@@ArmanBaig Not strictly easy to attain. I've heard a lot of people mess up the Eric Johnson tone. Jazz III, bridge pickup strat with the tone rolled off a tiny bit (less than you think), driven amp with drawn down treble and middle, relatively low bass, too, and a tube driver.
@@johncruz9357 when people say that they mean that your guitars “sound” has more to do with how you play it than what it is. how hard you pick, how hard you fret, how you bend, etc.
Just about any other guitarist when talking about their sig' models doesn't have much to say; and then comes EJ with deep knowledge, tone to die for and godlike ability! What a guy 😊
When Eric says a different bridge saddle or a washer makes a difference you can bank on it. A true master of the Stratocaster. This guy Ooozes wisdom and talent. God bless Eric Johnson.
I love Eric's playing, and his commitment to tones achieve great results....but...I don't believe the flat washer bit for a second. If it were remotely plausible I'd even try it, but the joke is on those that do.
That lead overdriven tone of his, one of the most recognizable guitar tones in existence. It's not a tone I personally go for in my playing but I still love it all the same because it just screams Eric Johnson and Cliffs of Dover.
What CERRITO said. There are plenty of crappy Squires out there, but honestly, you can tweak them to make them sound great too. Just depends on whether or not the low paid assembler had been out drinking the night before.
@@jasonring5231 Just bought CS50 Squier Strat. It sounds amazing, it feels amazing. After sanding the neck to get this satin feel instead of gloss finish and changing pickups I would not change this guitar for any other strat.
Had the pleasure of talking with Eric Johnson last summer for a few minutes. For awhile every conversation i started with guitar players went like this ...' so i was talking with Eric Johnson the other day and'...
In some cases they can because batteries have varying internal resistance as well as varying voltage to charge level curves. Power a circuit with a variable impedance power supply, they call them a SMU: The Source Measure Unit (SMU) is an instrument that can precisely source voltage or current and simultaneously measure voltage and/or current. It combines the useful features of a digital multimeter (DMM), power supply, true current source, electronic load and pulse generator, all into a single, tightly synchronized instrument in a compact form factor. SMUs are considered more useful than the combination of any of the five instruments, due to the measuring instrument’s versatility and high accuracy performance. You can test and quantify your toy that way. Eric should have one. He'd have a ball. This is because most stomp box circuits are not internally regulated and employ a circuit whose current draw varies with signal level. If they didn't they wouldn't work. If they had regulated supplies they would weigh and cost too much and eat too much battery power.
It shattered the pickguard and I offered to give him my 59 and he refused to take it. The guitar did not sound the same to him after that shattered into 100 pieces and He glued it back and it didnt sound right again. That was on tour with Satch He tripped over a stage monitor and it broke his guitar.. Thats not funny at all. The tone was always within him thats what he does not seem to understand because he is humble but its him. Thats hours and hours of dedication and study and wanting it.. But you knew that ....
Easily the best bridge pickup I've ever heard on a Strat which I typically find too brash or brittle for my tastes. It makes sense that he rewired the second tone pot to the bridge so that he can roll it back a little. Sounds incredible. And it is Eric Johnson so what should I expect. He's so amazing. Even just walking through chords whatever he plays is so beautiful.
This one's really special, especially the CS MB version with the subtle aging. And Eric is so extremely knowledgeable and nerdy about the details, he's really a guitarists' guitarist, but also just an amazing musician.
Blinkey, I am a keyboardist and Eric is my hero! I stumbled on his record in 1996 Venus Isle. I still cannot put it down and I never tire of ot...Hard to explain, it is phenomenal...
@@MusicissuperiorEVHROX316 Eric uses the koto technique randomly on several songs, but a good example is the outro of Trail of Tears live in Austin 1988.
I remember beginning guitar over 10 years ago and Eric was the first guitarist I found on the web. After seeing him I wanted to quit playing because I could never be that good. That still holds true now.
Hey I hardly play guitars, why am I watching this without skipping? I thought.. I guess it's the beauty of someone really focused and passionate about something.
There isn't, Nor will there EVER BE " a shortage on Flat Washers Or 500k ohm Pots. Litterly ten's of THOUSANDS of times more plentiful than Cellphones ! The trem blocks ARE the Only available... From anywhere, That are "Vintage correect" I DESPERATELY NEED One for a Blonde, ( Not Mary Kay ) 61'slab board ! Super lightweight Swamp Ash body ! [ I Ordered an EJ , Trem assembly, & it came with the regular 57' - 60's Re issue ! Aaah ! Also even on the New EJ Shown, the bridge plate in Not Right. (( Original)) doesn't have , "That ridge" @ the rear. & is more Rounded near the trem hole. ( That is strictly a cosmetic thing) But the "Sustain block" DOES make a tonal difference . So Please FENDER Sell me 2 ! (I can provide Serial #'s & Photos) I tour & have been playing Professionally for Decades ! & have an Early, Black EJ Strat. Besides... I $$ Paid for, & didn't receive the correct block. I tried a D` Temple Titanium one... & it is WAY too " Ping e" Harsh sounding.
Eric Johnson is a true Strat Sensei! Just incredible straight from the heart through the strings virtuoso! He would of made Jimmy and SRV smile! Wish I could afford that Sig. Strat.!
I never thought that even the smallest of parts on the guitar dramatically changes the tone. Thank you for the tips sir Eric Johnson! Eureka moment once again! ⚡️👌🏽
I think many others including myself would love to know what the signal path was here! Or at least some main talking points like: Guitar -> pedalboard -> amplifier -> microphone(multiple?placed how?) Even a brief b-roll shot overhead panning across the equipment would tell the whole story beautifully without interrupting the interview or detracting from the playing. Other than that, a fabulous interview with artist & artist! Thank you, Fender!
Material, alloy, heat treatment, temper, thickness, diameter, turned, ground or punched ... 🙄 smh I heard the battery taper thing once in fifty years, our other guitarist with her Tele through a Maxon 808 and early '68 Fender Pro Reverb. It was like "Holeee Shiiiiit she sounds so good!" then the battery died and we could never recreate the effect. Not with batteries nor adjustable power supplies. 😕 Eric's ears belong in the Smithsonian. Put all of in there for that matter.
Very cool. I've always thought he is an INCREDIBLE player. I'll have to get one of these. But I'll bet the secret to the tone is not just Sassafras, but also his use of a 1992 9 volt Ray O Vac battery that actually puts out 8.72 volts.
Tong Zou any effect that was designed and built before Alkaline batteries existed, should be powered with a carbon battery. They normally say Heavy Duty on the package. Dollar stores usually have them.
Amazing. Having a Eric Johnson Stratocaster is a joy in my life. So much so that it barely comes out of the case haha. Just fantastic instruments. Fender is the hands down Kings of making amazing guitars! I couldn't imagine listening to cliffs of Dover on anything else. Maybe a tele haha but seriously these Stratocasters are incredible. Just a beautiful work of art that so happens to make magical sounds. Every player needs one in they're arsenal.
I like Eric because he does all the tone research for us. We don't have to try a bunch of different things to compare. I'll just check out what he's doing and go with whatever he says.
Before you give EJ crap for his preferences remember his quote at 11:27 "Some of it could just be, you know, you know what you think and I don't know how much reality is"
I've always been anti-sig guitars, they just seem super fucking cheesy to me, but the second Fender drops a Frusciante sig (custom shop, master built, whatever), I am legit selling everything I own to get it. Granted, if it were a master built, you could probably get into an original '62 for not too much more (Gary Moore sig strat was around $13k iirc). But yeah, it'll never happen.
What a genious this guy is, been enjoying his music for decades, and its mindblowing to listen in on all the tiny aspects that makes the E Johnson sound. Congrats to Fender that makes this possible, I`ll be checking this one out!!
Ya, it’s expensive. Way too much for me, but a lot of things are. 😉 Another commenter noted that at some point a Strat is just a Strat, and that’s true when you’re talking primarily about playability, but this line seems to be about more. Among a thousand other songs I loved, Cliffs was one that made me fall in love with guitar. While there was so much talent at the time (and I loved it all), Cliffs was different. It was “happy.” There was something fun and joyful about it. It stood out not only for the technical expertise but for the smile it brought to ones face. I’m not rich, and if I was I wouldn’t spend much of it on “things,” but I might buy one of these because it takes me back to that landmark moment when I fell in love with the guitar. Well, that’s was a bit melodramatic. 🤣
Dude, I was 15 when I first saw the Austin City Limits performance of Cliffs and was completely blown away. It took me years before I could even emulate his sound in any way but I kept playing and chasing that gigantic violin tone. A true inspiration.
zach7j that’s awesome. I’m only just now trying to *play* guitar again at 47. Looking forward to finally learning more than “the” riff and chasing that tone.
@@justinlangley9529 I don't think so... The hot signal goes through the hot tip of the jack, not through the ground part of it (which the washer is part of). EJ is known as a master guitarrist as well as having a "golden ear", because of things like this. I'm not saying there's no difference whatsoever in a washer, but it is so small that 99% of people just can't hear it. Maybe EJ is in the other 1% then... Haha
The truth is that everything on the guitar has an affect on the tone, most things just aren’t nearly as consequential or noticeable as everyone wants to make them out to be. Once you start processing that signal, the majority of those small nuances go away and only the big things remain such as pickups, tone pots, bridge, body/neck wood, gauge/material of strings, but not much else.
Kudos for an amazing re-creation. I learned about the sassafras mystique when talking with Michael Stevens about his Founders Design Esquire, which was done in Mary Kaye shell pink with a sassafras body. Really does have a unique tone and feel...leave it to Stevens to suss it out. Bravo...
the story how he got it... priceless... and the playing since... legend.. EJ and Ty Tabor really just kill me. but it is inspiring to know what an instrument can do in the right hands.. and maybe yours.
Eric Johnson is hands down one of the best ever. It's just to me when I listen to him play, all I hear is Cliffs of Dover, and it gets old kinda quick.
It can be like that, but then there is his country pickin stuff that is harder to find. That does not sound like Cliffs of Dover. And his old stuff in the 70's. I used to go see Eric Johnson on Sunday nights at Sneaky Pete's in Dallas, TX for $1. Beers were $3, which you nursed all night long. 6 packs were $3. Eric Johnson for $1 on Sunday nights. A bit later, around 1981 or 1982, I could see Buggs Henderson on Saturday nights for $5. 1 ticket, 1 beer, $8. That was big money back then.
All the "virtuoso" players are like that for me. I TOTALLY acknowledge how incredible they are but their actual "music" doesn't really do anything for me on an emotional level. Bonamassa, Vai, Satch, Malmsteen, and guys like that are PHENOMMMMENAL players but they just can't write songs that can really connect with a lot of people. It just feels like all their songs are more just excuses to solo than anything else and that takes the emotional element out of it for me personally. But they are still some of the best players of all time.
I'd say give Venus Isle another chance, it's my favorite guitar album of all time. I just love the songs, and of course the lead work on it. Of course, everything boils down to opinion. But I always keep in mind, even if it's a Beiber album for instance, to give it an honest listen and be open minded.
One person already mentioned this, but just for general public knowledge: it is a real word, it's spelled "equilibrate," and means to bring to (or maintain) a state of equilibrium. So he was saying it makes the tone of the pickups balanced (or more literally, "in equilibrium") with one another.
EJ can jump into those strange chord voicings like he's playing a power chord. I've been playing for almost 30 years now and I still can't do that with a lot of those crazy fingerings.
Spoken as a true admirer of EJ, and fan of Fender strats: an outstanding parody of the geekery and snake oil we guitar aficionados so often indulge in. Note to self: forget about Cliffs of Dover until you have (a) thin lacquer to let the (dead) sassafras breathe; (b) flat washers; (c) directional cable; (d) swapped out pot and saddle; (e) grimy knobs. Rolling the latter carefully in the mud is more important than good technique. Spend time&money accordingly.
@@dustinmorse8497 Right on the money ;D But if you’re using a 335, don’t forget to worry at the pickup selector a bit. A slightly gone solder joint is integral to THAT sound.
Eric's "flat washer' comment is subjective, and HIS opinion. You don't have to like it. Unlike most amateur players chasing tone, Eric's credibility is not lacking.
Washer stacks make a difference in batteries, relays and many other electronics. Remember the 787 battery fire problem a few years ago? Do you know the fix? They added 4 washers to each battery relay connection. Problem solved. To hear that a washer cleaned up the sound of his guitar, that's a total impedance reduction solution and I believe it. You may say it's subjective or "HIS opinion"; but, an ohm meter, LCR or Megohm meter can be used to test the resistance and impedance offered with or without a washer and then it can proven. Contact David Clark, maker of aviation headsets. They probably have to say something on the subject, even though they don't know this is an issue. They recently tried to cut corners and ended up with a massive recall. Maybe they left washers out of their interphone jacks?
In 89" i had a 70's strat with EMG's in it as well as a 67 that someone had put a Brass trem on The EMG's were a bit glassy and cold , so I swapped out bridges on these . And it was best for both , the brass warmed the EMG's , and the chrome put the punch back into the 67 It was a big difference to each Strats are 2 pieces of wood put together , and , one to the next , unplugged , could be night and day
So to be sure, the first 12 minutes features the 2500 dollar Stories collection version, and the final 13 minutes features the 9000 dollar CS version right? How is that worth 6500 dollars more?! The 2500 version sounds almost identical. I might just get that one.
Maybe because it's handmade? I hope that when I get that guitar, it better have that same "Virginia tape" inside the Strat, especially if it's signed by her with her stamp of approval on the QA tag! That will justify the cost alright.
In 1989, Eric Johnson and his Strat played a club date in Colorado Springs. I got a ticket and ended up sitting at Eric's feet on the stairs of the stage while he played. Ah Via Musicom Tour. Nearly 30 years ago....
I wish they would have at least had one shot of the pedalboard he used in this- he's getting all his great lead tones through a Deluxe Reverb- so I'm assuming that indicates pretty clearly that it's not all the Marshall's he's normally associated with for his rhythm and lead tones- it's either his fuzz or the Tube Screamer getting him there... Of course- that assumes this is at a Fender room somewhere- not his house or studio- and what we're hearing is just the Deluxe Reverb they show at the beginning.
Lol the lead tone here is not even in the same fucking universe as that dime’d Plexi with a Tube Driver to put it over the top. Listen to his live performances in the 90’s, the tone sounds like a straightup Cello it’s so full of sustain and harmonics. The tone here just sounds like a typical fuzz box to a Blackface at low volume, it’s fine for what it is, but very meh compared to his actual live rig.
I have an EJ Thinline, and I’ve had a lot of trouble bending strings on it. After watching EJ a bit, I noticed he doesn’t bend much! I love the guitar, it’s beautiful, it’s bringing something different out in my playing.
Seriously one of the most recognizable tones of all guitar players.
and it isn’t difficult to obtain either. tone is in the fingers. EJ is a master
I hate the term tone is in your fingers or hands. It your ideas are in your hands that come from your brain.
@@ArmanBaig Not strictly easy to attain. I've heard a lot of people mess up the Eric Johnson tone. Jazz III, bridge pickup strat with the tone rolled off a tiny bit (less than you think), driven amp with drawn down treble and middle, relatively low bass, too, and a tube driver.
@@johncruz9357 when people say that they mean that your guitars “sound” has more to do with how you play it than what it is. how hard you pick, how hard you fret, how you bend, etc.
@@Diax1324 i’ve done it many times on amplitube with my 7-way strat
"The washer on my output jack is part of my tone" is one of the most "Eric Johnson" things I've ever heard.
Just about any other guitarist when talking about their sig' models doesn't have much to say; and then comes EJ with deep knowledge, tone to die for and godlike ability! What a guy 😊
Johnny Marrs model is also excellent
Totally, EJ signature models have always rivaled custom shop quality off the rack
@@justingarcia7722 , and in most cases, they are cheaper too.
we can trust this guy, for sure. eric is great
@@jonnybr2871 , I love Marr's playing! The guy is so under-rated!
When Eric says a different bridge saddle or a washer makes a difference you can bank on it.
A true master of the Stratocaster. This guy
Ooozes wisdom and talent. God bless Eric Johnson.
Dude, hes a salesman. Dont get me wrong, nothing at all wrong with that. You give him any strat that stays in tune and he'll sound like Eric Johnson
I love Eric's playing, and his commitment to tones achieve great results....but...I don't believe the flat washer bit for a second. If it were remotely plausible I'd even try it, but the joke is on those that do.
Vomit worthy comment, pass the sick bag bleeugh
Believe it or not, some would call him boring to listen to sigh 😕
I love how he describes the damage. " I took a fall and it got hurt". he loved that guitar!
He recovered from the fall. the guitar never did.... it's the guitar that got hurt, not him haha
The sad thing is that I don’t think this quite has the same tone as the original strat Virginia had. It’s a good tone but not quite as smooth.
I put a flat washer on my coffee cup and man the coffee taste is incredible!!!
That lead overdriven tone of his, one of the most recognizable guitar tones in existence. It's not a tone I personally go for in my playing but I still love it all the same because it just screams Eric Johnson and Cliffs of Dover.
The truth is that EJ would make a Squire sound amazing.
Jeff Wingo some Squires are amazing 😉
Jeff Healey already did that
What CERRITO said. There are plenty of crappy Squires out there, but honestly, you can tweak them to make them sound great too. Just depends on whether or not the low paid assembler had been out drinking the night before.
He could make a squirrel sound amazing
@@jasonring5231 Just bought CS50 Squier Strat. It sounds amazing, it feels amazing. After sanding the neck to get this satin feel instead of gloss finish and changing pickups I would not change this guitar for any other strat.
Had the pleasure of talking with Eric Johnson last summer for a few minutes. For awhile every conversation i started with guitar players went like this ...' so i was talking with Eric Johnson the other day and'...
This is the guy that claimed different battery brands affected the tone from his effects pedals. Love him
This is especially true for germanium fuzz pedals, which are notoriously fickle.
In some cases they can because batteries have varying internal resistance as well as varying voltage to charge level curves. Power a circuit with a variable impedance power supply, they call them a SMU:
The Source Measure Unit (SMU) is an instrument that can precisely source voltage or current and simultaneously measure voltage and/or current. It combines the useful features of a digital multimeter (DMM), power supply, true current source, electronic load and pulse generator, all into a single, tightly synchronized instrument in a compact form factor. SMUs are considered more useful than the combination of any of the five instruments, due to the measuring instrument’s versatility and high accuracy performance.
You can test and quantify your toy that way. Eric should have one. He'd have a ball.
This is because most stomp box circuits are not internally regulated and employ a circuit whose current draw varies with signal level. If they didn't they wouldn't work. If they had regulated supplies they would weigh and cost too much and eat too much battery power.
His head is a tuning fork it's so dialed in!!!
@Tong Zou 100% True !
Most any "Dist Box" Sounds AMAZING ... As the Battery is about to die !
MY ALL TIME FAVORITE PLAYER
Mine as well
I love Eric. I took a fall and I couldn't get the tone back. Like it fell out. lol
Like it fell out 😂😭😂
Chris Bilodeau at about that point in the video, it sounded like he was saying he doesn’t own this 54 anymore. Maybe I misunderstood.
@@veeshead I don't think he does, iirc it ended up on Reverb or some site like that
My name is Eric lol
It shattered the pickguard and I offered to give him my 59 and he refused to take it. The guitar did not sound the same to him after that shattered into 100 pieces and He glued it back and it didnt sound right again. That was on tour with Satch
He tripped over a stage monitor and it broke his guitar.. Thats not funny at all.
The tone was always within him thats what he does not seem to understand because he is humble but its him. Thats hours and hours of dedication and study and wanting it.. But you knew that ....
I bought a player strat last year that looks exactly like virginia because of Eric.
Nice!
If you do not like Eric Johnson , you have ears made of total stone!! This guy is an unbelievable player
Eric Johnson's guitar playing is brilliant. His playing is in a class by itself.
Easily the best bridge pickup I've ever heard on a Strat which I typically find too brash or brittle for my tastes. It makes sense that he rewired the second tone pot to the bridge so that he can roll it back a little. Sounds incredible. And it is Eric Johnson so what should I expect. He's so amazing. Even just walking through chords whatever he plays is so beautiful.
This one's really special, especially the CS MB version with the subtle aging. And Eric is so extremely knowledgeable and nerdy about the details, he's really a guitarists' guitarist, but also just an amazing musician.
CS version better be special since it's 9 K
There is nothing more badass than a master builder for Eric Johnson. A couple of cool dudes in the video for sure.
Blinkey, I am a keyboardist and Eric is my hero! I stumbled on his record in 1996 Venus Isle. I still cannot put it down and I never tire of ot...Hard to explain, it is phenomenal...
9:59 Absolutely love when Eric uses his koto technique.
Yeah that shit was hot
It’s a beautiful sound, and a really unique one for a Strat to make, does anyone know if he used it in any of his songs?
@@MusicissuperiorEVHROX316 Eric uses the koto technique randomly on several songs, but a good example is the outro of Trail of Tears live in Austin 1988.
@@chrisluckhardt Ah ok, I’ll have to check it out
Its so nice to listen to artists that really understand the technical side of their gears.
This gentleman made me a thrash guitarist really enjoy his style ,sound,attack and everything else.musicom is still great today.
What a great player - and what a nice, soft spoken guy; who knows more about guitars than a million TH-cam experts combined.
Eric is such a consummate gentleman and professional. So knowledgable and passionate about his love of guitar, music, and musical influences.
I remember beginning guitar over 10 years ago and Eric was the first guitarist I found on the web. After seeing him I wanted to quit playing because I could never be that good. That still holds true now.
"....a lot of things in life are happy accidents that become a gift......"
Gonna quote this.
Hey I hardly play guitars, why am I watching this without skipping? I thought..
I guess it's the beauty of someone really focused and passionate about something.
This guy teaches me more and more about guitar, every time I hear him speak! I love him!
Sales of flat washers and 500k pots are going to go way up now! :)
My CV 60s has 500k and cloth wired electronics and ceramic pups. It surely high output singles. Nice tones. Mighty mites
My old Peavey Predator has 500K on them
There isn't, Nor will there EVER BE " a shortage on Flat Washers Or 500k ohm Pots. Litterly ten's of THOUSANDS of times more plentiful than Cellphones ! The trem blocks ARE the Only available... From anywhere, That are "Vintage correect" I DESPERATELY NEED One for a Blonde, ( Not Mary Kay ) 61'slab board ! Super lightweight Swamp Ash body ! [ I Ordered an EJ , Trem assembly, & it came with the regular 57' - 60's Re issue ! Aaah ! Also even on the New EJ Shown, the bridge plate in Not Right. (( Original)) doesn't have , "That ridge" @ the rear. & is more Rounded near the trem hole. ( That is strictly a cosmetic thing) But the "Sustain block" DOES make a tonal difference . So Please FENDER Sell me 2 ! (I can provide Serial #'s & Photos) I tour & have been playing Professionally for Decades ! & have an Early, Black EJ Strat. Besides... I $$ Paid for, & didn't receive the correct block. I tried a D` Temple Titanium one... & it is WAY too " Ping e" Harsh sounding.
I did the flat washers thing, and my 600$ MIM Strat is now indistinguishable from Stevie Ray Vaughn's "Number One". it's magic.
ONLY the ones the are more like 400k LOL!!!
Mr. Johnson, the best of all times !
That's one of the best sounding guitars, ever.
Eric Johnson is a true Strat Sensei! Just incredible straight from the heart through the strings virtuoso! He would of made Jimmy and SRV smile! Wish I could afford that Sig. Strat.!
Jimmy who?
He did make Stevie smile. For a while their girlfriends were best friends. They played in all the same clubs here in town.
And Rory Gallagher 😮
@@williamwagner557 Agreed!
Eric is the True Ambassador of Tone and a Musical Beast!!!
20:38, for a few seconds there I went into bliss. And that was just him demoing one of his sounds.. What an amazing player!
EJ sounds and his ability to Make any guitar sing just blows me away for over 40 years now.
Good job Carlos! You made E.J. happy. It ain't as easy as you would think. I'm sure he wore out the other master builders!
One of my favorite guitarist. A real role model.
He’s got such a warm sound.
ive never listened to EJ talk before but what a cool guy. I could def hang out with that dude
I never thought that even the smallest of parts on the guitar dramatically changes the tone. Thank you for the tips sir Eric Johnson! Eureka moment once again! ⚡️👌🏽
Best human being of the industry with Joe B … sweet soul … musical genius
I think many others including myself would love to know what the signal path was here!
Or at least some main talking points like:
Guitar -> pedalboard -> amplifier -> microphone(multiple?placed how?)
Even a brief b-roll shot overhead panning across the equipment would tell the whole story beautifully without interrupting the interview or detracting from the playing.
Other than that, a fabulous interview with artist & artist!
Thank you, Fender!
WOW!!!
ERIC JOHNSON!!!
🎼🎶👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Carlos Lopez 👍👍👍👍👍
The washer on the input jack changes the tone? Darn! He's at it again. lol **Goes to change all the washers on his guitars**
Go watch the rig rundown of him where it shows the cables he uses. They look like something from 1975. It's insane.
DuckTalesWooHoo1987 I bet. He’s gone deeper down the tone-rabbit hole than most of us.
@Sunflower Seeds I'm not sure actually.
hahahah
Material, alloy, heat treatment, temper, thickness, diameter, turned, ground or punched ...
🙄 smh
I heard the battery taper thing once in fifty years, our other guitarist with her Tele through a Maxon 808 and early '68 Fender Pro Reverb. It was like "Holeee Shiiiiit she sounds so good!" then the battery died and we could never recreate the effect. Not with batteries nor adjustable power supplies. 😕
Eric's ears belong in the Smithsonian. Put all of in there for that matter.
Played this beauty today and it’s a gorgeous $4,000 bat that plays amazing.
Very cool. I've always thought he is an INCREDIBLE player. I'll have to get one of these. But I'll bet the secret to the tone is not just Sassafras, but also his use of a 1992 9 volt Ray O Vac battery that actually puts out 8.72 volts.
Tong Zou any effect that was designed and built before Alkaline batteries existed, should be powered with a carbon battery. They normally say Heavy Duty on the package. Dollar stores usually have them.
Funny, cause he uses regular alkaline duracells lol
He's really one of the best guitarists around. Amazing player! That Stratocaster, "Virginia" is Eric Johnson. Iconic. Wonderful instrument. Wow.
Good job Carlos! She’s a beauty brother! EJ is a legend and that guitar has a special vibe.
Eric... What a player. I love his style, unique.
Amazing. Having a Eric Johnson Stratocaster is a joy in my life. So much so that it barely comes out of the case haha. Just fantastic instruments. Fender is the hands down Kings of making amazing guitars! I couldn't imagine listening to cliffs of Dover on anything else. Maybe a tele haha but seriously these Stratocasters are incredible. Just a beautiful work of art that so happens to make magical sounds. Every player needs one in they're arsenal.
I want a Strat so bad 😩😩
Leo knew what he was doing. Leo was the man.
If you like it that's great. But if he had a partscaster would the record sound any different? Nah.
EJ recorded Cliffs of dover on a 335...
@@SRV2786 that may be true but I saw him on tour when Cliffs of Dover had just come out and he played it live on a Strat
in this day and age of alot of hype and dubious talent it is a pleasure to hear from a true artist!
If you like Eric Johnson, check out his early work from the 70's with his fusion band, Electromagnets. It's amazing.
I like Eric because he does all the tone research for us. We don't have to try a bunch of different things to compare. I'll just check out what he's doing and go with whatever he says.
I'm fairly positive EJ can pick up any guitar and play it right "out of the box"...
One of my favorite guitarist ever, love his tone and his modesty.
When he is satisfied, i am for sure you can buy this guitar after playing in a heartbeat! 🙏
Before you give EJ crap for his preferences remember his quote at 11:27 "Some of it could just be, you know, you know what you think and I don't know how much reality is"
I just got this axe brand new from Mus. Friend this past Thursday....I don't want to put it down, it's amazing!!!!
EJ always a pleasure to listen to
Nigel in Canada 🇨🇦
beautiful video
I felt like a guest in Eric's home 🏡
OMG!!! Not quite 500K, more like 400K LOL You gotta LOVE E.J.!!!!
Eric Johnson and the vintage mapleburst reissue is what made me buy my first electric guitar. Thank you, Mr. Johnson for inspiring me ,🤠
Just an idea.. John Fruiscante’s 62 Strat. Wouldn’t be a bad time to do it, promotes itself.
Frusciante unfortunately is too much of a introvert and doesn't like messing with sig guitars.
@@eldirtyfaygo5395 yeah, very true.
@@eldirtyfaygo5395 so true but still i really like frusciante to talk about his technique and the sounds he made it would be fucking awesome.
It will happen, eventually. He rejoined the Chili Peppers, he'll give someday.
I've always been anti-sig guitars, they just seem super fucking cheesy to me, but the second Fender drops a Frusciante sig (custom shop, master built, whatever), I am legit selling everything I own to get it. Granted, if it were a master built, you could probably get into an original '62 for not too much more (Gary Moore sig strat was around $13k iirc). But yeah, it'll never happen.
What a genious this guy is, been enjoying his music for decades, and its mindblowing to listen in on all the tiny aspects that makes the E Johnson sound. Congrats to Fender that makes this possible, I`ll be checking this one out!!
He's such a brilliant and cool guitarist, even the sound of his voice is cool.
That's upper middle class Texas, ie Houston and San Antonio suburbs. I have 2 cousins with the same type of drawl.
EJ plays Tucson quite often and is not to be missed. The man is a master of tone and just makes everything OK. Thanks Mr. Johnson
Tucson like the city?
Yes visit us if you have never been here, awesome city
@@outwest100az Ive been to Tucson many time before. It is indeed awesome place
Ya, it’s expensive. Way too much for me, but a lot of things are. 😉 Another commenter noted that at some point a Strat is just a Strat, and that’s true when you’re talking primarily about playability, but this line seems to be about more. Among a thousand other songs I loved, Cliffs was one that made me fall in love with guitar. While there was so much talent at the time (and I loved it all), Cliffs was different. It was “happy.” There was something fun and joyful about it. It stood out not only for the technical expertise but for the smile it brought to ones face. I’m not rich, and if I was I wouldn’t spend much of it on “things,” but I might buy one of these because it takes me back to that landmark moment when I fell in love with the guitar.
Well, that’s was a bit melodramatic. 🤣
And remember Cliffs of Dover was played on a Gibson 335 on the album. Johnson mentioned this in an interview here on TH-cam
Dude, I was 15 when I first saw the Austin City Limits performance of Cliffs and was completely blown away. It took me years before I could even emulate his sound in any way but I kept playing and chasing that gigantic violin tone. A true inspiration.
not melodramatic more like sincere
septemberfire 😊 Thanks
zach7j that’s awesome. I’m only just now trying to *play* guitar again at 47. Looking forward to finally learning more than “the” riff and chasing that tone.
Fender Strat tone is the best! Ahhh....beautiful!
Cool story about the 1954 Strat he traded for.
Fender Stratocaster , Wow Beautiful guitar , fantastic song 🎸💎😎👌
EJ always saying that things like a "flat washer" does change the sound of a guitar... :D
Insanity
@@justinlangley9529 I don't think so... The hot signal goes through the hot tip of the jack, not through the ground part of it (which the washer is part of). EJ is known as a master guitarrist as well as having a "golden ear", because of things like this. I'm not saying there's no difference whatsoever in a washer, but it is so small that 99% of people just can't hear it. Maybe EJ is in the other 1% then... Haha
@@rafamoraes82 If they were SERIOUS they would silver plate it.
What is a flat washer
The truth is that everything on the guitar has an affect on the tone, most things just aren’t nearly as consequential or noticeable as everyone wants to make them out to be. Once you start processing that signal, the majority of those small nuances go away and only the big things remain such as pickups, tone pots, bridge, body/neck wood, gauge/material of strings, but not much else.
The best guitar company with the best guitarist. This guitar is the one.
Kudos for an amazing re-creation. I learned about the sassafras mystique when talking with Michael Stevens about his Founders Design Esquire, which was done in Mary Kaye shell pink with a sassafras body. Really does have a unique tone and feel...leave it to Stevens to suss it out. Bravo...
the story how he got it... priceless... and the playing since... legend.. EJ and Ty Tabor really just kill me. but it is inspiring to know what an instrument can do in the right hands.. and maybe yours.
Eric Johnson is hands down one of the best ever. It's just to me when I listen to him play, all I hear is Cliffs of Dover, and it gets old kinda quick.
It can be like that, but then there is his country pickin stuff that is harder to find. That does not sound like Cliffs of Dover. And his old stuff in the 70's. I used to go see Eric Johnson on Sunday nights at Sneaky Pete's in Dallas, TX for $1. Beers were $3, which you nursed all night long. 6 packs were $3. Eric Johnson for $1 on Sunday nights. A bit later, around 1981 or 1982, I could see Buggs Henderson on Saturday nights for $5. 1 ticket, 1 beer, $8. That was big money back then.
All the "virtuoso" players are like that for me. I TOTALLY acknowledge how incredible they are but their actual "music" doesn't really do anything for me on an emotional level. Bonamassa, Vai, Satch, Malmsteen, and guys like that are PHENOMMMMENAL players but they just can't write songs that can really connect with a lot of people. It just feels like all their songs are more just excuses to solo than anything else and that takes the emotional element out of it for me personally. But they are still some of the best players of all time.
I'd say give Venus Isle another chance, it's my favorite guitar album of all time. I just love the songs, and of course the lead work on it. Of course, everything boils down to opinion. But I always keep in mind, even if it's a Beiber album for instance, to give it an honest listen and be open minded.
This is... an incredible instrument 😳 Given the player and the project, I don’t know why I’m surprised, but I really kinda am! lol Well done! 😄
That Tone!!!
7:38 EQUILABRATES! I simply must use that mashup word in a sentence sometime soon! haha Equalize and calibrate all in one swipe!
@butch oblick :)
TruthSurge Baruh Hashem 👍🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🎸🇵🇷
It is an actual word you know
When you get to Eric’s level you can say whatever you want,people go “yeah that makes sense”
One person already mentioned this, but just for general public knowledge: it is a real word, it's spelled "equilibrate," and means to bring to (or maintain) a state of equilibrium. So he was saying it makes the tone of the pickups balanced (or more literally, "in equilibrium") with one another.
Eric Johnson is one of the most recognizable guitar player on this planet...unbeleviable
EJ can jump into those strange chord voicings like he's playing a power chord. I've been playing for almost 30 years now and I still can't do that with a lot of those crazy fingerings.
But that sound gets old to me. He sounds great but it doesnt make me crank it
i can nerd out on stuff like this all day .
Spoken as a true admirer of EJ, and fan of Fender strats: an outstanding parody of the geekery and snake oil we guitar aficionados so often indulge in. Note to self: forget about Cliffs of Dover until you have (a) thin lacquer to let the (dead) sassafras breathe; (b) flat washers; (c) directional cable; (d) swapped out pot and saddle; (e) grimy knobs. Rolling the latter carefully in the mud is more important than good technique. Spend time&money accordingly.
hahaha So true!
Or an ES-335, which is what was used on most of the Cliffs of Dover recording.
@@dustinmorse8497 Right on the money ;D But if you’re using a 335, don’t forget to worry at the pickup selector a bit. A slightly gone solder joint is integral to THAT sound.
That is the best advice and advert.for a guitar ever. Way cool, will check one out
Eric's "flat washer' comment is subjective, and HIS opinion. You don't have to like it. Unlike most amateur players chasing tone, Eric's credibility is not lacking.
Washer stacks make a difference in batteries, relays and many other electronics. Remember the 787 battery fire problem a few years ago? Do you know the fix? They added 4 washers to each battery relay connection. Problem solved. To hear that a washer cleaned up the sound of his guitar, that's a total impedance reduction solution and I believe it. You may say it's subjective or "HIS opinion"; but, an ohm meter, LCR or Megohm meter can be used to test the resistance and impedance offered with or without a washer and then it can proven. Contact David Clark, maker of aviation headsets. They probably have to say something on the subject, even though they don't know this is an issue. They recently tried to cut corners and ended up with a massive recall. Maybe they left washers out of their interphone jacks?
@@301steady I think we're in agreement.
@@301steady interesting. thank you! i know i’m curious now..
I didn't understand this part- can someone explain where is the washer & what is it doing?
Thanks!
That's a Badass Strat! Love Eric Johnson....
im hoping they will make a mark knopfler signature
Same! Dunno if Mark would like that tho, since he now plays Pensa Customs, and I think also Gibsons
Fabian Van Der Elst he still plays his Strats.
Me too because I'm always looking to add to my list of guitars that I would like to have but can't afford. LOL!
They already made one, very limited quantity though
They already did.
Awesome guitar played by the Master!
In 89" i had a 70's strat with EMG's in it as well as a 67 that someone had put a Brass trem on
The EMG's were a bit glassy and cold , so I swapped out bridges on these . And it was best for both ,
the brass warmed the EMG's , and the chrome put the punch back into the 67
It was a big difference to each
Strats are 2 pieces of wood put together , and , one to the next , unplugged , could be night and day
Gonna see him next month. Can't wait.
This guy's pretty good. He should make an album.
Eric is just awesome, the tone he creates when he plays. Man! only if i could play like that.
when EJ start playing that chords, i just like "oh lord.."
THIS IS AWESOME!
BRAVO, ERIC JOHNSON!
BRAVO, FENDER!
So to be sure, the first 12 minutes features the 2500 dollar Stories collection version, and the final 13 minutes features the 9000 dollar CS version right? How is that worth 6500 dollars more?! The 2500 version sounds almost identical. I might just get that one.
Maybe because it's handmade? I hope that when I get that guitar, it better have that same "Virginia tape" inside the Strat, especially if it's signed by her with her stamp of approval on the QA tag! That will justify the cost alright.
In 1989, Eric Johnson and his Strat played a club date in Colorado Springs. I got a ticket and ended up sitting at Eric's feet on the stairs of the stage while he played. Ah Via Musicom Tour. Nearly 30 years ago....
The new grip n' grin EJ Strat - no razz n' all sassafraz!
I only have 1 Eric Johnson CD, but I sure played the hell out of it in the 90’s. Amazing guitarist.
Which album?
@@nick2844 Ah Via Musicom
@@pizzapimp8128 thanks for the reply!
I wish they would have at least had one shot of the pedalboard he used in this- he's getting all his great lead tones through a Deluxe Reverb- so I'm assuming that indicates pretty clearly that it's not all the Marshall's he's normally associated with for his rhythm and lead tones- it's either his fuzz or the Tube Screamer getting him there...
Of course- that assumes this is at a Fender room somewhere- not his house or studio- and what we're hearing is just the Deluxe Reverb they show at the beginning.
Lol the lead tone here is not even in the same fucking universe as that dime’d Plexi with a Tube Driver to put it over the top.
Listen to his live performances in the 90’s, the tone sounds like a straightup Cello it’s so full of sustain and harmonics. The tone here just sounds like a typical fuzz box to a Blackface at low volume, it’s fine for what it is, but very meh compared to his actual live rig.
There are in depth videos on TH-cam of EJ's pedal board.
@@primeDecomposition I'll check out some old videos then- 'cause right now to me it sounds the same- but it's on TH-cam so....
I know that for some smaller floorboard space gigs he’s been using a zen drive and a Keeley oxblood to replace his gain tones
@@LaurenceHendersonBand floorboard space gigs 🤨🤔
been a fan for many years.... virtuoso... rare talent
Eric Johnson seems like a cool person. I want to meet him someday. Btw, what pedals is he using?
m payne : I’ve met and talked to him twice. He’s a great human being on top of being a spectacular guitarist. He’s like Mr. Rogers!
Trust me I’ve been down that rabbit hole you don’t wanna know
I have an EJ Thinline, and I’ve had a lot of trouble bending strings on it. After watching EJ a bit, I noticed he doesn’t bend much! I love the guitar, it’s beautiful, it’s bringing something different out in my playing.
Lol, what are you watching bro? He bends alot.
@@ATX0705 he literally doesn’t bend a single note in this whole demo lol.