The Guitars of Eric Johnson: A Short History

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Жыл бұрын

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*** Correction: EJ had a chance to see the video and had two corrections to my research. He said he bought that band jacket in a thrift shop and it actually comes from a high school in west Texas. And the guitars that were found 24 years later were not "in a pawn" shop, they were at Heart of Texas Music, and when Eric Verified the serial numbers the woman that had brought them in gave them back to Eric, having had a suspicion they might have been stolen long ago. Thanks to EJ and his friend that reached out to clear these up for me.
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Well we're firmly into "Strat-vember" now but I've been waiting to do this one and it seemed to be the right time.
For the past two weeks I've mostly been playing two Strandbergs, my Boden NX and the new Masvidalien NX (borrowed and now returned the good people at Ish Guitars). I'm been working on a number of EJ chord videos that John Cordy has made over the last few years and realized that you can do ALMOST all of EJ's tones on the bridge or bridge middle positions. I've also been digging into the EQ blocks on the Stomp and Rockett MeLody to sculpt those tones closer to what I've heard on EJ's records for years.
Now before you jump in and say "those aren't Stratocasters" (as my good friend Jeff McErlain often does) go watch EJ playing a Gibson in a video and realize that I'm exploring territory where EJ has already gone before (no surprise there.)
Thanks for checking it out. I really enjoyed making it.
Keith

Пікірлер: 374

@synboy Жыл бұрын

ah via musicom changed my entire outlook on the instrument. Out of the 80's and 90's shred, comes a guy full of melody. Showed me that music was much, much more than just technique. Thanks to Eric

@TauRiOneill Жыл бұрын

He showed me you don’t have to limit yourself to one style or genre of playing. Rock, jazz, country…everything is on the table.

@fivewattworld Жыл бұрын

Mix and match, stir it all together…

@fanoboss Жыл бұрын

EJ's music is very romantic and thoughtful

@donaldedwardgossett3085 5 ай бұрын

My son, Jordan is both a Tequila specialist and a guitar player so a few years ago he was at a Tequila Tasting dinner. He was sitting beside a lady with whom he discussed his love and involvement in music so she asked him if he had ever heard of Eric Johnson. He responded that his dad raised him right and that Eric Johnson was THE best living guitar player. She told him that Eric was her brother and then arranged for free tickets and backstage passes to meet Eric at his next show in Denver. My son took me and it was both a great show and a true honor to meet EJ -- who was also a very nice guy and easy to talk with. I jokingly asked if he had made a deal with the devil to play so great and look so young for his age -- as he is a year older than me. Then this week I ordered a Fender Eric Johnson Thinline Stratocaster as I love EJ and love Thinlines. And I love this video and all the short histories. Keep up the great work!

@andybasic1761 3 ай бұрын

A memory that will last you a lifetime!!!

@johnnathancordy Жыл бұрын

Beard is coming along nicely Keith! Thanks for having me. Eric has been the player whose tone and chords I've found myself most drawn to ever since I heard Venus Isle!

@MrAwesomeSaucesome Жыл бұрын

Hi John, love your playing on this! If you don't mind a nerdy question, what is that chord change at 19:56? I remember hearing something similar in the ACL cliffs intro and there's something turbo EJ about it :) was hoping to pick your brain on the theory going on there. Hope you're well, greetings from the UK S

@JeffMcErlain Жыл бұрын

Great work as always John!

@tonystartup3817 Жыл бұрын

Nice one John!

@gilguajardo7808 Жыл бұрын

John, is that your twin brother “Eric Cordy playing that ‘violin’ tone” at the top of the video?

@eldesgraciado6690 Жыл бұрын

Pass me the silver bullets.

@LostPlanet2024 17 күн бұрын

One Sunday evening in 1978, (I was 16) bored and wanting to hear some music my friends and I walked into a Dallas hole in the wall called Sneaky Pete's. Nobody there, we grabbed table closest to the stage. We asked the waitress who the band was. She shrugged her Shoulders and said "some blues band". We were about to leave after about half an hour of deliberating where go to see a rock band when a skinny guy with spiked up hair walked in with a guitar case. He played a 60's metalic green strat that he said incorrectly was seafoam green. It was probably a faded Pellum blue. To say that night changed my life is an understatement. It literally set the course of my life. I have seen Eric perform close to 40 times and each time I relive that experience. Thank you Eric!! Thanks for the video Keith!

@jeffsaginaw1769 Жыл бұрын

BRAVO! I opened for EJ at the Fallout Shelter Raleigh, NC in the 80's and stood beside Richard Mullin behind the board for his set. I saw the ACL set after a gig in Chicago and was really jacked to get to open for him. He had the "never less than 150%" attitude. You're video here once again raises the bar. Thanks from us EJ fans. This was great!

@Flying_turnip187 Жыл бұрын

I remember hearing Eric for the first time playing a live version of “Cliffs of Dover” on the end of a mixed tape. I seriously thought “ Santana sounds smoking ….he must be practicing!” Lol. I have never up until that point heard a beautiful sustain and tone matched with clean technique. I found out later who it was and was an instant fan. Amazing musician.

@JohnLnyc Жыл бұрын

On August 17, 2006 I saw The Steve Miller Band at the Ives Concert venue in Danbury Ct. Eric Johnson was the opening act. Steve commented from the stage about getting older and having luthier John Bolin build him Strats with hollowed out bodies. At one point Eric came out to jam with Steve and Steve noted it was Eric’s birthday. Steve then presented Eric with a white Bolin Strat as a gift.

@stratfanstl Жыл бұрын

Two items... 1) most don't realize EJ was on ACL twice before AVM's release. Once around 84 and the appearance in the marching band coat taped in late 88. He played versions of Cliffs of Dover both times and it was still clearly a work in progress. Maybe that can give the rest of us hope. That song didn't pop out of his head in the studio onto tape one afternoon around 1989 or 1990. He had been honing that for SIX YEARS. Even for him, it took practice. 2) is it just me or does anyone else miss ACL? Yea, I know it still airs but if you've tried watching it, the bookings since Terry Lickona left bear no resemblance to the rock/blues/country focus it had from 1976 to 2000 or so. The acts they have on now are unlistenable.

@TheLochs Жыл бұрын

I think a lot of people dont realize some songs take a lot of revision and expirimentation before they are finished. And some songs "write themselves". I've dealt with both. I love the train of creativity when a song writes itself. Its a great feeling.

@BeesWaxMinder Жыл бұрын

ACL?

@ae3898 Жыл бұрын

The anterior cruciate ligament, part of the knee joint; a common sports injury involves a partial or complete tear of the ACL. (May also refer to “Austin City Limits”, a long-running live music program on PBS television.)

@BeesWaxMinder Жыл бұрын

@@ae3898 ah! Of course! Thanks! We’re only just discovering Key and Peele out here in ye olde Britain, and even then not on any TV channel!

@dainhuston Жыл бұрын

No your not alone I wish they’d get Sonny Landreth on A.L.C.🎸pick & grin

@RobertKeeleyTV Жыл бұрын

I've gotten to talk to Eric a handful of times, always about electronics, and every time he is so very inspiring. He has a wealth of tone-tips that will send you off on an inspired journey of tone betterment! Thanks for the history of his guitars, I have two of the Sassafras models (one is lucky #13) - I swear there is something special about these guitars! ;-)

@kevinknight470 Жыл бұрын

Eric is so humble, yet a master of the guitar. Thanx for covering some of his life. Very interesting, an old school guitarist with a great ear for sound tones.😃

@panagiotis.tsiatsis Жыл бұрын

I love Eric's playing, but I am mostly grateful for his character.

@nitrobw1 Жыл бұрын

I saw Eric live about 5 or 6 years ago and it blew my mind. Everybody applauded when he hit that first bend on Cliffs of Dover, and he played SRV, my favorite EJ tune, and I couldn’t believe how easy he made it all look. It seemed so easy when he played it. And those chord voicings! He’s an absolute master of the guitar, no doubt

@djw8133 Жыл бұрын

I don't think anyone since has even come close to his artistry. Not Goven not Lange nobody!

@shazamvondoom325 Жыл бұрын

My jazz director in college did sessions with Eric. He said one time Eric asked a tech to get him a new battery for one of his pedals then left the room. While he was gone the tech changed the battery. When Eric came back and checked the pedal he turned it off, called the tech over and said “I need a Duracell, this is an energizer.” Then my director watched in amazement as Eric pulled the Energizer out of his pedal 😂

@picksalot1 Жыл бұрын

From ethereal, gentle chords to massive, fiery leads, and everything in between, EJ does it all with great tone, style and humility. Inspiring in so many ways. Details of the mods he's done to his guitars was particularly interesting. One of my very favorite guitarists. Thanks again Keith for a wonderful video and history.

@stephanematis Жыл бұрын

My mother and I tuned in and watched that Austin City Limits session with Eric and were both silent and mesmerized until he finished. To me, he looked like a mischievous troubadour with that outfit, his hairdo and piped piper ability to draw the entire audience in. It was epic. Out of Montreal, two PBS channels always showed Austin City Limits and they often advertised an upcoming show with an extract of the famous clip of Eric. I own his vintage white semi-hollow Strat and one of each necks via Stratosphere: Virginia, production signature, bound rosewood. Without a doubt, the signatures are wonderful spec for neck with V shape, 12" radius and quarter sawn profile. Like many folks, I think these are among the most endearing necks, rivalling Custom Show 10/56's, especially since 10/56 + 12" radius is rarely combined. The bound rosewood neck graces my Ice Blue Metallic Fender American Original 60s Jazzmaster, going full circle back to the guitar model that inspired it. The most amazing grain original signature neck is gracing an Aged Sage Green Custom Shop body, combined with his signature pickups and Virginia's neck found a home on a Roasted Poblamo body. I dig his choice of locking tuners that have different height posts, making very clean looking headstock. The few clips of Eric speaking about the guitars details his deliberate choices well. BTW, on Virginia, it wasn't just Sassafras wood, but also an offset body, sort 1/3 + 2/3 setup, where the bridge is sitting in the 2/3 wood block. I think this both visually interesting and worthy of more notice for "behaviour". Thanks Keith & co for this one!

@andthatsalliknow5280 Жыл бұрын

The first time I heard Cliffs of Dover when I was in high school introduced me to what great tone actually was, I was an 80's metal guy so what I heard from that song changed EVERYTHING!

@chrissterrmusic Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video! I just want to throw in here that Venus Isle is a gem of an album and seemed to never get the credit it deserved… ❤

@seanhershey3390 Жыл бұрын

He's actually a friend of my band mate's brother who has a studio in Austin... I met him when he played here in State College Pa. super sweet guy... thanks again!

@lukecolombero4456 Жыл бұрын

Easily favorite episode of this series, Eric Johnson gave me a reason to keep playing guitar when I was becoming sick of it. Really hoping to get the Virginia strat replica once I can afford it, this video must made me love it even more. Amazing work!

@robertbrewster4265 Жыл бұрын

I saw that PBS show too! I was at my grandma's house over the weekend just hanging out. A senior in HS and had no plans to go out. So, I started watching PBS late @ night. Wow!

@carlospellot2426 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this Episode and all the Research you do. Really Loved it and having John Play here was more than appropriate. Thanks! also Just for the "Bloom" album he used an ES-175 on “Hesitant,” and an L12 for “From My Heart.” A Takamine EC132 classical guitar is on the last cut, “Ceil”.

@MarkKirbyMusic Жыл бұрын

I always wondered what he played on these tracks. Thanks!

@Frapzoid Жыл бұрын

I stopped listening to rock around 1973 but I would say EJ is the best rock guitarist I have ever heard.

@stevecraig7643 8 ай бұрын

I saw Eric twice this fall. Still stunning to see play live.

@antonlemmy1417 Жыл бұрын

I ran into Eric in Austin Vintage Guitars several years ago…. Such a chill guy. Fantastic, unmistakable tone.

@jaythornhill Жыл бұрын

Thanks for another wonderful video! I first got into Eric's music through the first G3 album. What I heard blew me away, and i went straight out and got "Venus Isle" and "Ah Via Musicom", and I've been following him ever since. A guitar player's guitar player, with tones to die for!

@michaelwoods9005 Жыл бұрын

Eric didn't have a graphtech saddle on the high E of the original Virginia- they didn't exist yet. He used a Fender block saddle from the 70s with a piece of Delrin plastic glued in where the string goes over the saddle. They use a graphtech saddle in the tribute guitars because it's the closest commercial equivalent.

@joshbechaistron791 Жыл бұрын

It'd be awesome to see a "guitars of Greg Howe" on this channel. I've had a hard time nailing down his specific instruments throughout the years, plus it would sound better coming from you lol. Nice vid as usual dude.

@matthewmacdonald9851 Жыл бұрын

Keith, your videos are always fantastic but I'm especially thankful that you covered the guitars of possibly the nicest guy in the music business. What a treasure EJ is, a unique talent with endless chops and a spectacular sense of melody. Meanwhile he's the most down to earth guy. Thanks!

@timothyk4125 Жыл бұрын

dude been waiting for this EJ is one of my favorites

@barberelectronics5672 Жыл бұрын

Why is this channel always so good? Your killin' it Keith!

@fanoboss Жыл бұрын

Eric Johnson is one of the nicest people that I've ever met.

@BB-gt1eg Жыл бұрын

Been waiting for this!! Thanks so much, I remember distinctly the day I checked the "Ah Via Musicom" CD from the public library and listened to it at home. Blown away. Have had a major EJ crush ever since lol.😄

@CalebGrundyson Жыл бұрын

Love your videos! Thanks for all the work you put into these!

@adambeachard3249 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video, thank you very much! I really enjoy these short historys and appreciate your time in making them.

@philfrank5601 Жыл бұрын

These just keep getting better and better, thanks Keith.

@edc3093 Жыл бұрын

Hi Keith, I hope you are safe and well!! You are looking good with the full beard. I must say that in the 50 years of my playing keyboard, trumpet and guitar that EJ kind of just flew under my radar. Seeing your "The Guitars of Eric Johnson: A Short History, caused me to take notice of EJ and I must say that i am quite impressed with EJ, his style of playing and his choice of guitars (which I find to be remarkably similar to mine). I would like to thank you for your insight into the subject matter and bringing it to light. Your style of delivery keeps me glued to your videos . . . low keyed but, having great impact. In conclusion, thanks again for another great installment of A Short History. I look forward to viewing the next one. Until then, take care and stay safe.

@williamsanderson9279 Жыл бұрын

Great story of a great player and his guitars! Thank you Keith

@istvandejesus Жыл бұрын

Hi and may the Lord bless you. Always great work with these series. Just love them. Would you consider someday doing The guitars of Joe Satriani?

@Adventuresingearland Жыл бұрын

Lovely work, Mr Williams and team. Thank you all.

@runaprayascitta3970 Жыл бұрын

I've been waiting for this for the longest time, Thank you so much 🔥

@echoplexi73 Жыл бұрын

Dude! I've been waiting on this one!! Thanks Keith and John.

@glassslide Жыл бұрын

Fantastic video Keith---perfect way to kick back after a long week, thanks for all the great content, EJ is next level.

@JunkfoodZombieGuns Жыл бұрын

I own one of the Thinline models in Vintage White. It really is something special. It has a certain open airiness to the sound that I Love. My cousin, and first guitar teacher, who has been playing for 50 years and has played tons of Strats says it's the best sounding Strat he's ever played. I know it's my favorite. Thanks for another awesome video.

@jeffrobuck6338 29 күн бұрын

I really enjoyed seeing Ray Henning mentioned. I bought several guitars at Heart of Texas over the years, and you never knew who you might see hiding in a ball cap and sunglasses checking out an old Marshall.

@southpaw335 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Keith (and John) EJ is one of my absolute favourites and i learned quite a bit in this short history ! Cheers

@darrellminx5459 Жыл бұрын

Great show Keith! You always have the best history and true information for us. I appreciate your work and diligence to tone quest.

@wesleyalan9179 Жыл бұрын

It's gotta be a weird, but great feeling when you come across a special guitar in a Pawn Shop that was stolen from you 20 years prior. Totally awesome. Great video 5WW🤟

@armfold Жыл бұрын

I’m not sure if Eric ever played it live, but I believe Alex Lifeson gifted him his original red Gibson double neck. The one that was damaged at a gig with blue oyster cult in the 70’s. Rush’s classic tune Xanadu was recorded with that guitar I believe. Then was stolen from Eric… I wonder were it ended up…

@patrickfreuler1376 Жыл бұрын

The first time I saw Eric was the 88 Austin City Limits appearance and Cliffs of Dover. I was blown away.

@ZaddyGotchu Жыл бұрын

Great well researched videos consistently. Good stuff sir!

@ParkerDeBaryshe Жыл бұрын

Awesome video Keith! My first serious guitar was a thinline EJ strat and it’s amazing! I have since heavily modified it somewhat in the spirit of Eric’s constant tinkering and hunt for tone. Great video, really reigniting my love of EJ, I think I’ll have to spend some time with his albums today!

@toms5951 Жыл бұрын

I found Eric Johnson when I needed something new to discover and like many Cliffs of Dover was the first I heard when being recommended by KZfaq algorithm (at least it's good for something). A couple years later I took my wife to see him on the 2017 Ah Via Musicom that he was sharing the tour with another guitarist I never heard of Arielle. It was a fantastic show, she damn near stole the spotlight, and I ended up leaving with his strap that will forever remain on my Strat. I saw him once more early 2020, just before he would have to cancel the remaining tour due to Covid. I'd gladly go back for a 3rd show, watching him play is simply amazing.

@rudiyantohalim736 Жыл бұрын

EJ's tone is so recognizeable, no one sound like him

@ArthurESnyder44 Жыл бұрын

A truly humble guy and a freaking monster musician!!! Thanks Keith!

@jamesprice6381 8 ай бұрын

1985 stationed at NAS Dallas TX ( Grand Prairie) Hitting pawn shops would find my first tube amp a 74 Super Reverb in OakCliff! As well as my second Gibson, a 68 SJ Junior which i modified. Would spend many a afternoon @ Eugenes guitars in Oak Cliff, and kiking myself now, for not BUYING one of the MANY $300 vtg strats stacked DEEP against the wall. Trips to Long Horn guitar in Ft Worth.. would leave me in mesmorization, looking at the 4 knob Park red tolex beast staring at me, while a young kid plays a vtg strat thru a chandler rack tube driver into a 50 watt combo Marshall NAILING THE most difficult lines on TONES> Yes, those days sparked a never ending journey, in ab ADMIRATION of the wonderment n mystery of not just music, but a gift straight from Heaven, so far it is in my rear view mirror, but not forgotten.. Both Tones and AVM would grace the galaxies B4 i left there.....just a kiss from the stars..

@Taylor-kd6lr Жыл бұрын

You have a fantastic channel Keith. I really love the videos you do on it. They are just great!

@iwannabeyourshirt Жыл бұрын

Great presentation of fhe guitars and versatility of an amazing player who also comes across as a humble and generous human being. It's kind of great when a talent of that caliber doesn't sacrifice one skill set for the other.

@patrickwashburn4501 Жыл бұрын

Great show, Keith. In the late 1970s, I was picking up my 1975 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe with the blue sparkle-top finish from the original location of Strait Music in Austin. It was there to get a set-up and strobe tuning. Eric Johnson came in, saw my guitar, and asked me if it was for sale. I recognized him as the guitarist with the local jazz fusion group, the Electromagnets. Unfortunately, I had a gig that evening and I couldn’t sell him my guitar. Maybe if I had sold it, you might be mentioning that guitar in your video!

@robertclarkguitar Жыл бұрын

Man I really love these guitar / music docs you put together. Great voice for speaking....great b roll and well packaged content no doubt. Thank you.

@sunn_bass Жыл бұрын

Great video. I met EJ in Austin when Ah Via Musicom was released. Super great guy. Can't remember how many times i saw him live in the 80s and early 90s. Thanks for the video. Brings back good memories.

@ginoames Жыл бұрын

Truly one of my favorite guitarist/musicians. His playing, his songs, and that tone. Great video Five Watt!

@nine9whitepony526 Жыл бұрын

Never really gave E.J. a lot of attention on my turn table, but this video has sparked my curiosity. Love these videos. I love hearing about how particular artists like to specifically customize their guitars to suit their individual needs. Keep em coming Keith.

@guppybill Жыл бұрын

Howdy Keith. These are magnificent pieces of compiled history. Eric Johnson's playing is inspired and inspiring. I'm almost not disappointed we haven't seen Steve Howe's axes yet. Almost.

@rockyrovere2526 Жыл бұрын

Your the best, Hypes. "Short" and simple, Thank you, Rocky

@JeffMcErlain Жыл бұрын

Excellent work as always Keith. As I start looking at EJ strats...

@jean-philippemorin1176 Жыл бұрын

Cool video again! Thanks for making them I dig these videos! I have the fender eric johnson signature pickups set in my mexican strat. They sound amazing. I think its worth mentionning since this is a pretty nice product, and they seems pretty popular as well. Eric and people at fender seems to have put a lots of thought in them. He seems pretty nerdy and demanding regarding tone. I didn't know very much about Eric before researching the net and youtube for a strat pickups set that I would like to get for my guitar and I came accross the marketing video from fender and Eric for these pickups, and I found that they sounded great in the video. So I bought a set. Glad I did. I listen to his music after and this has been a nice discovery for me. This is the guitar I have played the most since these pickups are in. It's a pretty unusual combination of pickups looking at the specs. I also have switched the bottom tone knob from middle pickups to bridge pickups, with no tone pot connected to the middle pickup, like Eric did and its the wiring I prefer. It makes sense to me as well. My strat still has all 250k pots and stock cap 0.22 tho. They are useful, versatile, and you can get more tones than the typical Eric Johnson tones. :)

@c.j.robert5350 Жыл бұрын

These videos makes us feel like we've been a part of its stories!! Amazing!!

@TraneFrancks Жыл бұрын

Outstanding as always, Keith. AVM blew my mind when I heard it. EJ's attention to tone is legendary.

@garymajchrzak6793 Жыл бұрын

Thanks a million for this one, Keith!

@WillBrahm Жыл бұрын

Keith these are SO wonderful. Thank you!!

@glenkepic3208 Жыл бұрын

Here before but, man,,,Austin show, I saw it in like '90. Heavy rotation here ? Not Cliffs but Desert Rose. Great singing and playing :) Love this.

@bevinmodrak4997 Жыл бұрын

Oh man, such memories.I had that Guitar Player mag with the floppy disc. I remember watchin his performance on Austin City Limits. Such great memories.

@Frankie_Holt Жыл бұрын

Eric is the reason I know about Junior Brown. He was asked in an interview how it felt to be the most dangerous player from Texas , he said you must’ve mistaken me for Junior Brown.

@robertwhitcomb6105 7 ай бұрын

Your research is as detailed as EJ’s playing. Thanks!

@texpig13 Жыл бұрын

Another hit out if the park! Love EJ and 5 watt world!!!!

@mikaelcooley9147 Жыл бұрын

I own the two tone thinline EJ and it's amazing. I've played a lot of Strats, but I've never played anything as nice and elegant as Jessica, my name for her. Now if only I could play as well as Eric.... lol

@petermcconaghie7745 Жыл бұрын

Ha! How bloody brilliant is this. I have a vivid memory of getting my copy of Guitar Player magazine with the story on Eric and including (bonus!!) a floppy recording of Cliffs of Dover on it that I duly placed on my grandmother's record turntable, pumped the volume and dropped the needle. I've been a fan, and shamelessly in dropped jawed awe, ever since.

@RobertJSedky Жыл бұрын

Thank you Keith! Brilliant work and a wonderful tribute for the humble Maestro - that will endure for future generations to come.

@NHfiddle Жыл бұрын

I used to have an EJ strat clone. I had an old 1982 reissued 57 strat that I tried to turn into an EJ. It was the same two tone tobacco sunburst and I found a set of his pickups online. Someone was parting out a stolen guitar so I grabbed the pickups and had them professionally installed. When I got it back after a few short weeks it played and sounded very close to what his Ah Via Music Com strat sounded like but not exactly. I've long since sold it because it didn't do what I wanted and that was the last strat that I owned.

@jltrem Жыл бұрын

Some years ago I was reading a guitar mag interview with EJ. In it he described his tuning method which I tried and adopted and have used ever since. It eliminates the E to E retuning that always occurs when using that method. It goes: Low E, High E, D, B, A, G. Usually only takes two tunings. Improves the balance when tuning.

@fivewattworld Жыл бұрын

I do the same thing for the same reason.

@alexlifeson8946 Жыл бұрын

That band coat was BRILLIANT. One of the greater rock outfits ever 👍

@joshuataft5541 Жыл бұрын

I love you and this channel..I'm poor and old-school so beyond my reach but love it still

@simonbowkett124 Жыл бұрын

The Guitar Player flexi-disc was my introduction to Eric. 😊

@michaelgregory2231 Жыл бұрын

I've played for years with Tower of Power keyboardist, Roger Smith, who tells of having a band in Dallas that included a 16 year old Eric Johnson. They had to get his physician father's permission to have him on gigs on school nights. He said that even back then, he would hear things that were the slightest bit out of tune when the rest of the band (all 5-10 years his senior) didn't.

@dilo777 5 ай бұрын

I love the video of Eric Johnson playing Zakk Wyldes rig, guitar and everything and it still sounds like Eric!

@jonathanhudak2059 Жыл бұрын

Great video as always Keith, Thank You! I remember hearing Cliffs of Dover back in 1990. As a young man already out of highschool I had never heard anything like it before and soon bought the album (on cassette). I wouldn't pick up the guitar until 3 years later but have always admired Eric's playing and tone etc. AND there really is something amazing about a Fender Strat (I love Gibson SGs) it's really pretty much a perfect design and finally bought one earlier this year and love it. Great video and history 👍

@PeteLamont Жыл бұрын

Thanks Keith, great video as always, digging the beard too!

@joeriffanucci Жыл бұрын

This is so great Keith. I agree with you and Perry about Eric being so important. I was playing for about 6 months then got Ah Via Musicom( Passion and Warfare, Southern Steel, Flying in a Blue Dream etc)the bar was raised 🙂His tonal standards, playing, music and general demeanor are something to be treasured. Thanks for doing this.

@joetamm Жыл бұрын

Eric Johnson also owned and played a 68 gold top Les Paul. I did a lot of business with Bart at Rockin Robin in Houston, in ‘83 I was in the shop when it was on University Blvd. When I was in there one day in the early 80s Bart pulled out a gold top that he said he got from Eric Johnson, who was a known very good player from Austin. Bart also mentioned Eric was a jazz/fusion player in the style of Jeff Beck. It was completely weather checked on the top and the fingerboard was dark and wet looking like it was oiled with every string change. It was routed for humbuckers and had two uncovered black bobbin HBs in it. He said the price was a few hundred less then the two other 68 gold tops I wound up buying but I passed on it and grabbed the two other mint gold tops. Several months later I saw Eric Johnson open for Stevie Ray Vaughan when SRV did his first tour after Texas Flood came out at the Music Hall next to the Sam Houston Coliseum. EC was unbelievable and played a strat during the whole show, probably the ‘54. I’m still kicking myself for not buying his gold top. 🇺🇸🎸👮🏻‍♂️

@thedirtyknobs Жыл бұрын

Glad to see your going for the chiapet look again 😊

@Strat57L Жыл бұрын

Thanks for researching, compiling, and sharing this information with everyone! Your videos are always informative and entertaining! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, enjoy, be safe, and be healthy! 🎅 🎄☃️🎶🎼

@fivewattworld Жыл бұрын

Merry Christmas Strats!

@jimmyjams1974 3 ай бұрын

Fantastic video! Loved the history and @johncordy playing.

@peterthomas22 Жыл бұрын

Great Video, thanks Keith

@JonManProductions Жыл бұрын

It's Fall 2007 and I'm sitting up in the living room with a black plastic Kramer controller playing through Cliffs Of Dover on Expert trying for five stars... that's how I got introduced to his music. And even now as a proper guitarist with all the gear I could ever need for the time being, I can only noodle with his tones, nailing that intro is still something I need to practice and play toward.

@telecasterbear Жыл бұрын

The beard is looking great, Keith. I remember when Eric was first listed in the new talent category of the guitar player magazine readers poll. I knew of Eric, but I never was the type to 'vote' for such polls, so I didn't. As the voting ended, Eric was tied for the new talent position. Only then, did I learn that my vote counts.

@rogerwilliams2629 Жыл бұрын

When I used to see Eric at little clubs in 78 to 80, he played a Les Paul for one or two songs, a 335 for one or two, and the majoritu of songs on the black Strat with white pick guard, and that is why I've always had to have a black Strat with white pick guard. LOL He did all the Koto and other techniques on Faye that hes known for. The whole club audiences back then were full of us local guitar players, looking at each other, shaking our heads and smiling at each other, knowing beyond doubt we were watching greatness beyond our expectations. I miss those days. He is my greatest influence and the nicest human.