Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $3,425

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* 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

Get ready to unleash your creativity with the Fender Custom Shop John 5 HB Telecaster, an electric guitar that marries timeless style with modern innovation. Designed in collaboration with the legendary John 5, this guitar is a versatile powerhouse, tailored for those who demand more from their instrument.

At its core, the John 5 HB Telecaster boasts a Fender USA Enforcer humbucking bridge pickup, delivering a thick, punchy tone perfect for anything from searing solos to heavy riffs. Pair this with the Fender Custom Shop Twisted Tele neck pickup, and you've got a spectrum of sound that will inspire musicians across genres. The premium ash body is double-bound, offering both aesthetic appeal and tonal clarity, while the shaved maple neck ensures comfortable playability and swift action.

Whether you're laying down tracks in the studio or setting the stage on fire, the John 5 HB Telecaster's distinctive design elements, such as the custom three-on-a-side headstock, set it apart from the crowd. This guitar isn't just another Telecaster—it's a statement.

Key Features:

  • Fender USA Enforcer humbucking bridge pickup
  • Fender Custom Shop Twisted Tele neck pickup
  • Premium ash body with double binding
  • Shaved maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Custom three-on-a-side headstock
  • Master volume and tone control

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Custom Shop John 5 HB Telecaster
Year 2003 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Artist John 5
Body Material Ash
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Black, Gold
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12"
Model Family Fender Telecaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender Artist Series, Fender Custom Shop
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What kind of pickups are on the Fender Custom Shop John 5 HB Telecaster?

The Fender Custom Shop John 5 HB Telecaster is equipped with a DiMarzio D Activator humbucker in the bridge position, offering a modern, harmonically rich sound perfect for high-gain tones.

Is the Fender Custom Shop John 5 HB Telecaster suitable for heavy music genres?

Yes, the John 5 HB Telecaster is designed to handle high-gain settings effectively, making it suitable for heavy music genres while also offering versatility for cleaner tones.

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

The neck of the John 5 HB Telecaster features a comfortable bolt-on maple neck with a 12" radius rosewood fretboard, providing smooth playability for both rhythm and lead playing.

Does the Fender Custom Shop John 5 HB Telecaster have a kill switch?

Yes, this model includes an arcade-style kill switch on the pickguard, allowing for rapid-fire stutter effects during performances.

What is the body material of the Fender Custom Shop John 5 HB Telecaster?

The body of the John 5 HB Telecaster is made from ash, which contributes to its bright and resonant tonal characteristics.

Reviews

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 HB Telecaster.

Features and functionality

  • The Fender Custom Shop John 5 HB Telecaster features a rosewood fretboard and a humbucker in the bridge, catering to players seeking heavier tones.

    Source
  • A bridge pickup swap to a Seymour Duncan Hot Rails with coil split is suggested for enhancing punk tones while maintaining traditional Tele middle position sound.

    Source
  • FMT HH Telecasters are noted for humbuckers and coil splits, offering versatility for both heavier sounds and sparkly Midwest emo riffs.

    Source

Comparisons

  • This model is often contrasted with the Fender Blacktop Telecaster, which also offers an HS configuration and is available on Reverb for around $400.

    Source
  • FGN Iliad models are praised for high quality, often compared favorably to Fender, with some owners declaring them superior in terms of craftsmanship and components.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for players in genres like indie/Skramz who desire the body/neck design of a Telecaster but with a sound closer to a Gibson Les Paul.

    Source
  • A Tele with a red lace sensor bridge pickup and 500k pots is described as highly effective for punk and harder rock styles.

    Source
  • John 5 signature models, both Fender Custom Shop and Squier, are recommended for heavier music, highlighting John 5 as a favored Tele player.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A recommendation includes using a stacked humbucker that fits into a single-coil slot for those considering pickup replacements.

    Source
  • A four-way switch mod on Teles allows pickups in series, creating a heavier humbucker-like sound, appealing to those seeking more aggressive tones.

    Source
  • Installing Bare Knuckle Boot Camp Brute Force pickups in a Squier Classic Vibe 50s Tele is recommended for achieving metal tones, praised for their mix compatibility.

    Source

User experience

  • Many users prefer Fender's neck design and tuning stability over Gibson's, citing fewer design flaws and better reliability.

    Source

Other

  • The preference for Fender over Gibson is often due to perceived tuning instability in Gibson guitars, with Fender offering a more reliable alternative for heavy music styles.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

More Fender Custom Shop Solid Body Electric Guitars

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides