Fender Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster Olympic White MN

I had been thinking about buying this guitar for months and finally (after a lot of research) I pulled the trigger .. at first I was a little sceptical about how good this axe would be. I have been a Hendrix fan since I can’t remember and always wanted the upside down headstock just for aesthetics but after I read many reviews and watched many YT reviews, I found out that the headstock makes a real difference with tone and playability.. also the angle of the bridge pickup really makes the Hendrix tone come alive .. I can’t say enough about how pleased I am with the guitar .. All in all, if you buy this guitar, you won’t be disappointed as it ticks all the Hendrix boxes .. especially if you play it in conjunction with a fuzz face and a wha … just awesome!!

I recently purchased the Fender officially licensed Jimi Hendrix tribute Strat in Olympic White from Bax Music UK. Arrived in an unopened Fender Box inside the usual Fender gig bag. First impression was very surprising, I thought it might look a little weird with its lefty neck and reverse slope on the bridge neck pickup on a right-handed body? However,although these certainly provide visual talking points,the main event is reserved for the playability and tones of this versatile beauty. One of the flattest 'C' shape Maple neck I have played gave me confidence to go for those Jimi bends,all achieved without choking off (er..too much, more my poor technique than the axe!) I noticed a difference in the play straight away,smother runs and ability to return to pitch after a bit of Whammy bar posing. I can see why Fender opted for a much - easier to tackle - right-hand body. It doesn't stop there, this Strat keeps faith with those axes of the Jimi period, with classic slotted tuning pegs on a larger and to my eyes flatter headstock, together with period Fender logo and Jimi's signature on the reverse all conspire to look cool. Practically speaking, it was noticeable that it added some audible sustain to the overall sound, I use 009's, and they really ring out on this guitar at all pickup selections: That's on a not totally period 5 way selector by the way!
Beyond the Hendrix tones this guitar is a work horse of tonality where Stetson Hat, Fedora wearing, Surfer dudes and Pop princesses (I've got one indoors) can happily and safely cover themselves with glory with this plank. Especially if you're putting it through a decent amp modeller rig.
It needed a little set up, as expected, but I wasn't expecting to do a little fret dress up the duster end of the neck though, even from a Mexican made Fender! But it was easily remedied with minimum wet and dry treatment. The string action needed a tweak too, as I said I like em' light. I would suggest to use as light a string as you can get away with, as this guitar demands chucking about a bit.
I originally got this as a second Strat come collector piece, however, with its unique looks, a first class finish throughout, attention to detail and all of the above, it's rapidly becoming a first choice option. All in all, at the price Bax Music is offering it for it's a steal and once set up definitely one of the best, most playable, cool looking Mexican Strats you will find. Together with official Experience Hendrix backing can only be a winner, Stop Fender and buy one!
Steve Raines.