Edit: This is just pure speculation, but does anyone else think that a partial reason why he might be distancing himself from Fender is the departure of Mike Eldred? It seems that Mike has been an integral part of John's relationship with Fender, and with his departure and John spending time with Mike on his record is all in the right (or wrong) timing. I don't think Fender is hurting on the JM Strat sales, and I don't think JM really cares if he gets stuff for free or not at this point. I feel like it would be more of a personal relationship sort of thing between him and the company/management.
/endpurespeculation
I'm not usually one to scope out Tweets or anything (and I'm sure a lot of you don't care at all. If so, you can take what you may from this thread and kindly move on), but there were couple really interesting statements about John Mayer and his relationship with Fender:

I think the things that people would be most curious about would be - was there something that triggered the decision? ..Also, is his arsenal of stage guitars going to be slightly less Fender? I can't really see him being endorsed by any other company other than Fender or Martin, as those have always been his top guitar makers. I'm just curious.

I think it means he'll no longer be getting stuff for free.

Well crap! That screws my entire universe up. Oh wait, no it doesn't. Never mind.

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My ability to spell is in direct proportion to the amount of coffee I've had.

Hopefully he provides a better explanation as to why. Maybe his guitar model just isn't selling that well. If the reason is that he isn't getting free guitars, I say poor spoiled rock star, deal with it like the rest of us who have to buy our own stuff.

I'm sure he's got a reason. it still means he's not getting any more stuff for free.

Maybe this is the fallout from a hissy fit / ego blow due to his signature model not flying out of dealerships worldwide. In spite of this devastating development (to some, any way) and of infinitely more importance, you all will find comfort in the fact that I will indeed, sleep quite well tonight.

I have just started playing again after 15 months due to hand issues and have not been on any forums. Shock-#1 Mike Eldred is no longer with Fender? Mike was the man and oversaw the custom shop and when he had his own thread on this forum would answer any question about any guitar - including non Fenders. Also a monster player as anyone who owns any ME-Trio albums would attest.
Shock-#2 Mayer no longer a Fender artist? I have never been a big Mayer fan but no artist moved more guitars for Fender in the last decade then Mayer. I know Mayer was playing with Mike and possibly for whatever reason he left lies in there. Mayer owns a 20 million dollar Rolex collection and the Youtube video- John Mayers 200 guitars is at least 5 years old now! So I doubt he gives a hoot about getting any more free gear and on that video he does receive a Fender CS Lenny Strat lol, as he was getting paid most likely more then any other Fender endorsed player- including Clapton.Honestly Fender treated Mayer as if he was Hendrix. I know Mayer die hards will probably go on the rampage but it also seems like Mayer's star is starting to dim, though that does not diminish what he has done for the company. After finding out today about both Mike's and Mayer's departure I see this as a huge blow for Fender in many regards. As a life long Fender die hard I believe this would be the last things the company needed at the present.

Could be Fender just dropped his Artist Series model. They just did that to the Sting model.
It would probably be more correct to say both no longer have Fender Artist Series models than to say they are no longer Fender artists. They'll probably still play Fenders which in my view makes them a Fender artist. They just won't be getting money from the sale of their signature instruments but they'll still get preferential treatment by Fender..if they want it. Some artists don't use free instruments. Sting for example didn't use his signature instrument, but some do.
The Mayer was a real pricey instrument. Maybe that is why it wasn't selling?

John Mayer is a $@!&# anyways.

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1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

+1

Who cares about John Mayer? Give me a John Mayall signature Telecaster instead.

Although he's a great guitarist, I'm not even the slightest bit saddened. Never cared for signature guitars, give me my OWN guitar. I don't need someone else's gear to sound good.

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My songs
click here!^
'The one with more guitars wins'

He sounds like Little Nicky when he sings 'Your Body Is A Wonderland'.

Who is John Mayer?

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Vegetarians aren't allowed to have any pudding.
How can they have any pudding?
They didn't eat their meat.

Free?? It means he is no longer getting PAID to use their gear.

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Laughing out loud with fear and hope, I have a desperate plan ..