That Eric Alper

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation announces the John Osborne Telecaster in collaboration with the Grammy-winning guitarist John Osborne. A highly customized signature model inspired by his personal, road-tested 1968 Telecaster guitar, the John Osborne Telecaster is designed for expressive, dynamic playing; this instrument blends classic Fender craftsmanship with innovative performance features, including the signature B String Bender. Launching as part of Fender’s celebration of the Telecaster’s 75th anniversary, the John Osborne Telecaster honors both the enduring legacy of this iconic guitar and the distinctive artistry of one of the most influential players in modern country music.

“There are a lot of amazing guitars in this world, but none are as versatile as the Telecaster,” said John Osborne. “It just works with every song, works with every genre; I want someone to pick it up and take this instrument that I’ve played for so long, and blaze their own trail with it.”

John Osborne is a Grammy-winning guitarist and songwriter best known as one half of Brothers Osborne, the multi-platinum duo behind numerous Top 10 hits and fan-favorite anthems like ‘Stay a Little Longer ’ and ‘It Ain’t My Fault.’ With multiple ACM and CMA Awards to their name, MCA’s Brothers Osborne have helped redefine modern country music with a sound that blends raw authenticity and rock energy. Widely regarded as a “player’s player,” Osborne has earned a reputation for his expressive bends, soaring solos and tone-driven approach that puts guitar craftsmanship at the forefront of today’s country landscape.

“Working with John Osborne was really about honoring the way he plays and finding a way to bring that into a guitar other players could connect with,” said Max Gutnik, Fender’s Chief Product Officer. “We began with his original ’68 Tele and collaborated closely with him to shape a signature model that feels true to who he is as a player. From the B-string bender to the road-worn feel, it’s unmistakably John’s guitar, but it’s built to inspire anyone who wants to explore that sound and make it their own.”

The John Osborne Telecaster centers on its Fender B String Bender, a signature mechanism that raises the B string a full step, unlocking the pedal steel-inspired bends and sweeping lead lines that define Osborne’s sound. As Fender’s first-ever in-house designed B-bender, this feature is a standout for players seeking that signature pedal steel-style expression. Built on a balanced alder body with vintage-inspired aesthetics, the guitar delivers professional-grade tone and sustain. Custom-voiced pickups cover everything from shimmering cleans to growling overdrive, making the guitar as versatile in the studio as it is on stage.

Key Features:

• Fender B String Bender mechanism – Allows players to achieve pedal steel-style bends and expressive lead lines, a signature element of John Osborne’s playing.
• Road Worn Olympic White finish – Captures the authentic wear and character of a gigging musician’s trusted instrument, combining vintage aesthetics with a broken-in feel.
• Custom-voiced John Osborne Telecaster pickups – Designed to deliver shimmering clean tones, growling overdrive, and the tonal versatility John relies on for studio and stage.
• ’68-Style Maple Neck With Maple Cap Fingerboard – Smooth playability and classic Fender feel, providing comfort and precision for long sets or recording sessions.
• 3 Compensated Brass Barrel Saddles – Ensures perfect intonation across the strings while retaining signature snap and twang.
• Custom Pickguard – Tailored specifically for John Osborne’s signature look and style, completing the aesthetic of a road-tested, performance-ready instrument.

Watch as John Osborne shares the story behind the guitar and performs two songs live in Nashville with Brothers Osborne and explore the origins of the B-Bender as John Osborne makes his signature Telecaster weep, wail and sing along. Beyond Brothers Osborne, John Osborne has continued to expand his creative footprint in recent years, emerging as a sought-after producer known for his instinctive musicianship and artist-first approach in the studio. His production credits include acclaimed projects such as the Grammy-nominated album Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville, as well as recent work with rising talents including Grace Bowers and Caylee Hammack, further cementing his reputation as a trusted collaborator across generations of artists. John is currently in the studio with Brothers Osborne working on new music set for release later this year, continuing to evolve the duo’s signature sound while pushing his own musical boundaries even further.

John Osborne Telecaster (MSRP: $2199.99 USD, £1,849 GBP, €2,199 EUR, $3699 AUD, ¥330,000 JPY) Grammy-winning guitarist and songwriter John Osborne has shaped modern country music with his expressive playing and distinctive tone, earning multiple top 10 hits and accolades from both the Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association. The John Osborne Telecaster® is closely modeled on his personal, road-tested instrument, translating the guitar he relies on night after night into a production-ready signature model. Its Fender B String Bender allows players to achieve the pedal steel-inspired bends and lead lines that define Osborne’s sound, while the Road Worn® Olympic White finish and custom pickguard capture the authentic look and feel of a gigging musician’s trusted instrument. Custom-voiced John Osborne Telecaster pickups, a ’68-style maple neck with maple cap fingerboard, and 3 compensated brass barrel saddles deliver the tone, precision, and playability that Osborne demands, from shimmering cleans to growling overdrive. Every element of the guitar reflects Fender’s commitment to artist-driven design and Osborne’s personal style, offering players a professional-grade instrument built to perform in the studio, on stage, or anywhere inspiration strikes.