Eric Johnson on his Fender Custom Shop Virginia Strat: 'Like picking up an old friend' #NAMM2020

Guitar icon Eric Johnson talks us through his brand-new Fender Custom Shop Signature 'Virginia' '54 Stratocaster – a meticulous replica of the 1954 Strat Johnson used to record his classic Cliffs Of Dover.

[wayfaerer]

Both Fender and Gibson custom shops have gotten so good that they're without a doubt better built than the 50s and 60s originals.

[DD-nuhw]

Just got home from seeing EJ in Ft Collins Colorado. HE played this guitar, sounds great !

[MrJMatch]

Note: The article confuses the specs of the custom shop and Corona versions. (The custom shop doesn't have the 57/62 pickups, but hand wound custom shops to match the pickups of the original.)

About Cliffs: one of the most famous versions is the Austin City Limits version (watch it if you haven't), and in that concert he used Virginia. His tone in that concert is amazing. Also, even on the record, he did use a strat for the intro and part of the solo, which may well have been Virginia. Also, in response to some other comments, he says this model is 'closer', a comparative, to what he is looking for, which is compatible with his other signature models being close.

[johnschannelonyoutube]

Great information on an awesome guitar. Again, an interviewer from the beginning not completing a handshake that Eric clearly wanted to start the interview with. If it's a true passion and it's a true blessing to interview... make the artist feel as comfortable as you. Hey Eric great to see you. I imagine you've ran into some old friends here at NAMM??? NOTHING!

[jcshirke]

Pssst--He used an ES-335 on "Cliffs of Dover"

[gregmartin]

I don't know i buy in to the hype but it is a beautiful instrument. I would have to play one myself before i believe it is better than original strats from the 50's, 60's . That being said i still wouldn't mind owning one.

[buddylobos]

Honestly, I've seen him 'live' several times and I don't recall him ever playing without pedals or a rack system set-up of some type. Hope the neck radius is 12". I bought a '54 Custom shop strat new. thinking the original Fender 7.25 radius would work for me but, no it didn't. Love the 12" Strat & Tele radius'.

[emidiojorge]

Andy Timmons is right, he should write a book about his tone secrets.

[glenproctor]

Can't hear a word even with volume up full. Check the sound levels guys!

[jonounderhill]

Did Josh call Eric Mark at the end of the video?

[mnchildblues]

That neck is 9k not for me. The 2500.00 model is just as nice w the correct setup..

[rmarlin]

Custom shop version = $9k That is a lot to pay for a flame neck...

[mckendrick]

Really terrible interviewing technique.

[newgunguy]

Sounds just like the originals? EJ said the same thing about his first signature strat. So, how can this be the first he's encountered? Strat that was played on "Cliffs of Dover"? Well, there were more than one track. So, he might've used more than one guitar to complete the song. But, it's been known that he used an ES-335. Unless they mean the whole record. I'd only be interested in the first maple board model and the thinline. I detect too much bullshit! Can't believe anyone! theses are fine instruments already. Why the bullshit?