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Jimi Hendrix Strat Sells at Auction for £237,000

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Jimi Hendrix Fender Strat Sells at Auction for £237,000 -

Jimi Hendrix cherished Fender Stratocaster has sold for just under a quarter of a million this past weekend.

The black and white Strat is the same guitar which Jimi 'burnt' on stage at the Monterey International Pop Festival back in 1967.

Hendrix famously poured lighter fluid over the instrument before striking a match and setting fire to the instrument. The image of a Hendrix knelt down with a guitar engulfed in flames in-front of him has become one of the most iconic rock images in history.

However, Hendrix was said to have been so fond of the Fender that he couldn't destroy it, and switched the guitars seconds before.

The guitar then fell into the hands of James 'Tappy' Wright, who was a manager at Hendrix's label home, Anim Limited.

The guitar was given a pre-sale estimate of £120,00 but sold for nearly double that amount after going under the hammer.

Mr Wright explained the story behind the 'stunt,' he said:

"The Who went on before Hendrix and Townshend smashed his guitar up and put the neck into the amp.

"Jimi was annoyed at this and asked for some lighter fuel. He just wanted to outdo Pete Townshend.

"He played the black guitar for most of the act and then right at the end he swapped it for a repaired one that he set fire to.

"At the time the black Fender was his favourite guitar and he didn't want to ruin it."

Mr Owen added:

"Hendrix only burnt two guitars in his career; the one at the Astoria and the one at Monterey.

"He used the black Fender for three quarters of the concert and he swapped it at the last minute.

"People who were there would have known of the swap and Hendrix fans may well be aware but it is not widely known."

The Black and White Fender Strat which belonged to Hendrix sold for £237,000 at London's Fame Bureau.

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