I had sold my maple neck 2005 EJ a while back and regretted it ever since. So a couple of weeks ago I ordered the rosewood model and have bonded with it and really like it. So much so I decided to add another maple neck EJ to the family. I like the subtle differences between the maple and rosewood versions. To me, and this is subjective, the rosewood pickups seem a tad hotter and the tone a little warmer. The maple has more bell like tones and is a little brighter. I love both. Funny because I rarely even listen to Eric Johnson even though he is a great guitar player and artist. I bought these strictly because I really like the guitars, the pickups and the way the necks feel. Luckily I am not experiencing any sticky neck type problems on the maple neck. Both resonate and sound and play fantastic. The new maple EJ came perfectly set up and I wont change a thing except I may add a three ply parchment or mint green pickguard. Not a big fan of single ply pickguards. Sorry vintage purist. Any way here are a couple of pics. Oh and I will give a mention that the guys over at Sweetwater were fantastic and very helpful.
Just fantastic. I will admit my EJ neck felt a little sticky when the guitar was new, it was really hot and I had a sweaty hand; a little talc on the neck took care of any stickiness and its never felt sticky since. Its interesting to hear you comparisons betwixt the two; the pickups 'should' be the same. Just for kicks one day you should swap the necks and see if the tonal differences follow the necks or stay with the body/pups. Congrats, I cant say enough good things about the EJ. ~JH
Congrats! Nice pair! I mean... I have the blonde one and love it. I put a mint guard on it for a while then switched back. It was ok, but not great imo. When I get home I'll post a pic with the mint guard on for you. Have fun playing with your pair. I mean...
Thanks that would be great. I was thinking parchment as well because of the maple. Would love to see what the mint looks like though.
Yeah, like I said it wasn't bad, I just preferred the white. The trick will be to find a 3-ply mint with just 8 holes. I ordered mine from EY Guitar Parts. It came from China but is decent quality and the mint green was more subtle than many are. More like Fender's.
D do you remember what the string gauges were on the 2005? I can’t find that special anywhere I’m pretty sure was 10-52 but wanted to know the exact sizes of each string for a project I’m doing. Anyone?
Very nice! I love the look of the blonde/maple EJ Strats. In my experience with new nitro necks the stickiness goes away after a while of playing it. Since you picked up a used one that might have already been done for you Anywho, enjoy it!
I think the EJ strats are some of the best guitars Fender have made, if only I could afford one. Maybe one day. They look great, well done.
