Fender
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation: Shaping the Sound of Music
With a rich legacy spanning over seven decades, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) has emerged as the preeminent manufacturer of guitars, basses, amplifiers, and related equipment. Since its inception in 1946, Fender has left an indelible mark on the global music landscape, transcending genres such as rock 'n' roll, country, jazz, and rhythm and blues. From aspiring beginners to world-renowned artists, musicians across the spectrum have chosen Fender instruments and amps, with iconic models like the Telecaster® and Stratocaster® guitars, as well as the Precision® and Jazz® bass guitars, earning universal acclaim as design classics.
At the heart of Fender's revolution in music was the visionary inventor Leo Fender. In the 1940s, he recognized the potential to improve upon the hollow-body electric guitars prevalent at the time by introducing a simple yet innovative solid-body design. This realization led to the creation of the prototype for what would become the renowned Telecaster® guitar in 1951. This solid-body Spanish-style electric guitar, affectionately known as the Tele®, marked the first commercially mass-produced instrument of its kind.
Simultaneously, Fender introduced another groundbreaking invention in 1951—the Precision Bass guitar. This revolutionary instrument, played like a guitar with frets for precise intonation, could be amplified, liberating bassists from the cumbersome and increasingly inadequate acoustic basses. The introduction of the Precision Bass guitar laid the foundation for the modern rock combo, enabling smaller groups of musicians to be heard and revolutionizing popular music.
In 1954, Fender unveiled the Stratocaster, a guitar that incorporated numerous design innovations based on feedback from professional musicians, Fender staff, and Leo Fender himself. The Stratocaster's third single-coil pickup offered unparalleled tonal possibilities, while its sleekly contoured body enhanced comfort, and the double cutaway design facilitated easier access to the upper registers. However, the most significant innovation was the introduction of the Fender vibrato (or "tremolo") bridge, intended to enable guitarists to bend strings and achieve the pedal steel-like sound popular in country music. The Stratocaster went on to become the most popular and influential electric guitar ever, retaining its original design virtually unchanged since its debut and remaining the go-to instrument for musicians across all genres to this day.
Leo Fender's creative ingenuity continued to flourish, resulting in the introduction of several classic instrument and amplifier designs over the next decade. The Jazz Bass® guitar, Jaguar® and Jazzmaster® guitars, and the Twin Reverb® amplifier are among the many groundbreaking innovations credited to him. However, due to poor health, Leo Fender sold the company to CBS in 1965. Over the next 20 years, Fender Musical Instruments experienced significant growth, but a lack of commitment and understanding of music and musicians by CBS gradually became evident.
To revive Fender's spirit, CBS recruited new management in 1981. Led by William Schultz as company president, supported by William Mendello, they devised a five-year business plan focused on enhancing Fender's market presence through substantial quality improvements and increased investment in research and development. As part of a strategic divestment of non-broadcast media businesses, a group of employees and investors, spearheaded by Schultz, reacquired Fender from CBS in 1985. This transaction placed the Fender name back into the hands of a devoted team determined to reestablish an American icon and create the world's finest guitars and amplifiers.
The newly formed Fender Musical Instruments Corporation embarked on a journey of resurrection, starting from scratch with no buildings or machinery included in the sale. Initially, Fender
imported guitars from offshore manufacturers renowned for producing affordable yet viable instruments. However, their pursuit of greater quality control led to the establishment of Fender's flagship U.S. factory in Corona, California, in 1985. A second state-of-the-art manufacturing facility opened in 1987 in Ensenada, Mexico.
In 1987, Fender solidified its commitment to craftsmanship and artistry by establishing the renowned Fender Custom Shop at its Corona facility. The Custom Shop became synonymous with creating dream instruments for professional guitarists and enthusiasts alike. Fender had always valued open communication with musicians, accommodating their individual requests for specific features. The Custom Shop's unparalleled mastery and artistry soon gained worldwide recognition, cementing its position as the pinnacle of instrument craftsmanship.
In 1991, FMIC relocated its corporate headquarters from Corona to Scottsdale, Arizona, while coordinating administration, marketing, sales, advertising, and export operations within the United States and through international satellite facilities in England, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden. Schultz retired in 2005, passing the torch to William Mendello as CEO.
Over the years, FMIC has grown to become one of the world's leading manufacturers, marketers, and distributors of musical instruments. Its product lineup encompasses everything guitarists and bassists require, including instruments, amplifiers, strings, and accessories, as well as professional audio products. Fender's ascent to global prominence can be attributed to its ability to shape the sounds we hear, cater to the diverse needs of musicians, uphold a commitment to producing quality products, and provide exceptional service and stability. As FMIC ventures into the 21st century, its management remains dedicated to preserving Fender's illustrious status through a combination of business acumen and a genuine love for music.
Today, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation's corporate headquarters is situated in Scottsdale, Arizona, while its manufacturing headquarters and the revered Fender Custom Shop reside in Corona, California. FMIC markets its products under various brand names, including Fender®, Squier®, Charvel®, Gretsch®, Jackson®, and EVH®.
