I was attending school in Lubbock, Texas back in the early 80’s. There was a club there named Fat Dawg’s that was probably smaller than Norman’s shop from the looks of it. The likes of Eric and Stevie Ray would play there for a mere $3 cover charge when they came rolling through town. Talk about bang for the buck. Those remain some of the best shows I’ve ever seen.
Thats when concerts and gigs were cheap and they made their money from albums and other recordings. I remember the first few Rock concert i attended cost 5.75 for a ticket then 6.75. Then along came Napster to steal the recordings and people was downloading the music for Free. Do you remember the times where the DJ would talk during the beginning of each song all the way up until the singer started in. And then they would chop off the end of the song. Its because everyone was recording the music off the radio. Now we have Free recordings and outrageously high prices for concert tickets
Every New Year day I recorded the top 100 with my portable cassette recorder. Had to be quick deciding if I wanted to press record since the DJ didn't give a heads up.
That's why clicked on it! My beef with Johnson is that his tone is so redundant. I want to see what he sounded like without his rig. I wasn't as impressed as you were though. I found it interesting that I don't think I heard him play one chord! He's the opposite of "Harry" in Sultans of Swing!😊
I once hosted Eric for a show. One of my favorite guitarist of all time and one of the sweetest souls you'll ever meet. Thanks for this one guys, so nice to see him.
I saw him in a small club in North Carolina. Just a fantastic show that will always be one of my favorites. He always came across as a low ego guy who should have been more famous than he is.
I’m 60 now but I can remember back a few decades ago I would tell my friends man you have to listen to this Eric Johnson fella. It so nice to see Eric still entertaining GREAT! folks across Texas and some good folks across the country. 😊
Cool stuff! Eric always comes across as such a nice guy; a true gentleman. I’ve seen him play a couple times, back in the late 80s in Dallas. Both gigs were at the old Hard Rock Cafe. There were pre-show rumors that he might play a Jimi Hendrix Flying V, they had on display. Sure enough, when we got in to the to the show we noticed they had moved the guitar over to a wall hanger next to the stage. Excitement grew and he eventually took it off the wall and flawlessly played a 2 or 3 JH tunes. The crowd went nuts. I wish I could recall which songs he played. Great stuff.
all that tone is in his fingers and soul! EJ is my all time fav. So glad I got to meet him last year at the Woodshed Guitar Experience that Andy Wood puts on!!!
Been watching norm's channel for years. By far the coolest video yet..just to watch Eric explore each guitar was awesome..❤.completely raw and inspiring.
Just a normal day at Norman's Rare Guitars. You know, just Eric Johnson popping in on a Saturday. I'd have a full on Wayne Campbell moment. "I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy." 🙇♂️🙇♂️🤘😎
I'm into my 7th decade and can't play a lick on anything, matter of fact was told I was tone deaf! However I've been rocking since the 60's and maybe earlier as my mom played Elvis etc. on the living room stereo. That said, I love listening to LOTS of music and can listen to this for hours. Doesn't have to be an actual song, just playing around trying it out. Been a subscriber here since the beginning with Mark and it's part of my daily routine. Thanks for letting me here all the fantastic guitars Norm!
love all the great musicians that stop by norm's and Norm for being the class act that facilitates these videos.....Norm and Rick Beato are the best ..... wish this stuff was available when i was a teen ager in the mid 70's !
The first time I saw Eric Johnson live was at a club in Deep Ellam in Dallas Tx , around about 1987! I was blown away I had never seen or heard anything like that! I’ve never been the same!🎸❤️🔥
He did his own solo for Stairway on Rick Beatos channel. It was a beautiful solo, and he really sounded like HIM, he didn’t sound like EJ trying to play like Jimmy Page. He put a totally different feel to it. Amazing.
Just saw Eric Johnson for the first time in Clearwater FL. late last year. He played for about I think 2-1/2 hours , his band is amazing , Eric and I are 6 months apart in age - I've been playing almost 60 years. Eric still blows me away .He's a pretty good Keyboard player too. He looks like a kid in a candy shop.
For sure. I' had the honor of watching him play in a strip club/bar down in Beaumont, Tx ( the Foxy Lady off the hwy heading toward Lamar Tech, as it was called at the time) on an off night. I was a player too and our band had the night off. I saw his name on the sign outside the club and decided to check him out. I was also into photography at the time, had a pro-level camera, and snapped some pictures of him and his band. I eventually sent some prints to him. I was one of about twenty people in the bar and I was sitting about twenty feet from the stage. They were promoting their album (this was mid 70s) and played Zap, among some other amazing tunes...I was absolutely and totally blown away with the tone, touch, and blistering clean speed. Two Twins and a sunburst Strat and he absolutely cranked. Tremendous player, very humble guy. I'll never forget those times.
This video is a real gem in all sense of the word. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. The exceptional playing from Eric, the knowledge from Norm, the helpful assistance from Lemmo, and the person behind the camera for capturing a great moment in time.
Had the pleasure of seeing Eric opening for Satriani about 30 something years ago and been a huge fan ever since. I’ve got an early EJ Strat that is a fantastic guitar. And just bought me first 335.
The noodling he's done is very focused. At first I was thinking "wow, he's not playing much for such a big purchase", but then I realized he was playing exactly what he needed to in order to hear how the guitar responded, the sparkle or decay on a certain bend or run of notes, all very intentional and focused.... You have to be very careful when buying vintage guitars, because no one is pricing them based on their tone. If it's a 59 Les Paul, it could sound like crap and still be worth $100k
@@marshfreeman1559 Oh, dealers know very well the lemons from the great ones and with vintage you have two areas of risk 1. The factory produced a lemon, which was actually much more common in the 40s/50s/60s/70s than it is today. Today guitars are much more consistent. 2. The guitar wasn't stored properly, absorbed too much moisture, etc.. more a problem for vintage acoustics, but still a potential issue. What makes "good tone" is subjective, so they price'm like everything else, supply and demand on specs you can objectively quantify.... Lots of snake oil in music gear market and industry in general. That's why shops like Norman's are sought out by players.
Not to worry. Eric will not be buying it. Musicians are poor. Movie stars can afford to buy it. Musicians get their instruments stolen too. Better to buy something cheap and get it set up nice.
I was in a music store and asked to try some 335s. I’m playing this amazing guitar and I said this one is outstanding. The guy helping me says, “it ought to be for $6k.” I immediately stopped playing and very carefully passed it back to the man.
I saw Eric tons of times in the 80's at Cheatham Street and some other dives on 6th street. My favorite guitarist. It was funny to go see him and there would be 20 other guitarists there just enjoying the show.
The "OG" of the shred, but with accuracy and tone that's tops! Very cool to see how he processes selecting a guitar, what better place to do so than Norm's?
This is pure joy to watch! Eric and clean (no pedals etc) gibson hollowbody.Especially out off phase* positions. So much character! I will not have guitar shop cuz i would give to Eric all what he wants for free.
I had the pleasure of meeting and seeing Eric perform at The Woodshed Guitar Experience last year. You can really hear his roots and influences in his inflections in this video. Love it!
I used to live in Tarzana and I've been to this store so many times. They have a great selection of vintage and used gear and the staff is really nice and friendly. All I ever bought from them was a lowly Marshall JCM900 but they were always great to me and everyone whop walked into the store. Good memories!
I love that Eric has a sound like no one else but if he wants to he can play any type of music he wants to…the man is definitely a guitar God in my book 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
The dude is one of the coolest guys. Back in the 80s he'd play at a club in College Station and the place would be packed. He'd hang out after the show and chat with all of us and I always thought that was very cool. Just a down to earth guy.
And I could have swore he had been to Norms and even signed a Epiphone or Squire for charity. Some mission or something, maybe a different store. EJ is a classy humble and great guy. Not to mention his amazing musical abilities. I’ve seen him live way over a dozen times over the last 45 years.
@@bogarbill6331 Oh gee bogarbill-youve done it now! Im sure once he discovers you weren't "impressed me much" he will never pick up a guitar or show his face anywhere again!
In case you never realized: the longing for a new guitar never goes away. Even when you yourself have created a guitar that others long for. A plethora of guitar in his house and still has to visit norm for something “new.”
Bought for $9 grand and selling for $25 grand. How does anyone make a living? And people complain about Gibson custom shop guitars that are around $6 grand +. Norm does have very nice guitars and fulfills a certain market and need.
Anyone who complains about Gibson Custom guitars are just mad they can't afford them. I'm a Strat player with a few $5k relic Strats, and at $5k, they're nowhere near my $5k Reissue Goldtop. I got lucky to play a 59 Reissue, and that was also incredible, but I'm waiting on a Custom 68 Black Beauty. Don't have to change pickups, don't have to have them set up, they're perfect straight from the factory. Gibson pleks them.
@@lelandgaunt7130 anyone who complains about any Gibson guitar just doesn't know quality. I don't think that its always that they can't afford them, either way anyone dissing Gibson is not guitar knowledgeable, Gibson though overpriced in some cases, makes great guitars.
I never heard of Eric Johnson, until I seen him open for Steve Vai and Joe Satriani in 1995. He sounded so dam good live, unlike anyone I have ever heard!
Just yesterday I had a co-worker asking me if I had ever listened to some of these old classic rockers, and I always play Cliffs of Dover for them to see who they really know. He knew the song, but not the artist. The true old rockers will know his stuff.
I talked to Eric at a break in a small club, around '83 or so. I absolutely had to go up and talk to him as I was stunned at his playing. Not sure what I babbled, but I seriously considered using my Strat for firewood after watching that performance. And his sound - particularly as it was in a club, was just stellar! He was just soft spoken and very humble. Saw him again the next year. He was fairly unknown at the time.
I'm not a great guitarist, but sometimes I'm someplace, like Costco or some little local guitar shop, trying out a guitar, and I instinctually know I'm the best in the shop, maybe for a very long time. Johnson plays like I feel in those moments, like a guitar god. And the way the world around him disappears, I know that feeling too, as a film and television actor. You're just in the scene, and it's totally real. Then you hear "cut!" and snap out of it.
I heard Norm say, "That one I can do for 25 grand". Wow...I really should have bought every vintage guitar I came in contact with in the 80s-90s. They definitely were nowhere close to that. Especially in the 80s. No one even wanted them. Many would pick a pointy locking trem guitar. When Slash showed up with a Les Paul that started to change. You could pick up a good used 345 for a couple grand. Less than that, at Pawn shop looking to dump one.
I was attending school in Lubbock, Texas back in the early 80’s. There was a club there named Fat Dawg’s that was probably smaller than Norman’s shop from the looks of it. The likes of Eric and Stevie Ray would play there for a mere $3 cover charge when they came rolling through town. Talk about bang for the buck. Those remain some of the best shows I’ve ever seen.
Thats when concerts and gigs were cheap and they made their money from albums and other recordings. I remember the first few Rock concert i attended cost 5.75 for a ticket then 6.75. Then along came Napster to steal the recordings and people was downloading the music for Free. Do you remember the times where the DJ would talk during the beginning of each song all the way up until the singer started in. And then they would chop off the end of the song. Its because everyone was recording the music off the radio. Now we have Free recordings and outrageously high prices for concert tickets
I was there too, great era for Lubbock and Austin.🎉
Adjusted for inflation, it was $12. Which is still a steal! Bonamossa cost me $200 last time I saw him and I was in the back row 😂 still worth it!
I wish I was there . But happy to still be .
Thanks for this Normans Rarities.
Every New Year day I recorded the top 100 with my portable cassette recorder. Had to be quick deciding if I wanted to press record since the DJ didn't give a heads up.
Even the greatest pros feel like little kids on Christmas at Norman's. So great to see that enthusiasm.
Enthusiasm to be rip-off?
Vintage guitars sound great, but asking 25k for a 1962 is just absurd.
@@PedroMiguel-if3ll he said twenty five hundred = $2500
@@KibatsuMusicsounded like he said "twenty five grand"
The opportunity to listen to Eric play without delay or reverb is awesome, still sounds amazing!
That's why clicked on it! My beef with Johnson is that his tone is so redundant. I want to see what he sounded like without his rig. I wasn't as impressed as you were though. I found it interesting that I don't think I heard him play one chord! He's the opposite of "Harry" in Sultans of Swing!😊
I once hosted Eric for a show. One of my favorite guitarist of all time and one of the sweetest souls you'll ever meet. Thanks for this one guys, so nice to see him.
I saw him in a small club in North Carolina. Just a fantastic show that will always be one of my favorites. He always came across as a low ego guy who should have been more famous than he is.
My story is the same. One of the only artists that was so kind to me and my wife. There some cool cats, but EJ is the coolest of em all 😎
@@jamiemiller6156was it the show Adrian Legg opened for him? I went to that show in Raleigh in the late 90s.
@@907KodiakAviator No, it was Ziggy's in Winston Salem.
I would pay a subscription to a channel that just had Eric Johnson trying out guitars.
😂 I would totally get down on that.
@@Shamwilder That makes it three of us. :)
here another, four then
make it five 🖐
I get plenty of enjoyment watching Greg Koch try out guitars for wildwood.
I’m 60 now but I can remember back a few decades ago I would tell my friends man you have to listen to this Eric Johnson fella. It so nice to see Eric still entertaining GREAT! folks across Texas and some good folks across the country. 😊
The King has arrived. Where’s the red carpet man. Lol. What an absolute legend. 😊😊😊😊
Funny...he doesn't look like Buddy Guy at all.
The red carpet was rolled out! He clearly has the store to himself!
@@bootdaclownthere's many legends, EJ is one of them. So is Buddy Guy.
Eric’s look’n pretty good for almost 70 💪
Plant based diet.
@@FearzeroGrow up
he always looked wayyy under his age
@@NoName-ql1wk As far as I know he is in fact a vegetarian
Nice qualification (“good for 70”). 😂
Cool stuff! Eric always comes across as such a nice guy; a true gentleman.
I’ve seen him play a couple times, back in the late 80s in Dallas. Both gigs were at the old Hard Rock Cafe. There were pre-show rumors that he might play a Jimi Hendrix Flying V, they had on display. Sure enough, when we got in to the to the show we noticed they had moved the guitar over to a wall hanger next to the stage. Excitement grew and he eventually took it off the wall and flawlessly played a 2 or 3 JH tunes. The crowd went nuts. I wish I could recall which songs he played. Great stuff.
There are bootlegs of that performance, and or part of it on one of the CD's that were released.
@@ksharpe10 very cool.
all that tone is in his fingers and soul! EJ is my all time fav. So glad I got to meet him last year at the Woodshed Guitar Experience that Andy Wood puts on!!!
I like the way Eric was such a distance from the amp . Most people of demos are people sitting on top the amp. Eric has set a new method for me
you can't hear the proper sound up close, you have to stand a good 8 to 10 feet away depending the speaker. Its night and day difference!!
Eric Johnson, Larry Carlton and Robin Ford are my favorites. Killer chops Eric Los Angeles
3 incredible players. You’re clearly a man of culture.
That second guitar he played. The sunburst one. I can see why Eric asked about the price. It sounded absolutely perfect for him.
$25,000! Damn! lol
Sounds massive!
@@danimal0974 when it comes to vintage gear $25k is an insanely great deal. I have my eye on a left handed 1961 Stratocaster for $76,000…
@@danimal0974 Yeah, I chuckled as well.
@@danimal0974 Yeah, but he DID get the $4,000 "Eric Johnson Discount..."
Been watching norm's channel for years. By far the coolest video yet..just to watch Eric explore each guitar was awesome..❤.completely raw and inspiring.
Was anyone else waiting for Eric to kick off the intro to CLIFFS?😀
Just a normal day at Norman's Rare Guitars. You know, just Eric Johnson popping in on a Saturday. I'd have a full on Wayne Campbell moment. "I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy." 🙇♂️🙇♂️🤘😎
I wouldn’t even have the courage to approach him. I’d just lurk from a corner. 😂
@@UnboundOdysseus So I'm not the only one, eh? 😄
I'm into my 7th decade and can't play a lick on anything, matter of fact was told I was tone deaf! However I've been rocking since the 60's and maybe earlier as my mom played Elvis etc. on the living room stereo. That said, I love listening to LOTS of music and can listen to this for hours. Doesn't have to be an actual song, just playing around trying it out. Been a subscriber here since the beginning with Mark and it's part of my daily routine. Thanks for letting me here all the fantastic guitars Norm!
EJ. As unique as any musician you'll ever hear. And a humble man
Thanks for sharing! For most of us, this is as close as we will get to watching a legend work.
His vibrato is just insane, I can always identify his playing. Incredible.
such a gentle soul.
love all the great musicians that stop by norm's and Norm for being the class act that facilitates these videos.....Norm and Rick Beato are the best ..... wish this stuff was available when i was a teen ager in the mid 70's !
One of my favorite guitarists....great guy and great playing!...waiting for him to say "Hey.....give me a Strat will ya!"
The first time I saw Eric Johnson live was at a club in Deep Ellam in Dallas Tx , around about 1987! I was blown away I had never seen or heard anything like that! I’ve never been the same!🎸❤️🔥
Guess he doesn't know Stairway to Heaven. Either way this was such an honor to watch the great Mr. Johnson in the store.
Stairway is a forbidden rift in all guitar shops
@@Knards I know that 🤨this was about sarcasm.
He did his own solo for Stairway on Rick Beatos channel. It was a beautiful solo, and he really sounded like HIM, he didn’t sound like EJ trying to play like Jimmy Page. He put a totally different feel to it. Amazing.
@@zenlandzipline Oh I have to check that out. Thank you for the info.
@@zenlandzipline it is a running joke from Music Is Win.
Just saw Eric Johnson for the first time in Clearwater FL. late last year. He played for about I think 2-1/2 hours , his band is amazing , Eric and I are 6 months apart in age - I've been playing almost 60 years. Eric still blows me away .He's a pretty good Keyboard player too. He looks like a kid in a candy shop.
Good on Eric for showing us his selection process, great Playing, great Guitars ❤❤
What a humble man and at the same time one of the best!
For sure. I' had the honor of watching him play in a strip club/bar down in Beaumont, Tx ( the Foxy Lady off the hwy heading toward Lamar Tech, as it was called at the time) on an off night. I was a player too and our band had the night off. I saw his name on the sign outside the club and decided to check him out. I was also into photography at the time, had a pro-level camera, and snapped some pictures of him and his band. I eventually sent some prints to him. I was one of about twenty people in the bar and I was sitting about twenty feet from the stage. They were promoting their album (this was mid 70s) and played Zap, among some other amazing tunes...I was absolutely and totally blown away with the tone, touch, and blistering clean speed. Two Twins and a sunburst Strat and he absolutely cranked. Tremendous player, very humble guy. I'll never forget those times.
U can learn alot about a player when they first pickup a guitar and just play like this...very cool id watch Eric just warm up for hours ❤
Always a good morning with a video from the hard working crew at norms!
It’s interesting to hear him testing them out. I wonder what he’s listening for! Seriously one of the best players around.
It is amazing to watch him as he warms up. Keeps on sounding better and better.
This video is a real gem in all sense of the word. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. The exceptional playing from Eric, the knowledge from Norm, the helpful assistance from Lemmo, and the person behind the camera for capturing a great moment in time.
Had the pleasure of seeing Eric opening for Satriani about 30 something years ago and been a huge fan ever since. I’ve got an early EJ Strat that is a fantastic guitar. And just bought me first 335.
Eric has the most unique tone, he could pick up any guitar & it would sound like him. Which proves Tone is in the Hands & the Heart. Same for SRV.
It's the driver, not just the car.
But you still might not win any races in an old volkswagen beetle so get a Porsche if thats what you want cause it's your life.
The noodling he's done is very focused. At first I was thinking "wow, he's not playing much for such a big purchase", but then I realized he was playing exactly what he needed to in order to hear how the guitar responded, the sparkle or decay on a certain bend or run of notes, all very intentional and focused.... You have to be very careful when buying vintage guitars, because no one is pricing them based on their tone. If it's a 59 Les Paul, it could sound like crap and still be worth $100k
Yeah and Good luck finding any real 59 Burst for $100k. Player grades are going for $400-500k (aud) atm
That’s a great point. I’ve never understood why everyone acts like they didn’t make lemons back in the day.
@@marshfreeman1559 Oh, dealers know very well the lemons from the great ones and with vintage you have two areas of risk 1. The factory produced a lemon, which was actually much more common in the 40s/50s/60s/70s than it is today. Today guitars are much more consistent. 2. The guitar wasn't stored properly, absorbed too much moisture, etc.. more a problem for vintage acoustics, but still a potential issue. What makes "good tone" is subjective, so they price'm like everything else, supply and demand on specs you can objectively quantify.... Lots of snake oil in music gear market and industry in general. That's why shops like Norman's are sought out by players.
The myth, the man, the legend. He makes dem strings sing.
$25k ? Love it !! Remember kids , it's not the gear but the talent within !!! Hard times in California 😊
i heard 25k too...WTF ? lol
For 25K it should at least stay in tune.
Yeah! You heard it right. I’ll bet he walked out without. I know I would have.
No way he bought it.
He could play one costing $2500 and sound about as good.
You know you’ve made it when you can just nod and keep playing when your told a guitar costs 25k 👏👏👏
The second guitar sounds AMAZING!!!!
Not to worry. Eric will not be buying it. Musicians are poor. Movie stars can afford to buy it. Musicians get their instruments stolen too. Better to buy something cheap and get it set up nice.
I was in a music store and asked to try some 335s. I’m playing this amazing guitar and I said this one is outstanding. The guy helping me says, “it ought to be for $6k.” I immediately stopped playing and very carefully passed it back to the man.
Note that his tone is consistent. Always sounds like Eric no matter what guitar he plays. The magic is in his precious hands and guitar mind.
I saw Eric tons of times in the 80's at Cheatham Street and some other dives on 6th street. My favorite guitarist. It was funny to go see him and there would be 20 other guitarists there just enjoying the show.
A master class in how to shop for a new guitar
The "OG" of the shred, but with accuracy and tone that's tops! Very cool to see how he processes selecting a guitar, what better place to do so than Norm's?
I am from Austin and see Eric all the time . Never get used too him !
This is pure joy to watch! Eric and clean (no pedals etc) gibson hollowbody.Especially out off phase* positions. So much character! I will not have guitar shop cuz i would give to Eric all what he wants for free.
Guy is a legend. Cheers
Yes.....I think I’ve finally decided that Eric has rather quick fingers.🎶🎸👍
I had the pleasure of meeting and seeing Eric perform at The Woodshed Guitar Experience last year. You can really hear his roots and influences in his inflections in this video. Love it!
The expression on Eric's face at 2:51 when he said, "That one I can do for you for 25 Grand"
lol
He looked like he just had a shot of white lightning 😛
🤣🤣🤣🤣
And that's the "friend deal"....
It's funny because Eric recently put a vintage strat of his up for sale for $31k. So maybe he actually bought that one lol
His eyes looked like a slot machine! yayagada yayagada!
13 years from now, we might hear this guitar on a record.
🤣
$25k! That must be the Friends & Family discount! Wow! Glad Eric stopped by, Love your videos Norman!
I used to live in Tarzana and I've been to this store so many times. They have a great selection of vintage and used gear and the staff is really nice and friendly. All I ever bought from them was a lowly Marshall JCM900 but they were always great to me and everyone whop walked into the store. Good memories!
It's captivating to see such a pro player evaluate a guitar. That's not noodling, everything Eric's doing has a sonic or feel purpose. Great Video.
How cool! EJ trying out guitars! Good licks!
I love that Eric has a sound like no one else but if he wants to he can play any type of music he wants to…the man is definitely a guitar God in my book 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
The dude is one of the coolest guys. Back in the 80s he'd play at a club in College Station and the place would be packed. He'd hang out after the show and chat with all of us and I always thought that was very cool. Just a down to earth guy.
Love Eric. One if my all time favorites. Timeless
Such a treat to watch this. EJ is one of my fav's. Just cool to see him in the candy store checking out the goods!!!
awesome video great guitars . awesome music from the amazing Eric
And I could have swore he had been to Norms and even signed a Epiphone or Squire for charity. Some mission or something, maybe a different store.
EJ is a classy humble and great guy. Not to mention his amazing musical abilities. I’ve seen him live way over a dozen times over the last 45 years.
I don't know what's more impressive: Eric's playing or his head of hair.
The noodling did not impressed me much..
@@bogarbill6331This is guitar testing like testing new car.
Eating a plant based diet has its perks. I have all my hair still at age 53, 23 years into eating only plants.
@@Fearzero I bet you swallow cucumbers whole!
@@bogarbill6331 Oh gee bogarbill-youve done it now! Im sure once he discovers you weren't "impressed me much" he will never pick up a guitar or show his face anywhere again!
So glad to hear him play these guitars without being awash in reverb. More of this, please.
He sounds great ,love his playing ,he's Great😊😊
In case you never realized: the longing for a new guitar never goes away. Even when you yourself have created a guitar that others long for. A plethora of guitar in his house and still has to visit norm for something “new.”
Eric is great and great on piano too and seems like such a nice guy too
cool to see eric playing / testing out a new guitar
New guitars from sixties😂. But yes nice to see...
Some time in the 80s I saw Eric and Pat Travers at the Astrohall in Houston. It was a great night for us wanna be players
I first heard this clip from a distance from about half way through. Obviously EJ, you can't mistake his sound. Love it.
Must be hell to work there 😅
My son's first show was EJ. What a way to get started in Guitar. EJ sounded phenomenal!
love the face of Eric when Norm says 25 grand. Such a great dude Eric, amazing player.
Hearing Eric, Joe B, Jack Pearson and some just noodle around is a treat…🙏
Amazing to think that this is EJ's first visit to the store! I hope that he is a repeat customer!
Bought for $9 grand and selling for $25 grand. How does anyone make a living? And people complain about Gibson custom shop guitars that are around $6 grand +. Norm does have very nice guitars and fulfills a certain market and need.
Anyone who complains about Gibson Custom guitars are just mad they can't afford them. I'm a Strat player with a few $5k relic Strats, and at $5k, they're nowhere near my $5k Reissue Goldtop. I got lucky to play a 59 Reissue, and that was also incredible, but I'm waiting on a Custom 68 Black Beauty. Don't have to change pickups, don't have to have them set up, they're perfect straight from the factory. Gibson pleks them.
@@lelandgaunt7130 anyone who complains about any Gibson guitar just doesn't know quality. I don't think that its always that they can't afford them, either way anyone dissing Gibson is not guitar knowledgeable, Gibson though overpriced in some cases, makes great guitars.
I never heard of Eric
Johnson, until I seen him open for Steve Vai and Joe Satriani in 1995.
He sounded so dam good live, unlike anyone I have ever heard!
That guitars got the EJmod. Sounds awesome!
EJ is the kindest soul I have ever met.
I love Eric. I wish I could see him live.
Holy smokes 25 grand! Thats one hell of a guitar 🎸
Nice to here him play without delay.
Mr Johnson looks good flying with Gibson every time
Just yesterday I had a co-worker asking me if I had ever listened to some of these old classic rockers, and I always play Cliffs of Dover for them to see who they really know. He knew the song, but not the artist. The true old rockers will know his stuff.
picked up a Minty 1972 cherry es 335 in 1985 for $500 Canadian= $1.50 U. S. Gave it to my son 5 years ago.
I got to see Eric Johnson and Michael Landau play a show in Houston last weekend. What a treat.
I talked to Eric at a break in a small club, around '83 or so. I absolutely had to go up and talk to him as I was stunned at his playing. Not sure what I babbled, but I seriously considered using my Strat for firewood after watching that performance. And his sound - particularly as it was in a club, was just stellar! He was just soft spoken and very humble. Saw him again the next year. He was fairly unknown at the time.
Absolutely love this and the insight
He has his 'pick up and test a new guitar' go-to licks just like all of us haha
Fun seeing an expert take it for a test drive!
LEGEND right There!
I saw Eric on his tour with Andy McGee and Pepiano D'Agustino. They were all superb!
I'm not a great guitarist, but sometimes I'm someplace, like Costco or some little local guitar shop, trying out a guitar, and I instinctually know I'm the best in the shop, maybe for a very long time. Johnson plays like I feel in those moments, like a guitar god.
And the way the world around him disappears, I know that feeling too, as a film and television actor. You're just in the scene, and it's totally real. Then you hear "cut!" and snap out of it.
That's very inspiring too hear ❤
Saw him do a show about ten years ago mostly acoustic and on piano, it was great. His piano playing was as impressive as his guitar.
I heard Norm say, "That one I can do for 25 grand". Wow...I really should have bought every vintage guitar I came in contact with in the 80s-90s. They definitely were nowhere close to that. Especially in the 80s. No one even wanted them. Many would pick a pointy locking trem guitar. When Slash showed up with a Les Paul that started to change. You could pick up a good used 345 for a couple grand. Less than that, at Pawn shop looking to dump one.
Isn't that what Norm basically did?
All us “old guys” have stories like that……who’d a’thunkit at the time 🤷♂️…..I guess guys like Norm did
That guys pretty good on the guitar😳
Eric is the man!!!
The guitar sings the Blues Baby!
OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!
Some day I hope to be able to walk into Norm's and walk out with something relly nice! Paying for it OF COURSE!! lol
Love to hear through his ears for a few minutes. It’s gotta be a beautiful,happy place.