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The Fender Stories Collection Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster captures the soul and essence of rock history in playable form. This painstaking recreation of Campbell’s legendary 1972 Telecaster—the very instrument that shaped countless Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers classics—offers musicians the chance to own a piece of musical heritage with uncompromising authenticity.

The guitar’s Heirloom nitrocellulose lacquer finish in “Red Dog Red” replicates the faded Candy Apple Red of Campbell’s original, complete with strategic checking and wear marks that tell the story of decades of passionate playing. Every detail, from the comfortable early ’70s “C”-shaped maple neck to the vintage 7.25″ fingerboard radius, has been faithfully reproduced to deliver the exact feel and response that inspired some of rock’s most memorable guitar hooks.

What truly sets this instrument apart is the onboard “Destruct” boost circuit—the secret weapon Campbell employed on tracks like “Refugee.” With 34dB of gain available at the push of a button, this circuit transforms the guitar from smooth and melodic to searing and powerful, perfect for overdriving your amp for solos that cut through any mix.

The custom Mike Campbell Red Dog pickup configuration features two vintage-style humbuckers and a single-coil Telecaster bridge pickup that together recreate the versatile tonal palette Campbell relied on throughout his storied career. The Bigsby B5F tremolo adds both visual distinction and expressive vibrato capabilities, completing this faithful recreation of a true rock and roll workhorse.

Each guitar ships with premium accessories including a vintage-style case, custom strap, picks, and certificate of authenticity—adding collectible value to this already significant instrument.

Guitar Specs

What Makes the Red Dog Telecaster Special?

• Historical Significance: A faithful recreation of the guitar that shaped numerous Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers classics, including “Refugee”
• Heirloom Finish: Aged nitrocellulose lacquer with authentic checking and wear marks that replicate decades of professional use
• Secret Weapon: The onboard “Destruct” boost circuit delivers 34dB of gain at the push of a button—perfect for soaring leads
• Versatile Pickup Configuration: The SHH layout with custom-voiced Mike Campbell signature pickups offers an exceptionally wide tonal palette
• Vintage Playability: ’70s “C” neck profile and 7.25″ radius fingerboard recreate the exact feel Campbell has relied on throughout his career

The Campbell Legacy:

As the lead guitarist for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Mike Campbell created some of rock’s most memorable guitar parts—economical, melodic, and perfectly suited to each song. Rather than flashy solos, Campbell specialized in crafting hooks and textures that became integral to the band’s sound. The Red Dog Telecaster was his weapon of choice for countless classic recordings, making this instrument not just a guitar but a direct connection to an illustrious musical heritage.

The Perfect Guitar For: Serious collectors, professional musicians, and Tom Petty enthusiasts seeking an instrument with both historical significance and exceptional playability. While the premium price point places this in the collectible category, it’s built to be played—offering genuine vintage feel with modern reliability. The versatile electronics and pickup configuration make it suitable for everything from jangly classic rock to searing blues leads, while the Bigsby tremolo adds expressive capabilities for players who incorporate subtle vibrato into their technique.

Store: Fender