1. HISTORY Late 1930s: Electronic tech Leo Fender intrigued by design flaws in musical instrument amplifiers; begins building his own custom amplifiers 1946: Fender Electric Instrument Company is born 1948: First Fender-branded “Tweed” amplifiers built, (Offered from 3 to 75 watts)
2. HISTORY 1950s: First solid body Telecaster (with two pickups) introduced; Model is known for its bright, “cutting” tone 1954: Fender Stratocaster hits stores. Price: $249.50 or about $1,850 today 1985: Employees buy company back from CBS and rename it Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
3. HISTORY Over the years Fender has acquired and/or developed several brands, including:
13. Fender owners say: “ It’s simple, it’s not high tech. The first one I had was a Squire Strat. It was cream and white. I got it because Jimi Hendrix had it, and he was my favorite. It’s a sexy brand. It’s the Coca-Cola of guitars.” Mike Finizza, 30
14. Fender owners say: “ I love the tone and how it fits your body, its contours. When I think of Fender I think Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton.” Angela Petrilli, 18
15. Guitar owners say: “ I wanted a Les Paul shape. The main appeal was the entry price level--and good customer reviews. I certainly have no aversion to a Stratocaster. I think it’s nice looking guitar.” Ray Makowski, 35
16. Music lovers say: If buying a guitar in the future, I would go for Yamaha because of the brand. (Leslie, 22) No, I don’t know Fender is a guitar brand. Their website looks like some kind of concert. (Arnell, 30) If I have to buy a guitar in the future, I’ll probably get online and search for the best deal, or simply ask a salesperson for advice.
25. The Fender Personality The Spirit of Rock n Roll Creative Free Energetic Powerful Cool Innovative American Vital Young @ Heart Sexy Independent Limit-less
27. Visual Vocabulary Website: Now Relaunched Mission We make the world’s finest guitars, amplifiers, and music accessories to help music lovers channel the spirit of rock n’ roll .