Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
$5,000.00
Guitar Center
$5,000.00
Fender
$5,000.00
Amazon
$4,350.00
Reverb
5.0 (7)
$5,000.00 New
$2,780.00 Used
Musician's Friend
$5,000.00

Average Price: $4,590

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Fender Custom Shop John 5 Bigsby Telecaster". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Fender Custom Shop John 5 Bigsby Telecaster is more than just an electric guitar; it's a tribute to the musical prowess of one of rock's most iconic guitarists. Crafted for the discerning player, this instrument combines sleek design with precision engineering. Its select ash body is adorned with a striking 1-ply chrome pickguard, exuding a bold aesthetic that matches its powerful sound. The Seymour Duncan Hot Rails bridge pickup delivers a high-output crunch, making it perfect for heavy riffs, while the Custom Shop Twisted Tele neck pickup balances the sound with bright, glassy tones.

This guitar doesn't just look the part; it plays like a dream. The modern C-shape maple neck is designed for comfort and speed, complemented by a 12-inch-radius rosewood fingerboard that makes intricate solos feel effortless. Whether you're bending notes with the Bigsby-style vibrato tailpiece or locking in your tuning with the deluxe die-cast machines, this Telecaster is built for performance.

For those who demand versatility and style, the John 5 Bigsby Telecaster is a perfect match. From its expressive vibrato to its solid construction, this guitar is ready to rock any stage or studio. Plus, it comes with a deluxe hardshell case, strap, and certificate of authenticity, ensuring it's as collectible as it is playable.

Key Features:

  • Signature solidbody electric guitar inspired by John 5
  • Select ash body with a 1-ply chrome pickguard
  • Modern C-shape maple neck with 12-inch-radius rosewood fingerboard
  • Seymour Duncan Hot Rails bridge pickup for high-output tones
  • Custom Shop Twisted Tele neck pickup for bright, glassy sound
  • Bigsby-style vibrato tailpiece and deluxe die-cast tuning machines
  • Includes deluxe hardshell case, strap, and certificate of authenticity

Product specs

Artist John 5
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape John 5 Bigsby Telecaster
Body Material Ash
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material Maple
Neck Shape Modern C
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Material Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 22
Scale Length 25.5"
Scale Length Type Standard-scale
Nut Width 1.6875"
Nut Material Synthetic Bone
Bridge/Tailpiece Bigsby with 6 Saddle Adjustable Bridge
Tuners Fender Deluxe
Neck Pickup Fender Custom Shop "Twisted" Tele Single-coil
Bridge Pickup Seymour Duncan Hot Rails STHR-1B Tele-sized Humbucker
Controls 1 x volume, 1 x tone
Switching 3-way blade pickup switch
Strings Fender USA 250R Nickel Plated Steel, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Fender Custom Shop John 5 Bigsby Telecaster?

The Fender Custom Shop "Twisted" Tele single-coil neck pickup offers bright, articulate tones, while the Seymour Duncan Hot Rails bridge humbucker delivers a high-output, aggressive sound suitable for rock and metal genres.

How does the Bigsby vibrato affect the playability of the John 5 Bigsby Telecaster?

The Bigsby vibrato allows for smooth pitch bending and vibrato effects, adding versatility to your playing style without significantly altering the guitar's natural tone.

Is the Fender Custom Shop John 5 Bigsby Telecaster suitable for advanced players?

Yes, with its high-quality construction, versatile pickup configuration, and unique features like the Bigsby vibrato, this guitar is well-suited for advanced players seeking a professional-grade instrument.

What is the neck profile of the Fender Custom Shop John 5 Bigsby Telecaster?

This guitar features a Modern C-shaped maple neck, providing a comfortable grip and smooth playability, ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.

Does the John 5 Bigsby Telecaster come with a case?

Yes, the Fender Custom Shop John 5 Bigsby Telecaster includes a hardshell case for protection and easy transport.

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chatreeo

Fender Custom Shop John 5 Bigsby Signature Telecaster

Video thumbnail for Fender Custom Shop John 5 Bigsby Signature Telecaster by chatreeo

Fender Custom Shop John 5 Bigsby Signature Telecaster

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Video thumbnail for John 5 Signature Telecaster with Bigsby Fender Custom Shop 2020 by Wild West Guitars

John 5 Signature Telecaster with Bigsby Fender Custom Shop 2020

Wild West Guitars

Wild West Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tone versatility with Duncan HotRails and Twisted Tele pickups

  • High-quality USA craftsmanship ensures durability and reliability

  • Modern C maple neck offers comfortable playability

  • Bigsby vibrato adds expressive playing dynamics

  • Beautiful aesthetic and unique design make it visually stunning

  • Solid build quality appeals to guitar enthusiasts

  • Offers a wide range of tones from jazz to full gain

  • Grooved saddles enhance tuning stability once accustomed

CONS

  • Limited availability makes it hard to find

  • Output level variance between pickups may require adjustment for some players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Custom Shop John 5 Bigsby Telecaster.

Setup and maintenance

  • Proper Bigsby setup is crucial for tuning stability; without it, users might experience issues, but adjustments can stabilize tuning effectively.

    Source
  • Users suggest using thicker gauge strings for downtuning and filing the nut accordingly to accommodate the change.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Biggsfix string through bar recommended for easier string changes on Bigsby-equipped models.

    Source
  • Owners report that a vintage half bridge and top loader setup on Teles allow dialing traditional sounds while maintaining versatility.

    Source
  • Hipshot locking tuners are recommended for improved tuning stability and ease of use on older models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • J5's high-output pickups and jumbo frets cater more to metal; classic Telecasters offer traditional tones better suited for blues and rock.

    Source
  • A Nashville Tele with a Strat middle pickup is recommended for those seeking both Tele and Strat tones.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find Bigsby-equipped guitars heavier, impacting playability for extended sessions, especially when gigging.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Telecasters are praised for their unique twang and ability to cut through a mix, making them suitable for genres like punk and hardcore.

    Source
  • Telecasters, even with single coils, can handle metal with the right amp and pedal setup, offering crisp and bright tones.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Some users highlight the importance of a modern spec bridge for effective palm muting in metal genres.

    Source

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