Eric Johnson's Eric Clapton sound

If it helps, he's playing through a Fender Deluxe Reverb. I attached pics of the pedals he is using in this interview.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot_20251107_095921_YouTube.jpg
    Screenshot_20251107_095921_YouTube.jpg
    247.1 KB · Views: 93
  • Screenshot_20251107_095847_YouTube.jpg
    Screenshot_20251107_095847_YouTube.jpg
    254.9 KB · Views: 90
Got a timestamp?

I've made a few EJ presets in the FM3 section that cover a handful of his tones. Assemble his rig in the Fractal and you're a lot of the way there. The rest is just simple tweaking.
 
I love the sound Eric Johnson gets when describing Eric Clapton's. Is there a preset that captures this sound?
It's near the beginning of this clip. Thanks!

It's referred to as the "woman tone".

For a similar tone, try factory preset 'Cliffs of Dover'.
 
Got a timestamp?

I've made a few EJ presets in the FM3 section that cover a handful of his tones. Assemble his rig in the Fractal and you're a lot of the way there. The rest is just simple tweaking.
Thanks. It's the section called violin. Around 9:05.
Sorry if video didn't start there. I thought I had cued it up. I was hoping to just try duplicating the sound he got with the pedals he used in interview. Apparently they are not what he uses in his rig. I think I might have recently downloaded your presets. Just haven't tried them yet. We're having our house interior painted so things are in disarray. I will try in a day or so.
 
It's referred to as the "woman tone".

For a similar tone, try factory preset 'Cliffs of Dover'.
Thanks. Interesting. In the video it is called the violin tone. Check around 9:05. Will try Cliffs of Dover preset. Was also wondering how much difference it makes in sound cause Eric Johnson is using a Strat.
 
Got a timestamp?

I've made a few EJ presets in the FM3 section that cover a handful of his tones. Assemble his rig in the Fractal and you're a lot of the way there. The rest is just simple tweaking.
Excellent work on presets! Thanks for your contributions. Although not perfect I was starting to approach the sound in the video using your Full EJ Clean/Live Rig New Scene 8 - Ambient Live Lead. To get closer I had my guitar run through an equalizer where I added a mid hump and had the high and low tail off. By doing that, I'm approximating the effect of a tube screamer, which was used in the video. I think some of character of the sound is there but needs more work. I think I might construct what was set up in the video. It's a good exercise for a nubie like me!

Here a link where I add an equalizer

 
The EJ live preset has evolved a bit since I last posted those. When I upgraded to an AxeFX I redid everything. The changes are slight, but I did add an EQ late in the chain with a similar bump. I use it almost daily but doubt I’ll edit anymore. I’m a metal dude, not an EJ imitator lol
 
The EJ live preset has evolved a bit since I last posted those. When I upgraded to an AxeFX I redid everything. The changes are slight, but I did add an EQ late in the chain with a similar bump. I use it almost daily but doubt I’ll edit anymore. I’m a metal dude, not an EJ imitator lol
Metal has its charms! If you happen to have an EJ version for FM3 with how you incorporated the equalizer I'd be happy to give it a try. Again thanks for you efforts!
 
Metal has its charms! If you happen to have an EJ version for FM3 with how you incorporated the equalizer I'd be happy to give it a try. Again thanks for you efforts!

It’s just a PEQ after the cab, before the delay and reverb. Similar bumps and cuts as you did above. I don’t know specifically off hand, and there was no real method, or much thought, to it at all lol I can hear a difference but I couldn’t tell if it was missing.

EJ’s attack is such a significant part of his sound that if you have that down, at least as much as one can, the rest doesn’t really matter all that much.
 
Thanks! I'll give it a try. You're right about his attack. In some of those passages it seems like he is applying a sharp attack with just the nub of his pick sticking out. His vibrato is definitely Clapton inspired.
 
It’s just a PEQ after the cab, before the delay and reverb. Similar bumps and cuts as you did above. I don’t know specifically off hand, and there was no real method, or much thought, to it at all lol I can hear a difference but I couldn’t tell if it was missing.

EJ’s attack is such a significant part of his sound that if you have that down, at least as much as one can, the rest doesn’t really matter all that much.
Hi. I stuck the PEQ in where you suggested. Getting a very nice result! I'll try posting a brief clip later with comparison. I have to say the Fractal folks have done a real nice job. Very easy to make mods with laptop. Once you get over the fear factor of playing with mods you can see the sky's the limit.
 
EDIT: I checked his website and did not see presets for FM3.
Andy creates for his FX3 and FM9 mostly but has/had an FM3 and used it live so he's familiar with them. That doesn't mean his regular presets will automatically fit into an FM3 though, but, even if they were created for the first two units, based on the ones I converted in his Essentials pack, you'll need to rebuild a part of the layout that extends past column 12 on the FM3 which typically seems to be the Enhancer and Out 1 blocks. It took a few minutes to load and adjust them to fit my FM3T. I suspect he's sensitive to keeping his presets so they'll run on the FM3 so he can keep everything in sync easily.

That doesn't promise that Wood hasn't extended other presets or added blocks in the Eric Johnson ones that are essential to the sound that the FM3 doesn't have or can't run. The factory preset #347 "Andy Wood GoT" will give you an idea. Also, if you don't have them already, his are available on the GoT presets page for free, search for "Andy".)

Maybe someone who already has the E.J. pack in question can chime in, or maybe sending an email to Andy asking would help.

keep in mind they were made in very old firmware and never updated.
That's typically not a big deal since the presets were made for this generation of the modelers. If, after purchasing them, a post here or, again, an email to Andy should help bring them up to date.
 
I don't have one. You'll have to go to his Patreon and scroll for probably quite a while. The first version of my EJ presets were based off of the one he posted on there and I had to dig for it. It's been over 2 years, so that shit is buried deep by this point.
 
After listening to my attempts I think my first try was the best. Deleted the others here. At this point, without using a real Strat (I was using a Guthrie Govan Charvel Signature guitar) I'll hold off on the tone chase until I get my hands on the real thing. Please feel free to post your best shot. I'd love to get schooled!
 
Back
Top Bottom