Jimi Hendrix’s 1964-1965 Fender Jazzmaster

Chris standing up holding his daughter Elva

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.

Jimi Hendrix with King Curtis, May 5th, 1966 — King Curtis, Percy Sledge, Cornell Dupree, and Jimi Hendrix – Prelude Club NYC May 5th, 1966. Photo credit: William “PoPsie” Randolph. Prints available at www.popsiephotos.com

A few things to point about the guitar – based on the photos, it was likely made before mid-1965. This is based on the fact that Fender started adding white binding around the neck on models made from late 1965. Also, the guitar seems to have the (at that time) new knobs, which were fitted on Jazzmaster from around mid-1965. [GuitarHQ – The Fender Jazzmaster]

Jimi Hendrix & Wilson Picket, Prelude Club — Jimi Hendrix and Wilson Picket – Prelude Club, NYC, May 5th, 1966. Photo credit: William “PoPsie” Randolph. Prints available at www.popsiephotos.com

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