Jimi Hendrix’s 1965 Fender Jaguar (Black)

According to Tappy Wright, Jimi Hendrix’s roadie, this 1965 Fender Jaguar (Serial Number: L65163) was given to Jimi by Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones just before the Monterey gig on June 8, 1967.

When I flew across from London to Monterey to bring Jimi over, Brian Jones came with us, as did one of the Animals. As we got there, Jones had the guitar with him and then gave Jimi that Jaguar guitar. […] It’s still in good condition. After Jimi left the guitar with me, I kept the guitar in the main office, so I had it re-strung. It was almost mandatory that you had a guitar lying around the office for the Rock n-Roll junkies. They automatically would pick up the guitar and start playing it. Hilton Valentine, Soft Machine, and other Rock Stars strummed this Fender.

From Tappy Wright’s letter of authenticity

Based on Tappy’s account, Jimi couldn’t use the guitar immediately because it was strung for a right-handed player. After returning to London, Tappy had it re-strung for left-handed play, and Jimi later used it at Olympic Studios in Barnes, England, sometime in October 1967, to record “Experiencing the Blues” and “Hound Dog.”

The Jaguar Auctioned

Tappy sold the guitar shortly before his death. According to online sources, it was sold to HollywoodMemorabilia.com, which may have acted as a middleman. The instrument was later purchased by an anonymous buyer for $125,455.99. [Jimi Hendrix Used Guitar Given To Him By Brian Jones-Provenance Roadie Tappy Wright — page now offline]

What’s unusual about this guitar is the lack of documentation. Aside from one poorly photoshopped image (shown below) and a couple of headstock close-ups, there are almost no photos of it. Given the attention Hendrix memorabilia typically receives, it’s odd that no major media outlets inquired about taking professional photos of this guitar.

Another issue is that all information about this guitar comes from one source: Tappy Wright. It was never photographed or filmed in Hendrix’s presence, and Jimi himself never mentioned receiving a guitar from Brian Jones.

Confusion With Another Jaguar

Further complicating the story is the existence of another Jaguar (finished in sunburst) owned by the Hard Rock Corporation. This guitar is accompanied by a nearly identical backstory, also claiming it was a gift from Brian Jones to Jimi Hendrix, despite looking entirely different. Logically, one of these guitars must be a fake.

According to a user named “Awstin” on the ShortScale forums, the plaque beneath the Hard Rock Jaguar reads:

These articles of clothing, along with this Fender Jaguar, were owned by the late, great Jimi Hendrix. Jimi wore this outfit in the summer of 1968. This Fender Jaguar was originally owned by the lead guitarist if the Rolling Stones, Brian Jones, who gave it to Jimi as a gift. After Brian’s death, Jimi did not play this jaguar again.

Jimi Hendrix’s Jaguar, Awstin, ShortScale.org