Does Fender's Hendrix range of Strats annoy anyone else?

[srblue5]

I get it that Jimi used right handed strats, turned upside down and restrung. So why does't fender just sell Lefty strats, strung as right handed? Even a right-handed version with right handed neck would be more accurate, it just doesn't make sense to me.

If someone wants an accurate Hendrix Strat then just flip one over, no special model from Fender needed.

I've wanted to do this for years, but more so as an homage to both Jimi and Joe Perry.

Then again, I should just focus on trying to play better.

 

[ElJay370]

I agree. Marketing teams hard at work. I once bought a lefty MIJ 68 reissue which I string righty so I could have the "Jimmy Hendrix Experience".

It sucked but it gave me another level of appreciation for what he was able to accomplish.

The reverse headstock is a half assed attempt to reach fans. Functionally I can't stand the tuners on the bottom of the headstock.

I played a few flipped over lefty Strats. You have to completely alter your playing style. Sort’ve hook your arm around behind the bridge. Awkward and uncomfortable as hell. It also made me appreciate Jimi’s skill at taking what was available and making it work for him.

I’d even heard that he was offered left handed Strats numerous times, but refused because he actually grew to prefer the flipped over ones.

 

[drmordo]

I agree. He played a off the shelf Strat, and the flipped headstock is irritating.

Conversely, I really wish Gibson would sell an somewhat affordable Hendrix Flying V. I would love to own one.

 

[Bruxist]

I H8 signature models! I'd rather play a Les Paul anyway.

The OG signature model!

 

[MichaelD83]

They did sell a lefty strung right Jimi Hendrix Tribute strat, back in 1997.

View attachment 1065254

Saw this at a small shop in Indianapolis (Reno’s music) in 1999 marked down to $400. It was NOS. I couldn’t afford it - not only that but probably couldn’t of played it

 

[Milspec]

I understand the mechanics of it. Both the elongated Bass strings and the reversed pickup.

What I'm saying is I went full on with a complete reversed guitar and there wasn't enough of a difference to be bothered with it.

Each to their own of course. The most overused phrase is "The Tone is in the hands" but IMO it's still a fairly accurate statement. You can buy all the identical gear but if you don't master the technique then it's for nothing. If you do have the technique then any gear even close will work.

View attachment 1065261
I own this guitar and this amp. Watch any of BB King's later live videos and he's running that guitar straight into that amp. The biggest difference between me and him is he was a World Class musician and I'm a hack.

If you dimed the controls like BB did, you might elevate your game

 

[fenderchamp]

I never saw the appeal of owning a copy of an idol's guitar. I would much rather take SRV's approach - simply take Hendrix tunes and techniques to another level entirely with a guitar you already own. But alas, I suck...

Stevie Ray Vaughan notably, in emulation of Hendrix had a lefty bridge installed on his Stratocaster. I don't know that the he took Hendrix's tunes and techniques to another level either. He certainly did a lot of things that Hendrix didn't, but, though many might disagree with me, and though I don't think anybody has done anything all that interesting as a blues player since Stevie Ray, and I would agree that he was a revolutionary guitarist, I don't think he ever surpassed Hendrix as a guitarist and certainly not as a creative force.

 

[Tele-friend]

I guess some people like reverse headed necks and that is why Fenders makes and sells them.
I prefer the regular (non reversed) ones.

 

[ahiddentableau]

News Flash: Jimi didn't play a signature model.


I H8 signature models! I'd rather play a Les Paul anyway.








heh heh

Good point, Mr. Goo. It's funny how that one always gets a pass. Apparently only pedants consider the LP a signature model.

 

[Buzzgrowl]

They are an excellent and cool idea, imho, especially if one had a Hendrix obsession in formative years. Yes, it's silly.

I made my own JH partscaster but I used quality parts (warmoth, fralin etc.) and modern specs, and spent a lot of time on the nut, frets and board edges.

The idea that it was my JH tribute and a wink at my youthful obsession motivated me to put in all the extra efffort.

 

[Twang Deluxe]

I really like Hendrix, but I don't like all those signature guitars and Pedals in general. Which in most cases isn't even period correct. It's mainly modern overpriced stuff. I also hate all that Bonamassa signature stuff.

I once tried a really nice MXR Fuzz. But the Hendrix picture on it was a dealbreaker for me.

All this stuff reminds me of footballshirts with famous players name on it worn by little boys who pretend to be Lionel Messi.

IMHO it looks so ridiculous when fat, balding, badly dressed, mediocre middle aged players (like me) buy this stuff and try to imitate Bonamassa, Hendrix or Stevie

 

[Fenderbaum]

Dont care about them. Love the music and the man, but he played just straight up generic Strats. So none does not interest me.
I can get Hendrix sound out of most guitars.

 

[stormsedge]

Actually flipping a righty electric guitar upside down and stringing it backwards is uncomfortable and awkward to play and nose divey.

This^^. I had a flipped-over lefty as a science experiment for a while...it was wonky. Fender's current model is a much better arrangement for a right hander. One of these days, I'll probably pick one up (if I don't win the one on a sister site next month ).

 

[Chubias]

I understand the mechanics of it. Both the elongated Bass strings and the reversed pickup.

What I'm saying is I went full on with a complete reversed guitar and there wasn't enough of a difference to be bothered with it.

Each to their own of course. The most overused phrase is "The Tone is in the hands" but IMO it's still a fairly accurate statement. You can buy all the identical gear but if you don't master the technique then it's for nothing. If you do have the technique then any gear even close will work.

View attachment 1065261
I own this guitar and this amp. Watch any of BB King's later live videos and he's running that guitar straight into that amp. The biggest difference between me and him is he was a World Class musician and I'm a hack.

I love this post.

 

[Dr Improbable]

Why not?

Different strokes for different folks. There's nothing about guitar designs I find annoying. I don't like, I don't buy.

 

[rze99]

No.
If you want a regular Strat get one.

Hendrix's tone had many technical factors; aside from his talent for a moment:

thin strings (10-38)
detuned
massive F-off old school Marshalls at full volume
hand made effects
flipped pickups = different magnet stagger
flipped neck=different tension neck.. and you do feel it a little.

 

[teletail]

On my list of things that annoy me, it sits right between world hunger and social injustice.

 

[Red Ryder]

There is a list as long as your arm of spectacular dead guitarist. Proclaiming anyone of them to be the best ever, that is annoying.

 

[Boreas]

Stevie Ray Vaughan notably, in emulation of Hendrix had a lefty bridge installed on his Stratocaster. I don't know that the he took Hendrix's tunes and techniques to another level either. He certainly did a lot of things that Hendrix didn't, but, though many might disagree with me, and though I don't think anybody has done anything all that interesting as a blues player since Stevie Ray, and I would agree that he was a revolutionary guitarist, I don't think he ever surpassed Hendrix as a guitarist and certainly not as a creative force.

Agree. My point was you don't need an expensive, look-alike guitar to emulate someone. The guitar doesn't create the music.

 

[paulblackford]

I only get annoyed if a pedal, or guitar is referenced by the manufacturer as a Hendrix 'signature' model. It's especially annoying when they actually print a replica of his signature on the product. I'm pretty sure Jimi didn't sign-off, or endorse your pedal, or guitar. Maybe they were channeling Jimi in the factory...