Few guitars are as iconic and instantly recognizable as Jimmy Page’s “Dragon” Telecaster. As one of the foremost contributors to Led Zeppelin’s legendary guitar tones, Page’s intricately painted Tele has been the subject of awe and intense fandom. Having experienced the faithful Fender recreation firsthand, I can confidently say it captures the spirit and magic of the original beautifully.
Jimmy Page Dragon Telecaster: Design and Build Quality
Jimmy Page’s hand-painted “Dragon” Telecaster is the stuff of legend – a psychedelic masterpiece that became as iconic as the riffs it produced. Fender’s recreation of this storied guitar doesn’t just nail the visuals, it delivers bona fide Tele tone and feel at a price us mere mortals can actually afford.
Let’s start with the obvious: that finish is jaw-dropping. The mystical dragon and swirling designs aren’t just slapped on – Fender’s artisans have meticulously recreated Page’s original artwork with a thin lacquer that lets the guitar breathe. Flip it over and you’re met with more visual magic.
But the Jimmy Page Dragon is far more than just artwork on a guitar. Pop the strings through that vintage-style 3-saddle bridge and you’ll immediately feel the resonance and sustain only a solid ash body can provide. The bolt-on maple neck with a modern C-shape plays like butter too, making string bends on those 21 vintage frets a breeze.
Speaking of frets, the bone nut keeps everything locked in tune despite your most aggressive string acrobatics. It’s these subtleties that separate truly great guitars from the pack. And Fender sweated the details while assembling these in their Mexican factory – a smart move that keeps costs down without sacrificing quality.
Jimmy Page Dragon Telecaster: Pickups and Electronics
While the eye-catching artwork might steal the initial spotlight, the real magic of the Fender Jimmy Page Telecaster lies in its pickups and electronics. This signature model pays homage to Page’s iconic 1959 Tele, packing a duo of vintage-voiced ’59 Tele single-coils in the bridge and neck positions.
The bridge pickup, in particular, captures that glassy yet aggressive bite that defined so many of Led Zeppelin’s famous rhythms. It’s the sonic signature that cut through the mix and drove riffs like “Whole Lotta Love” and “Black Dog” straight into the hearts of millions. But don’t mistake these vintage-voiced pickups for one-trick ponies – they’re remarkably versatile.
Thanks to Fender’s expert pickup winding and the classic Tele configuration, you’ll enjoy a nuanced tonal palette that ranges from sparkling clean to moderate overdrive. The SS (single-single) pickup layout may not provide the versatility of a Strat’s SSS configuration, but sometimes less is more. The focused, no-frills design gives this Telecaster a sleeker look that lets the psychedelic artwork truly pop.
Shaping those classic Tele tones is a simple control layout featuring a 3-way pickup selector switch and traditional master volume and tone knobs. No fancy extras, just pure functionality. After all, Page’s iconic tones came from mastering these basic controls, not fiddling with extras.
Jimmy Page Dragon Telecaster: Tonal Characteristics
Having spent months dialing in the tones on this guitar, it’s clear why Page revered his original Telecaster. The bridge pickup is an absolute monster – articulate, bright, and aggressive in the most musical way. It retains impressive clarity when driven into pleasing overdrive and even fuzz tones reminiscent of”Communication Breakdown.”
The neck single-coil sweetens the deal with its smooth, liquid vibe perfectly suited for singing lead lines and tasteful chording. What impressed me most was the guitar’s vocal-like responsiveness and dynamic range – from whisper quiet clean tones to snarling leads simply by adjusting pick attack.
Playability and Feel
The maple neck’s modern C-shape felt extremely comfortable and familiar to my hand, avoiding any undue fatigue even after marathon practice sessions. The guitar weighs a comfortable 8 lbs and balanced perfectly in classic Tele fashion. While the setup was decent from the factory, I had to tweak the string height to my preferences.
Signature Features and Aesthetics
The real star is the astonishingly accurate reproduction of the iconic dragon artwork that shows incredible attention to detail. From the deep blue hues forming the dragon’s head to the rainbow splatters and swirls, it perfectly recreates the magic and mojo of Jimmy Page’s original Tele.
Other signature touches include the custom vinyl-wrapped black pickguard and vintage-style hardware including the Tele bridge with brass saddles and Fender ’70s Classic Player tuners. Photos simply don’t do justice to its visual impact.
Jimmy Page Dragon Telecaster Review: Value Proposition
At around $1600 brand new, this Jimmy Page Dragon Tele certainly isn’t cheap. But it represents great value considering the premium build quality, authentic recreation of Page’s artwork, and signature features. Plus you’re buying into a true slice of rock history. For Zep fans and collectors, it’s the ultimate piece of music memorabilia that also happens to be a superb instrument.
Performing and Recording With The Jimmy Page Dragon Telecaster
This guitar loves to be played hard – its bold, cutting tones are absolutely gig-ready. I’ve used it both live and in the studio for everything from classic rock covers to recording gritty blues solos. Much like Page’s original, it excels at vintage-tinged overdrive tones oozing with character and articulation. Songs like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Rock and Roll” took on a new magic when channeled through this iconic instrument.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
Incredibly accurate and detailed reproduction of Jimmy Page’s iconic artwork
Classic Tele tones with biting yet smooth vintage-voiced pickups
Resonant ash body and premium hardware built to Fender’s usual high standards
Captures the spirit and mojo of a legendary guitar
Cons:
Premium price point may be too steep for some players
Like most Teles, may require some setup tweaks out of the box
Limited tonal versatility beyond its intended classic/vintage rock voices
Final Thoughts on Jimmy Page Dragon Telecaster
The Jimmy Page Dragon Telecaster is simply an outstanding recreation of one of the most iconic guitars in rock history. From its remarkably faithful artwork to its vintage-tinged yet aggressive and articulate tones, it embodies the spirit of Page’s original Tele that powered Led Zeppelin’s immortal output.
While certainly an investment piece, this model’s exceptional build quality, authentic components, and striking good looks make it the ultimate collectible for fans and working guitarists alike. I’ve rarely played a guitar that exudes this much mojo and magic from its very first note.
For any player looking to authentically tap into the Jimmy Page/Led Zeppelin vibe, or simply own and play a museum-quality recreation of an iconic six-string, the Dragon Telecaster is an absolute must. It represents a true labor of love and the ability to own your very own “Stairway” and “Whole Lotta Love” machine.
