Washburn Type 9 Acoustic Guitar Formerly Owned by Jimi Hendrix

The October 3, 1969 issue of LIFE magazine features a foldout cover featuring a ballet dancer and Jimi Hendrix, with a cover title of “Two arts, two visions: The grace of ballet. The tumult of Hendrix.” Inside, it features an article titled, “An Infinity of Jimis”, focusing on an interview with Hendrix by LIFE journalist Robin Richman (1945-2009) and kaleidoscopic photographs by photographer Raymundo de Larrain (1935-1988). In one of the images, Hendrix is featured standing and resting his hands on the headstock of this c. 1890s Washburn 1897 Style Type 9 acoustic guitar, which was the highest quality guitar Washburn produced that year. Hendrix is standing in front of an illustration of angel wings and his image is reflected infinitely with a kaleidoscopic effect. In the article, Jimi reflects on his life and career to date, and how “today he wants to abandon the excesses for the more spiritual, quiet region of life and music....” 

Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970) was an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter who gained mainstream prominence in the late 1960s with hits such as “Hey Joe,” “Purple Haze,” “All Along the Watchtower,” and “Fire,” and is now celebrated as one of the most influential electric guitarists of all time. 

Associated object: 1994.211.381 (LIFE magazine and Hendrix article]