Jimi Hendrix Model Stratocaster® Guitars Planned

July 12, 1996 -- Fender Musical Instruments and Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. (the family of Jimi Hendrix) have announced an agreement to release two special Jimi Hendrix model Stratocaster guitars in 1996 and 1997. These are the first Fender guitars to be authorized by the late rock guitarist's estate since his untimely death in 1970. The two companies will also co-sponsor a nationwide Jimi Hendrix Electric Guitar Competition, culminating October 19th at the Jimi Hendrix Tribute Concert in New York's Madison Square Garden. The backdrop for the event will be the week long Jimi Hendrix Festival occurring in New York October 13th-20th.

This fall, Fender will unveil the first limited edition (200) Jimi Hendrix Model Commemorative Stratocaster built by the Fender Custom Shop in Corona, California. This guitar will honor the late guitarist's explosive performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival. According to Fender's Joe Carducci, "When Jimi first walked on stage at Monterey on June 18, 1967, he received a lukewarm reception from the audience. But by the time he'd finished his performance, the crowd had gone wild with enthusiasm and Jimi had changed the course of rock 'n' roll history forever."

In early 1997, Fender will begin production of a "Tribute" Stratocaster to be made in the company's Corona, California factory. Other notable artist guitars produced in the Corona factory include the Eric Clapton Stratocaster, the Bonnie Raitt Stratocaster and the Waylon Jennings Telecaster.

The Jimi Hendrix Electric Guitar Competition, which includes preliminary events to be held in 13 U.S. cities during August and September of this year, will ultimately select one finalist from 13 regions who will perform onstage in a tribute concert at Madison Square Garden in New York. The first place winner will receive a hand-built, pre-production model of the Jimi Hendrix Tribute Stratocaster and a $5,000 cash prize.

Jimi's sister, Janie Hendrix-Wright of Experience Hendrix, concluded "Jimi really loved his Fender Stratocaster. They were much more than just another guitar to him...they were definitely his instrument of choice. It's only natural that we would have an association with Fender. We are really looking forward to working together with the people at Fender."

"For almost 30 years, Jimi has been unofficially associated with Fender Stratocasters and has influenced countless thousands of guitar players," observed Jack Shelton, senior vice president of marketing at Fender. "I think nearly every electric guitar player thinks of Jimi whenever they see a white Strat. He's made a huge impact on our company and on the world. We're very honored and excited to be able, after all these years, to officially recognize Jimi's contributions."

For more information, visit their web site at www.fender.com.