Fender Custom Shop John 5 Phantom Telecaster Electric Guitar

The Fender Custom Shop John 5 Phantom Telecaster takes the classic Tele outline into seriously sinister territory, purpose-built for high-gain virtuosos who demand precision, power and rock-solid tuning stability. With a sleek gloss black finish, dual DiMarzio humbuckers and a recessed Floyd Rose system, it is a no-compromise performance machine that moves effortlessly from rapid-fire country licks to full-bore metal riffing.

Under the stealthy exterior you will find a select alder body with deep Ultra Contours for enhanced comfort, a fast Modern C maple neck and a flat-laminated ebony fingerboard with a 10 to 14 inch compound radius. Luminlay side dots keep you locked in on the darkest stages, while the simple single-volume layout and 3-way toggle keep your focus on playing, not tweaking. This is a Telecaster reimagined through John 5’s lens: aggressive, articulate and ready for the heaviest gigs.

Built for High-Gain Precision

The John 5 Phantom Telecaster is engineered to stay tight, clear and controllable under extreme gain. The combination of a resonant two-piece alder body, ebony fingerboard and medium jumbo frets delivers a punchy, immediate response that rewards fast picking and complex chord work. Every note stays defined, even when you are running the most saturated amp and pedal setups.

Effortless Playability

A Modern C maple neck with satin urethane on the back gives a smooth, broken-in feel that encourages speed and fluidity. The 10 to 14 inch compound-radius ebony fingerboard feels comfortable for chords near the nut, then gradually flattens out for wide, choke-free bends and low, fast action higher up. Twenty-two medium jumbo frets and a familiar 25.5 inch scale length make this a natural step-up for any Fender player looking for a more modern, technical platform.

Stage-Ready Visibility

Mother of Pearl dot inlays provide a classic Custom Shop look, while Luminlay luminescent side dots ensure you never lose your bearings when the lights drop. Whether you are stepping into a dark pit, smoke-filled stage or a dramatic blackout mid-set, your fret positions remain clearly visible so you can play with confidence.

Locked-Down Tremolo Performance

The recessed Floyd Rose Original double-locking tremolo, paired with a Floyd Rose R7 locking nut and modern locking tuners, keeps the Phantom Telecaster in tune through the most extreme divebombs, flutters and squeals. The recessed routing lets you pull up as well as dive down, expanding your expressive range while maintaining a comfortable feel under the picking hand.

• DiMarzio D Activator Humbuckers - The DiMarzio DP220BK bridge and DP2198BK neck pickups deliver tight, aggressive attack with excellent note separation and a powerful output. From razor-sharp rhythm tones to singing lead sounds, they stay articulate under heavy distortion while still cleaning up when you roll back the volume.
• Recessed Floyd Rose Original Tremolo - The Floyd Rose Original double-locking tremolo, recessed into the body, offers exceptional tuning stability and a wide pitch range. Paired with the R7 locking nut and locking tuners, it lets you perform extreme vibrato techniques without sacrificing intonation or feel.
• Compound-Radius Ebony Fingerboard - The 10 to 14 inch compound-radius ebony board combines comfortable chord work near the nut with a flatter surface higher up for fast runs and big bends. Ebony adds snap and clarity to every note, ideal for John 5’s blend of intricate picking and searing leads.
• Ultra Contoured Alder Body - The two-piece select alder body with Ultra Contours provides a resonant, balanced tonal platform with exceptional comfort. The sculpted back and forearm contours help the guitar sit naturally against the body, making long sets and demanding sessions easier on your shoulders and picking arm.

Body

• Body Shape: Telecaster
• Body Material: 2-Piece Select Alder with Ultra Contours
• Body Finish: Gloss Black Urethane
• Colour: Black
• Aging: NOS

Neck

• Neck Material: Maple
• Neck Shape: Modern C
• Neck Finish: Gloss Polyurethane on Headstock, Satin Urethane on Back
• Scale Length: 25.5 inch (648 mm)
• Truss Rod: Bi-Flex
• Headstock: Telecaster

Fingerboard

• Fingerboard Material: Flat-Laminated Ebony
• Fingerboard Radius: 10 to 14 inch Compound Radius (254 mm to 355.6 mm)
• Frets: 22, Medium Jumbo
• Position Inlays: Mother of Pearl Dot
• Side Dots: Luminlay

Hardware

• Nut: Floyd Rose R7 Locking, 1.650 inch (42 mm)
• Bridge: Floyd Rose Original Double-Locking Tremolo (Recessed)
• Hardware Finish: Black
• Tuning Machines: Modern Locking
• String Trees: Floyd Rose Retainer Bar
• Neck Plate: 4-Bolt Contoured with Custom Shop V Logo
• Control Knobs: Speed Knob

Electronics

• Bridge Pickup: DiMarzio DP220BK
• Neck Pickup: DiMarzio DP2198BK
• Controls: Master Volume
• Switching: 3-Position Toggle Pickup Switch
  • Position 1: Bridge Pickup
  • Position 2: Bridge and Neck Pickups
  • Position 3: Neck Pickup

Miscellaneous

• Strings: Nickel Plated Steel (.009 to .042 Gauges)
• Case: Deluxe Black Hardshell