Pricing and availability

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

Average Price: $745

Standard/Professional

$500

$1201+

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

The Fender Jim Adkins JA-90 Telecaster Electric Guitar is a harmonious blend of tradition and modern innovation, crafted through a unique collaboration between Fender and Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World. This semi-hollow ash body guitar is an evolution of the classic TC-90, yet distinctively its own, designed for musicians who crave rich, resonant tones with a touch of vintage flair.

At its heart, the JA-90 features a set maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard, offering a warm, inviting feel that enhances playability and sustain. The guitar is equipped with Seymour Duncan Soapbar pickups that deliver a spectrum of tones from sweet and smooth to punchy and powerful, making it versatile enough for any genre. Whether you’re laying down intricate rhythms or soaring solos, the JA-90 responds with clarity and precision.

The Adjusto-Matic bridge and anchored tailpiece contribute to the guitar’s exceptional tuning stability and intonation, while the dual volume and tone controls allow for detailed sound shaping. With its modern "C" shape neck and medium jumbo frets, this Telecaster promises comfort for extended playing sessions, whether you're onstage or in the studio.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollow ash body for enhanced resonance
  • Set maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • 22 medium jumbo frets on a 9.5" radius fingerboard
  • Seymour Duncan SP90-1NRWRP Vintage P-90 (Neck) and SP90-3B Custom P-90 (Bridge) pickups
  • 3-position toggle switch with independent volume and tone controls
  • Adjusto-Matic bridge with anchored tailpiece
  • Modern "C" shape neck for comfortable playability
  • Chrome hardware and 3-ply black pickguard
  • Scale length of 24.75" and 1.650" nut width
  • Jim Adkins Signature on the back of the headstock

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Artist Series JA-90 Jim Adkins Signature Telecaster
Finish Crimson Transparent, Ebony Transparent, Natural, White
Year 2009 - 2025
Made In Indonesia, United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Artist Jim Adkins
Body Material Ash
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Red, Tan, White
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Laurel, Rosewood
Model Family Fender Telecaster
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany, Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Series Fender Artist Series

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Fender Jim Adkins JA-90 Telecaster?

The Fender Jim Adkins JA-90 Telecaster features Seymour Duncan P-90 pickups, providing a warm, punchy tone with a vintage character. It's versatile enough for genres ranging from rock to blues, delivering both clarity and grit.

Is the Fender Jim Adkins JA-90 Telecaster suitable for beginners?

Yes, the JA-90 Telecaster is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable C-shaped neck and medium jumbo frets, making it easy to play. However, its tonal versatility also makes it appealing for advanced players.

What is the neck profile of the Fender Jim Adkins JA-90 Telecaster?

The neck of the Fender JA-90 Telecaster has a modern C shape, providing a comfortable grip for most playing styles. It's designed for smooth playability, suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

How does the semi-hollow body affect the sound of the Fender JA-90 Telecaster?

The semi-hollow body design of the Fender JA-90 Telecaster adds resonance and warmth to the tone, offering a more open and airy sound compared to solid-body guitars. This makes it ideal for genres that benefit from a rich, full sound.

Does the Fender Jim Adkins JA-90 Telecaster come with a case?

No, the Fender Jim Adkins JA-90 Telecaster does not come with a case. It is sold separately, so you may want to purchase a compatible case to protect your guitar.

2tu Guitars

2tu Guitars

Fender Jim Adkins JA-90 Telecaster 2016 Crimson Red Transparent

Video thumbnail for Fender Jim Adkins JA-90 Telecaster 2016 Crimson Red Transparent by 2tu Guitars

Fender Jim Adkins JA-90 Telecaster 2016 Crimson Red Transparent

2tu Guitars

2tu Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight design offers comfortable, easy playability

  • Unique 24.75 scale length differentiates it from classic Telecasters

  • Versatile sound, suitable for diverse music genres from jazz to metal

  • Warm, powerful tone from stock Seymour Duncan P90 pickups

  • Great tonal range with responsive action

  • Affordable price point for the quality and features

  • Set neck construction enhances sustain and resonance

CONS

  • Shrink wrap on pick guard and pickups is difficult to remove

  • Pickups can be noisy unless noise is desired

  • Neck is thinner than standard "C" profile, may not suit everyone

  • Slightly heavier than other thinline Teles, around 7.5 - 8.0 lbs

  • Cheaper components like Indian laurel fretboard and basic tuners

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Jim Adkins Ja-90 Telecaster Electric Guitar.

Build quality

  • Owners report issues with the pickup selector switch feeling loose, though it hasn't caused functional problems for all users.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users frequently mention the need to replace the input jack due to it coming loose, indicating a common build quality concern.

    Source
  • Stringing the guitar with Slinky Top Heavy Bottoms or heavier strings like 13s improves tuning stability and string tension.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The JA-90 is noted for having a Gibson-like feel, specifically resembling the slim taper necks of 60s Gibsons, differentiating it from typical Fenders.

    Source
  • Described as a "TeleRickenPaul," the guitar combines elements of Telecasters, Rickenbackers, and Les Pauls, appealing to those who appreciate unique hybrid designs.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The P90 pickups are praised for their tone but are notably noisy, especially with gain, which is typical but worth considering for certain genres.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the matching headstock and laurel fretboard as standout aesthetic features.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The guitar is generally considered a great buy within the $600-$900 range, but its quality at the $1,000 MSRP is questioned by some owners.

    Source

User experience

  • The neck, described as "dainty," is praised for ease of playability but may feel tight for bends, which some players find challenging.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It's recommended to swap the bridge pickup for a DiMarzio Super Distortion to enhance the guitar's versatility and tonal range.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The semi-hollow design and P90s make it suitable for genres requiring high output, though a noise suppressor might be necessary.

    Source

3.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jim Adkins uses Fender Jim Adkins Ja-90 Telecaster Electric Guitar

Jim Adkins

Singer, Guitarist

Jimmy Eat World

...
Verified via YouTube

The red version of his signature telecaster. Can be seen playing it throughout this video.

See how Lindsay Lohan uses Fender Jim Adkins Ja-90 Telecaster Electric Guitar

Lindsay Lohan

Singer

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Crimson Transparent

Lindsey plays a JA-90 in crimson in Freakier Friday.

See how Danny Beus uses Fender Jim Adkins Ja-90 Telecaster Electric Guitar

Danny Beus

Singer, Guitarist

Dune Rats

...
Verified via Photo

Seen using a Fender Ja-90 Thinline Telecaster live

See how Ariel Fernández uses Fender Jim Adkins Ja-90 Telecaster Electric Guitar

Ariel Fernández

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Usa esta guitarra desde mediados de 2018

Album Usage

The Fender Jim Adkins Ja-90 Telecaster Electric Guitar has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

More Fender Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    michael
    michael

    Gear IQ 42641