Since 1947 Fender Guitars has been manufacturing fine instruments. Since then they have become equated with fine quality, innovation and design. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, the history of this company is a testament to American passion, ingenuity, manufacturing and design.
Fender's Radio Service began in 1938 when it's founder, Leo Fender, was a technician skilled in fixing amplifiers, radios and other electronic equipment. As a side project, they also vended records and made PA equipment that they rented out.
K & F Manufacturing was created in the 1940's when Leo and "Doc" Kauffman went into business together. They built and sold electronic instruments and amplifiers. They patented guitar pickups and used them in steel guitars. By 1946, Kauffman was not convinced of the potential or direction of the company, so he and Leo parted ways. Leo changed the name of the company to Fender Electric Instrument Company.
In 1948, the company began manufacturing amplifiers that were the first big hit. They covered the front with tweed, leading to the name "tweed amps". By 1963 the company moved to a Tolex cover with a black casing and chrome fittings. These tube amps became a mainstay to the budding Rock, jazz and blues musicians of the day.
Beginning in 1954, the company began making the "Stratocaster", which quickly became an icon in the music world. With its double cut away and extended horn, the instrument is a balanced and elegant guitar. Quickly it became the piece to have if you were a musician. It has also been served up as a classic example of timeless and enduring piece of industrial design. Today there are many varieties of Stratocasters available, including the American, Hot Rodded American, American Deluxe, American Special and American Standard.
The Stratocaster is not the only star for the Fender company. They make a large line of instruments including but not limited to the Telecaster and an excellent line of acoustic guitars, and a line of basses including the Precision Bass and the Jazz Master. Many musicians through the years have used the instruments from George Harrison, Waylon Jennings, Kurt Cobain, Keith Richards, Bruce Springsteen, John Frusciante, and Jimi Hendrix.
Throughout the years, Fender Companies have seen many changes, but no one will dispute that they has become the undisputed standard for electric guitars. In 1963, Leo sold his companies to Columbia Broadcasting Systems. This was during a time when CBS was attempting to get into the instrument business. They also acquired Rogers drums, Steinway pianos, Gemeinhardt flutes, and Lyon & Healy harps, just to name a few. In 1985, the employees of the company purchased it from CBS.
Fender's Radio Service began in 1938 when it's founder, Leo Fender, was a technician skilled in fixing amplifiers, radios and other electronic equipment. As a side project, they also vended records and made PA equipment that they rented out.
K & F Manufacturing was created in the 1940's when Leo and "Doc" Kauffman went into business together. They built and sold electronic instruments and amplifiers. They patented guitar pickups and used them in steel guitars. By 1946, Kauffman was not convinced of the potential or direction of the company, so he and Leo parted ways. Leo changed the name of the company to Fender Electric Instrument Company.
In 1948, the company began manufacturing amplifiers that were the first big hit. They covered the front with tweed, leading to the name "tweed amps". By 1963 the company moved to a Tolex cover with a black casing and chrome fittings. These tube amps became a mainstay to the budding Rock, jazz and blues musicians of the day.
Beginning in 1954, the company began making the "Stratocaster", which quickly became an icon in the music world. With its double cut away and extended horn, the instrument is a balanced and elegant guitar. Quickly it became the piece to have if you were a musician. It has also been served up as a classic example of timeless and enduring piece of industrial design. Today there are many varieties of Stratocasters available, including the American, Hot Rodded American, American Deluxe, American Special and American Standard.
The Stratocaster is not the only star for the Fender company. They make a large line of instruments including but not limited to the Telecaster and an excellent line of acoustic guitars, and a line of basses including the Precision Bass and the Jazz Master. Many musicians through the years have used the instruments from George Harrison, Waylon Jennings, Kurt Cobain, Keith Richards, Bruce Springsteen, John Frusciante, and Jimi Hendrix.
Throughout the years, Fender Companies have seen many changes, but no one will dispute that they has become the undisputed standard for electric guitars. In 1963, Leo sold his companies to Columbia Broadcasting Systems. This was during a time when CBS was attempting to get into the instrument business. They also acquired Rogers drums, Steinway pianos, Gemeinhardt flutes, and Lyon & Healy harps, just to name a few. In 1985, the employees of the company purchased it from CBS.
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