I currently have a '88 Clapton Strat. The neck shape fits me very well, and it is the only maple neck I own but I love it.

I am considering a Johnson Strat, and am curious how the neck on that feels compared to the Clapton? Any real difference between the Rosewood and maple? I like the body color options on the Rosewood neck much more than the Maple,,,

Anyone played both? How do you think they compare?

GC doesnt HAVE one for me to try,,,

Pic of Clapton

How thick is the neck? The Clapton is fairly thin. I have picked up a few Strats at GC and was shocked how thick the necks were. They felt HUGE in my girly hand,,,,,,, [/code]

I don't own either but I have played them. The EJ is pretty substantial and quite a bit thicker than a current EC - and the current ECs are a bit thicker than I remember the originals 1988 through say 1992 ECs.

The EJ model neck is sometimes referred to as a "baseball bat" neck because it is so thick. It really does feel like holding a baseball bat, but in a good way. The EJ neck is probably the thickest neck on any Strat, beefy for sure!

Typically a maple fretboard will sound brighter than a rosewood fretboard.

That whole "baseball bat" thing is overblown. I've got the EJ and it plays nice and easy and sounds great. My Hot Rod 62 seems to have a larger radius neck than the EJ. The HR 62 also is easy to play - no neck issues.

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"Another day in paradise!"

I currently have a '88 Clapton Strat. I am considering a Johnson Strat, and am curious how the neck on that feels compared to the Clapton? Any real difference between the Rosewood and maple?
I own an '89 Pewter. You need to read the specs on the EJ neck design. Very different with respect to radius, headstock placement, string trees, frets. Tonal character between maple and rosewood is an issue of brightness. Bottom line, with all discussions of this kind, YOU have to play this guitar to know for yourself.

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"Another day in paradise!"

I played an Eric Johnson Strat at a local store. Whilst the neck is undoubtably bigger than my American Standard it's by no means large. Baseball bat it ain't. I was most struck by the tone, it had a real depth to it. I wasn't convinced that the 12" radius was right for me, not on a Strat. But then again I'm not totally convinced it wasn't.

Well, to damn late for me I ordered one!

I've always found a maple neck to feel smoother, more "silky" to play on. I personally prefer it to rosewood, and nine times out of ten, I prefer the look of the maple neck.

Love your guitar. Looks simply immense. And damn good condition as well.

Good on you man. You're be hard pushed to find a better made Strat without paying Custom Shop prices. Enjoy.