When Leo Fender introduced teh Telecaster 75 years ago, he likely never imagined the impact it would have on guitarists like John 5. Emerging in the late ’90s as the enigmatic guitarist for Marilyn Manson, this Michigan native has become one of the most prominent advocates for the telecaster in the heavy music scene.
Throughout his dynamic career, which includes stints with David Lee Roth, Manson, and Rob Zombie, and also his solo projects and recent performances with Mötley Crüe, John 5’s admiration for the Telecaster has only deepened.
Examining John 5’s collection over the years reveals a guitarist who is not only passionate about the Telecaster’s classic design but also committed to innovating within its framework. From his unique paddle-headed, Bigsby-equipped creations to his early signature models with Fender and Squier, and up to the extravagant Ghost model of 2023, few modern players have done more to keep this iconic instrument fresh and exciting.
John 5’s Top Telecasters
Choosing just a handful of his favorite Telecasters is a task that John 5 eagerly embraces for guitar World.
“It’s amusing,” he shares. “I have a variety of guitars,including Les Pauls and others. But when it comes to the Telecaster, I can’t imagine playing anything else. I’ve tried to think about it, but I really can’t! Maybe a Strat? [Laughs]
“It’s odd as when you’ve been doing something your entire life, it’s hard to envision what it would be like to switch it up. I’ve always played a Telecaster.”
2022 Fender Custom John 5 Ghost Tele
The Ghost is my top choice. It was crafted during a collaboration between Fender and the NYC streetwear brand Supreme.
“This guitar is stunningly beautiful. I wanted to create something like it,” he explains. “It’s by far my favorite, and I even named an album after it! [2025’s[2025’s[2025’s[2025’sGhost]I feel secure with the Ghost; it never lets me down, whether live or in the studio. It stays in tune and sounds fantastic.”
“It’s like boarding a plane and feeling uncertain, but then you step onto a luxurious double-decker and think, ‘This is going to be incredible.’ [Laughs] That’s how I feel about the Ghost! I take it everywhere. actually,I’m driving home from Joshua Tree right now,and it’s in the back seat. It’s that important to me.”
2025 Fender Custom Tele, aka “The Phantom”
The Phantom is my second favorite. It’s my go-to guitar with Mötley Crüe. It’s a powerhouse, delivering incredible sound and feel. It features a stunning cutaway and, of course, a Floyd Rose.
Fender Custom Shop Tele, aka “Goldie”
Goldie has been featured on countless recordings and holds a special place in my heart. I’ve used it so extensively that I often worry about needing to repaint or re-fret it. Whenever it’s time for a critically important re-fret, I retire it and look for a replacement. I acquired Goldie after moving on from my black-and-chrome Telecaster.
My vision was to create a gold Tele,specifically the Shoreline Gold that Fender used in the ’60s,which was made with car paint. Alex Perez at Fender sourced that paint, and now Goldie has aged beautifully, revealing the wood beneath its chipped surface.
When we assembled it,we introduced a kill switch for the first time-this guitar was a revelation for me; it changed my life. I played it until it became too precious to risk damaging. It has appeared on numerous records and has been used in countless performances.
2003 Fender J5 Telecaster
I owned a black Tele with a chrome pickguard for over a decade. It was an incredible instrument that forged a deep connection with me. That guitar made me realize I wanted a more powerful Telecaster.
When I envisioned its appearance, I thought of a stunning Harley-Davidson motorcycle that gleamed brightly.
“I loved the sound it produced, and when it came to its aesthetics, I imagined a beautiful Harley-Davidson motorcycle that would shine brilliantly. The combination of chrome and black was simply gorgeous. when it all came together, I added double binding, inspired by the ’60s teles, and thought, ‘this is stunning.’”
This was before the introduction of the kill switch, making it one of my earlier Telecasters. I used it extensively with Marilyn manson and Rob Zombie. It was a versatile guitar that could handle everything from rock to jazz and country. Squier even produced a version of this guitar along with Goldie.
Interestingly, they were on the verge of closing down, but I take pride in knowing they extended their operations for another year due to the high demand for those two models. The quality was so impressive that you couldn’t distinguish between the Squier and the Fender.I played the Squiers live, and they performed exceptionally well. if you come across one, don’t hesitate to grab it!
1990s Fender ’52 Telecaster
I used this ’52 reissue during my time with David Lee Roth and Rob Halford.It’s an exact replica of a ’52 model. I remember walking into a Guitar Center on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, just browsing the Telecasters before I was even endorsed by Fender. I spotted this Tele and thought, “This is incredible.”
After trying it out, I bought it, added a stack pickup, and that was it. I played it for years, and it remains a staple in my collection. it was the guitar that ultimately led to my endorsement with Fender; I played it so much that they featured a picture of me with it at the NAMM Show.
They had a large display showcasing their endorsers-but I wasn’t one yet! [Laughs] When I approached the Fender booth, they offered me an endorsement deal, and I couldn’t believe it. I was thrilled!”
