Origins
The Fender brand finds its origins in California back in 1938. The company’s founder, Leo Fender, was running an electronics repair store at the time, fixing up a wide range of appliances and equipment, including amplifiers. Fender’s capability in the field and his noticing of apparent poorly put together amplifiers started building and creating his own.
In just a couple of years, Fender found himself a business partner and established a company that was focused on manufacturing amplifiers and electronic musical instruments, though the majority of their work came from repairs. By 1945, Fender was wanting to move away from repairs and set up a company that was solely about designing, manufacturing and marketing instruments, which he believed had higher profit margins. This is how the Fender Electric Music Company was born, and Fender’s designs for the Stratocaster lead to its release and mass production in 1954.
Eventually, CBS purchased the company and through its 20 years under CBS reign, Fender launched some guitars that would make a huge mark on rock music, including the Telecaster and Starcaster. Through the 90’s, the company - which was under new management - extended its product range, launch the inexpensive alternative Squire guitars, bass guitars, amplifiers and even acoustic guitars. Fender even started manufacturing electric violins in the 2000s.
Legacy
There is no doubt that Fender is one of the most important guitar brands to date, with many of the world’s most renowned guitarists making it their instruments of choice. The Fender Stratocaster, is the most iconic model, was/is played by the likes of Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison and John Lennon, Pink Floyd’s David Glamour, Red Hot Chilli Pepper’s John Frusciante and Eddie van Halen to name just a few. This has made it one of the most popular and important rock guitars of all time.
Without any doubt, these high profile names playing Fender guitars certain had an impact on sales and how popular they became. But this doesn’t account for the influence and legacy the Fender brand has built.
Design-wise, Fender guitars were always a step ahead. The general design of the Stratocaster, in particular, has influenced many other brand designs over the years, and the shape and look are often what comes to mind for many people when they think of an electric guitar. This was something new and original in the 1950’s and the design really hasn’t changed all that much since.
Further, these guitars, most notably the Stratocaster were easy to play and produced a versatile tone and a sound you simply couldn’t get with other commercial guitars. The three-pickup system, allowed players to mix up the tone and pitch without the need for additional equipment. Its biggest rise to fame came in the 1970s, where its funky tone suited guitarists that were playing funk and disco music that was becoming popular during this period.
If you’re looking to start playing or you’re after a new guitar that is easy to play and versatile, a Fender is a great option. Feel free to browse the Guitar Paradise website through our Fender range or contact us if you have any questions.
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