Jared James Nichols MAGIC on a 1966 Fender Stratocaster

www.frettedamer...
This first generation, large headstock Stratocaster weighs just 7.10 lbs. Solid alder body, contoured on back and lower bass bout. One-piece maple neck with a nut width of just over 1 5/8 inches, a scale length of 25 1/2 inches and a quite wonderful thick neck profile. Veneer rosewood fretboard with 21 original medium-jumbo frets and pearloid dot position markers. Single "butterfly" string tree with nylon spacer. Large headstock with 'Transition' logo with "Fender" in gold with black outline, "STRATOCASTER" in black beside it, "WITH SYNCHRONIZED TREMOLO" in black below it, and two patent numbers "2,741,146", "3,143,028" and "DES 169,062" below that. Individual 'double-line' Kluson Deluxe tuners with oval metal buttons and "D-169400 / Patent No." stamped on the underside. Four-bolt neck plate with serial number between the top two screws. Three single-coil light grey bottom pickups with staggered polepieces and nicely matched outputs of 6.41k, 5.90k, and 5.75k. The undersides of the pickups have "12-9-66", "12-9-66 11" and "11.28-66 1" written in ink. Three-layer plastic pickguard (white/black/white) with eleven screws and full-size aluminium 'shield' on the underside. Three controls (one volume, two tone) plus three-way selector switch, all on pickguard. White plastic Stratocaster knobs with greenish gold lettering. Fender "Synchronized Tremolo" combined bridge/tailpiece. The neck is stamped in purple "13 MAR 66 B"; the potentiometers are all stamped "304 6610" (Stackpole, March 1966). The top two corners of the white plastic tremolo cavity cover have broken off. There are a few small surface marks, mainly on the edges of the body. There is a surface chip measuring one inch by half of an inch on the edge near the jack input. There is some slight varnish wear/loss on the back of the neck, mainly behind the first seven frets. The original medium jumbo frets have been professionally dressed and the guitar plays exactly as it should. When we purchased the guitar from the previous owner (who had owned it for over forty years) we noticed that the bridge pickup was not reading correctly. We sent the guitar to our master luthier - Scott Lentz who has successfully recovered the pickup coil. The guitar looks, plays and sounds like a dream… In summary this wonderful first generation, large-headstock á la Jimi Hendrix Strat, is in exceptionally fine (9.00) condition. Complete with the original tremolo arm. Housed in its original Fender black hardshell case with black leather ends and dark orange plush lining (8.75).

[@TheBalboaReturnz]

Great player. Glad he's not trying to be someone he isnt. Hopefully we'll get to see something fresh and some cool guitars from FA again! Stoked!

[@frettedamericana]

I Have seen lots of comments and questions about the band segment. We ARE planning to add the band section back to the videos next session, I wanted for Jared to get acclimated to our production before we through the whole ball of wax on him out of the gate :) So glad to see the positive comments, and we can't wait to bring you more videos.... WHO KNOWS WHATS GOING TO HAPPEN WHEN PHIL GETS OFF TOUR WITH THAT OTHER BAND!! Thanks to you all for welcoming Jared aboard -Dustin

[@johnvrabec9747]

I can imagine a JJN and Phil X dueling axes with the Drills ;)

[@YuriTNFL]

The best thing about Jared is that he's being himself, and not trying to copy Phil X! And he's a hell of a good player, and a cool dude! Keep rockin', man!

[@JJNicholsMusic]

Thanks you brother, cheers! JJN

[@lewisharteveldt5917]

Outstanding! I'm all for Phil X, but WHAT A REPLACEMENT! frettedamericana has chosen so so perfectly

[@JJNicholsMusic]

Thank you! JJN

[@barrybeakdriver]

it would be cool if both phil and jared could do guitar demos on the channel, they each bring their own thing really

[@frettedamericana]

we are going to try and make that happen!

[@StairwayToEvan92]

thumbs up for the Robin Trower shoutout

[@morddas]

No doubt! Robin is probably the most uderrated guitar player in history. Always great to hear him in the company of the greats he should definitely be included with!

[@danteasher1376]

you probably dont give a shit but if you are bored like me atm then you can stream pretty much all the latest series on InstaFlixxer. I've been watching with my gf for the last couple of months xD

[@danieljulius1818]

@Dante Asher yup, been watching on InstaFlixxer for since november myself :D

[@CigarsNTequila]

AWESOME Job Jared. That axe is killer. Wow. Can't deny the beautiful tone of a strat! Amazing SRV rendition. Spot on man. Nailed it

[@doctorbonkers1]

@JJNIcholsMusic : I really appreciate the little chord lesson there and the trick with the wah. Cool stuff!

[@aquabot]

Glad to see new videos; And a new guy.

[@johnkramer7161]

Phil will be back.

[@Tim.Pierce]

yea Phil is on vacation touring in Bon Jovi's band.. but wouldn't mind seeing more vids with Jared :)

[@Isaac_howell]

Man the more i watch of this guy the more i appreciate his killer playing

[@grewejames1]

Damn! That guitar will never be the same. Welcome back FrettedAmericana!

[@niklas9400]

He played some sick Hendrix on that strat! Cheers to you Jared, much appreciated! Glad you're on frettedamericana

[@rockdinosaur666]

Saw him live supporting Glen Hughes and he was superb. Great player with a wonderful feel and tone and a great voice to boot.

[@njkf]

that SRV cover sold me

[@morddas]

Yeah, it was pretty impressive how he got the rake without a pick!

[@TheMickkcim]

How much better is this guy he can actually sing doesn't make my ears bleed

[@johnschwarzkopf]

Dude! My band The Darners opened for him at the MN Saloon in March 2014 when we were all a bunch of nobodies (well, some of us continue to be a bunch of nobodies). It's great to see Jared getting the recognition he deserves. We played for band girlfriends and about 15 middle aged alcoholics in downtown St. Paul.

[@iandavidson4852]

Brilliant playing and fabulous insight into some intricacies of the strat masters playing. Excellent work!

[@adamguilderson3402]

Wow the tone for Pride and Joy was spot on!

[@SuperDave21]

Thanks James, really enjoyed your input on the guitars and loved the jams! Kinda miss the band playing a song after the highlighted guitar, but it's all good...! Rock on!

[@billstork4803]

Heard this young man playing under the bleachers at the Jefferson County Wisconsin Fairgrounds. He and his band Houndstooth had opened for Kenny Wayne Shepherd. They set up on an off-kilter stage, plugged into an extension out of the beer stand, and let 'er rip. I was slack-jawed and numb. The man just loves to play. Great spirit. The future is in good hands.

[@gman6107]

Thanks for bringing in someone new, great player, great singer... easy to follow :-)

[@ancmusic2562]

What a hell of a guitar player. He's just excited to play and it comes across in spades.

[@johnvrabec9747]

JJN is awesome! Can't wait to hear him with the Drills.

[@HungryHumbucker]

Great demo. I loved the little tips and tricks thrown in. No doubt Jared can play, look forward to seeing him demo some more of your guitars!

[@KenMickey]

Thanks Jared James ! Glad to hear you and see those cool guitars.

[@lancefraijo8585]

I'm with Jared his quality and tone is fantastic

[@evelbasturd]

If you get the chance, you need to see him live. Great energy and feel.

[@sefton1972]

Yes he's not Phil. He's Jared. Awesome player. Monster tones. No pick. All fingers. Good work Jared. Looking forward to more reviews.

[@DowntownDogMan]

Hendrix estate copyright shut down in 3.....2......1....

[@scottcollier9178]

DowntownDogMan he's not trying to sell this guitar so maybe it's ok...?

[@DowntownDogMan]

They took down a demo of a 8 string bass on Norms Rare guitars channel for playing a Jimi tune, the estate got the vid pulled . This was 2 weeks ago.

[@XLBiker13]

Scott Collier Are you serious? The only reason this video exists is to sell you the guitar he's playing. Its no different than the videos shot for Norm's Rare Guitars or the ones shot with Greg Koch at Wildwood Guitars. Fretted Americana wants to sell every single guitar they feature in a video.

[@zzettecarla]

I was shocked that the Hendrix estate shut down the bass demo video. These are done with love and reverence and to give a taste of the instrument's vibe and pedigree. Jimi inspired, and a good instrument inspires the player. I hope the Hendrix Estate takes a step back before coming down on people showcasing the music that inspires others to make a purchase (maybe even to buy the source music!). This guy's having a good time jammin' out on this awesome guit and let's just all enjoy it. #PicklessWonder

[@MrIkesimba]

XLBiker13 What does that have to do with anything?! Jimi's intellectual property isn't public domain.

[@allstopblue5717]

Seems like he truely loves to play. Really comes across such a genuine love for the instrument. Pleasure to watch for sure.

[@MisterGuitarItalia]

Cool dude, great player... awesome job Fretted Americana, you keep finding these gems!

[@MarcelGelderblom]

Great stuff JJ, instant fan over here!

[@axellno1759]

I've seen a lot of new presenters on youtube, if this is his debut than he would grow big. He clearly has the knowledge. I'm blown away for sure.

[@jojobar5877]

There's only one Phil but I gave this guy a chance and he seems like a good dude and a great player! I want him to grab a Flying V and do some old UFO! I don't know about anybody else but I tend to sing along with Phil and I found myself doing "Sun don't shine, the moon don't move" during his Trower demo. All the best JJ. Good luck man!

[@justingarcia7722]

Hendrix estate is no joke. My guitar teacher, well established session and independent artist, had a cover of "fire," and had written a long letter to the estate asking permission along with a reason why he had chose that song. Long story short, was immediately shut down. Then a friend from blue note records wrote in and it was all good...so goes to show, really in who you know, maybe someone knows a person or two. Great vid, playing and guitar though!

[@glennevans5824]

Nice ...new guy...plays well and explains details well...hope to see more vids.

[@terryshrk]

Worth watching more then once,....LOVED THIS!!!!

[@IamVegoMonster]

JJN man you rock. One hell of a player

[@HenrySchecker]

i mean this in the least offensive way possible, but JJN looks so much like Weird Al Yankovich that i'm convinced they have to be at least 5% related. Love his playing by the way, and his chill personality too

[@Spool77]

This guy is great. Glad you guys found someone who isn't just gonna try and copy Phil. Jared has his own style and is a kick ass player.

[@SylviaAdamsMusic]

I liked Jared a lot more in this one. Glad to see more guitars from Fretted Americana now that Jared has stepped in. I do hope to see Phil still in the future though.

[@andresni981]

I knew this day would come and it is pretty nice!

[@stephanbernardes9081]

Talk about magic, that was great! Plenty great ideas on Pride & Joy that I might have to steal...

[@klokmedia]

Nice Hendrix trick. I'm gonna try that one. I always thought he did that sound by putting one of the tones on zero, the other ten and then flicked the pickups back and forth. Also, great job and great job viewers for being generous to this guy and not being haters :)

[@VarietyMode]

Second video and Jared already seems a lot more comfortable compared to his first one. Hope to see both him and Phil together in a future video. Rock on!

[@ViniciusMaffei]

This guy is great! A lot of tricks under his sleeve! Keep up with the good work!

[@lufiealice6251]

This dude is great! Top replacement for Phil ✅

[@TheBoonWorld]

I agree. Can't be easy to find someone with that mix of guitar skills and on camera persona. And the whole no pick thing is different.

[@rustvictory2232]

Hey that was awesome! Bet that strat hasn't had its trem worked out that good years!

[@arlinwright1819]

Thank Gawd you are not trying to be Phil X. Keep up the good work. Love the style.

[@Kouta2243]

great guitar, great demo. great video!!!

[@skinnyl]

Nice one, Jared. Great tone!

[@digbyranford6657]

Awesome player! Great demo

[@Terryomalleyonline]

You gonna put a band in at the end? That used to be my favourite bit....

[@frettedamericana]

yes

[@DrtyChewbaca]

Terry O'Malley I agree! JJ Nichols is awesome I miss Phil, but he'll be back this guy is a good stand in and enjoy his playing just as much. I'm glad Phil got some recognition from these videos hope JJ does too very talented.

[@MrTikbik2000]

I like this guys style! Laid back extremely professional! I'm glad he's notta Douche! Rock On brother! 😎🎸👍🏽

[@Barracuda007]

Going to see this dude in July at Ramblin Man! :D

[@DeadCalmHastings]

ditto

[@wheelman1324]

This guy's cool. But he doesn't quite have that insane showman persona that Phil has. But maybe we should judge him for what he is instead of what he isn't.

[@yannickribau8101]

I've seen him in France as he opened Zakk Wylde tour last year... An absolute showman for sure, not used to cameras maybe...

[@rashesthippo]

well said, I think he complements the channel well.

[@rcoveyduc]

It took some time for Phil to get truly comfortable and grow into it.

[@AstralElephantFuzz]

Yannick Ribau Yeah, it can be hard moving from entertaining an audience to entertaining a camera and the few guys behind it.

[@alecd2562]

Andy Birger Exactly. At least you have the energy of a crowd to work off of when playing a show. I'd imagine it's a lot harder to act as energetic and fun when you're just playing in front of a couple guys and a camera.

[@fortj3]

Jared rocked the shit outta that Strat. I don't recall EVER seeing someone play hard rock without a pick. I'm highly impressed. Many thumbs up for his love of P90s.

[@matlindell5022]

Really amazing guitar player!!!his right hand is fantastic.

[@PanamaJack666]

I would love a video with Phil and Jared one day! Someone make it happen!

[@RokDAWG1]

He's throwing down way tasteful stuff! Very cool!!

[@elbik95]

New guy, welcome, you're AWESOME

[@1dabirdman68]

I used a 1973 Fender Super Reverb for years back in the day just like that one...I died inside as i heard and remembered that amazing tone!

[@toddhayes9511]

Welcome J! Good stuff!

[@CircusHerse]

Spot on Bridge of Sighs!!! Damn I need a strat!

[@PaulLue]

Great player! Loved the cleaner tones in this second video.

[@cradd00]

Awesome Hendrix style! This guy can play!

[@eduardorosariol9222]

everytime i listened to vodoo child i always wonder what that wah sound thing was, but jared cleared it up

[@marcmistermarc]

These '65 to '67ish are really nice - if I had the money to buy one of these larger headstock models I absolutely would. I think they are 8k to 10k less than a small headstock model from '65 but almost the same.

[@WoodesosGuitarMods]

Sounds great! Guess you guys haven't heard what happened on Norm's channel when he plays a bit of Jimi;-)

[@patrickthornton5470]

Woodeso's Guitar Mods jimi

[@TylerLL2112]

Woodeso's Guitar Mods Hasn't Phil covered little wing and numerous Hendrix songs? Why would they let those go?

[@orenfisher8948]

Johnny Winter is back. So cool...

[@irespectfullyrefuse]

Amazing player !! Plays clean

[@Lemmysfinger]

Loved this. Jarred kicks ass!

[@RafaelMartinez-qo5pw]

awesome playing dude!!! specially without picking, great skills

[@joesneon]

Welcome J.J.!!!! Nice job , great style!!!!

[@idahodad1]

Good Job! Great guitar.

[@TheSprayking]

jareds got such a cool vibe

[@jameswoynilko7962]

Saw him open for Zakk...great performer!....great guitarist!

[@thelolguy007]

Great video Jared. Big fan man. Awesome 👍

[@TheMataleon06]

impresionante guitara y guitarista!

[@dobby240]

i miss phil but damn they chose a great replacement! Iv seen 2 of your new videos! So stoked, your a great guitar player! EDIT: I just got to the Robin trower part! OH DAMN BOY I LIKE YOU YES YES YES I thought everyone but the old guys had forgotten him! Fuck yeah!

[@iananderson12796]

Forget the strat, I want that Fool SG demoed!

[@frettedamericana]

coming soon

[@notarealperson87]

me too! i woulda been really sad if it was just there for the ambiance

[@CTL5150]

frettedamericana the frankenstrat too?

[@Chris66JTM45]

Cool demo, nice strat and great tips on techniques used to pull out certain sounds. Here's hoping Experience Hendrix LLC don't get your video canned ... Just ask Mark Agnesi at Normans Rare Guitars about that !

[@BoyAditya]

i always forget that he's not using Guitar pick .....

[@GretschGod]

The pickless Pride and Joy sounded great! Extra thump!

[@Meditech509]

Hard to believe that guitar is 51 years old. I would venture to say it would not look that way if had been played like the last min of this video. On that note he made that git his bitch, AWESOME.

[@fran6b]

oh man that's great to ear some SRV here !

[@aixpert291]

the WAH trick! hell yeah ! I still miss PhilX, but Jared is cool. Wish I could have both ;-)

[@patrickthornton5470]

Holy shit i love this guy, keep the hendrix coming that was awesome!!! Third stone from the sun was on point

[@benjamindoverUSA]

Epic. Love this guy.

[@timwood958]

That was sick! Thanks!

[@nightwing.3378]

I want that guitar

[@FixxxerKH202]

Damn, I was a little apprehensive with the wylde guitar demo, but looks like that guitar wasn't cut out for your playing style. Awesome work Jared and I'm interested in what you will bring to the plate in the future. Would also like to see you and phil jam together as said below when it's possible.

[@GregsGarage]

Damn that was a great demo... HOLY SMOKES!!!

[@iananderson12796]

This dude is a wizard!!!

[@dustyd.murphy4920]

Keep rockin Brother!!! It's good to hear and see someone else not using a pick!!! What happens if you don't have one, you can't play anything??? That's why I don't use one, and you can't do the ZZ Top shit without a pick by pressing down with your fingernail more!!!

[@jessemayra]

I like this guy!!!

[@XabierBadiola]

I looooove Jared💜

[@tomfairbairn1202]

love JJN he's so happy, and bad ass ;)

[@masonlloyd8934]

Damn that Jimi tone!

[@frantisca]

Great demo, guitar and guitarist. I would have liked a chord played after all this whammy madness, just to hear if the Strat stayed in tune ! 😜

[@johncollier6303]

Jared.. I fucking love you!