How do you tell if an EJ really is an EJ guitar? I am looking at a guitar that is called an Eric Johnson signature, but there is as single string bridge that I am told was placed there after-market. No explanation regarding that. Also, the body is drilled for a tremolo cover, but has no cover. Are there any there any other markings on the neck/body that can help verify authenticity? It does have an EJ neck plate cover, but I am pretty certain that can be machined without much difficulty.

The Eric Johnston signature model has staggered tuners, no string tree, no tremelo cover, and no holes for it. Unfortunately the EJ neck plate is easily transferable to another guitar. I seriously doubt that the individual selling this has an EJ model.

Other clues would be the quartersawn neck, an 8 hole pick guard instead fo the 11 hole pickguard and a vintage tremelo. See below:

http://www.fender.com/products/search.p ... 0117702806

All good info.

Also, to help in getting rid of the string tree Eric had them shave the headstock thinner so that its face sits slightly further back than a regular Strat. Look for a headstock that is 2 mil thinner than a normal one. That's hard to fake and absolutely unique to that model, far as I know.

(I have a thing about headstocks and string trees, some here might remember... )

Cheers - C

Only Ceri would know the headstock is 2 mils thinner than a stock head. Now I do....

yup all good infos, the EJ neck is maybe the easiest thing to recognize on that guitar, and including the radius and dark vintage yellow tint of it.
The body being drilled for a tremolo cover is not looking good. But I know that in my manual, Fender propose to assist the owner in procuring the necessary parts and qualified to install it properly.
The contour is pretty deep, maybe some pics showing that may help.

rw

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E.J. Strat 2006
American special tele (2011) with custom shop nocaster pu
Mexican Jazz bass fretless
Gibson Howard Roberts
Ibanez Roadstar II
MESA Express 5:25

Body drilled for a tremolo cover????

Never heard of such a thing before. I thought the covers clamped onto the trem by way of the saddles edges.

I'd like to see the guitar in question.

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No no and no

Hey Nick: surely he means the spring cavity cover, not an ashtray cover?

The EJ comes without screw holes for the back cover, cos Eric prefers it that way, but if I remember rightly the guitar comes with a cover and the price includes an authorised dealer drilling the holes for the screws, if that's what the customer wants.

Or something like that: I've never bought one...

Cheers - C