1977 Strat Hardtail Ash

Just picked up a really nice 1977 strat, all original with original case. It has an interested grain pattern, tight in the middle, kind of spread out on the sides. Hardtail. How much do you think the hardtail affects the value one way or the other. Some say the 70's strats are inferior. I don't see it. I was proud of my pictures. Shot near sunset in my front yard.

it looks like a centre join, 2 piece body.. nice grain... maybe the end grain shot of the butt might confirm that..

I've got an 83 hard tail strat and it plays with more snap like a tele, with the 3 strat PU choices...

no trem, hard body.. a sound of it's own... not too many made.. still in good condition.. the more you play it, the more it might be worth to you..

.. they are nice shots with the afternoon yellow sun on the clear body...


enjoy..

It is a 2 piece body

I used to stash 3 screw Strats for awhile. I had 4-5 which I had purchased or traded for at good prices for me. I did have a late 70's hardtail SB and this one had the heavy Ash body. As I sold the group several years later I found they were not too popular, and the heavy ash even less so, and a hardtail was at the bottom of the list.
My favorite from the group was a lighter Swamp Ash Natural with factory bwb pickguard.

All that has ZERO to do with the quality of the guitar, IMHO some of this group has inferior pots and electroncis compared to the peak L years. That can easily be improved or updated for a keeper.

That is good looking guitar and if you work with the set up for a 3 screw it can be an excellent player. Congrats

Hardtails usually go for less than the trem models. Heavier ones go for less than the light ones.

That said i'm a big hardtail fan. My favourite guitar in the world is my 63 hardtail strat. i've never played any guitar that sounded as good.

http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h349/paulmantello/IMG_0260-1.jpg