Fender Releases Jason Isbell Signature Telecaster

Jason Isbell is an Americana powerhouse. The 4-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter grew up in the shadow of the legendary Muscle Shoals. We’re big fans and excited that his custom telecaster is finally available for purchase now.

Jason Isbell Custom Telecaster

Jason got started early playing guitar thanks to an uncle who played in a classic rock cover band and a Pentecoastal preacher grandfather who performed weekly in church. Before he was winning awards and topping the Billboard Country and Rock charts, Isbell toured as a member alt-country/southern-rockers the Drive-By Truckers from 2001 through 2007. Isbell’s been on his own – with the help of The 400 Unit – ever since.

Why A Custom Telecaster?

“Honestly, I think the Fender Telecaster is the best guitar design of all time. I can always find a good tone on the Tele.” Isbell says about the classic Fender electric.

It’s Not Just The Style and Tone

The vintage-inspired Tele features a double-bound ‘59-style Telecaster Custom body. The Road Work Chocolate Sunburst finish and aged hardware give it a broken in feel. It’s got a mid-60’s C-shaped maple neck with a 21-fret rosewood fingerboard. The custom pickups are designed by Fender’s Tim Shaw using vintage-style parts to capture the best of both Strat and Tele sounds.

Or Even The Comfort and Playability

At an early age, Isbell was introduced to slide guitar when his family saw Bonnie Raitt on tour. He watched her play with her slide on her middle finger and got started trying himself. Soon he was into players like Ry Cooder, Lowell George and Duane Allman. But he wasn’t interested in playing in open tunings. Who had time for all that tuning in bewteen songs? So he stuck to standard tuning and made use of the heel on his right-hand to mute those extra notes he didn’t want ringing out.

For all you slide players and chicken pickers, Isbell’s tele has a modified bridge designed for right-hand muting.

It’s All Of Those Things And It’s Affordable

Isbell’s a man of the people and his custom telecaster is priced accordingly at $1,499. It’s made in Mexico which means it’s priced considerably lower than a lot of other signature guitars. But its custom features and Isbell’s attention to detail means you can snag a great signature guitar at a price point that’s right between the American Ultra Telecaster and the American Performer Telecaster.

Don’t Take Our Word For It – Hear What Isbell Has To Say About It

Isbell Playing His Custom Fender Talking About Slide Guitar

Check out the video below with Jason playing his custom built Fender talking about some of his favorite slide players and his approach to playing.

Fender’s Eugene Edwards Take Isbell’s Custom Tele For A Test Drive

Check out the video below with Jason playing his custom built Fender talking about some of his favorite slide players and his approach to playing.