This unusual Strat was used around late 1967. It was first seen at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on August 18, 1967, and less than ten days later, it appeared again at the Saville Theater in London.
From that point, it was played on a few more occasions, but not as often as Jimi’s main white Strat with a white pickguard. This guitar seemed to be one Jimi used primarily at the end of his sets for his signature routine of smashing it against a Marshall stack. One such instance occurred at the Blackpool Opera House on November 25, 1967, which is also likely the last time this guitar was seen on stage.
The Unusual Specs
What’s unusual about this guitar is the combination of its specs. While there were a good number of white Stratocasters produced in the early ’60s, very few were shipped with a tortoiseshell pickguard. Today, guitars with this combination are extremely rare. Even without considering the unique pickguard, 1964, when Jimi’s guitar was likely made, is widely regarded as one of the best years for Stratocasters. According to Reverb’s price guide, a regular Olympic White 1964 Stratocaster is valued between $14,000 and $19,000. Of course, Jimi paid only a fraction of that when he purchased the guitar, presumably in 1967.
If the guitar was indeed stock, and the pickguard wasn’t added later, it would have been an exceptionally rare piece—one that wouldn’t be too hard to track down if it ever resurfaced.
Note: The photo above was most likely taken on August 27, 1967, not October 8, 1967, as listed on the website. Hendrix played at the Saville Theater on both dates, and Miki Slingsby photographed both performances. However, by comparing the clothing and stage setup, it seems the photos weren’t taken on the same date. You can compare the differences yourself by reviewing the galleries available at hagsphotography.com.
Hendrix Tortoise Shell Strat on Auction?
A guitar identical in appearance to this one went up for auction in 2011. According to the official auction page on Christie’s website, the guitar was owned by Gary Boyle of the Brian Auger Trinity and was borrowed by Hendrix on a few occasions between 1966 and 1967. Jimi allegedly used it during some early London gigs at The Scotch of St James, The Bag O’ Nails Club, and the Speakeasy.
However, it’s difficult to confirm that Jimi used a white Stratocaster with a tortoiseshell pickguard that early on, based on available photos. In all known images from late 1966, he is seen playing a white Stratocaster with a white pickguard—likely the same guitar he brought with him from the US. The most logical explanation is that Jimi used Gary Boyle’s guitar on a handful of occasions when he didn’t have his own guitar with him, such as during sit-ins with other bands. It wasn’t a guitar he regularly used.
Still, anything associated with Jimi inevitably fetches a higher price at auction. This guitar sold for $14,126, which is typical for a 1964 Stratocaster. However, Christie’s listing noted that this particular guitar had a replacement neck, which might have otherwise impacted its value. The guitar was ultimately purchased by the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, where it is now on display.
Interestingly, the display includes a photo of Hendrix backstage at the Hollywood Bowl in August 1967, placed alongside Gary’s guitar. This is misleading, as the guitar in the photo couldn’t have been Gary’s. By that point, Hendrix was back in the US and had enough money to purchase his own guitars. The connection between the two is purely coincidental, but this should help clear up any confusion.
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