Fender John 5 Phantom Telecaster Black

John 5 has spent nearly three decades turning the Telecaster into a vehicle for country-rooted precision, hard-rock attack and metal technique, and the Fender John 5 Signature Phantom Telecaster electric guitar pushes that familiar shape into one of his most aggressive configurations. A solid nyatoh Telecaster body and Custom John 5 Medium “C” maple neck pair with a 12″ ebony fingerboard, while dual DiMarzio D Activator humbuckers provide the high-output foundation for his heavier approach. A master volume and dedicated killswitch keep performance control streamlined, while a Floyd Rose FRTS2000 double-locking 2-point tremolo expands the Telecaster platform with wide-ranging pitch control. Black hardware, black pickup covers and a 1-ply anodized pickguard reinforce the Phantom’s dark visual identity. Bring John 5’s high-output Telecaster formula and expressive performance control to your own playing with the Phantom.

Nyatoh Body and Custom Medium C Neck Shape the Feel

The Phantom starts with a solid nyatoh Telecaster body and maple neck shaped to John 5’s Custom Medium “C” profile. A 25.5″ scale maintains familiar Fender proportions, while the ebony fingerboard combines a relatively flat 12″ radius with 22 narrow-tall frets for a contemporary playing surface. A satin neck finish and Floyd Rose Special locking nut complete a configuration that retains the recognizable Telecaster foundation while accommodating the technical demands of John 5’s wide-ranging playing style.

D Activators and Killswitch Keep Control Immediate

DiMarzio D Activator humbuckers in the neck and bridge positions give the Phantom its high-output pickup configuration. A three-position pickup toggle and single master volume keep the primary electronics straightforward, while the dedicated killswitch provides an additional performance control for abrupt signal cuts and stutter-style effects. The streamlined layout puts the dual D Activators and killswitch at the center of a design tailored to John 5’s heavier, highly expressive approach.

Floyd Rose Tremolo Adds Wide Pitch Control

The Floyd Rose FRTS2000 double-locking 2-point tremolo is the Phantom’s clearest departure from a traditional Telecaster hardware layout. Paired with a Floyd Rose Special locking nut, the bridge secures the strings at both ends while providing the pitch control associated with a double-locking tremolo system. The configuration gives players a dedicated platform for expressive tremolo techniques while complementing the Phantom’s dual-humbucker electronics and performance-focused design.

Black Hardware Defines the Phantom Identity

The Phantom carries its dark visual identity across its Black color treatment, black hardware, black pickup covers and black speed knob. A 1-ply anodized pickguard reinforces the stripped-down presentation, while the ebony fingerboard extends the dark aesthetic along the neck. Fender specifies a gloss urethane finish on the body top with satin urethane on the back, adding subtle contrast within the otherwise focused presentation. Together, these details give the Phantom a distinctive signature look while keeping the Telecaster outline immediately recognizable.

Weight: 8lbs 6oz

Features

• John 5 signature Telecaster pairs dual D Activators, killswitch and Floyd Rose tremolo
• Solid nyatoh Telecaster body provides a familiar single-cut foundation
• Custom John 5 Medium “C” maple neck supports a comfortable playing feel
• 12″ ebony fingerboard with 22 narrow-tall frets supports precise fretting
• Dual DiMarzio D Activators provide a high-output HH pickup configuration
• Dedicated killswitch enables abrupt signal cuts and stutter-style effects
• Single master volume keeps output control streamlined and immediate
• Floyd Rose FRTS2000 double-locking tremolo provides expressive pitch control
• Black hardware, pickup covers and anodized pickguard define the Phantom aesthetic

Body

• Body construction: Solidbody
• Body shape: Telecaster
• Body material: Nyatoh
• Body finish: Gloss urethane top, satin urethane back

Neck

• Neck material: Maple
• Neck profile: Custom John 5 Medium “C”
• Neck finish: Satin
• Neck construction: 4-bolt
• Scale length: 25.5″

Fingerboard

• Fingerboard material: Ebony
• Fingerboard radius: 12″
• Number of frets: 22
• Fret size: Narrow tall
• Inlays: White dot

Nut

• Nut type: Floyd Rose Special locking
• Nut width: 1.69″

Hardware

• Bridge: Floyd Rose FRTS2000 double-locking 2-point tremolo
• Tuning machines: Deluxe cast/sealed locking
• Hardware finish: Black
• Pickguard: 1-ply anodized

Electronics

• Pickup configuration: HH
• Neck pickup: DiMarzio D Activator
• Bridge pickup: DiMarzio D Activator
• Controls: Master volume
• Switching: 3-position toggle
• Special electronics: Killswitch

Strings

• Number of strings: 6
• Strings: Nickel-plated steel, .009–.042

All instruments are setup to factory spec and inspected before shipping. Player preference may vary and instruments may need additional adjustments to accommodate those preferences. Setups are not applicable for free returns.
We offer the option to upgrade to a Plek setup at a discounted rate when purchasing an instrument. To learn more about Plek, please message us, or call at: 740-522-0277.Plek add-ons are non-refundable once completed. In the event of a return, a refund will be issued minus the cost of the Plek and any other add-on services.