United States · Est. 1946
Fender
Leo Fender invented the modern electric guitar. The Stratocaster and Telecaster remain the most influential guitar designs ever created.
About the brand
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation was founded in 1946 by Leo Fender in Fullerton, California. Leo's genius was in designing guitars and amplifiers with manufacturing efficiency and player ergonomics in mind — the Telecaster (1950) and Stratocaster (1954) were unlike anything that had come before.
The Stratocaster's contoured body, three-pickup configuration, and tremolo bridge set the template for the modern electric guitar. Players from Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton to David Gilmour and John Mayer have defined entire eras of music with a Strat in hand. The Telecaster's twangy simplicity has proven equally enduring across country, rock, and indie.
Fender's catalogue today spans everything from the budget-friendly Squier line to the premium American Ultra series and the Custom Shop, where master builders hand-craft instruments for collectors and professionals. The company also owns Jackson, Charvel, EVH, and Gretsch, cementing its position at the top of the guitar industry.
Key facts
- Telecaster (1950) and Stratocaster (1954) — the two most copied guitar designs in history
- Played by Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, and John Mayer
- American-made instruments from the Fullerton factory since 1946
- Parent company of Squier, Jackson, Charvel, EVH, and Gretsch
Iconic models
Fender Stratocaster
Arguably the most influential electric guitar in history, with its contoured body and three single-coil pickups that defined the sound of rock.
Fender Telecaster
The first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar, with a radically simple design that remains equally relevant today.
Fender Jazzmaster
Originally designed for jazz players, it was adopted by surf, indie, and alternative rock thanks to its dark tone and unique floating vibrato system.
Fender Jaguar
Fender's short-scale guitar, with its elaborate circuit and vibrato system, a favorite of indie rock and noise artists like Kurt Cobain.
Fender Mustang
Originally designed as a student guitar, it became an icon of grunge and indie rock for its short scale and distinctive sound.