Aug 10, 1909 CE
Leo Fender Born
Clarence Leonidas 'Leo' Fender is born in Anaheim, California. #modern #culture
Chronological Storyline (22 Milestones)
1938 CE
Fender Radio Service Opens
Leo Fender opens Fender Radio Service in Fullerton, California, repairing radios and amplifiers. #modern #culture
1943 CE
K&F Manufacturing Formed
Leo Fender meets Clayton 'Doc' Kauffman; they form K&F Manufacturing to produce electric lap steel guitars and amplifiers. #modern #culture
1946 CE
Fender Electric Instrument Founded
K&F dissolves; Leo Fender founds the Fender Electric Instrument Company in Fullerton. #contemporary #culture
1948 CE
Esquire Solid-Body Guitar
Fender introduces the Esquire, the first solid-body electric guitar, initially with one pickup. #contemporary #culture
1950 CE
Telecaster Released
Fender releases the Broadcaster (later renamed Telecaster) with two pickups, becoming the first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar. #contemporary #culture
1951 CE
Precision Bass Introduced
Fender introduces the Precision Bass, the first electric bass guitar, revolutionizing the music industry. #contemporary #culture
1954 CE
Stratocaster Launched
Fender launches the Stratocaster, featuring a contoured body, three pickups, and a synchronized tremolo bridge. #contemporary #culture
1955 CE
Esquire Trademark Acquired
Fender acquires the Esquire trademark and reissues the Esquire model as a budget Telecaster variant. #contemporary #culture
1960 CE
Fender introduces Jazzmaster
Fender introduces the Jazzmaster, designed for jazz players but later adopted by surf rock and alternative musicians. #contemporary #culture
1962 CE
Fender releases Jaguar
Fender releases the Jaguar, a short-scale offset guitar with a unique switching system. #contemporary #culture
Jan 4, 1965 CE
Leo Fender sells Fender to CBS
Leo Fender sells Fender Electric Instrument Company to CBS for $13 million due to health concerns. #contemporary #culture
1970 CE
Leo Fender co-founds Music Man
Leo Fender co-founds Music Man, producing amplifiers and guitars, including the StingRay bass. #contemporary #culture
1975 CE
Leo Fender founds G&L Musical Instruments
Leo Fender leaves Music Man and founds G&L Musical Instruments (George & Leo) with George Fullerton. #contemporary #culture
1985 CE
CBS sells Fender to investors
CBS sells Fender to a group of investors led by William Schultz; Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is formed. #contemporary #culture
Mar 21, 1991 CE
Leo Fender dies at 81
Leo Fender dies in Fullerton, California, at age 81, from Parkinson's disease. #contemporary #culture
1995 CE
Fender acquires Guild Guitar Company
Fender acquires the Guild Guitar Company, expanding into acoustic and archtop guitars. #contemporary #culture
2002 CE
Fender purchases Jackson and Charvel
Fender purchases the Jackson and Charvel brands, strengthening its position in the metal and hard rock markets. #contemporary #culture
2003 CE
Fender acquires Gretsch brand
Fender acquires the Gretsch brand (from Kaman Music), adding iconic hollow-body and rockabilly guitars. #contemporary #culture
2007 CE
Fender buys Kaman Music Corporation
Fender buys the Kaman Music Corporation, including Ovation and Hamer brands, but later sells Ovation in 2014. #contemporary #culture
2012 CE
Fender acquires Sunn Amplifier
Fender acquires the Sunn Amplifier brand, reviving its vintage amp line. #contemporary #culture
2020 CE
FMIC remains privately held
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation remains privately held, with majority ownership by Servco Pacific and other investors. #contemporary #culture