It’s been a long time coming. I’ve been wanting to write a piece about the one of the most influential things in the history of music, that everyone seems to ignore. It’s always about the latest and greatest artists and albums and 1 hit wonders. Yet it’s never about the instruments and the advances in technology. Maybe it’s because of that age old saying, “a poor workman blames his tools” and that a good musician is a good musician regardless….
History however has shown us that a good musician can become a great musician with the right equipment.
Hello Fender my old friend
“Did you know that the world’s first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar was created by Fender?”
Fender, the iconic American guitar brand, has been shaping the sound of music for over 75 years. From rock ‘n’ roll to jazz, country to metal, Fender guitars have been at the heart of some of the most memorable musical moments in history.
Founded in Fullerton, California in 1946, Fender has always been at the forefront of guitar innovation. The Telecaster, Stratocaster, Precision Bass, and Jazz Bass have become synonymous with quality and versatility, earning the brand a reputation as one of the most trusted names in the music industry.
“Fender is a state of mind,” said Jimi Hendrix, one of the most famous guitarists of all time. “It’s the quintessential rock guitar.”
“When I pick up a Fender, I feel like I can do anything,” said Eric Clapton, another legendary Fender player.
Fender’s commitment to quality and innovation has made it a favorite among musicians for generations.
The Day Fender turned up the heat!
“Jimi Hendrix: The Birth of a Legend at Monterey Pop Festival”
On June 18, 1967, Jimi Hendrix took the stage at the Monterey International Pop Music Festival in California and made musical history. Despite his success in the United Kingdom and Europe, the Jimi Hendrix Experience was relatively unknown in the United States prior to their performance at Monterey.
Jimi’s performance was electrifying and left a lasting impression on the audience. Before playing the final song, “Wild Thing,” Jimi announced to the crowd, “I’m gonna sacrifice something right here that I really love, OK?” With that, he proceeded to destroy his beloved 1965 Stratocaster, dousing it in lighter fluid, setting it on fire and smashing it to pieces, all while the cameras rolled and the audience watched in stunned silence.
This unforgettable act solidified Jimi’s status as a true rock icon and launched his career to new heights. The Monterey performance transformed him into an international superstar and cemented his place in music history as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
Jimi Hendrix’s performance at the Monterey International Pop Music Festival not only made him an overnight sensation in the United States but it also put the Fender brand in the spotlight. Jimi’s mastery of the Fender Stratocaster was a testament to the versatility and quality of the instrument, and his fiery performance at Monterey helped cement the guitar’s place in rock and roll history. The publicity from the performance not only elevated Jimi’s profile but it also gave Fender a huge boost, propelling the brand to new heights and cementing its status as a legendary guitar manufacturer.
It was a turning point for both Jimi and Fender, and it remains one of the biggest moments in the history of both.
To my absolute surprise I couldn’t believe the number of models that Fender have produced over the years. It’s really uncanny.
Here’s a relatively comprehensive list of all the Fenders ever produced.
- Telecaster
- Stratocaster
- Precision Bass
- Jazz Bass
- Mustang
- Jaguar
- Jazzmaster
- Toronado
- Duo-Sonic
- Musicmaster
- Fender King (later named the Fender Kingman)
- Fender Wildwood (1966–1971)
Electric Guitars Mainstream Production:
- Fender Duo-Sonic
- Fender Jaguar
- Fender Jazzmaster
- Fender Lead
- Fender Mustang
- Fender Stratocaster
- Fender Telecaster
Signature Model Guitars
- Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster
- Fender Urge Bass
Discontinued Electric Guitars
- Fender Bronco
- Fender Bullet (Squier model available)
- Fender Coronado
- Fender Cyclone (Squier model available)
- Fender Electric XII
- Fender Esquire
- Fender HM Strat USA/Japan
- Fender Jag-Stang
- Fender Katana
- Fender Marauder
- Fender Musicmaster
- Fender Performer
- Fender Prodigy
- Fender Showmaster
- Fender Stagemaster
- Fender Starcaster (Squier model available)
- Fender Swinger
- Fender TC 90
- Fender Toronado (Squier model available)
Electric Guitar Series (Discontinued)
- Lead Series (reissued as Player Series since 2020)
Steel Guitars
- Lap and Console Steel Guitars
-
- Fender White Steel
- Fender Stringmaster
- Pedal Steel Guitars
-
- Fender 1000 double neck 8-string pedal steel
- Fender Jaguar Bass
- Fender Jazz Bass
- Fender Mustang Bass
- Fender Precision Bass
Discontinued Basses
- Fender Bass V
- Fender Bass VI (Squier Classic Vibe Series)
- Fender Bullet Bass
- Fender Coronado Bass
- Fender Musicmaster Bass
- Fender Performer Bass
- Fender Prophecy II Bass
- Fender Starcaster Bass
- Fender Telecaster Bass (Squier Vintage Modified Precision Bass TB and Classic Vibe ’50s Precision Bass)
- Fender Urge Bass
- Fender Zone Bass
Artist Models (Bass)
- Fender Frank Bello Signature Bass
I’ll end this piece with a verse from one of my favorite guitarists;
“I still got the blues, for the road I’m on / And I’m missing you more, now that you’re gone.” – “Still Got the Blues” by Stevie Ray Vaughan.