Fender Jimi Hendrix Strat OWH

Fender Jimi Hendrix Strat OWH review

The Fender Jimi Hendrix Strat OWH is a signature electric guitar built around a familiar Strat-style layout with a reversed headstock and a reversed bridge pickup. Its Olympic White finish, aged-looking plastic parts, and Jimi Hendrix signature on the back of the headstock give it a distinctive appearance. The technical choices also shape how it feels and sounds, so the appeal goes beyond the signature details.

The listed price is 1189. The model has been available since October 2015 and includes a gig bag, but not a hard case. Its alder body is paired with a maple neck and maple fingerboard. The neck has a C profile, a 9.5-inch fingerboard radius, and 21 medium jumbo frets. Scale length is 648 mm, and the nut is synthetic bone.

Reversed layout, familiar controls

The reversed headstock is the most visible change from a standard right-handed Stratocaster. With the guitar played in its intended orientation, the bass strings run farther along the headstock than usual. Players report a distinct string feel, especially when bending, though the effect will depend on technique and setup. The headstock also carries Hendrix's signature on its rear face.

The bridge pickup is reversed as well. That placement contributes to the model's characteristic bridge sound, which owners often describe as sharper, more forceful, and somewhat quieter than the other pickup positions. The guitar has three vintage-style 1965 Strat single-coil pickups, a five-way switch, and a synchronized tremolo. The pickup set is not high-output, so it is better suited to clear, responsive playing than to producing heavy distortion on its own.

Reports consistently praise the clean tones, with descriptions ranging from bell-like and defined to bright and glassy. The in-between switch positions add further shades, while the neck pickup is often singled out for blues and rounded lead lines. With overdrive, fuzz, or a crunchy amplifier setting, the sound can become more aggressive without losing the single-coil character. The reversed bridge pickup can be especially prominent in that role. Results vary with amplifier settings, effects, and playing style.

Playing feel and setup

Owners commonly find the maple C-profile neck comfortable and quick to play. Several describe bends and vibrato as natural, and the 9.5-inch radius offers a familiar playing surface for many Strat players. The included factory string set is Fender 250L nickel-plated steel, in a.010 to.046 gauge. Some players replace the strings or adjust the action, tremolo, and intonation to suit their preferences.

Setup quality is not completely consistent across owner reports. Some instruments arrived ready to play, with stable tuning and good intonation. Others needed adjustments, and a number of players mention fret ends that feel sharp or extend slightly beyond the fingerboard edges. These reports do not establish a problem with every guitar, but they make a careful inspection and setup worthwhile, particularly if you are buying online.

The synchronized tremolo receives positive comments from players who use it moderately. Several report good tuning stability, while others describe tuning problems after extended bends or tremolo use. A reversed headstock does not guarantee that an instrument will stay in tune, and the nut, string installation, and setup still matter. Check the tremolo and tuning behavior on the individual guitar rather than relying on the model's reputation.

Where it fits, and what to check

This Strat is at home with blues, classic rock, funk, and other styles that benefit from articulate single-coil tones. It can handle effects and stronger overdrive, but players seeking a purpose-built high-gain guitar may prefer a different pickup design. Reviewers often describe its vintage-flavored response as lively and dynamic, especially with an amplifier set to clean or moderate crunch.

Two practical points deserve attention. First, some owners report background electrical noise, particularly with distortion or other high-gain settings. That is a consideration with single-coil pickups, and shielding or other changes may help, but such work is not listed as a factory feature. Second, the included gig bag is convenient for storage and light transport, but buyers wanting more protection should consider a separate hard case.

The finish and aged-looking hardware are central to the guitar's visual character. Olympic White, the large reversed headstock, and the pickup angle make it stand out from a conventional Strat without changing the basic control layout. The result is recognizable, though the look is a matter of taste.

Verdict

The Fender Jimi Hendrix Strat OWH combines a familiar Strat-style platform with a reversed headstock, a distinctive bridge pickup position, and vintage-style single-coil tones. Its comfortable maple neck and broad range of clean and overdriven sounds are frequent strengths in owner feedback. Setup and fret-end finish can vary, and the single coils may produce noticeable noise in some environments. For players drawn to Hendrix's guitar layout or looking for a versatile, vintage-voiced Strat, this model has a clear identity. Check the setup, tremolo function, and fret edges before committing.