Fender Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster with Destruct Boost
The Fender Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster is based on his customised 1972 Tele
4,1 / 5,0 | 
Fender has revealed the Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster. This release pays homage to the iconic 1972 Telecaster wielded by Mike Campbell, the legendary guitarist whose distinctive sound was a cornerstone of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster
Part of the Stories Collection, Campbell’s Red Dog Telecaster is the latest Fender release based on a modified and much-loved 1972 Tele. Campbell acquired this guitar from a former student in Florida. It is famed for its unique modifications, including a Bigsby tremolo and an onboard boost circuit known as the “Destruct” circuit.
It also has a unique dual humbucker and a single-coil telecaster bridge pickup layout.
Stories Collection
Fans will recognise the guitar’s unmistakable tone from the classic track “Refugee” off the album Damn the Torpedoes, as well as its prominent appearance in the song’s music video.
The new Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster meticulously recreates the original’s specifications, featuring an Heirloom nitrocellulose lacquer finish in Red Dog Red.
The guitar has a one-piece maple neck with an early ’70s “C” shape, a 7.25″ radius fretboard, and 21 vintage-style frets. If you like vintage Fender necks, then you will love this setup. However, players accustomed to flatter modern neck profiles may struggle with the radius.
Destruct
A standout feature is the onboard switchable “Destruct” boost circuit, capturing the unique sonic character of Campbell’s original guitar.
The custom Mike Campbell Red Dog pickup set, comprising two vintage-style humbuckers and a single-coil Telecaster bridge pickup, provides a versatile range of tones, allowing players to emulate Campbell’s signature sound.
The guitar also has a Bigsby B5F tremolo for expressive vibrato effects, further enhancing its tonal capabilities. I suspect this guitar might be heavy, as the Bigsby can add some weight, and if you aren’t used to it, you will certainly notice it.
Attention to detail extends to the custom accessories, which include a vintage-style case, a strap, picks, and a certificate of authenticity. A custom Red Dog neck plate further distinguishes this instrument, marking it as a special release.
Verdict
Certainly, one for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers fans and anyone who appreciates a unique Tele-pickup layout. The boost function looks fun and could make this guitar enjoyable. If you want something different, these could be what you want.
They aren’t cheap (but they are made in the USA, so high prices are to be expected); however, they are very different from most Telecasters on the market currently.
MSRP – EUR 3099
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