Fender Guitars: An Overview
Fender guitars could arguably be considered the quintessential American axe. The iconic instruments have been graced by the fingers of such legends as Eric Clapton, Eddie Van Halen and Jimi Hendrix. Signature Fender guitars such as the Stratocaster and the Telecaster are among the most recognizable, as well as the most popular instruments produced today.
Founded in 1946 by Leonidas "Leo" Fender, the company boasted the Telecaster, which was the first mass-produced, solid-body, Spanish-style electric guitar. Although Fender did not invent the electric guitar, they were responsible for the first commercially successful model, as well as popularizing solid-body electric guitars (most electric guitars before then had been hollow-bodied).
Though not exclusively used for one genre, Fender guitars played a crucial part in the birth of rock 'n' roll, as well as it's various stages of evolution. Buddy Holly was known as "the first Strat hero," and Bob Dylan used a Telecaster to develop his controversial electric sound. Pete Townshend of the Who was famous for smashing Telecasters in the '60s, but spared his personal favorite, a '52 vintage Tele.
Flip through our gallery for photos of notable Fender guitars.
