The production line ‘Virginia’ boasts a one-piece 4A flame maple neck and maple fingerboard. The Virginia is available both as a limited-edition Custom Shop offering (50 worldwide) and on the Fender Corona production line. Thank you for signing up to Guitar World. “When I got the prototype from Fender, it had the tone I had been looking for since my original guitar. The only way I can see a player getting a better Strat … This one is a particularly special guitar because of the Sassafras wood grain on the neck and body. Aclam The Windmiller Preamp Demo - PG Gear Spotlight, 5. Get Reviewed. When I was in New York at the start of December I managed to get hold of one second hand. It’s the first entry in Fender’s Stories Collection, which, according to the company, celebrates modified Fender guitars that shaped history’s most iconic music and the details that made them unique. Bath NAMM 2020: Fender Custom Shop has lifted the veil on the Eric Johnson Virginia Stratocaster, based on the iconic six-string slinger’s own 1954 Strat. We previewed Fender’s new Eric Johnson ‘Virginia’ Stratocaster last month, and now the company has officially released the electric guitar with a full list of impressive specs and details. Visit our corporate site. We’d love to stay in touch, sign up for the Guitar World team to contact you with great news, content and offers. To this day, Eric continues to release brilliant music, tour constantly and is, to the electric guitar community, a savant and widely followed tastemaker. Are Eric Johnson's Good or Not? As far as I’m concerned, the Eric Johnson Strat is about as good as it gets in terms of attention to detail and all of the features that make up the finished guitar. Eric Johnson already had his 1954 "Virginia" Stratocaster® when he recorded Tones* and the Platinum Ah Via Musicom**, groundbreaking albums that made him a hero to music fans and guitarists alike. Stratocaster Guitar Culture | Stratoblogster: Fender Eric Johnson RW Strat Specs- Compare to Maple Original, Stratocaster guitar players, parts suppliers, for sale listings and music reviews Custom Shop and production line models sport sassafras bodies, custom wiring and more. In that spirit, the Stories Collection celebrates modified Fender guitars that shaped history’s most iconic music. Eric Johnson’s Signature Stratocaster Thinline honors the colors and quirks of Fender’s original 1954 vision, as filtered through the personal preferences of one iconic Strat player. Digital Store Home About Eric EJ Archives Store Music Videos Contact Back Bio ... Fender ’57/62 single-coil Strat® middle and neck pickups. Rig Rundown: God Is an Astronaut [2021], 1. Hooked: Blue October's Will Knaak on Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode". Your Pedalboards 2020: Part Deux, 2. I have the photos of the diagrams below this post for your perusal. Then, along came my discovery of the Eric Johnson wiring diagram a few years ago. The biggest departures from vintage specs (chambered body, flat fretboard, re-voiced pickups, and reassigned second tone control) might not suit purists, yet it’s easy to perceive their intent and advantages. Eric Johnson already had his 1954 "Virginia" Stratocaster when he recorded Tones* and the Platinum Ah Via Musicom**, groundbreaking albums that made him a hero to music fans and guitarists alike. It has a particular smooth sustained tone but as you turn it up, it has gain like a little violin.”. “To this day, Eric continues to release brilliant music, tours constantly and is, to the electric guitar community, a guitar wizard and widely-followed tastemaker,” said Justin Norvell, EVP Fender Products. As part of this unique collaboration with the singer, songwriter and guitarist, Fender has recreated Johnson’s 1954 “Virginia” Stratocaster in the Fender Custom Shop in limited quantity and on the Fender Corona production line for one year only. Fender Stories Eric Johnson '54 VirginiaThe Fender Stories Collection pays tribute to legendary musicians, their beloved modified Fender electric guitars and the extraordinary music they created together. BA1 1UA. I’ve got 4 Strats; the first, an Am-Standard, I bought from L&M 28 years ago. “When I first took on this project, I was a bit intimidated because of all the intricate specs involved with this guitar,” said Carlos Lopez, Fender Custom Shop Master Builder. Anyhow, here's the story. That looks great!". Submit Livestream; Submit New Music; New Music Critiques; Live Reviews; Album Reviews; Photo Blog Show Reviews; New Gear/New Toys Reviews; Book Reviews; Industry Contacts; Home › Latest › Fender's Eric Johnson "Virginia" Stratocaster › va strat. Additionally, Eric added a number of personal touches to facilitate his distinctive technique and sound like a GraphTech® high E saddle, flattened 12” fingerboard radius and jumbo frets for optimal playability. Alongside the HS-2 at the bridge, the Custom Shop ‘Virginia’ features a pair of hand-wound EJ Virginia pickups in the neck and middle positions. Said Johnson, “Fender and I talked about doing a reissue of my ’54 ‘Virginia’ for the Stories Collection and I wanted to try it in sassafras, like my original. HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (February 11, 2020)—Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today released the Eric Johnson “Virginia” Stratocaster guitar with the Grammy® award winning artist Eric Johnson. You will receive a verification email shortly. #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width:100%;} Johnson’s original Virginia Strat made appearances on his hit albums Tones and Ah Via Musicom.Fender Custom Shop’s recreation of the iconic axe is a “super close copy” as Johnson tells us in the video above. Guitar World is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. The long-awaited Eric Johnson Stratocaster guitar arose from Johnson?s express wish to give something back to the collectors, players and fans who?ve supported him throughout his career. Terms Of Use. First, take a look and compare this diagram for an American Standard Strat and this diagram for a Jimmie Vaughn/Eric Johnson Strat from Fender. I remember seeing the Eric Johnson Strat being released with the curved laminate rosewood fingerboard (with the White binding) and thinking "ooh! Welcome to the new WillcuttGuitars.com, Please have patience with us as we try to perfect our new site. The Fender Custom Shop Eric Johnson ‘Virginia’ Strat is available for $9,000, while the Stories Collection Eric Johnson 1954 ‘Virginia’ model is offered for $2,499.99. Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing, On PremierGuitar.com, "Sponsored Content" refers to articles, videos, or audio recordings that are produced or curated by an advertiser but that, Godin Guitars Launches the Fairmont CH Composer, Watch a Newly Released White Stripes Performance, Dean Guitars Unveils the MD24 Floyd Roasted Maple Vintage, RJM Music Releases the Overture Programmable Overdrive, Gecko Leather Works Unveils Classic Series Straps, Fender Introduces the Eric Johnson Signature Stratocaster Thinline, First Look: Fender Eric Johnson Signature Stratocaster Thinline, Fender Eric Johnson Signature Stratocaster Thinline Review, 2. The new model recreates Johnson’s 1954 ‘Virginia’ Strat, used on his landmark albums Tones and Ah Via Musicom. Eric Johnson "Virginia" Stratocaster®, Maple Fingerboard, 2-Color Sunburst More about Eric Johnson "Virginia" Strat® In 1988 renowned tone savant Eric Johnson made his debut on Austin City Limits, delivering an electrifying performance that ultimately catapulted “Cliffs of … The Custom Shop ‘Virginia,’ constructed by Fender Master Builder Carlos Lopez, adds in a flamed maple neck and AAAA flame maple fingerboard, as well as a six-saddle Custom Shop EJ synchronized tremolo with high "E" Graph Tech string saver saddle. For the first time, Fender has replicated and released Eric Johnson's beloved '54 “Virginia” Stratocaster, the instrument he used to record the Tones record (1987 Grammy® nomination for Best Rock Instrumental Performance) and the Platinum Ah Via Musicom (1991 Grammy® for Best Rock Instrumental Performance) albums that made him a hero to music fans and guitarists alike. Available now at local musical instruments dealers worldwide and on Fender.com and fendercustomshop.com, the model is a reproduction of Johnson’s prized 1954 “Virginia” Stratocaster with personal touches, celebrating his unique playing style and desire to inspire new musical journeys for guitar players everywhere. Eric Johnson spec’d electronics. © All Rights Reserved That slightly hotted-up bridge pickup has plenty of punch but also warmth to go with it – vintage without the scratchy treble that turns off a lot of players. Any guitarist who marvels at the breathtaking sonic artistry and peerlessly pure tone of Texas Strat® virtuoso Eric Johnson will also marvel at the Eric Johnson Stratocaster Maple guitar. Research and design on this signature model alone The pickups were taken from a EJ strat (pre-owned), but everything else is brand new. Pay attention to the 5-way switch, that’s where the de … However...I was doing research on a website I use and I saw a review that said there might be inconsistency( 5 Fender Eric Johnson Stratocaster Electric Guitar (Assorted Colors) reviews in Solid Body Electric Guitars - Buzzillions.com ) between individual EJ's that made me question whether to get one or not. Johnson’s “Virginia” Stratocaster will be the first model in Fender’s all-new Stories Collection: a celebration of modified Fender guitars that shaped history’s most iconic music and the details that made them unique. Just like he redefines the electric guitar every day, Eric Johnson and Fender redefine, and redesign, the celebrated Stratocaster. Michael Frank-Braun of Fender's Custom Shop, who co-created the guitar with Johnson, noted that the guitarist has spent years researching what makes guitars sound good, down to the bobbins and screws. Please refresh the page and try again. Hollywood, CA (February 11, 2020) -- Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today released the Eric Johnson "Virginia" Stratocaster guitar with the Grammy award winning artist Eric Johnson. Reviews. Both guitars come in 2-Color Sunburst, with the Custom Shop version featuring a Deluxe Closet Classic finish package with a lightly-checked lacquer finish matched to Closet Classic hardware. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Custom wiring and artist-specific setup. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Finely crafted guitars and basses created by artists, for the artist In true tradition, the Fender’s Artist Signature Series honors iconic musicians through product progression and storytelling, creating instruments inspired by the unique specifications of the world’s greatest guitarists and bassists. Other features include a six-saddle American vintage synchronized tremolo, vintage-style tuners, nickel/chrome hardware and a one-ply eggshell pickguard. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. Rated 4.5 / 5 by 7 customers! The rare sassafras body, custom switching and special set-up will thrill players and collectors by showcasing the guitar’s unique silky tone and distinct fine grain appearance. “From the Sassafras and flamed neck to the pickups - the challenge was to make sure Eric was happy with it and loved it the first time.”. */, Copyright ©2021. Hollywood, CA (February 11, 2020) -- Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today released the Eric Johnson "Virginia" Stratocaster guitar with the Grammy award winning artist Eric Johnson. Taylor GTe Urban Ash: The Premier Guitar Review, 4. Privacy Policy | Fender Eric Johnson 1954 Virginia Stratocaster 2 Tone Sunburst Highlights. The new model recreates Johnson’s 1954 ‘Virginia’ Strat, used on his landmark albums Tones and Ah Via Musicom. Models include the Eric Johnson “Virginia” Stratocaster ($2,499.99) and Fender Custom Shop Eric Johnson “Virginia” Stratocaster ($9,000.00). The guitar is practically new, expect for a few minor and very superficial scratches in the lacquer that are hard to even capture with a camera. With its rare rift/quartersawn sassafras body, lacquer finish, custom wiring and more, the Eric Johnson 1954 Virginia Stratocaster will thrill with its distinctive look and exceptional tone, a must-have for players and collectors alike! This is a brand new loaded pickguard designed exactly to the Fender Eric Johnson Artist Series strat guitar specifications. Built in Corona, Calif., these “Virginia” Stratocaster guitars combine extraordinary history and exceptional tone. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer, The rise, fall and rediscovery of the Fender Jaguar, How to set up a Les Paul: 7 essential tips, Harley Benton decks out DC-Junior with new Benton Blue finish, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard announce new album L.G., their third in an “exploration of microtonal tunings”, Mike Campbell reveals his “desert island guitars”, The best guitars for beginners 2021: 10 epic entry-level acoustic and electric guitars, Emma Ruth Rundle and Thou detail the "arduous and long process" that led to their dark collaborative masterpieces. In 2020, for the first time, Eric’s 1954 Virginia Stratocaster will be replicated by Fender in limited numbers. “Fender and I talked about doing a reissue of my ’54 “Virginia” for the Stories Collection and I wanted to try it in Sassafras, like my original,” said guitarist Eric Johnson. Fender Custom Shop: Turning musical dreams into realities. The Eric Johnson Signature Strat may look like a million other Fenders, but it sounds like no other I’ ve ever come across. It has a particular smooth sustained tone but as you turn it up, it has gain like a little violin.”. To this day, Eric continues to release brilliant music, tour constantly and is, to the electric guitar community, a savant and widely followed tastemaker. The Eric Johnson 1954 “Virginia” Strat features Eric’s custom wiring and personal pickup selection, including a DiMarzio HS-2 with an active top coil in the bridge and a Fender-original ‘57/’62 single-coil Strat set in the middle and neck. All rights reserved. “It was a perfect fit having Eric Johnson as the first artist in this Stories Collection celebrating modified instruments played by important guitarists that created music for the ages.”. Read Sweetwater customer reviews for Fender Stories Collection Eric Johnson 1954 "Virginia" Stratocaster - 2-Tone Sunburst Reviews. For a fraction of price of a EJ strat, you can upgrade your beloved strat exactly to … THE GUITAR: STRATS, STRATS AND MORE STRATS Anyone who has the pleasure of playing or (even better) owning an Eric Johnson Artist model Fender Stratocaster will notice two distinct features: the ’57 hard “V” neck—refresh your knowledge of common neck shapes—and a headstock without string trees. In the same spirit as the production line version, the Fender Custom Shop masterbuilt “Virginia” will take on the same aesthetic and tone as the original guitar, but in exacting detail with handwound pickups and a flamed maple neck – available in an extremely limited quantity. va strat… “When I got the prototype from Fender, it had the tone I had been looking for since my original guitar. EJ felt the string tree messes with his guitar’s tone, so he had them removed. The Fender Custom Shop version is complete with the same specifications and features as his original, including a 6-saddle American vintage synchronized tremolo bridge with a 2-piece offset seam sassafras body, lacquer finish and custom wiring. We previewed Fender’s new Eric Johnson ‘Virginia’ Stratocaster last month, and now the company has officially released the electric guitar with a full list of impressive specs and details. Eric Johnson Virginia Stratocaster The Virginia Stratocaster is the first model in Fender’s all-new Stories Collection, which celebrates iconic guitars in music history. Features include a two-piece offset seam sassafrass body, nitrocellulose lacquer finish and custom wiring. There was a problem. For more information, head to Fender and Fender Custom Shop. I love Eric Johnson strat wiring all my strats have option for 1. all pups 2.