By 1973, the now-classic CBS-era design cues had become standard spec and were widely used by rock, funk, fusion and prog players around the world. Meanwhile, weekly late night music television shows like Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert, In Concert and Midnight Special provided more exposure than ever for Fender instruments, further cementing the Stratocaster’s dominance as a pop culture phenomenon.

The American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster features a large headstock with dual string trees, as well as the heavier Bob Perine logo and flowing bold type, which became the standard throughout the 1970’s. True to the originals, the ash bodies on these models are meant to evoke and encapsulate the spirit of the ’70s.