A Talk on the Brand Fender

Hello everyone! It’s Kaoru the composer here!

Are you familiar with the musical instrument manufacturer Fender?

If you're a guitarist or bassist, you’ve probably heard of them at least once. They are such a famous brand that it's not an exaggeration to say that they are synonymous with electric guitars and have greatly influenced the music scene.

While many people know that Fender is an instrument manufacturer, not many fully understand its history or characteristics. By delving deeper into the company, you can gain a greater appreciation for the depth of music, so I encourage you to take a look!

■ About Fender

Fender was founded by Leo Fender in 1946. Based in the United States, the company has expanded worldwide, and many famous musicians around the globe love and use their products. Fender is also known for being the first to mass-produce solid-body electric guitars, making them a true pioneer in the industry.

The company’s headquarters is located in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA, with manufacturing facilities in Corona, California, and Ensenada, Mexico. Fender employs many renowned builders, and their quality is considered top-notch. Additionally, their lower-tier brand, Squier, is also quite well-known.

As for Fender Japan, they were manufactured by Dyna Gakki, which was a private brand of Kanda Shokai. However, Fender Japan as a brand no longer exists, and now Fender directly produces the "Made in Japan" series under the Fender brand.

Fender products are sold in various grades, including Japan, Mexico, USA, and Custom Shop series. These range from affordable, beginner-friendly Japan and Mexico models to pro-level USA and Custom Shop models, so it's helpful to use these as a guideline when making a purchase. By offering products in a wide range of price points, Fender has become an approachable brand even for beginners!

By the way, I want to emphasize that cheap does not equal bad! There are many professional guitarists who love and play on more affordable models!

Additionally, Fender offers a wide range of genuine parts, making it easy to adjust or repair your guitar when necessary.
What's even better is that many other manufacturers also sell parts that are compatible with Fender guitars, allowing for a great deal of customization. If you're someone who cares about design, you'll be happy to know there are stylish parts available as well, so be sure to check them out!

■ Electric Guitar Types

Fender has a long history of over half a century since its founding in 1946. During this time, they have produced a vast number of guitars, from models that quickly faded into obscurity to those that have become the standard in the world of electric guitars.

I'll briefly introduce some of the most popular models, so you can find the guitar that suits you best.

○ Stratocaster

The most famous type of electric guitar. Many people likely think that electric guitar = Stratocaster. It is truly the quintessential, iconic guitar. The body shape features a double-cutaway design, which offers excellent balance when the guitar is slung over your shoulder, making it easier to play higher notes.

In terms of sound, the Stratocaster is equipped with 2 to 3 pickups, and with the control knobs at your fingertips, it allows for a wide range of sound customization. Additionally, because it’s such a popular instrument, many manufacturers offer replacement parts, making repairs, adjustments, and customizations easy. The clean tone is bright, and with the use of effects, it can produce a sharp, heavy sound, making it versatile across various musical styles.
It’s an all-around great guitar that goes well with a wide range of genres that makes it an excellent choice for a beginner's first guitar.

Recommended product:

FENDER / Made in Japan Heritage 50s Stratocaster White Blonde

I fell in love with this guitar at a music store once.
It’s just so cool!!
I think that the color scheme suits both men and women equally well.
Of course, it’s not just about the looks; the quality is amazing too!

This one was made at the Fender Custom Shop under the supervision of Mark Kendrick, the master builder who is in charge of Fender’s best guitars!
That alone gives me a lot of confidence in its quality.

It features an ash body with a lacquer finish and a maple neck.
Equipped with 21 vintage frets.
The neck has a 7.25-inch radius and a soft V shape.

The control panel includes Master Volume, Tone 1 (Neck Pickup), and Tone 2 (Middle Pickup), providing more than enough specifications.

I highly recommend this guitar to those who are seeking a higher-tier instrument.

○ Telecaster

The Telecaster is the original electric guitar, with the longest history in the world.
Throughout its long history, it has gone through trial and error, evolving several times to reach its current style.
Its simple, no-frills design is incredibly stylish, and it has a dedicated fanbase.
One of its standout features is the compact body with a flat surface.
Additionally, it comes equipped with two single-coil pickups, and its control knobs are limited to just volume and tone, making it easy to operate intuitively, even for beginners.
The Telecaster produces a crisp, bright sound with a sharp, snappy tone that's perfect for cutting rhythms.
The cutting sound is amazing!

Recommended Product:

FENDER / Vintera ‘50s Telecaster Fiesta Red

This model pursues the style and sound of Fender's golden age, offering a no-frills, simple Telecaster design.
The modern color scheme gives it a very mature impression.

It comes with a fat Early 50s U-shaped neck and a 50s Telecaster pickup set.

The Telecaster can handle everything from sparkling, bright tones to thick, powerful sounds with ease.

That concludes my discussion on Fender.

For beginners, guitars can seem difficult at first and buying one can seem overwhelming, but by learning about different aspects about them along with their history, you can find new ways to enjoy them.

Why not take a break and take some time to do some research for yourself?

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