Fender Electric Guitars and Basses

Fender remains one of the most iconic names in the music industry, founded by Clarence Leonidas "Leo" Fender in Fullerton, California, in 1946. The brand revolutionized music with the introduction of the Telecaster (the first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar), the Stratocaster, and the Precision Bass. These instruments paved the way for modern rock, blues, and pop music, becoming staples for legendary musicians worldwide.

While the company's highest-end instruments—such as the American Professional and Custom Shop series—are still hand-crafted in Corona, California, Fender has expanded its manufacturing footprint significantly. High-quality mid-range models are produced in Ensenada, Mexico, while other popular series are manufactured in Japan, Indonesia, and China to serve different market segments. Despite these diverse production locations, the brand maintains strict quality control and its heritage design.

Today, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is an independent privately held company. Over the decades, it transitioned from Leo Fender's original ownership to CBS in 1965, followed by a management buyout in 1985 led by William Schultz. It is currently owned by several investment firms, with Servco Pacific Inc. becoming the majority owner in 2020. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Fender continues to lead the industry through both traditional instrument manufacturing and digital innovation.