Vintage V58JDAB Jerry Donahue — Read our review here.
Over the course of his stellar career, the ace string bender and former Hellecaster has had several signature models, each wired to his unique specs. We’ll show you how to squeeze his sonic wizardry into your T-style guitar.
Here's something fun for all you Tele freaks: We're going to examine Jerry Donahue's unique wiring scheme to learn how it works and how to adapt it to a standard Tele.
Donahue was one of the three founding members of the Hellecasters, which also included John Jorgenson and PG columnist Will Ray. There's a reason why the great Danny Gatton called Donahue "the string-bending king of the planet." If you haven't heard Donahue's jaw-dropping bends and behind-the-nut stretches, check out some of his YouTube videos and prepare to be amazed. Using only his fingers, he could make his Tele sound like a pedal-steel guitar.
Essential background and history.
Donahue was one of the three founding members of the Hellecasters, which also included John Jorgenson and PG columnist Will Ray. There's a reason why the great Danny Gatton called Donahue "the string-bending king of the planet." If you haven't heard Donahue's jaw-dropping bends and behind-the-nut stretches, check out some of his YouTube videos and prepare to be amazed. Using only his fingers, he could make his Tele sound like a pedal-steel guitar.
A prominent figure in the late-'60s and early-'70s British folk-rock scene, Donahue played and recorded with Fotheringay and Fairport Convention, and later formed a group called the Gathering, which included his daughter Kristina Donahue and former members of Jethro Tull, Lindisfarne, Pentangle, and Steeleye Span.
Donahue is a Tele player to the bone, and during his outstanding career he's been involved in several signature guitar projects, beginning in 1991 with the Fender JD Telecaster. This was available in several versions from the Fender Custom Shop, as well as a more affordable MIJ version. A souped-up Telecaster, the JD featured a Stratocaster neck pickup located closer to the bridge than usual, a 5-way pickup selector switch, and special wiring. The model has been out of production since 1999 and is a collector's item today.
In 2004, Donahue began working with G&L on a new signature guitar called the ASAT JD-5, but this never made it into regular production. Only a few of these seem to exist—some estimate fewer than 20.
His next signature guitar, the Peavey Omniac JD, debuted in 2005. It had a Tele-like shape, custom wiring, and a 5-way pickup selector switch, but this time sported two custom Seymour Duncan pickups (more about these in a moment). The Omniac JD went out of production in 2009.
In 2010, Donahue started working on his next signature model 6-string with the John Hornby Skewes company in England, called JHS for short. One of the JHS labels is Fret-King, and Donahue's guitar is called the Fret-King JDD (which stands for Jerry Donahue/Seymour Duncan). Part of the Fret-King Artist series and still in production, the JDD was designed by Trev Wilkinson and features wiring similar to the Peavey Omniac. JHS also offers a budget version, called the Reissued V58JDAB Jerry Donahue, as part of their Vintage line.
These guitars all have a Telecaster-inspired dual-pickup layout, a 5-way switch, and standard master volume and master tone controls. The concept behind each of Donahue's models is to retain the classic Telecaster bridge tone, while adding Strat- and Tele-like dual-pickup combinations, as well as both a timeless Strat neck pickup sound and a jazzy "archtop" tone.
With this "JD mod," our goal is to incorporate Stratocaster tones into a Telecaster. This is the opposite of what we explored with the "Riptide" wiring—a mod that coaxes Telecaster tones from a Stratocaster. Loyal Mod Garage readers may also recall that we previously discussed several ways to implant Stratocaster tones into a Telecaster in "The Strat-o-Tele Crossover." But, as we'll see, the JD mod is unique and definitely worth exploring because it may be the ultimate jack-of-all trades guitar wiring.
For starters, let's talk about the pickups used in both the Omniac and JDD. Each model sports pickups made by Donahue's buddy, Seymour Duncan. The story goes that another one of Donahue's friends wound him a Stratocaster pickup for the neck position of his stock Telecaster. Donahue really liked it—especially when he combined the new neck pickup with the Tele bridge pickup. At Donahue's request, Seymour analyzed the new pickup and discovered Donahue's friend had incorporated a resistor in the middle of the pickup's winding before finishing the other half. Based on this construction, Seymour developed two pickups that are still available. If you're planning to build your own version of a JD Telecaster, this is your ticket to get it as close as possible to his signature models. These are the Duncan APS-2JD neck and APTL-3JD bridge pickups.
The concept behind each of Donahue's models is to retain the classic Telecaster bridge tone, while adding Strat- and Tele-like dual-pickup combinations, as well as both a timeless Strat neck pickup sound and a jazzy "archtop" tone.
The sounds.
Here—excerpted from Donahue's own words—is a description of the tones delivered by the 5-way switch, starting with the Stratocaster's "neck only" setting and working toward the bridge:
- Position 1: The rich and sparkling neck position of a traditional Stratocaster, resulting in that unmistakable vintage single-coil sound that echoes the soaring, majestic blues tones of the '60s and '70s.
- Position 2: The neck pickup with a special capacitor engaged. This yields a tone ordinarily associated with an archtop jazz guitar. Add overdrive to capture that classic late-'60s "woman tone."
- Position 3: The neck and bridge pickups in a custom parallel wiring. This produces an enhanced, contemporary version of a Telecaster's traditional middle-position tone.
- Position 4: Combines both pickups with a capacitor and resistor to create a controlled degree of reversed phase. This offers a Stratocaster's popular "in-between quack tone."
- Position 5: The solo bridge pickup with the gutsy lead sound of the very best '50s Telecasters.
Shopping list.
Here's what you'll need to make your own version of the JD Telecaster:
- The two pickups mentioned above, although alternatively you can use standard Telecaster bridge and Stratocaster neck pickups. If you choose the latter option, you'll need to enlarge the neck pickup cavity to accommodate a Strat neck pickup.
- A 5-way "super switch" pickup selector. But remember: There's not much room inside a Telecaster's electronics compartment, so double-check that the model you choose will fit. We've covered the basics of this switch before ["Introducing Fender's 5-Way Super Switch," September 2011, and "Exploring Fender's 5-Way Super Switch," October 2011].
- A treble-bleed network with a 1000 pF cap and a 150k resistor in parallel. To learn more about this, check out "Deep Diving into Treble-Bleed Networks" from March 2019.
- A 0.022 µF tone cap of your choice for the tone control.
- Two 250k pots for volume and tone controls.
- Three caps with the following values: 3300 pF, 2200 pF, and 0.01µF. Again, there's not much space inside the Tele's control cavity, so choose the physically smallest film caps you can get. The caps' voltage rating doesn't play a role in this game.
- Two 6.2k metal film resistors; 0.25 watt or less is perfect.
If you're a Mod Garage regular, you'll spot familiar themes in this circuit because we've investigated these tricks before—namely, adding caps in-line with a pickup ["The Stratocaster 'Jazz Switch' Mod," November 2011] and half out-of-phase wiring ["The Bill Lawrence 5-way Telecaster Circuit," October 2015]. But here's the twist: Now everything comes together in one wiring!
Okay, let's translate Donahue's sonic description of the wiring into bare technical facts:
- Position 1: Solo neck pickup (like standard Telecaster wiring).
- Position 2: Neck pickup with additional 3300 pF cap to ground.
- Position 3: Neck + bridge pickup in parallel with additional 2200 pF cap to ground.
- Position 4: Neck + bridge pickup in parallel, half out-of-phase.
- Position 5: Solo bridge pickup (like standard Telecaster wiring).
Now we're ready to dive into the circuit. For visual clarity, we'll start with the volume pot's treble bleed-network (Image 1).
Image 2 shows the rest of the circuit with all the other components.
That's it, folks! In a future column, we'll revisit this wiring and add some mods that make it even more flexible. Meanwhile, next month we'll return to our ongoing DIY relic project, so stay tuned. Until then ... keep on modding!
Review Demo - Vintage Guitars Jerry Donahue Signature V58
Watch John Bohlinger demo the various tones unlocked by Donahue's versatile 5-way setup.
[Updated 7/27/21]
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Brent Mason is, of course, on of the most recorded guitarists in history, who helped define the sound of most ’90s country superstars. So, whether you know it or not, you’ve likely heard Mason’s playing.
Professional transcriber Levi Clay has done the deepest of dives into Brent Mason’s hotshot licks. At one point, he undertook the massive project of transcribing and sharing one of Mason’s solos every day for 85 or so days. Mason is, of course, on of the most recorded guitarists in history, who helped define the sound of most ’90s country superstars. So, whether you know it or not, you’ve likely heard Mason’s playing. Levi shares the insight he gleaned from digging deep, and he tells us what it was like when they shared a stage last year. Plus, Levi plays us some great examples of Mason’s playing.
PRS Guitars today launched five new three-pickup, 22-fret models across the S2 and SE series. The S2 Series release includes the S2 Special Semi-Hollow and S2 Studio, while the SE Series welcomes the SE Special Semi-Hollow, SE Studio, and SE Studio Standard.
“The distinctive pickup configurations of these five guitars deliver a versatile tonal platform, whether you’re exploring subtle textures or pushing the envelope. The deep dive into our Narrowfield technology is obvious with this launch. With both the S2 models made in our Maryland factory and the SE models made in Indonesia, our goal has been to create guitars that will inspire you and spark creativity, all at an exceptional value,” said PRS Guitars COO, Jack Higginbotham.
S2 Special Semi-Hollow
The PRS S2 Special Semi-Hollow features a pair of 58/15 LT humbuckers in the bass and treble positions and a PRS Narrowfield in the middle. A 5-way blade switch and two mini-toggles allow players to tap the humbuckers, creating twelve distinct pickup combinations for sonic exploration. The carved maple top and mahogany back encompass a semi-hollow body that adds a natural airiness and depth to the guitar’s tone while enhancing sustain.
S2 Studio
The PRS S2 Studio delivers a wide range of sonic possibilities through its distinctive single-single-hum configuration. Featuring two proprietary PRS Narrowfield pickups in the bass and middle positions and a 58/15 LT humbucker in the treble position, the S2 Studio offers a palette of sounds from single-coil clarity to vocal humbucker tones. This model also has a 5-way blade switch and push/pull tone control.
SE Special Semi-Hollow
The PRS SE Special Semi-Hollow is designed with the versatility of a hum/“single”/hum setup, bringing PRS’s Narrowfield DD pickup design to the SE Series in a classic maple-top guitar. The semi-hollow construction also enhances sustain and resonance, while the f-hole adds a classic aesthetic. The coil-tap switching system unlocks a wide range of tones through a pair of 58/15 LT “S” pickups in the bass and treble positions and a PRS Narrowfield DD “S” in the middle.
SE Studio
The PRS SE Studio’s “single”/”single”/hum pickup configuration provides a wide range of tonal options. This combination of PRS Narrowfield DD “S” bass and middle pickups with a PRS 58/15 LT “S” treble humbucker offers humbucking warmth, single-coil sparkle, and everything in between. The 5-way blade switch and push/pull tone control further enhance its versatility.
SE Studio Standard
The only bolt-on neck in this release group, the PRS SE Studio Standard brings the tone, playability, and versatility of the Studio model to the SE Series and into an all-mahogany design with a vintage-style pickguard aesthetic. At the heart of the SE Studio Standard is its versatile trio of pickups: an 58/15 LT “S” humbucker in the treble position with two Narrowfield DD “S” pickups in the middle and bass positions. The 5-way blade switch and push/pull tone control allow for an array of pickup configurations.
PRS Guitars continues its schedule of launching new products each month in 2025. Stay tuned to see new gear and 40th Anniversary limited-edition guitars throughout the year.
For the first time ever, two guitar greats, John 5 and Richie Kotzen will be heading out on the road this year. The tour will launch October 16 and run through November, hitting markets across the U.S.
Find the full tour itinerary right plus a link for tickets & VIP, including additional dates featuring John 5 only. Reserved seating tickets will go on sale Friday May 16 though a fan presale will begin today at noon local time and fans are strongly encouraged to buy early to get the best seats.
Meet and Greets for both artists will be available. For John 5 please go to: https://john5store.com/collections/vip.
Today, John 5 also announces more details of his anticipated new album. Called The Ghost, it will be released October 10 and is led by the new track “Fiend,” featuring Kenny Aronoff.
John 5 continues running public tours this month for his Knights In Satan’s Service Museum of KISS Memorabilia in Los Angeles, California. Guided tours are open to the public for one month only (with a possible expansion). Current dates available are May 12-16, May 19-23 and May 27-30. Each will be led by John 5 himself who will provide tons of rich detail and answer any questions. Secure your place HERE.
JOHN 5 continues to tour with Mötley Crüe including an upcoming residency in Las Vegas in 2025.RICHIE KOTZEN &
JOHN 5 FALL 2025 TOUR
October 16 El Cajon, CA @ Magnolia
October 17 Riverside, CA @ Fox Performing Arts
October 18 Roseville, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post
October 19 San Jose, CA @ The Ritz
October 21 Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theatre
October 22 Albuquerque, NM @ KiMo Theatre
October 24 Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater
October 25 Leander, TX @ The Haute Spot
October 27 New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
October 28 Memphis, TN @ Minglewood Hall
October 29 Nashville, TN @ Fogg Street Lawn Club
October 30 Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
October 31 Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
November 1 Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room
November 2 Clearwater, FL @ Capitol Theatre
November 4 Richmond, VA @ The National
November 5 Leesburg, VA @ Tally Ho Theater
November 6 Patchogue, NY @ Patchogue Theatre
November 11 Glenside, PA @ Keswick Theatre
November 12 Derry, NH @ Tupelo Music Hall
November 13 Foxborough, MA @ Six String Grill & Stage
November 14 Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater
November 15 Lorain, OH @ Lorain Palace Theatre
November 16 Columbus, OH @ The King Of Clubs
November 17 Warrendale, PA @ Jergels
November 19 Wyandotte, MI @ District 142
November 20 Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop
November 21 Fort Wayne, IN @ Piere’s
November 22 St. Charles, IL @ Arcada Theatre
November 23 Belvidere, IL @ Apollo Theatre
November 25 Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater
November 29 Pioneertown, CA @ Pappy & Harriet's*
*John 5 only
AEROSMITH guitarist and songwriter JOE PERRY is set to return to the road for a series of August performances with THE JOE PERRY PROJECT. The 8-date run kicks off August 13 in Tampa, FL and wraps August 23 in Port Chester, New York, with an August 19 performance in PERRY’s Boston hometown (see the itinerary below). For the North American trek—which marks the first solo shows for PERRY this year—the legendary guitarist will be joined by his Aerosmith bandmates Brad Whitford (guitar) and Buck Johnson (keys), along with The Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson (vocals), and Stone Temple Pilots’ Robert DeLeo (bass), and Eric Kretz (drums).
“Well…it’s time to let the music do the talkin again,” PERRY says. “I’m really excited about the JPP line up this year!!!! Most of these guys played with me at The Roxy in L.A. at the debut event for my latest solo album [Sweetzerland Manifesto] in January 2018. They’re all busy as hell but thankfully they’re able to carve out some time for this run. And I’m not only lucky enough to have Brad Whitford onstage with me but Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes! [who sang ‘Fortunate One’ on Sweetzerland Manifesto MKII], Robert DeLeo and Eric Kretz from STP!!! and Buck Johnson who plays keys and sings with Aerosmith, the Hollywood Vampires, and is also a solo artist in his own right.”
For the shows, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee says “the set list is gonna include my fav JPP cuts, STP, Black Crowes, and with Brad we’ll be hitting the Aero hits and some deep cuts and then ya never know!!!! Gonna be a BLAST, and if you’ve ever been to one of my shows you know the words GARAGE BAND on STEROIDS come to mind! See you there!!!!”
DATE | LOCATION | VENUE |
Wednesday, August 13 | Tampa, FL | Seminole Hard Rock - Tampa |
Thursday, August 14 | Hollywood, FL | Seminole Hard Rock - Hollywood |
Saturday, August 16 | Toronto, ON | HISTORY |
Sunday, August 17 | Muskoka, ON | Kee to Bala |
Tuesday, August 19 | Boston, MA | Wang Theatre |
Wednesday, August 20 | Hampton Beach, NH | Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom |
Friday, August 22 | Mashantucket, CT | The Premier Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino |
Saturday, August 23 | Port Chester, NY | Capitol Theatre |