Jimi Hendrix’s 1964-1965 Fender Jazzmaster

Jimi was seen playing this guitar during a gig with King Curtis & the Kingpins in May 1966. Given that this is the only time he was ever seen with it, it is possible that the guitar was borrowed. To further point out that that could be the case, note that the strap button was not moved to the bottom as it would be if the Jazzmaster was converted permanently to left-handed playing.

There are a few things to point out about the guitar, based on the photos available. It was likely made before mid-1965, as Fender started adding white binding around the neck on models made in late 1965. Additionally, the guitar seems to have the (at that time) new knobs, which were fitted on Jazzmasters from around mid-1965. [GuitarHQ – The Fender Jazzmaster]

While we don’t know for sure if Jimi owned this guitar, it’s clear that he was drawn to the Jazzmaster model in these early years, and his impact on the instrument’s popularity is undeniable. Whether borrowed or owned, this guitar is yet another piece of the Jimi Hendrix guitar legacy that continues to fascinate and inspire musicians and fans alike.