Left Handed Guitars

Made in the U.S.A.

1997 Fender Jimi Hendrix Tribute Stratocaster

Yes, you're not seeing things, and the photos aren't reversed.  Fender took a left handed re-issue '68 (or-so) Strat, changed the neck plate to 4-bolt configuration, embossed Jimi's bust upon it, dropped the side-marker dots on the treble side of the neck, screwed the strap post on the short horn, strung the thing for a righty, and applied the head stock logos in reverse.  The legend is that this was so righties could stand in the mirror and pretend to be Hendrix. 

Yes, that is lame, but who really knows?

What I do know is that this guitar is a solid reason example of why the good American Strats are so sought after, even when they're not super-special, maximum-mojo units like this.  I've had a few Strats, and this one has pretty hot pickups, and a really resonant body and neck.  As far as I can tell, Fender used all nickel-plated hardware, as it oxidizes like nobody's business (unlike chrome).

Now for my own influence upon this music machine:

Before I even took this baby home, I had the luthier (the late, great Gary Cooper) at my dealer, Skip's Music, cut a new bone nut, relocate the strap post, and re-string it.  So there's that.  Then, the bridge screws (the six in front of the saddles that hold the plate down) turned green and "grew" this furry white corrosion on them.  After finding what I thought would be more corrosion-resistant replacements, I replaced 'em.  They're still kinda sketchy, which I attribute to electrolytic action and the design of the guitar, as my Gibsons don't do the same thing, and neither of my other Strats did the same thing.  Also, the original trem arm was cross-threaded by someone in the guitar store, and I couldn't get it out without snapping it off.  So I bought a duplicate arm and bridge block and replaced them.  Other than that, she's stock.  And a beaut.

The condition is superb, with very few noticable imperfections (like the slight spider-webbing on the pickguard when held the right way in the light).  I have a whole bunch of pics, so let me know if you'd like me to e-mail 'em to you.  In fact, I implore you to do so for confidence's sake.  The case's accessory compartment has a little tab on the lid snap which has torn off, but is still functional.  The outside of the case has a few scuffs, but it's remarkably clean for a case which was gigged.

So I've had this sucker for the past 13 years, using it on the only the last two, for one surf song in my band's repertoire.  It works wonderfully, but I just have never been a Fender guy.  I'm a lefty, and love crazy rarities like this, but I just don't want it as much as I should.  However, if the reserve seems high, it's because I believe that this is guitar is worth the price simply because of its quality.  The other attributes are merely icing on the cake.

The curly cord, hang tags, packages for accessories, strap, adjustment allen wrench, and even the decal that was on the protective plastic are included.

There is a UPS store by my house where the manager has come to be a pretty fond friend of mine.  The stuff I ship out of that place is always packaged with the utmost attention, fully insured, and meticulously cared for.  The prep for this guitar will be no exception.  I won't charge you any more than UPS charges me for shipping, and I will get you an accurate total after the bidding ends.

Good luck!