Fender electric basses
Guitars weren’t the only industry Fender revolutionized. Their line of solidbody electric basses have also changed the course of rock and roll history! Fender Precision Basses and Jazz Basses are some of the most sought-after electric basses by musicians all over the world.
The Fender Precision Bass (or P-Bass, and it’s lovingly known) is considered the first mass-produced electric bass. First introduced in 1951, it quickly took over the music scene and has been used in nearly every popular genre, including funk, rock, and even heavy metal because of its comfortable body shape and split single-coil pickup for big, beefy, and balanced sound.
With its offset body shape and slimmer neck profile, the Fender Jazz Bass is built for players looking for a bit more speed. Coupled with versatile dual single-coil pickups, this bass has become one of the most popular electric basses in the world, used by iconic musicians including Rush’s Geddy Lee and The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea.
For players who prefer more unique body shapes and different tonal structures, Fender also makes Jaguar and Mustang basses. Each of which are based on their respective electric guitar models but powered with Fender’s high-quality electric bass pickups.
Fender guitar and bass amplifiers
Fender is credited with creating some of the earliest and best guitar and bass amplifiers in existence, and their drive for quality amps hasn’t diminished over the years.
The Fender Deluxe Reverb amp is still one of the most popular combo tube amps on the market today. It’s beloved by rock, country, and blues players for its snappy tones and authentic vintage reverb.
For players looking for a quality solid-state amp, the Fender Tone Master takes the legendary tube-driven tone of the iconic Fender amps of the past and recreates the sound in a solid-state guitar amplifier.
And Fender didn’t forget about the bassists. Fender Rumble Bass Amps take the same punchy sound Fender guitar amps are known for and update the hardware to better suit the low-end of the electric bass.
Fender acoustic guitars
Although the most notable Fender musical instruments are electric guitars, Fender also makes several high-quality acoustic guitars for pros and beginners alike.
The Fender CD60 takes many of the options you’d find in high-end acoustic guitars — like scalloped X-bracing, a compensated walnut bridge, and beautiful finish and color options — and brings them into a more affordable price point. This full-toned dreadnought acoustic guitar comes in at under $200, perfect for any musician’s wallet.
For acoustic players looking for a few more features, the Fender Paramount series combines state-of-the-art craftsmanship with vintage-inspired style. The Fender Paramount PD-220E is the acoustic/electric version of the ever-popular dreadnought body shape.
Fender California Series acoustic guitars are inspired by the laid-back lifestyle Fender was founded on in Fullerton, California. They come with bold colors, unique build materials, comfortable playability, and stage-ready electronics. The flagship guitar of the incredible California Series is the Fender Redondo Special — but it’s easy to find a shape and style in the California Series that works for any playing preference.
Fender pedals and effects
Fender effects for guitar and bass take all the benefits of high-end, expensive pedals and bring them into a price range musicians love. Their Hammertone effects have true-bypass, top-mounted inputs, and sturdy aluminum casings - they’ll easily improve your sound and take whatever beating the road might throw their way. Fender makes a wide array of Hammertone effects pedals, so you can build your ideal rig without breaking the bank.
And if you need a little more reverb in your rig, check out the Fender Marine Layer Reverb pedal. You can take control of nearly every aspect of your tone to create insane lush sounds and sonic dimensions.
Since Fender never leaves out the bassists, get your rig ready with the Fender Downtown Express Bass Multi-Effect pedal. You can shape your entire bass tone with level, tone, blend, drive, EQ, gain, and compression functions all with just one pedal!
Lifestyle, accessories, and apparel
Fender is world-renown for its incredible single-coil pickups. And even if you don’t own a Fender musical instrument, you can still get that iconic Fender tone by installing a set of their legendary pickups. No matter your style, there’s a Fender pickup for you.
While you’re shopping for that perfect guitar, don’t forget to let everyone know where your gear allegiance lies. From shirts and jackets to hats, stools, and more, there are plenty of ways to show off your Fender pride with branded apparel.
Don’t leave your new Fender guitar to fend for itself in this dangerous world. Pick up a Fender case to protect your prized axe from harm. And be sure to stock up on all the guitar-playing essentials, like Fender strings and picks.
The history of Fender
In 1938, a radio electronics technician named Clarence Leonidas “Leo” Fender was working as a repair technician in Fender’s Radio Service shop. He was an expert at repairing everything from radios and phonographs to PA systems and musical instrument amplifiers, especially if they used vacuum tubes.
In the early 1940s, Fender believed the money wasn’t in repairing electronics but in manufacturing them. Splitting with his then business partner, he founded the Fender Electric Instrument Company in 1946 to build a new breed of musical equipment.
Using his experience with electronics, Fender developed some of the best amps in the industry. Although they looked basic with their uncovered wood cabinetry, these “woodies” (as they became known) are still some of the most sought-after amps for hardcore musicians and collectors.
By 1951, Leo Fender was ready to take on the guitar market. Although Les Paul had already created The Log (which is credited as the first solidbody electric guitar), Fender was the one to perfect the manufacturing process and create a solidbody electric guitar that was viable for mass production. Thus, the Telecaster was born (originally called the Esquire for single-pickup models or the Broadcaster for dual-pickup models)! After the massive success of the Telecaster, Fender released a new electric guitar model in 1954 with a comfortable contoured body, advanced electronics, and tremolo bridge system that went on to become the most popular electric guitar in the world: The Fender Stratocaster.
Fender also released a new solidbody electric bass called a Precision Bass (along with the Bassman amp) that would forever revolutionize the rock and roll world — bringing the power and low-end of an upright bass to the stage in a portable and more tonally configurable package.
Leo Fender, and Fender Musical Instruments, set the bar for musical electronics, and they continuously raised that bar over nearly eight decades. Fender has always been at the forefront of technological and manufacturing advancement, solidifying their place in music history.
If you’re looking for a guitar, bass, or amp with the best tone and quality, it’s hard to go wrong with a Fender.
