed by a knowledgeable musician-led team who understand guitars, amplifiers, effects and recording equipment and can help you choose the right equipment for your playing style and budget.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment

• Competitive prices on leading music brands

• Secure online ordering

• UK delivery available

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• A large Birmingham music showroom

• Decades of experience with both new and pre-owned musical equipment

Whether you're comparing different Stratocaster generations, looking for your first Japanese Fender or searching for something more distinctive than a standard Player model, our team is here to help.

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ex-Display mean?

This guitar has been used for display purposes rather than being supplied as a completely untouched sealed-box example. It will be checked by the Fair Deal Music team before leaving the shop.

How does the “U”-shaped neck feel?

The “U” shape gives the neck more shoulder and substance than Fender's slimmer Modern “C” profile. It is a particularly good choice for players who enjoy a supportive neck rather than an especially thin or flat-backed design.

Does the 9.5-inch radius make this easier to play than a vintage-spec Strat?

For many modern Fender players, yes. The 9.5-inch radius is flatter than a traditional 7.25-inch fingerboard, so players moving from Player-series and other contemporary Fender guitars should find the transition relatively familiar.

Are the pickups suitable for effects pedals?

Yes. Traditional Stratocaster single coils work extremely well with a broad range of effects, including compression, overdrive, fuzz, chorus, phaser, delay and reverb. Their natural clarity can help preserve note definition through more complex pedal chains.

Can the synchronized tremolo be adjusted to float?

Yes. A Stratocaster tremolo can be set differently depending on playing preference, including floating configurations for upward and downward pitch movement or firmer setups with the bridge sitting closer to the body.

Is the narrower 41.02 mm nut width noticeable?

It can be. Compared with many Fender guitars using a 42 mm or wider nut, the strings feel slightly closer together around the first few frets. Players with smaller hands or those who prefer a compact feel may particularly appreciate it.

Is this suitable for professional gigging and recording?

Yes. The traditional three-pickup Stratocaster layout is highly versatile for live and studio use, while the Made in Japan Traditional specification is aimed at players wanting a serious Fender instrument rather than an entry-level recreation.

Should I choose this or the Vintera II '70s Stratocaster?

Choose the MIJ Traditional 70s Stratocaster if you want Japanese manufacture, a 9.5-inch radius and vintage-style '70s character with somewhat more familiar modern playability. Choose the Vintera II if the more traditional 7.25-inch radius and dedicated '70s vintage specification are central to what you want.