John acquired this Strat sometime before the Stadium Arcadium tour. He reportedly used it frequently during rehearsals and possibly during the recording sessions for a few songs (source needed). It was also occasionally seen on tour, sometimes played by Josh Klinghoffer in the background.
Year of Manufacture
The guitar features a slab rosewood fretboard, which helps narrow down its production date. Slab fretboards were used on Stratocasters from 1959, when rosewood fretboards were introduced, until mid-1962, when Fender switched to a thinner veneer fretboard. This means the guitar was made between 1959 and 1962. JFEffects lists it as a 1961 model, which seems accurate.
Notably, this was John’s only Strat with a floating tremolo bridge, where the rear edge of the tremolo is raised off the body. This setup allows for pitch increases by pulling the tremolo bar upward, which tightens the strings and raises their pitch. However, the claim that John specifically used it for this purpose seems largely speculative and may originate from internet forums (source needed).
The Guitar Today
This Strat is now owned by Zach Irons, son of former RHCP drummer Jack Irons and guitarist for AWOLNATION. According to Christoph, John gave Zach guitar lessons early on, and the two became friends. Sometime after 2007, John gifted the guitar to Zach.
We met when I was younger when I was 14 or so. We shared the bond of a love for the guitar and our friendship grew from there. At the time I met him I wasn’t necessarily a fan. I didn’t really know his work or his playing. Flea had told me that I should sit down with him; he said that he was one of the best. So we set something up and it worked out. We just kind of hit it off.
I had such passion about the guitar, and seeing his ability at such a young age—I was at that age when my brain was like a sponge. I was so lucky to be there and be up close to his playing like that, and see his level of skill and professionalism and creative ability. It really helped form me into who I am today as a musician because of it.
Irontom: Zach Irons on ‘Partners,’ Opening for Red Hot Chili Peppers
Since Zach is left-handed, he made a few modifications to make the guitar playable. These included flipping the nut, adjusting the saddles, and removing the plastic control knobs to prevent accidental adjustments. Interestingly, photos show the guitar still has John’s original strap attached to it.
does anyone knows why did he stopped using this guitar midway through the Stadium Arcadium Tour? it was like one of his main guitars and suddenly he stopped playing it and eventually gave it to Klinghoffer for second guitar parts
john played it at austin 2022 so i guess it found its way home..i had to look it up as the lefty guitar strap button was still there and i thought maybe it was jimis guitar as he owned at least one alpine white
If we’re talking about the Austin City Limits gig, the white Strat that John played there is the guitar that people keep saying was Jimi’s. It’s not on the list here, but I’ll add it today.
No floating trem, https://www.youtube.com/embed/TVgbZk3cTcY?wmode=opaque&rel=0&modestbranding=1 on 0:28 you can clearly see it
Here is the vid of Zach playing the guitar with his band Irontom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJuSRuX78cY
You can definitely hear John’s influense on Zach’s playing style.
That guitar is now owned by Zach Irons, the son of former RHCP drummer Jack Irons. Apparently, John gave Zach guitar lessons and than gave it to him as a present.
Thanks. I’ll try to find some photos to feature here. Cheers.
You‘re welcome! Also worth to mention, Zach uses it as a left hander. I‘m not sure which modifications – if any – were made for that.
Love your website! :)
Cheers
Thanks Christoph! I just updated the info and I’m looking for photos of Zach with the guitar. Cheers.