This is almost like asking, ‘What interesting attribute can you lend to it to kind of shift to another place?’ I really feel this is going to do that. It's done that for me, and I've been so enamored of the way it sounds." -Eric Johnson

The Eric Johnson Thinline Stratocaster perfectly blends the lightweight resonance of a semi-hollow body with the classic feel of a traditional Strat. The result? A versatile instrument that has expanded the Stratocaster's tonal palette in exciting new ways.

“What I love about semi-hollow guitars is the way they breathe,” says the Grammy Award winner. “It’s like the resonance flows in and out, creating this dynamic energy as you play. It’s a unique give and take.”

Johnson first approached Fender in 2015 with the idea of adding an F-hole to his beloved Strat, hoping to capture some of the vibe from his favorite semi-hollow body guitars. The challenge was finding the right balance—too solid, and the tone would be too sharp; too hollow, and it would lack the punch he needed. After months of collaboration, the outcome is a guitar that captures that perfect equilibrium of bite and warmth.

This 2018 example shows very little sign of prior ownership as it was barely played by the previous owner (note the sticker covering the tremolo bar hole).