The Eric Johnson Fender Stratocaster is lauded across the internet for its exceptional quality and meticulous attention to detail. Many guitarists consider it the pinnacle of Fender’s non-Custom Shop offerings. Having owned a couple of these guitars myself, I appreciate their merits, yet ultimately, certain characteristics led me to part ways with them.
Here’s a breakdown of my personal experiences, highlighting both the advantages and disadvantages I encountered. Keep in mind that these are subjective observations, and while many aspects can be modified, the question is whether you’d prefer a guitar that aligns with your preferences right out of the box.
The Pros of the Eric Johnson Fender Stratocaster
Superior Playability with 12″ Radius
Coming from a Gibson background, the 12″ fretboard radius on the Eric Johnson Stratocaster was a welcome feature. It offers a flatter surface compared to the vintage Fender radii like 7.25″ or 9.5″, making bending strings easier and facilitating comfortable chording across the neck. This modern radius enhances playability, particularly for players accustomed to Gibson-style guitars or those who favor contemporary techniques.
Lightweight and Resonant Two-Piece Body
The two-piece body construction is not only aesthetically pleasing, often showcasing attractive wood grain figuring, but also contributes to a lighter overall weight. This is a significant advantage for extended playing sessions, reducing fatigue. Furthermore, the lighter body often resonates more freely, enhancing the guitar’s natural acoustic properties and translating to a lively amplified tone.
Thin Nitro Finish for Enhanced Tone (and Fragility)
The paper-thin nitrocellulose lacquer finish is a hallmark of vintage-style guitars and a feature prized by many for its contribution to tone. Unlike thicker polyurethane finishes, nitro allows the wood to breathe and vibrate more freely, believed to enhance resonance and tonal complexity. However, it’s worth noting that nitro finishes are more delicate and prone to wear and checking, which might be a concern for some players seeking a more robust finish.
Factory Bridge Pickup Tone Control
A standout feature is the inclusion of a tone control wired to the bridge pickup. Traditionally, Stratocasters lack a tone control for the bridge pickup, which can often sound overly bright. The Eric Johnson model addresses this by providing a dedicated tone knob, allowing you to tame the bridge pickup’s high-end frequencies and achieve a wider range of tones, from sparkling cleans to warmer, more rounded overdrive sounds. This is an incredibly useful and often overlooked feature for Strat players.
Vintage Aesthetics with Modern Refinements
The Eric Johnson Stratocaster beautifully blends vintage-inspired appointments with subtle modern enhancements. Features like the deep body contours and smooth headstock volute evoke classic Fender designs, while modern touches such as the absence of a string tree and staggered tuners improve tuning stability and string angle over the nut. This combination offers the best of both worlds: vintage vibe with enhanced performance.
Exceptional Value for Features and Quality
Considering the features, build quality, and attention to detail, the Eric Johnson Stratocaster represents exceptional value. It offers a level of craftsmanship and specifications that often rivals Custom Shop instruments, but at a more accessible price point. For players seeking a high-performance Stratocaster with premium features without venturing into Custom Shop territory, the Eric Johnson model is a compelling option.
The Cons of the Eric Johnson Fender Stratocaster
Medium Jumbo Frets That Feel Smaller Than Advertised
While advertised as medium jumbo frets, in practice, they feel noticeably smaller. It seems they are ground down to a lower profile than typical medium jumbos. This can be a drawback for players who prefer taller frets for easier bending and vibrato, as the lower frets may feel less substantial under the fingers.
Thick and Sticky Fretboard Finish (Maple Neck Model)
On the maple neck version (MN model), the fretboard finish can feel thick and somewhat sticky. Combined with the smaller fret size, this resulted in noticeable finger drag for me, which could become uncomfortable during extended playing. This issue is likely less pronounced, or non-existent, on the rosewood fretboard (RW) model, which typically has a different finish.
Thin and Jangly Signature Pickups (Subjective)
The signature Eric Johnson pickups, while designed to his specifications, have a tonality that I personally found to be quite thin and jangly. While this bright and articulate sound can be ideal for certain styles, particularly clean and slightly overdriven tones, they lacked the warmth and fullness I prefer in a Stratocaster pickup. Tone is subjective, and many players appreciate the distinct character of these pickups, but they may not be universally appealing.
Playability Stiffness and Neck Profile Variance
There’s a certain stiffness to the playability of these guitars that I’ve not encountered on other Stratocasters. It felt as if the string gauge was heavier than it actually was, requiring slightly more effort to play. Additionally, I was surprised by the inconsistencies in neck profiles between the two EJ Stratocasters I owned. One had a substantial U-shaped neck, while the other was slimmer and more of a V-shape. This variability underscores the importance of trying multiple guitars before purchasing, or ensuring a good return policy if buying online.
Conclusion: A Fantastic Guitar, But Consider Your Preferences
In conclusion, the Eric Johnson Fender Stratocaster is undoubtedly a fantastic instrument, boasting high quality, thoughtful features, and excellent value. However, its specific characteristics, such as the smaller frets, potentially sticky fretboard finish (on maple necks), bright pickups, and inherent stiffness, might not align with every player’s preferences.
Ultimately, whether the Eric Johnson Stratocaster is the right guitar for you depends on your individual playing style and tonal tastes. If possible, I highly recommend trying a few different examples to experience the neck profile and overall feel firsthand. While it wasn’t the perfect Strat for me personally, preferring guitars that feel more effortless to play, it remains an exceptional instrument that many guitarists will find perfectly suited to their needs.
