Fender Guitars and Amplifiers

Fender is one of the most iconic names in American music history, founded by Clarence Leonidas 'Leo' Fender in 1946. The brand revolutionized the music industry with the introduction of the first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar, the Telecaster, followed by the legendary Stratocaster and Precision Bass.

Today, Fender's high-end products are primarily manufactured in Corona, California, while its 'Player Series' and mid-range models are produced in Ensenada, Mexico. Entry-level models under the Squier sub-brand are typically manufactured in Indonesia and China to remain accessible to beginners. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) remains the primary entity overseeing these global operations.

Ownership of Fender has transitioned over the decades; it was famously sold to CBS in 1965 before being bought back by an employee-led group in 1985. Currently, the brand is majority-owned by private equity firms, primarily Servco Pacific and Providence Equity Partners, ensuring the brand stays focused on its heritage as an American musical powerhouse.