Eric Johnson is a highly acclaimed guitarist known for his virtuosic playing style, innovative approach to tone and effects, and his unique blend of blues, rock, and jazz influences. Born in Austin, Texas in 1954, Johnson began playing guitar at a young age and quickly gained a reputation as a prodigious talent. Over the course of his career, he has become known for his meticulous attention to detail, his use of vintage and custom-built equipment, and his ability to create a wide range of sounds and textures. In this article, we will take a closer look at the equipment that Eric Johnson uses to achieve his unique sound.
Guitars
One of the most distinctive aspects of Eric Johnson’s playing is his use of vintage and custom-built guitars. He is known for his love of Fender Stratocasters, and has a large collection of vintage and custom models. One of his most famous guitars is a 1954 Fender Stratocaster, which he has named “Virginia”. He has used this guitar on many of his most famous recordings, including his hit song “Cliffs of Dover”. In addition to his vintage Stratocasters, Johnson also uses custom-built guitars from manufacturers like Suhr and Fender Custom Shop. He often modifies these guitars with different pickups, wiring, and other components to achieve his desired tone and feel.
Amplifiers
Eric Johnson is known for his use of vintage and boutique amplifiers, including models from Fender, Marshall, and Dumble. He is perhaps most closely associated with his use of a Dumble Overdrive Special amplifier, which he has used on many of his most famous recordings. The Dumble is a highly sought-after amplifier that is known for its rich, dynamic tone and its ability to deliver both clean and overdriven sounds. Johnson also uses a variety of other amplifiers, including Fender Twins and Vibroluxes, as well as custom-built amps from manufacturers like Suhr and Two-Rock.
Effects Pedals
Like many guitarists of his caliber, Eric Johnson is known for his use of a variety of effects pedals to achieve his unique sound. He often uses a combination of overdrive, distortion, modulation, and time-based effects to create his signature sound. One of his most famous pedals is the Ibanez Tube Screamer, which he uses to add overdrive and distortion to his sound. He also uses a variety of modulation effects, including chorus, flanger, and phaser, as well as delay and reverb pedals. Johnson is known for his meticulous attention to detail when it comes to his effects pedals, and he often spends hours fine-tuning the settings to achieve the perfect sound.
Strings and Picks
Eric Johnson is known for his use of heavy gauge strings, which he uses to achieve a thick and powerful sound. He often uses sets of .011-.052 gauge strings, which provide a good balance between playability and tone. He is also known for his use of custom-made picks, which he designs himself. His picks are made from a material called “Ultem,” which is known for its durability and consistent tone. They feature a sharp point and a textured grip, which allow Johnson to achieve his fast and fluid playing style.
Eric Johnson is one of the most respected and innovative guitarists of his generation, and his equipment plays a crucial role in helping him to achieve his unique sound. His attention to detail, his use of vintage and custom-built guitars, and his willingness to experiment with different amplifiers and effects pedals have helped to inspire a generation of musicians. Whether he is playing a blistering guitar solo or a delicate ballad, Johnson’s playing is always unmistakably his own, and his passion for the instrument is evident in every note.