Ubiquitous in the music world, Fender(R)
guitars and amplifiers are also icons in popular culture, their shapes and sounds instantly recognizable. Authoritatively written and lavishly illustrated, Fender 75 Years is the officially licensed anniversary celebration of the company and its legendary instruments. Originating in Leo Fender's modest radio and amplifier repair shop in Fullerton, California, Fender Musical Instrument Corporation went on to become
the world's preeminent name in musical instruments. Today, Fender's guitars, amplifiers, and script logo are recognizable even to those with only a casual interest in music.
From Fender's first instrument--a 1946 lap steel guitar--to
Leo Fender's groundbreaking early six-string guitar designs like the
Esquire that set the standard for the electric guitar explosion to follow, author Dave Hunter traces
Fender's entire history to the present. All the innovations and landmark models are here, as well as legendary players who became synonymous with Fender instruments across musical genres.
In addition to the instantly recognizable
Telecaster(R)
and Stratocaster(R), Hunter examines Fender's legendary offset guitars like the
Mustang(R)
, Jazzmaster(R)
, and Jaguar(R), and such lesser-known models as the Coronado, Bronco(TM), and more. The
Jazz Bass(R)
and
Precision Bass(R) also feature, as do Fender's
acoustic guitars and workhorse
amplifiers like the Bassman(R)
, Twin Reverb(R)
, and Princeton(R), to name a few.
Along the way, readers get in-depth scoops on the relationships
dozens of players have enjoyed with Fender: rock 'n' roll pioneers like
Hank Marvin and
James Burton; classic-rock icons like
Jimi Hendrix and
Eric Clapton; blues legends
Bonnie Raitt,
Stevie Ray Vaughan, and
Buddy Guy; alt-rock gods
J Mascis and
Kurt Cobain; more recent guitar heroes like
Courtney Barnett, beabadoobee, and H.E.R. ...the list goes on. In addition, Hunter explores the work of the award-winning
Fender Custom Shop and the guitars produced there.
Illustrated throughout with
rare images from company archives,
Fender 75 Years treats readers to rare behind-the-scenes views of the shop floor throughout the years,
studio imagery of the guitars, rare
period advertising and brochures, and
performance images of Fender players.
It's the definitive look at the Fender's first three-quarters of a century and a must-have for every guitar enthusiast.
