Fender Stories Collection Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster Maple Fingerboard Red Dog Red – Open Box

Quick Product Summary

The Fender Stories Collection Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster in Red Dog Red is far more than a conventional artist-signature Telecaster. Inspired by Mike Campbell's heavily modified 1972 Fender known as “Red Dog”, it combines traditional Telecaster DNA with a three-pickup SHH configuration, onboard boost circuit and Bigsby vibrato to create an unusually powerful and versatile electric guitar.

Its custom Mike Campbell pickup set places a traditional-style Telecaster single-coil at the bridge alongside middle and neck humbuckers, all controlled from a five-position selector. A switchable onboard “Destruct” boost circuit provides up to 34dB of gain, giving the guitar access to dramatically more aggressive driven sounds directly from the control plate.

An alder body with Fender's intentionally aged Heirloom nitrocellulose lacquer finish is paired with a one-piece maple Early '70s “C” neck, traditional 7.25-inch radius and 21 vintage-style frets. Add the Fender/Bigsby B5F bridge and tailpiece and the result is a highly distinctive Telecaster for rock, roots, Americana, blues, alternative music, recording and players who want far more tonal range than a standard two-pickup Tele.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Fender
Collection	Stories Collection
Model	Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster
Finish	Red Dog Red
Condition	Open Box
Body	Alder
Neck / Fingerboard	One-Piece Maple
Neck Profile	Early '70s “C”
Fingerboard Radius	7.25"
Pickup Configuration	SHH
Special Electronics	Switchable 34dB “Destruct” Boost
Bridge / Vibrato	Fender/Bigsby B5F
Main Appeal	Vintage-inspired Tele feel with three pickups, active boost and Bigsby expression
Best For	Rock, Americana, roots, blues, alternative, studio work and Mike Campbell fans

Open Box Condition Report

Condition: Open Box

This Fender Stories Collection Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster is offered as an Open Box instrument.

No specific additional cosmetic marks, faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied for this individual example, so none have been assumed or added.

It is important to note that the checking, dings, patina and worn appearance of the Red Dog Red finish and hardware are intentional factory-applied features of Fender's Heirloom finish. These details are part of the model's design and should not automatically be interpreted as Open Box damage.

Please refer closely to the product photography when assessing the exact cosmetic presentation of this individual instrument.

For additional reassurance on this premium Open Box guitar, you are welcome to request a video demo from our team.

What's Included?

• Fender Stories Collection Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster in Red Dog Red

• ✘ No additional individual Open Box accessories have been confirmed for this listing

Factory Package Note

When supplied new, Fender's standard factory package for this model includes a custom vintage-style case, custom picks, strap and custom certificate of authenticity.

As this is an individual Open Box example, those factory accessories have not been listed as included above without confirmation that they remain with this specific guitar.

Condition Notes

The Red Dog Telecaster is intentionally designed to look aged from the factory.

Its Heirloom nitrocellulose lacquer treatment recreates the checking, wear and character of Mike Campbell's original instrument, while the hardware is also given a broken-in appearance.

No additional cosmetic defects, repairs or modifications specific to this Open Box example have been supplied.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Before leaving Fair Deal Music, this Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster will be checked by our team for correct mechanical and electronic operation.

Our assessment includes:

• Neck and fret condition

• Tuning machine operation

• Nut and string path

• Bigsby B5F bridge and vibrato operation

• Pickup output across all three pickups

• Five-position pickup selector

• Master volume

• Master tone

• Destruct boost activation

• Output socket

• General setup and playability

The onboard boost and Bigsby system make this a more specialised instrument than a conventional Telecaster, so these functions form an important part of our checks.

Service / Setup Work

This Fender Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster will be checked and set up before leaving the shop.

Particular attention will be given to the string path, bridge and Bigsby vibrato so that the guitar is correctly prepared for playing.

As with any electric guitar, setup can shift slightly during delivery as the neck and strings respond to changes in temperature and humidity.

Why Choose The Fender Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster?

Three-Pickup SHH Versatility

A Telecaster bridge single-coil is joined by humbuckers in the middle and neck positions, giving the Red Dog a much wider tonal range than a conventional two-single-coil Telecaster. The five-way selector makes those sounds straightforward to access.

34dB “Destruct” Boost

A push-push switch on the control plate activates the onboard Destruct circuit, providing up to 34dB of additional gain. It is designed to hit the front end of your amplifier harder for saturated lead sounds and aggressive driven textures without requiring a separate boost pedal.

Bigsby B5F Vibrato

The Fender/Bigsby B5F bridge and tailpiece adds smooth vibrato capability while contributing heavily to the Red Dog's unmistakable appearance. It is ideal for subtle chord movement, expressive lead playing and classic roots-rock textures.

Early '70s Neck Feel

The one-piece maple neck uses an Early '70s “C” profile alongside a vintage 7.25-inch radius and 21 vintage-style frets. It deliberately retains an older Fender feel rather than adopting flatter contemporary fingerboard geometry.

Factory-Aged Heirloom Finish

Fender's Heirloom nitrocellulose lacquer treatment gives the guitar the visual character of an extensively played instrument from the outset, including checking and wear inspired by Campbell's original Red Dog.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster vs American Professional II Telecaster

The American Professional II Telecaster is the more conventional professional choice, with two V-Mod II single-coils, modern neck ergonomics and a traditional fixed Tele bridge. The Red Dog is considerably more specialised, adding three pickups, two humbuckers, 34dB onboard boost, vintage-radius neck geometry and Bigsby vibrato. Choose the Professional II for modern Tele versatility; choose the Red Dog when character and expanded electronics are the priority.

Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster vs Brent Mason Telecaster

The Brent Mason Telecaster is another heavily modified artist model built around a working musician's personalised instrument, combining three pickups with extensive switching and a Glaser Bender system. The Red Dog heads towards rock and saturated lead textures with its humbuckers, Destruct boost and Bigsby, while the Brent Mason model is particularly focused on the versatility associated with professional Nashville session playing.

Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster vs Jack White Triplecaster

The Jack White Triplecaster is similarly unconventional, with three very different pickups, expanded switching and Bigsby vibrato. It leans towards modern experimental functionality, while the Mike Campbell Red Dog is rooted more strongly in the personality of a heavily modified early-'70s Telecaster. Both are excellent options for players who view the Tele platform as something to expand rather than preserve unchanged.

Stories Collection Red Dog vs Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt Red Dog

The Custom Shop Masterbuilt version pursues an extremely detailed recreation of Campbell's original 1972 instrument with individual relic work and Custom Shop construction. This Stories Collection version captures the central concept — three-pickup layout, Destruct boost, Bigsby, vintage neck geometry and aged red finish — in a production artist model that is more accessible than the Masterbuilt recreation.

Who Is The Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster For?

This guitar is particularly well suited to:

• Mike Campbell and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers fans

• Rock and roots guitarists

• Americana players

• Blues musicians

• Alternative guitarists

• Players who like Telecasters but want humbucker options

• Guitarists who use onboard boosts

• Bigsby vibrato fans

• Studio musicians looking for several pickup characters in one guitar

• Players who enjoy vintage-radius Fender necks

• Collectors of Fender artist models

• Musicians looking for an instrument with a genuine story behind its specification

It is especially appealing if a conventional two-pickup Telecaster feels too restrictive. The Red Dog retains enough Tele identity to feel familiar while adding features normally associated with a heavily customised working instrument.

Playing Styles & Applications

The Red Dog Telecaster is particularly effective for rock, Americana, roots, blues, classic rock, alternative music, country-rock and studio recording.

The bridge single-coil provides the attack and definition associated with a Telecaster, while the two humbuckers offer progressively thicker alternatives. That means you can move from articulate rhythm sounds into broader lead tones without changing guitar.

The Destruct circuit changes the equation further. Instead of treating a boost as an external effect, the Red Dog lets you hit the front end of your amplifier harder directly from the guitar — particularly useful when moving from rhythm to saturated lead parts.

What Does The Fender “Destruct” Circuit Do?

The Destruct circuit is a switchable onboard boost providing up to 34dB of gain. Rather than simply making the guitar slightly louder, that substantial level increase can drive the input stage of an amplifier or effects chain much harder, creating additional saturation and aggression.

The practical advantage is immediacy. You can use the guitar normally for rhythm or cleaner parts, then engage the Destruct circuit when you want a dramatic lift in output and drive. It is one of the defining features that separates the Red Dog from a conventional Telecaster.

Compatibility And Practical Pairing Advice

Guitar Amplifiers

The Red Dog works particularly well with amplifiers that respond dynamically to changes in input level.

A clean or edge-of-breakup valve amplifier allows you to hear the differences between its single-coil and humbucker voices clearly, while the Destruct circuit can then push the amplifier into much stronger overdrive.

Effects Pedals

Useful pairings include:

• Compressor

• Overdrive

• Fuzz

• Delay

• Reverb

• Tremolo

• Phaser

• Wah

Because the guitar already contains a powerful onboard boost, it is worth experimenting with the Destruct circuit before automatically adding another external boost to your pedalboard.

Bigsby Vibrato

The B5F system is best suited to expressive vibrato and smooth pitch movement rather than extreme dive-bomb effects. It works particularly well for chords, atmospheric rhythm work and roots-influenced lead playing.

Strings

The factory specification uses .010-.046 nickel-plated steel strings, giving a slightly firmer response than the .009 gauge sets fitted to many standard Fender electric guitars.

Changing significantly from the factory gauge can affect the overall setup and Bigsby response, so adjustment may be beneficial afterwards.

Looking for advice on choosing the right artist Telecaster, Bigsby-equipped guitar, amplifier or effects setup? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context

Mike Campbell acquired the guitar that became known as “Red Dog” from a former guitar student in Florida. The instrument began life as a 1972 Telecaster but had already been substantially modified, including the addition of a Bigsby vibrato and a powerful onboard boost circuit.

Red Dog became closely associated with Campbell's work with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, including its use on the Damn the Torpedoes track “Refugee”. Its unusual combination of Telecaster single-coil attack, humbuckers, onboard boost and Bigsby expression made it a highly personalised working guitar rather than a conventional factory instrument.

The Fender Stories Collection exists to recreate guitars whose modifications became part of the music made with them. For the production Red Dog model, Fender retains the core personality of Campbell's instrument with its SHH pickup arrangement, five-way switching, Destruct boost, Bigsby B5F and deliberately aged Red Dog Red Heirloom finish.

That history matters because nearly every unusual feature on this guitar has a practical reason for being there. It is a signature model based not simply on an artist's preferred colour, but on an instrument that had evolved around real-world playing and recording.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	Fender
Collection	Stories Collection
Series	Artist Signature
Model	Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster
Orientation	Right-Handed
Colour	Red Dog Red
Body Material	Alder
Body Shape	Telecaster
Body Finish	Heirloom Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material	One-Piece Maple
Neck Shape	Early '70s “C”
Neck Construction	4-Bolt Standard
Neck Finish	Heirloom Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Fingerboard Material	One-Piece Maple Neck
Fingerboard Radius	7.25" / 184.1 mm
Scale Length	25.5" / 648 mm
Number Of Frets	21
Fret Size	Vintage-Style
Position Inlays	Black Dot
Side Dots	Black
Nut Material	Bone
Nut Width	1.60" / 40.6 mm
Truss Rod	Vintage-Style Butt Adjust
Bridge Pickup	Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster Single-Coil
Middle Pickup	Mike Campbell Red Dog Middle Humbucker
Neck Pickup	Mike Campbell Red Dog Neck Humbucker
Pickup Configuration	SHH
Controls	Master Volume, Master Tone, Destruct Button
Auxiliary Switching	Push-Push Control Activates Destruct Boost
Special Electronics	Destruct Boost Circuit, Up To 34dB Gain
Pickup Selector	5-Position Blade
Position 1	Bridge Pickup
Position 2	Bridge And Middle Pickups
Position 3	Middle Pickup
Position 4	Middle And Neck Pickups
Position 5	Neck Pickup
Bridge / Tailpiece	Fender/Bigsby B5F
Tuning Machines	Fender Vintage “F” Stamped
Hardware Finish	Heirloom Nickel / Chrome
Pickguard	3-Ply Parchment
Pickup Covers	Black Bridge, Chrome Middle And Neck
Control Knobs	Knurled Flat-Top
Switch Tip	White
Neck Plate	Custom 4-Bolt
Strap Buttons	Vintage-Style
String Trees	Dual-Wing with Nylon Spacer
Strings	Nickel-Plated Steel .010-.046
Factory Case Specification	Custom Vintage-Style Case
Factory Accessories	Custom Picks, Strap and Custom Certificate of Authenticity

Specification Note

Individual instrument weight, serial number and the exact retained factory accessory package for this Open Box example have not been supplied and have therefore not been guessed.

Power Requirements

The guitar connects to a suitable guitar amplifier, effects system, modeller or audio interface using a standard instrument cable.

The Destruct circuit is an onboard boost system, while the three pickups can be used across the five-way switching arrangement for the guitar's standard pickup sounds.

Exact power-source specifications for the boost circuit have not been added because they have not been confidently confirmed for this listing.

Fair Deal Music Verdict 🎵

★★★★★ 5/5

The Fender Stories Collection Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster is exactly what a good artist model should be: a guitar whose unusual features exist because they genuinely shaped the artist's music.

The SHH pickup configuration alone makes it considerably more versatile than a conventional Telecaster, but the 34dB Destruct boost and Bigsby B5F take it into completely different territory. Add the vintage-radius one-piece maple neck and Heirloom finish and it feels less like a modern Tele with extra switches and more like a lovingly recreated working musician's customised instrument.

Best suited for: Rock, Americana, roots, blues and alternative players who want vintage Fender feel with dramatically expanded electronics.

Customers usually upgrade from: Standard Telecasters, American Professional models and other premium two-pickup T-style guitars.

Most commonly paired with: Responsive valve amplifiers, overdrive, fuzz, delay, reverb and tremolo effects.

Our tip: Start by learning the five basic pickup positions without the boost, then introduce the Destruct circuit. Understanding what the passive pickup combinations do first makes it much easier to use the 34dB boost musically rather than simply treating it as a volume increase.

Showroom feedback: The standout feature is how different the three pickup positions feel compared with a conventional Telecaster. The bridge retains familiar Tele attack, while the humbuckers and Destruct circuit allow the guitar to move into far thicker territory without losing the physical feel of a vintage-inspired Fender.

Why Buy Open Box From Fair Deal Music?

Open Box equipment can be an excellent way to access premium instruments while making your budget work harder.

Every Open Box instrument we sell is individually handled and checked by our team before leaving the shop, giving you the reassurance of buying from an established independent music retailer rather than taking a chance on an unchecked return or private-sale instrument.

For a distinctive premium guitar such as the Mike Campbell Red Dog, you can also request additional advice or a video demonstration before purchasing.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

From our Birmingham showroom, our knowledgeable musician-led team helps customers choose guitars, basses, amplifiers, keyboards, drums, studio equipment and much more.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned, Open Box and ex-display equipment

• Competitive prices on leading music brands

• Secure UK-wide delivery

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• Secure online ordering

• A large Birmingham showroom

• Decades of experience with new and pre-owned musical instruments and equipment

Considering a premium Fender artist model and want to understand how the Mike Campbell Red Dog compares with a more conventional Telecaster? Speak to our team by phone, online or in-store for friendly musician-to-musician advice.

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the aged appearance on the Red Dog Telecaster intentional?

Yes. Fender uses its Heirloom nitrocellulose lacquer treatment and aged hardware to recreate the broken-in appearance of Mike Campbell's original instrument. Finish checking, dings and patina are therefore deliberate elements of the model's design.

Does the Red Dog still sound like a Telecaster?

The bridge position retains a Telecaster single-coil, so traditional Tele attack and definition remain available. The two humbuckers and onboard boost then give the instrument considerably more tonal range than a conventional Tele.

What does 34dB of boost mean in practical use?

It is a substantial increase in signal level designed to push the input of an amplifier or effects chain considerably harder. Depending on the amp and its settings, this can create much greater saturation and sustain rather than simply increasing clean volume.

Is the Bigsby suitable for aggressive dive-bombs?

The B5F is better suited to smooth vibrato, subtle pitch movement and expressive chord work than extreme pitch drops. Players wanting radical tremolo effects would usually be better served by a different bridge design.

Is the 7.25-inch fingerboard radius difficult for lead guitar?

No, but it feels more curved than most modern Fender fingerboards. Players who enjoy vintage Fender geometry often find it extremely natural, while those accustomed to very flat modern necks may need a short adjustment period.

Why does the Red Dog have three pickups?

The pickup arrangement reflects the heavily modified nature of Mike Campbell's original guitar. Combining a Tele bridge single-coil with two humbuckers dramatically expands the sounds available while retaining familiar five-way switching.

Is this mainly a collector's guitar?

No. Its story, artist association and distinctive finish make it interesting to collectors, but the expanded pickup system, boost and Bigsby are all highly practical features for stage and studio use.

Who should choose this over an American Professional II Telecaster?

Choose the American Professional II if you want a refined, modern version of the traditional two-pickup Telecaster formula. Choose the Mike Campbell Red Dog if you specifically want three pickups, humbucker sounds, onboard boost, Bigsby vibrato, vintage-radius playability and the historical character of Campbell's modified instrument.