Fender 1976 Stratocaster Hardtail Sunburst EX-Chris Rea

Fender 1976. Stratocaster Hardtail in Three-Tone Sunburst Finish EX-Chris Rea

One Piece Ash Body.

All Maple Neck & Fretboard.

#714655.

Ex lot 385: The Guitar Auction, Gardiner Houlgate, June 2023. Sold then on behalf of Chris Rea’s former guitarist, Dave Burton.

Originally purchased new by Chris Rea from Hamilton's Music Store in Middlesbrough circa 1977, this 1976 Fender Stratocaster was used extensively throughout the early part of his recording career.

Chris Rea employed the guitar—tuned to E and often played with a slide—on his first two studio albums: Whatever Happened to Benny Santini (1978) and Deltics (1979).

The maple neck and out-of-phase toggle switch position contributed to a tighter tone, which Chris Rea found particularly suited to his style then.

By the time he began work on his third album Tennis (1979), Chris Rea had acquired his now-famous Fiesta Red 1962 Fender Stratocaster from John Deacon of Queen.

This earlier 1976 Stratocaster was subsequently handed over to his then-guitarist Dave Burton, who used it during the Tennis recording sessions at Chipping Norton Studios. Chris Rea can be seen playing this guitar live at the Théâtre de l'Empire, Paris, in April 1979, with Dave Burton also appearing alongside him as part of the live band.

Later, Dave Burton is seen playing the guitar in the official video for Tennis, filmed for German TV show Rockpop in 1979, by which point Chris Rea had begun using the Fiesta Red Stratocaster.

Chris Rea gifted the Stratocaster to Dave Burton in August 1980 at the conclusion of the final tour with the original Chris Rea band.

Chris Rea

Chris Rea

Chris Rea

Chris Rea

Dave Burton

1980, Chipping Norton studios control desk, Chris Rea with Barry Hammond the engineer (center) and Dave Burton (guitar). Photo by Mark Rea