grayn
Joined: Apr 07, 2012
Posts: 114
East Lancashire
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Posted on Feb 11 2020 02:23 PM
I've always been fond of the Stratocaster, although many seem to have come and gone over the years.
I've never sold one because I didn't like it but usually to raise cash, for another purchase.
I've had Deluxes, an Elite, metallic sparkle and even a surf green, with matching headstock.
But yet again, I found myself without one and the urge to put that right.
So this morning I went out to one of my favourite shops, to try a bunch out.
Tried an all rosewood neck American Proffessional, an all white American Performer, a 2nd hand Elite and even a Parallel Universe Strat-Tele Hybrid, which I actually really liked, although in looks, tone and playability, I think just shouted Country.
I don't think I tried a baddun, although there was quite a variety and difference in all of them.
But the Strat that really got my attention was a Fender Eric Johnson Stratocaster in Tropical Turquoise.
It was 2nd hand (2018) but in mint condition, I guess the previous owner was either a collector or a bedroom guitarist.
Overall the guitar has a simple, fairly plain aesthetic, which I find appealing.
It's 2 nods to glamour, being it's bound neck, fairly unusual on a Strat. and specially engraved neck plate
The Light two-piece alder body with deep 1957-style body contours and cavities comes in "Tropical Turquoise", being more like Daphne blue but darker and deeper in tone.
Couldn't see much evidence of actual turquoise.
Perhaps the green gets sucked out, in the tropics.
The "soft V" neck is seriously comfortable, as are the rounded binding and 12” radius fretboard.
These really helped sell the guitar.
But what elevated this model above all the others I played today, were the Special Eric Johnson single-coil pickups with countersunk screws.
A very balanced, thick, strong tone, yet still very stratty.
Even the very vintage trem system is nicely smooth and useable.
The guitar comes with cool accessories, including a Deluxe Blonde Hardshell case, with Brown Ends and Gold Interior, a Levy's; Woven Strap, a 15' Koil Kords white Cable and an "Ash Tray" Bridge Cover.
A cool, classy strat, for many different occasions, including of course some instro-surf.
Soon as I got it home, I hooked up 2 delay pedals and some spring reverb and dripped and splashed through some lovely surf tunes.
Heaven.
— http://soundcloud.com/graham-pike
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Redfeather
Joined: Jul 30, 2016
Posts: 853
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Posted on Feb 11 2020 02:34 PM
That is a very good looking Strat. I think the bound neck is such a striking addition to the look. And the color is just radiant. And good 'ol Eric Johnson. I love that you can generally identify his playing by the time he's played like 5 notes.
So... Floyd Rose?
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RobbieReverb
Joined: Feb 28, 2006
Posts: 2245
San Jose, Ca.
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Posted on Feb 11 2020 03:52 PM
Congratulations! I have one of the first run EJ strats in sunburst, with the maple neck. It is the best strat that I've ever played. Pure magic! The wood resonates like no other guitar that I've played. I've thought about getting on e of the rosewood EJ's, either in your finish, or in the aqua fire mist (darker bluesish-green). Have fun with this beautiful axe!
— Bob
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SixStringSurfer
Joined: Sep 23, 2014
Posts: 1331
Memphis, TN
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Posted on Feb 11 2020 05:08 PM
Congrats! I really like that color.
— MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale.
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22SeaDo
Joined: Oct 30, 2018
Posts: 99
Mojave Valley, AZ.
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Posted on Feb 13 2020 02:43 PM
I was told once that the Eric Johnson strat is as close to a Fender custom shop strat in quality than any other non custom shop. Enjoy it!!
— "Here's to the man who drinks dark ale and goes to bed quite mellow. He lives as he ought to live and dies a jolly good fellow"
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stratdancer
Joined: Dec 11, 2013
Posts: 2532
Akron, Ohio
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Posted on Feb 14 2020 04:35 AM
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kentano2000
Joined: Aug 26, 2012
Posts: 25
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Posted on Feb 21 2020 09:48 AM
Congrats and welcome to the EJ club! I've got one in Lucerne Aqua Firemist and totally dig it. I've also got an EJ Thinline which is excellent as well.
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el_pablo
Joined: Apr 16, 2012
Posts: 90
Biot
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Posted on Feb 21 2020 10:53 AM
A very nice acquisition!
— Paul
The Dead Planet Surfers
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IvanP
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 10320
southern Michigan
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Posted on Feb 21 2020 11:24 AM
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grayn
Joined: Apr 07, 2012
Posts: 114
East Lancashire
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Posted on Feb 23 2020 01:06 PM
Thanks guys.
Really loving this baby,
Already written a cool surfin' tune on it.
— http://soundcloud.com/graham-pike
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Samurai
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2131
Kiev, Ukraine
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Posted on Feb 24 2020 12:24 AM
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Toneschaser
Joined: Jun 14, 2012
Posts: 462
Ohio!
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Posted on Feb 24 2020 06:36 AM
Yeah, that's sharp! My kid has one in Palomino Brown. The best playing and sounding production Strat I have ever had my hands on.
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dickey
Joined: Mar 03, 2020
Posts: 11
Florida
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Posted on Mar 03 2020 08:57 PM
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Matt22
Joined: Feb 15, 2007
Posts: 2813
Fredericksburg, Virginia
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Posted on Mar 05 2020 06:01 AM
BEAUTIFUL color! Or since you're in the UK, colour!
— Matt "tha Kat" Lentz
Skippy and the Skipjacks: 2018-
Skippyandtheskipjacks.net
https://www.facebook.com/skippyandtheskipjacks
Otto and the Ottomans: 2014-2015
The Coconauts surf band: 2009-2014
www.theamazingcoconauts.com
Group Captain and the Mandrakes 2013
http://www.gcmband.com/
The Surfside IV: 2002-2005, 2008-2009
the Del-Vamps: 1992-1999, 2006-2007
http://www.dblcrown.com/delvamps.html
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Sonic_Blue
Joined: Feb 22, 2019
Posts: 190
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Posted on Mar 06 2020 11:42 AM
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Samurai
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2131
Kiev, Ukraine
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Posted on Apr 21 2021 08:22 AM
I’ve just got the same and it’s the hell of a guitar! Responsive, well balanced and edgy just when you need it!
— Waikiki Makaki surf-rock band from Ukraine
New Single is out!
https://waikikimakaki.bandcamp.com/album/rhino-blues-full-contact-surf-single
Waikiki Makaki
https://linktr.ee/waikikimakaki
Lost Diver
https://lostdiver.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/vitaly-yakushin
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Surfysonic
Joined: Oct 17, 2009
Posts: 521
Walkersville, MD
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Posted on Apr 21 2021 04:33 PM
Congrats! She's a beauty! From what I've read online, these are very well respected and admired Strats. Enjoy!
— The doofus formerly known as Snorre
Surfysonic on YouTube
World Famous Philistines: 2014 - 2015
K39: 2013 - 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv9JADQ4ukw
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Samurai
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2131
Kiev, Ukraine
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Posted on Apr 22 2021 02:10 AM
Surfysonic wrote:
Congrats! She's a beauty! From what I've read online, these are very well respected and admired Strats. Enjoy!
Yep, and surprisingly surfy! The pickups are just unreal, a little hotter than common avri ones put still clear and sparkling.
— Waikiki Makaki surf-rock band from Ukraine
New Single is out!
https://waikikimakaki.bandcamp.com/album/rhino-blues-full-contact-surf-single
Waikiki Makaki
https://linktr.ee/waikikimakaki
Lost Diver
https://lostdiver.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/vitaly-yakushin
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wierzbowski
Joined: Jun 17, 2015
Posts: 18
Kentucky
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Posted on Apr 22 2021 07:56 PM
I love it, perfect for some fast picking and then some shimmery chords!
Last edited: May 17, 2021 16:44:02
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Instroverb
Joined: Dec 06, 2008
Posts: 96
Denver
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Posted on May 25 2021 08:41 PM
That’s A gorgeous guitar. You guys convinced me I need one I bought the last one on Sweetwater just an hour ago. Can’t wait!
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