Charvel PM SD PJ IV Bass Guitar Sonic Blue
Fender's historically accurate recreation of the large-headstock, 3-bolt neck CBS-era Stratocaster. Features period-correct Pure Vintage '73 pickups, bullet truss rod, and F-stamped tuners for players who want that specific mid-'70s Strat vibe—warts and all.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Pure Vintage '73 pickups nail the slightly hotter, darker tone of mid-'70s Strats
- +Large headstock provides improved sustain and resonance over earlier models
- +Historically accurate 3-bolt micro-tilt neck joint with proper setup actually works well
- +Aged Natural finish on ash body looks stunning and improves with age
- +U-shape neck profile is chunky and comfortable for rhythm playing
Cons
- −3-bolt neck joint and bullet truss rod have controversial reputations (even if functional)
- −Large headstock increases weight and can feel unbalanced compared to pre-CBS models
- −CBS-era appointments won't appeal to purists who worship pre-'65 Fenders
- −$2,680 is a lot to pay for the most maligned era of Strat production
The Verdict
This is Fender finally showing respect to the underdog CBS era, and the 90 EJ score reflects how well they executed it. The ’73 Strat has always been the weird middle child—not vintage enough for purists, not modern enough for shredders. But if you love Hendrix at Woodstock, Robin Trower, or Ritchie Blackmore’s mid-’70s tone, this is your guitar. Fender’s American Vintage II series proves the 3-bolt neck wasn’t the problem—cheap production was. At $2,680, you’re getting a superbly built instrument that happens to honor a controversial era. We respect the hell out of that. Just don’t expect it to sound like a ’59 or a ’64.
