Master thrasher and Zombie-“ite” John 5 is set to release a new solo collection, Because God Told Me To, at the end of September 2011. The ex-Marilyn Manson guitarist, who is sure to grab headlines with his latest effort, is strictly a Fender man these days. 5’s axe, a signature series J5 Triple Tele® Deluxe, is visually and sonically striking.
It looks like a Tele from the 70s
There is no mistaking the classic shape of 5’s black J5 Triple Tele® Deluxe guitar. Introduced in January 2007, the instantly recognizable single cut-away contour suggests it’s a Fender. Add to that the dark rosewood finger board and dot inlays and the instrument almost appears to be traditional. Except, when the chromed brass pickguard and over sized 1970s painted Strat style headstock kicks in, then something wicked this way comes. Would you expect anything less from John 5?
Traditional specs
The J5 Triple Tele® alder body, polyester finish, maple neck and 22 medium jumbo frets are not all that unusual. Neither is the 25.5 inch scale length, Fender®/Schaller ® vintage “F” style tuning machines, vintage tremolo or controls, one master volume and one master tone.
Some not-so-traditional specs
No single coils here. When the spotlight shines on the HHH configuration of the Triple Tele’s chrome covered high energy “Wide Range” humbucking Enforcer™ pick-ups and its chromed pickguard, the machine-like luster and incredible sound are mesmerizing. The J5’s three way toggle switch mixes bridge, bridge and neck or just neck for some similarly stunning blend variations.
Historical accuracy for Telecasters
On the Fender website, the overview tab in the products section for the J5 Triple Tele® Deluxe provides a notice which applies to any vintage style guitar parts used on the model.
Regarding the words “Pat Pending” on some vintage Telecaster® guitar bridge plates, Fender states, “Such markings are included only for the sake of historical accuracy, and are not intended to denote or imply live patents or ongoing patent protection.” It’s not the kind of disclaimer someone would expect on an instrument from John 5.
Price
John 5’s J5 Triple Tele® Deluxe guitar carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,499.99 on the Fender website; you can be sure it goes for less on the street.
John 5’s incredible J5 Triple Tele® Deluxe is a future Fender classic.
Currently zZounds stocks the Triple Tele:
