I have never played his rose wood signature model (the one with the neck binding). It generally does not get as good reviews. I have never seen one in person either. The colors are pretty ugly on the rose wood models.

My only complaint with the EJ stratocaster would be the pickups. People either love them or hate them. I think they sound decent. Very unique sound to them.

Fast forward to around the 5 minute mark in this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnqpOFcBiMM

The bridge pickup can really nail his overdrive tone, unlike other guitars that I have played the same setup through. I do not particularly like his overdriven tone (its only good for that type of playing) but I do like the EQ of the pickups, if that makes any sense.

They do not have a harsh treble to them. If you listen to that song, you will see his high notes really sound.... mellow. They do not pierce your ears. I would say these pickups have a unique mid range sound and a weaker bass response.

The neck and middle pickups are nothing to write home about, but I really like the bridge pickup. The stock wiring is useful as well, having tone control over the bridge pickup.