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Description

Crafted with the seasoned guitarist in mind, the Fender Jerry Donahue Telecaster w/Bigsby offers a unique blend of traditional Telecaster tone and modern playability. This signature model, designed in collaboration with the legendary Jerry Donahue, captures the essence of his distinctive playing style. The guitar features a Bigsby B5 tremolo system, providing smooth vibrato effects while maintaining the classic Telecaster look and feel. The ash body resonates with a rich, full-bodied sound, and the maple neck with a soft "V" profile offers comfort for both rhythm and lead playing.

Equipped with custom pickups, this Telecaster delivers a range of tonal options. The bridge pickup provides a bright, twangy sound, while the neck pickup offers warm, bluesy tones, making it versatile for various music genres. The 5-way switch setup, unique to this model, offers enhanced tonal flexibility, allowing you to access a broad spectrum of sounds that suit any playing style. The vintage-style tuners and bone nut ensure stable tuning and intonation, keeping you in perfect pitch during performances.

Whether you're playing country, rock, or blues, the Fender Jerry Donahue Telecaster w/Bigsby stands as a testament to timeless design and innovative features that cater to both professional musicians and serious hobbyists.

Key Features:

  • Ash body with a maple neck and soft "V" profile
  • Bigsby B5 tremolo system for smooth vibrato
  • Custom pickups with 5-way switch for versatile tones
  • Vintage-style tuners and bone nut for stable tuning
  • Signature model designed in collaboration with Jerry Donahue
Mark Stuart GUITARIST

Mark Stuart GUITARIST

Guitar DEMO: Fender JD Tele (Jerry Donahue telecaster MIJ)

Video thumbnail for Guitar DEMO: Fender JD Tele (Jerry Donahue telecaster MIJ) by Mark Stuart GUITARIST

Guitar DEMO: Fender JD Tele (Jerry Donahue telecaster MIJ)

Mark Stuart GUITARIST

Mark Stuart GUITARIST

Video thumbnail for Fender Jerry Donahue Telecaster 1997 - 1998 Sunburst by 2tu Guitars

Fender Jerry Donahue Telecaster 1997 - 1998 Sunburst

2tu Guitars

2tu Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Jerry Donahue Telecaster w/Bigsby.

Features and functionality

  • The Fender Jerry Donahue Telecaster with Bigsby offers a unique configuration with a Bigsby tremolo, providing a distinct feel and sound compared to standard Telecasters.

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  • Incorporating an S-1 switch or push-pull pot allows access to out-of-phase sounds with the neck pickup, enhancing tonal versatility.

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  • A flipped control plate with a push-pull on the bridge humbucker allows for single-coil sounds while maintaining aesthetic balance.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners often replace stock pickups with Seymour Duncan SH-1 '59 for improved tone, despite the unique Bigsby setup.

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  • Adding a 4-way switch can transform the pickup configuration, enabling a humbucker-like sound in the fourth position.

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  • Installing a Vibramate makes stringing with a Bigsby easier, allowing for easy removal without altering the guitar.

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  • Owners have installed an SH-2/SH-4 pickup combo with coil splits and phase options for versatile tonal possibilities.

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Comparisons

  • Compared to the Fender Player series, the Jerry Donahue model is favored for its vintage feel and distinctive Bigsby feature, which isn't available on lower-end models.

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  • Some players miss Bigsby units from previous guitars but find alternative tremolo systems like the VegaTrem intriguing for Telecasters.

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  • A 1992 MIM Tele was favored for its unique top-loader bridge and responsive neck, preferred over newer models with traditional string-through designs.

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User experience

  • Users have noted a preference for the Jerry Donahue model due to its lightweight build and the Bigsby's versatility in adding subtle vibrato effects.

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  • Owners with experience of different models note a preference for black pickguards to blend with uncovered neck pickups, maintaining aesthetic cohesion.

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  • Some users have found the neck profile to be a critical factor for comfort, with preferences for chunkier shapes for extended play.

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Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for players seeking a Telecaster with vintage aesthetics and modern functionality, especially suited for genres requiring expressive vibrato control.

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Setup and maintenance

  • One user emphasized the importance of using proper hardware, like Gotoh compensated brass saddles, for improved intonation and sustain.

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Artist usage

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See how Dan Auerbach uses Fender Jerry Donahue Telecaster w/Bigsby

Dan Auerbach

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Black Keys

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Verified via Photo

During the Rubber Factory era, a photo taken on June 18, 2010, shows Dan Auerbach with a Fender Jerry Donahue Telecaster equipped with a Bigsby.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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Gear Guides

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    yoshi_h

    Gear IQ 1734