Fender collaborates with alt-rock guitarist, songwriter to introduce the J Mascis Telecaster

Sticking to his unique style, Fender worked closely with Mascis to recreate his infamous original 1958 top-Loader Tele® guitar, the main axe he used in the mid-90s when he wrote some of his most iconic songs and lead work throughout his career. 

“It means so much to be working with Fender,” said J Mascis. “Already, the Tele® represents three decades of leads that I’ve recorded with this guitar.  It's been my go-to for recording leads since I got it. It feels amazing to have a signature guitar. It's not something I ever imagined, but I’m truly honoured.” 

J Mascis’ penchant for running Fender guitars into stacks of amps to create massive fuzzy riffs, incendiary leads and huge hooks have made him an alt-rock icon. While primarily known as a Jazzmaster player, Mascis’s Tele® is one of his favourite instruments in his collection. Growing up in Amherst, Massachusetts he became a drummer at age nine and pivoted to guitar when he founded Dinosaur Jr. in 1984. The band went on to help create alt rock as we know it, releasing dozens of hits including “Start Choppin,” which was recorded with Mascis’s original ‘58 Top-Loader Tele®. “I find I play leads that are more interesting to me when I pick it up,'' added Mascis. “Even if I try another guitar, I usually end up liking what I played better on this guitar. I improvise all my leads when recording and my best stuff comes out of this guitar.”  

The dazzling Bottle Rocket Blue Flake finish pulls inspiration from Mascis’ old drum set dating back to his early days. Uniquely made for Mascis’ playing style, the custom J Mascis Telecaster® pickups are voiced to replicate the sound of the original 1958 Telecaster® pickups in Mascis’s guitar; these single-coil Tele® pickups have a classic vintage tone. Additionally, the Tele® is made with a Top-Loader Telecaster® Bridge. A unique bridge type originally introduced in the late 50s, this top-load bridge offers reduced string tension and a shallower break angle compared to the traditional string-through bridges for a slinkier feel. Finally, the ”C” neck with 9.5” radius and jumbo frets recreates the feel of J’s original Tele, while the 9.5” radius fingerboard and jumbo frets provide easy playability and effortless bends. 

“We’re honoured to have had the opportunity to partner again with J Mascis, this time to recreate one of his favourite guitars,” said Justin Norvell, EVP of Fender Products. "From the Bottle Rocket Blue Flake finish to the mirrored chrome pickguard, the top-load bridge to the Road Worn maple neck, this guitar is a celebration of the J Mascis sound that helped define alternative rock." 

The Fender® Artist Signature Series honours iconic musicians through product progression and storytelling, creating instruments inspired by the unique specifications of the world’s greatest guitarists and bassists.

Dinosaur Jr. frontman discusses the J Mascis Telecaster®, a faithful recreation of this favourite guitar featuring custom single-coil pickups, a top-loader bridge and a Bottle Rocket Blue Flake finish. 

Fender also highlights Mascis’s new signature model in an episode of Fender’s serialized social video series, Fender Demos™.

Fender Demos™ is an educational video series focused on providing a deep dive into Fender’s newest products showcasing not only the key features and benefits but also the sonic quality of Fender’s instruments, amplifiers and pedals. In addition to product demos, the series also provides valuable beginner, intermediate and advanced tone tips, set-up and maintenance guides and insights to getting the most out of your Fender® gear.  

J Mascis Telecaster® ($1,349.99 USD, £1,299 GBP, €1,449 EUR, $2,499 AUD, ¥165,000 JPY) Alt-Rock icon J Mascis’ penchant for running Fender® guitars into stacks of amps to create massive fuzzy riffs, incendiary leads and huge hooks have made his work in Dinosaur Jr., and on solo records, an indispensable part of rock history, influencing countless artists to follow. The J Mascis Telecaster® guitar recreates one of J’s favourite guitars: an original 1958 Top-Loader Tele® guitar. This was the main axe J used in the mid-90s when he wrote some of Dinosaur Jr. 's most iconic songs and lead work throughout his career. The J Mascis Telecaster® guitar features include a Dazzling Bottle Rocket Blue Flake finish, mirrored chrome pickguard, custom J Mascis Telecaster® pickups, Top-Loader bridge and Road Worn® maple neck and hardware. 

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