I bought a 73 strat - I am not a Strat guy but I wanted one for a change from my usual HB equpiied guitars, and I wanted one around my birthdate year (1970). The one I got was alder, with a maple neck. Originally three colour burst. Very beat up, I restored it to its original beauty (but left the well worn neck) and put in a set of Fralin vintage - hots. Its a great guitar, although the neck pocket looks like it was routed with a dull bit

just slightly oversize.. it has excellent playability and sounds great. The neck feels exactly like my 52' reissue Tele.
I dont know too much about vintage strats but mine is pretty decent.
AJC