Fender: The Official Illustrated History

Gorgeously illustrated and authoritatively written, Fender is the officially licensed celebration of the legendary brand’s iconic guitars, amps, and basses.

Originating in Leo Fender’s modest radio and amplifier repair shop in Fullerton, California, Fender Musical Instrument Corporation went on to become the world’s preeminent name in musical instruments. Today, Fender guitars and amplifiers are icons in popular culture, their shapes and sounds instantly recognizable even to those with only a casual interest in music.


From Fender’s first instrument-a 1946 lap steel guitar-to Leo Fender’s groundbreaking early six-string guitar designs like the Esquire that set the standard for the electric guitar explosion to follow, Fender: The Official Illustrated History traces the company’s entire history to the present. All the innovations and landmark models are here, as well as legendary players who became synonymous with Fender instruments across musical genres.


Among the instruments author Dave Hunter examines:
The instantly recognizable Telecaster and Stratocaster
Fender’s legendary offset guitars like the Mustang, Jazzmaster, and Jaguar
Lesser-known models such as the Marauder, Coronado, and Bronco
The Jazz Bass and Precision Bass
Fender’s acoustic guitars and workhorse amplifiers like the Bassman, Twin Reverb, and Princeton


Along the way, you’ll get in-depth scoops on the relationships dozens of players have enjoyed with Fender:
Rock ‘n’ roll pioneers like Hank Marvin and James Burton
Classic-rock icons like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton
Blues legends Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Buddy Guy
Alt-rock figureheads like J Mascis, Johnny Marr, and Kurt Cobain
More recent guitar heroes like Courtney Barnett, beabadoobee, and H.E.R.
…the list goes on. In addition, Hunter explores the work of the award-winning Fender Custom Shop and the guitars produced there.


Illustrated throughout with rare images from company archives, Fender: The Official Illustrated History treats readers to rare behind-the-scenes views of the shop floor throughout the years, studio imagery of the guitars, rare period advertising and brochures, and performance images of Fender players.


It’s the definitive look at the Fender’s first three-quarters of a century and a must-have for every guitar enthusiast.

Format: Hardback
Pages: 224
Imprint: CHARTWELL BOOKS, USA
Publication date: 23/11/2023