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Half a Century Story of Fender Stratocaster Guitars

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By Jenn Knows


Leo Fender, Founder of Fender

Fender Guitar is the icon of the guitar industry. Architect of Fender, Leo Fender was working as a radio repairman and an accountant before getting into guitar manufacturing during the World War 2. Leo Fender started building Fender Stratocaster during 1953.

Leo Fender was successful with Tele before Strat previously known as Broadcaster. Novel design with the combination of perfect timing due to postwar prosperity and the popularity of the guitars, Stratocaster became a legendary guitar in the guitar history. Read more at Brief History of Fender.

The first Fender Stratocasters were available in 1954, a guitar purely for rebellious teens. While the guitar sold well at first, it didn't dominate the market until later. One of the first famous players was Dick Dale, who pioneered surf music on Strats in the early 60s.

Couple of Brits with bad hair, Lennon and Harrison, otherwise known as John & George made the Strat mainstream. They became popular around the world after Jimi Hendrix started playing it. There are many other famous guitar players who have played Strats besides Hendrix, such as; Eric Clapton, Buddy Holly, Richie Blackmore, Dick Dale, Kurt Cobain, Jeff Beck, etc.

Leo Fender

CBS Buys Fender

The biggest downfall that Fender has ever faced came from Fender itself. Leo Fender and original partner Don Randall sold the company to CBS in the mid-60s, and the conglomerate eventually did what no one else could: make the Strat less powerful. As time went buy, new players bought Fender while experienced players turned to vintage Strats for the eternal brilliance of its design, combined with the understated remarkable versatility.

At the end, if the Strat is easy and fun to play, and creates a wonderful clean tone, why not use it for everything and just work out effects later?

Eric Clapton Playing Fender Strat Blackie

Revolution of Stratocaster after CBS

Stratocaster had been copied by many guitar companies until 1985. It needed an overhaul, and the sale of the company away from CBS provided it. Fender improved production at its foreign plants first thing, giving a much-needed improvement to the lower end of its line. After that, Fender's own factory was built in Corona, CA, and another in Ensenada, Mexico for the lower-priced models.

With these changes, Fender decided to give the player more choices in new guitars. Instead of making the perfect tone entirely dependent on the guitar player. The company manufactured dozens of new and different Stratocasters within five years. Another exciting news for Strat Fans was the ability to order their custom Strats. Previously, Fender was offering custom guitars for only rich and famous customers. Everything had changed at the company but the clean and perfect tone of Strats has stayed the same.

After its rebirth, Fender has invested in acquiring guitar companies such as Sunn, Trace Eliot, and Guild as well as house brands Squier and DeArmond. Each company brought more expertise to Fender's team. By creating quality guitars, offering great service, and understanding their customers' needs, Fender became the world leader in guitar industry.

Yngwie Malmsteen Playing a Fender Strat

Jimi Hendrix Playing Strat with His Teeth

Comments

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hiqutipie profile image

hiqutipie  says:
2 years ago

Thank You Jenn for the wonderful History lesson ...

myhappylaptop profile image

myhappylaptop  says:
17 months ago

thumbs up TY :)

Julie-Ann Amos profile image

Julie-Ann Amos  says:
16 months ago

another nice hub I've linked to

Eric L Walker profile image

Eric L Walker  says:
15 months ago

Anyone who can write like you, be interested in guitars and be an accomplished internet marketer -- not to mention easy on the eyes -- has my attention. Thank you for the value and quality. Playing my guitar is a nice break from internet marketing all day.

Eric Walker

OrangeCast profile image

OrangeCast  says:
15 months ago

Great article. The strat is such a gloriously versatile guitar with a wonderful sound. I especially loved the clip of Yngwie Malmsteen.

RooBee profile image

RooBee  says:
8 months ago

Thanks for this awesome hub. One of my first real loves was a strat. I got it from a pawn shop when I was sixteen and it stuck with me through good times and bad. I'll never forget it and your goody-packed article made me appreciate the legacy behind that signature sound.

I pawned that strat at the age of 21 with every intention of getting it back the following month. That didn't happen and I berate myself at least once a month for letting it all go down that way - which was 8 yrs ago now!!

All I can hope is that some other poor kid picked it up for cheap and experienced the passion that I did with it. I musn't be jealous - if you love her, let her go eh?

I've had plenty of others since, but nothing feels as right in my hands as a strat.

Your hub totally rocks and I'm excited to read more from you!

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