Fender History

Leo Fender was an American inventor and entrepreneur who founded Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, one of the most iconic companies in the music industry. Fender was born in California in 1909 and developed an early interest in electronics. In the 1940s, he began designing and building amplifiers and electric guitars in his radio repair shop.

Fender's breakthrough came in the early 1950s when he introduced the Fender Telecaster, the world's first commercially successful solid-body electric guitar. The Telecaster revolutionized the music industry and paved the way for the development of other iconic guitars, including the Fender Stratocaster.

Fender continued to innovate throughout the 1950s and 1960s, introducing new models like the Precision Bass and the Jazz Bass that transformed the way bass players approached their instrument. In 1965, Fender sold his company to CBS, but he continued to work with the company as a consultant until his death in 1991.

Today, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is one of the largest and most successful manufacturers of guitars, amplifiers, and other musical instruments in the world. The company's products are used by musicians in every genre of music, and its iconic designs have become symbols of American culture. Fender's legacy continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world.

Leo Fender

The Fender Telecaster, originally named the Fender Broadcaster, was first introduced in 1950. The first production models of the Telecaster featured a distinctive headstock design with a snake-shaped curve on the bass side. This headstock design is commonly referred to as the "snake head" Telecaster.

The snake head Telecaster was produced for a short period of time, from late 1950 to early 1951. During this time, Fender received a cease-and-desist letter from Gretsch, a drum and guitar company, which claimed that the name "Broadcaster" infringed on their trademark for a line of drums called "Broadkaster." As a result, Fender was forced to remove the "Broadcaster" name from the guitar's headstock.

Rather than simply removing the name, Fender decided to make a more significant change to the guitar's design. He had new headstock decals made with the name "Telecaster" in a distinctive new font, and he changed the shape of the headstock to a simpler, straight design that would be easier to manufacture.

Despite its brief production run, the snake head Telecaster remains a highly sought-after guitar among collectors and players. Its unique headstock design and historical significance make it a prized possession for many guitar enthusiasts.

Snake Head

About Rusty Fenders

Founded by a group of music enthusiasts and Fender fanatics, Rusty Fenders is dedicated to sharing our passion with the world. We believe that music is a universal language that brings people together, and Fender instruments are a key part of that story. Join us on this journey.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.