Fender Eric Johnson Virginia ’54 Stratocaster Sunburst

Here we have the new Fender Eric Johnson Virginia ’54 Stratocaster! Part of the new ‘Stories collection’, this model duplicates Eric Johnson’s 1954 Strat including the modifications he had made over years of use.

The Fender Eric Johnson Virginia Stratocaster at first glance appears like many others, but a closer look reveals significant differences. Most US-made Fender bodies, especially during the 1950’s, were built of Alder or Swamp Ash. This one uses quarter or rift-sawn Sassafras (Sassafras albidum), paired with the usual one-piece Maple neck with Walnut ‘Skunk Stripe’. Another notable change is the bridge pickup being a DiMarzio HS-2, capable of running in hum-cancelling mode, while the neck and middle pickups are Original ’57/’62 Single-Coil Strat® models.

The Fender EJ Virginia 1954 Stratocaster is sold with the original rectangular tweed hard shell case.

Here’s the builder on the Fender Eric Johnson Virginia 1954 Stratocaster:

“The Fender Stories Collection pays tribute to legendary musicians, their beloved modified Fender electric guitars and the extraordinary music they created together.

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. To this day, Eric continues to release brilliant music, tour constantly and is, to the electric guitar community, a savant and widely followed tastemaker. In 2020, for the first time, Eric’s 1954 Virginia Stratocaster will be replicated by both Fender Custom Shop and the Fender Corona Production line in limited numbers. With its rare rift/quartersawn sassafras body, lacquer finish, custom wiring and more, the Eric Johnson 1954 Virginia Stratocaster will thrill players and collectors alike with its distinctive look and exceptional tone.

*(1987 Grammy nominated for best Rock Instrumental Performance) ; **(1991 Grammy for best Rock Instrumental Performance)

Fender Eric Johnson Virginia ’54 Stratocaster Specifications: