Fender is one of the most influential guitar manufacturers in history. The company was founded in 1946 in Fullerton, California, by Leo Fender, an electronics technician who originally repaired radios and amplifiers before turning his attention to musical instruments.
The Early Era
Fender revolutionized the guitar industry by introducing some of the first commercially successful solid-body electric guitars:
- 1950/1951 – Telecaster: Originally called the Esquire and then the Broadcaster, it became the Telecaster, the first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar. It’s simple, durable design and bright tone made it popular with country, rock, and blues musicians.
- 1951 – Precision Bass: The world’s first commercially successful electric bass guitar, fundamentally changing how bass was played in popular music.
- 1954 – Stratocaster: Featuring a contoured body, three pickups, and a vibrato system, the Stratocaster became one of the most iconic guitars ever made. It was later associated with legends such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Jeff Beck.
Growth and CBS Ownership (1965–1985)
In 1965, Leo Fender sold the company to CBS due largely to health concerns. Under CBS, Fender expanded production and distribution worldwide, although many guitar enthusiasts feel that quality declined during parts of this era.
Modern Fender (1985–Present)
In 1985, a group of investors and Fender executives purchased the company from CBS, creating the modern Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC). The company renewed its focus on quality, reissued classic models, and expanded its product range.
Today, Fender produces:
- Telecasters
- Stratocasters
- Jazzmasters
- Jaguars
- Precision and Jazz Basses
- Amplifiers and accessories
Fender now, also owns brands such as Squier, Charvel, Jackson, Gretsch, and EVH
My collection has a few iconic Fender guitars, Jazzmasters, Jaguars, Stratocasters and Telecasters
The Vault - A Treasure Trove of Rare, Unusual & Vintage Guitars & Basses 