Fender
Kristopher Smilko
English Comp.
Jan. 31, 2013
The guitar is over 3,300 years old, as noted on Wikipedia, and it is still one of the most want to learn instruments out there today. There are 19 different types of guitars, but these 19 different types are grouped into 2 main groups, acoustic and electric. Some people would argue, because there is not a group for acoustic electric guitars, which is obviously a little of both of these groups. Electric guitars, introduced in the 1930s, rely on an amplifier that can electronically manipulate tone. Early amplified guitars were hollow body, but a solid body was found more suitable. For more than forty years, Fender guitars and amps have had a great influence on the way the world writes, listens to, and plays music.
In the 1940's, a Californian inventor named Leo Fender had made some custom guitars and amps in his radio shop. Leo would go on to create the world's very first instrument amps with built in tone controls. Leo's vision was that everyone would have better guitars. With his knowledge in technology, he knew he could improve amplified hollow-body instruments, so he did. In 1951, he introduced the Broadcaster, the prototype solid-body guitar that would eventually become the fine Telecaster. The Tele, as it became known, was the first solid-body electric guitar ever to go into commercial production. Soon to follow the Tele were the Precision Bass guitar in 1951 and the Stratocaster in 1954.
In 1965, Leo Fender became sick, so he sold his company to corporate giant CBS. Over the next 20 years, Fender experienced some large growth. But as time passed, CBS's lack of commitment and understanding of music and musicians was becoming obvious. In 1981, as stated by NIN&J5 on ultimateguitar.com, CBS hired a new management team to "re-invent" Fender. William Schultz was named the new President, and was supported by William Mendello and Kurt Hemrich. They developed a five-year business plan with the idea of
English Comp.
Jan. 31, 2013
The guitar is over 3,300 years old, as noted on Wikipedia, and it is still one of the most want to learn instruments out there today. There are 19 different types of guitars, but these 19 different types are grouped into 2 main groups, acoustic and electric. Some people would argue, because there is not a group for acoustic electric guitars, which is obviously a little of both of these groups. Electric guitars, introduced in the 1930s, rely on an amplifier that can electronically manipulate tone. Early amplified guitars were hollow body, but a solid body was found more suitable. For more than forty years, Fender guitars and amps have had a great influence on the way the world writes, listens to, and plays music.
In the 1940's, a Californian inventor named Leo Fender had made some custom guitars and amps in his radio shop. Leo would go on to create the world's very first instrument amps with built in tone controls. Leo's vision was that everyone would have better guitars. With his knowledge in technology, he knew he could improve amplified hollow-body instruments, so he did. In 1951, he introduced the Broadcaster, the prototype solid-body guitar that would eventually become the fine Telecaster. The Tele, as it became known, was the first solid-body electric guitar ever to go into commercial production. Soon to follow the Tele were the Precision Bass guitar in 1951 and the Stratocaster in 1954.
In 1965, Leo Fender became sick, so he sold his company to corporate giant CBS. Over the next 20 years, Fender experienced some large growth. But as time passed, CBS's lack of commitment and understanding of music and musicians was becoming obvious. In 1981, as stated by NIN&J5 on ultimateguitar.com, CBS hired a new management team to "re-invent" Fender. William Schultz was named the new President, and was supported by William Mendello and Kurt Hemrich. They developed a five-year business plan with the idea of