John Frusciante effects: Dave Mail 4: '61 and '63 Olympic White Stratocasters

Both shows from the south american tour in 2001 - Rock in Rio III and another one in Argentina - were the only shows - which I remember having access to - where John Frusciante didn't used his '62 Fender Strat. Do you remember what happened? In its place, he used a '63 Olympic White Fender Strat that he had rented and then bought some time later, and that he said it wasn't as good as his other Strats.

Zach Irons and the gift given by John Frusciante.
'61 Olympic White Fender Stratocaster.

Dave Lee: The white Strat [from 1963, used during the 2001 south american tour and in the "By The Way" video] was rented from Andy Brauer (I don't remember why). John fell in love with it. Problem is, that rental guitar is a money maker for Brauer. John wanted it. And Brauer didn't want to sell it. Technically, the guitar wasn't especially valuable as it had been refinished. But John didn't care. If he likes it, then he likes it. He can afford it so... Basically, John paid much more for it than it was worth. [He had another Olympic White Stratocaster - from 1961 - which he started using in 2005 and was also used by Josh Klinghoffer on additional guitar during Stadium Arcadium tour] He eventually gave that guitar to his good friend Zach Irons (Jack Irons son), who converted it to left handed. And still plays it to this day.

I don't remember ever not using the '62. He may have tried to use the white one more for a couple of shows just to try it out live. But there was never any issues the '62.

By the way...

Zach Irons is very talented. And plays in a band called "AWOLNATION".

To be continued...