Fender Guitars, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, has been making fine instruments for since 1947. Here is a brief history of their inception and how they came to manufacture the world standard in electric instruments.

Fender’s Radio Service began in 1938 when it’s founder, Leo Fender, was a technician skilled in fixing amplifiers, radios and other electronic equipment. As a side project, they also vended records and made PA equipment that they rented out.

In the 1940′s, Leo partnered with “Doc” Kauffman forming K & F Manufacturing Corporation. They began building and selling electronic amplifiers and instruments. In 1945, they began manufacturing Hawaiian lap steel guitars, and patented the guitar pickups. Kauffman was not sold on the chance for success, so in 1946, Kauffman and Leo parted ways. The company was renamed Fender Electric Instrument Company.

1948 led to the development of the “tweed amp”. This was an amplifier that had tweed to cover the front, hence the name “tweed amp”. Later, the tweed was replaced by Tolex and the cabins begin being manufactured in black. Chrome fittings were used, and this is the look we know today.

In 1954, they began manufacturing the future star of the electric guitar world, the “Stratocaster”. It’s a double cut away. The top horn protruded farther, providing a balance to the instrument. This guitar has become the gold standard in the music industry, and has been held up as an example of timeless industrial design. There are many variations on the Stratocaster, including the American Deluxe, American, Hot Rodded American, American Special and American Standard.

The company manufactures a number of other instruments, including the telecaster, the Precision Bass, known as the P-base, the Jazz Master and an excellent line of acoustic guitars. They are used my many musicians, including Bruce Springsteen, Waylon Jennings, Kurt Cobain, George Harrison, Keith Richards, John Frusciante, and Jimi Hendrix, just to name a few. Today they manufacture a large line of instruments, ranging from entry level “Squire” models to the custom handcrafted ones sold to professional musicians/

Throughout the years, Fender Companies have seen many changes, but no one will dispute that they has become the undisputed standard for electric guitars. In 1963, Leo sold his companies to Columbia Broadcasting Systems. This was during a time when CBS was attempting to get into the instrument business. They also acquired Rogers drums, Steinway pianos, Gemeinhardt flutes, and Lyon & Healy harps, just to name a few. In 1985, the employees of the company purchased it from CBS.

author listed as Zeke Pique-  I tried to find who he really is but could not