Hendrix Neck

Has anyone tried a reverse headstock strat neck? Advantages/ disadvantages?

Because you are altering the 'standard' length of each string beyond the nut, there will be a difference in string tension, tonal character and 'feel' (more/less stiff) on each string.

What was biggest gripe on it?

My gripes with that neck were worst of all, it had too small frets, but that has nothing to do with the reverse headstock.

As far as the headstock goes, I'm used to having the low 'E' tuner closest to the nut from years of playing normal Strats and I'm used to grabbing the tuners by feel rather than looking at them. With the reverse headstock the low 'E' is farthest away from the nut and I found myself tuning the wrong string more often than I liked. This probably wouldn't be as much of a problem for somebody without the ingrained habits that I have.

The neck I'm looking at has 6100 frets on it. The temptation of Dave begins

Theres no difference in the way it plays or feels regardless of the string length beyond the nut. If you have any string break angle at the nut like you should(string trees)then its as if the string ended there. It seems like it would be a pain in the ass to tune since the tuners are on the bottom and it changes how you bend your wrist to twist em.All disadvantage with no advantage I can see. I'd imagine that Hendrix did it because he had no choice and not because it looked cool

Has anyone tried a reverse headstock strat neck? Advantages/

Ya hadda ask.

I've been playing a Hendrix Tribute Strat (a '68 reissue made in '97) as my main ax since '98, and I love it. This is a left-handed guitar, set up for a right-handed player, the mirror image of the guitar he played most during the last year or so of his life (the one in 'Woodstock'.

There is NO difference in the string tension because of the different string lengths beyond the nut. This is a complete myth. Tell your friends.

The tuners on the bottom side of the head are a bit awkward at first, but you get used to them pretty quickly. Restringing is also a bit clumsy; the easiest way is to wear the guitar on its strap, and face the guitar towards you.

One concession they did make on this guitar is to put the little position dots on the upper side of the neck for a right-handed player, and I'm glad they did!

The balance is just a bit neck-heavy because the strap button is mounted to a shorter bout. This would be annoying if one were to use a slippery nylon strap, but with a decent leather strap, it's not a problem at all. Sitting down and playing it resting on your leg presents no problem.

Access to the upper frets is rather limiting, but really no worse than a Les Paul. Hendrix's long fingers could reach all the way up to the last fret, but I sure can't. It's better if I don't spend much time playing those 'mouse notes' anyway.

I like the vibrato handle coming off the top side of the bridge assembly better than the regular way. I believe my hand can find it easier.

And I actually like the volume control on the top side better. On a regular Strat, I am constantly bumping the volume off; not a problem here. The middle pup tone control is a bit in the way of your forearm, though, and that is constantly being turned down inadvertently. I should just take it out of there, as I never use it anyway.

But overall, I like the guitar just fine. It has its quirks, but is remarkably comfortable. It constantly reminds me that, while I still can't play like Jimi, at least the guitar is no excuse! It definitely gets some looks, and allows me to feel a bit unique.

By the time he was well-known, Hendrix undoubtedly could have had a left-handed version made of anything he wanted (Gibson made him a real nice left-handed V), but the upside-down Strat had become a part of his unique image, and that can indeed be a valuable thing to consider.

And, it may be just a bit more collectable than any other Strat in its price range. They didn't sell all that well, and Fender stopped making them after a year or so. I got mine at dealer cost because the store needed to move it.

The same store sold me a Rick 331 Light Show Stereo for $200 back in '72, because it was just too weird for anyone else.

Except me, of course...