American Fender: Musical Instrument Or Investment Opportunity?

American Fenders are expensive, but they are worth the price. They are used by professional musicians during tours and studio recordings. The company's main manufacturing centre is based in California, and the guitars are known for their exceptional attention to detail and amazing sound quality.

However, when it comes to investing in an American Fender, it is hard to predict whether it will increase in value. It is not a good idea to buy a guitar solely as an investment piece unless it is already one collectors have shown interest in. Guitars are a risky investment because no one needs a high-priced vintage guitar, and if the economy tanks, their value can plummet.

If you are looking for a Fender guitar to invest in, limited-edition Artist signature models are a good option. These rare guitars are more likely to increase in value over time.

American Fenders are considered the highest-available models

American-made Fender guitars are considered the highest-available models, and that is why they are pretty expensive. The company's main manufacturing centre is based in California, where 300-400 workers follow strict guidelines to create one of the best instruments available on the market.

Fender guitars are made all around the world, including cheaper Squier models made in China and Indonesia, and mid-level guitars manufactured in Mexico. There are also Fender guitars made in Japan, primarily aimed at the Asian market. However, the American-made Fender guitars are on another level.

The higher price of American Fenders comes with exceptional attention to detail and amazing sound quality. They are used by professional musicians during tours and studio recordings. The company also offers interesting signature models, such as the Tom Morello Signature Stratocaster, the Jimmy Page Telecaster, and the Stevie Ray Vaughan Stratocaster, among others.

American Fenders are made with higher-quality materials and components. Fender saves the better woods for its American-made models and uses different construction practices and hardware. The American/Mexican Fender dichotomy is about built-in, intentional differences in quality and what the market will bear.

While it is challenging to predict if a modern American Fender will become a valuable investment piece in the future, it is safe to say that these guitars are currently the highest-available models in the Fender lineup.

The American Fender factory is based in California

The American Fender factory is based in Corona, California. The corporate headquarters of the company are in Scottsdale, Arizona, but their main manufacturing centre is in California. The factory employs between 300 and 400 workers who follow strict guidelines to create some of the best musical instruments available on the market.

The company was founded in Southern California and has established a worldwide influence that extends from the studio to the stage. Fender's reach transcends instruments and accessories, encompassing a range of innovative digital experiences that fuel musical expression and serve players at every stage.

The story of Fender begins over 70 years ago in a small Fullerton, California workshop. Leo Fender, a radio repairman by trade and inventor at heart, made the transition to musical instruments by default, tinkering with his friends' faulty amps. In 1943, he teamed up with local musician and inventor Doc Kaufmann and formed K&F Manufacturing Corp, producing a limited run of amplifiers and lap steel guitars. When the two parted ways a few years later, Fender continued working under his own name, developing the original Princeton, Deluxe, and Professional amps in 1946.

In 1951, Fender introduced the first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar, the Telecaster. The following year, he unveiled the Precision Bass, along with the first bass amp, the Bassman. These instruments laid the foundation for a revolution in popular music by inspiring the modern rock combo as we know it.

In 1954, following the success of the Telecaster, Fender introduced a guitar that would set the standard for generations to come: the Stratocaster. The sleek, Space Age-inspired model incorporated a host of innovations designed to make life easier for modern musicians. The Stratocaster remains the most popular and influential electric guitar ever made, and players across all genres continue to prize its sound, style, and versatility.

Today, the Fender factory in Corona, California, is a popular destination for guitar enthusiasts and musicians alike. Visitors can take a tour of the facility and see how these iconic American guitars are made. The factory also houses the renowned Fender Custom Shop, which crafts dream instruments for avid collectors and esteemed artists.

American Fenders are used by professional musicians during tours and studio recordings

American Fenders are considered the highest-available models and are used by professional musicians during tours and studio recordings. The company's main manufacturing centre is based in California, where 300-400 workers follow strict guidelines to create one of the best instruments available on the market.

Fender guitars are used by a wide roster of artists, from older icons like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan to today's legends like John Frusciante and J Mascis. The company also offers signature models, such as the Tom Morello Signature Stratocaster, the Jimmy Page Telecaster, and the Stevie Ray Vaughan Stratocaster.

American Fenders are known for their exceptional attention to detail and amazing sound quality. They are crafted with period-accurate pickups, era-specific neck profiles, and a lacquer finish that ages in a distinctively appealing way. The manufacturing process involves strict guidelines and high standards, resulting in guitars that are less likely to have any factory flaws.

While it is challenging to predict if a guitar will be a good investment, American Fenders are often recommended by professional musicians. They are known for their high-quality craftsmanship, sound, and playability, making them a popular choice for those seeking top-shelf instruments.

The American Ultra Series is more expensive than the American Professional II Series

The Ultra Series features Fender's 'Ultra Noiseless' pickups, which promise classic yet versatile tones without any hum. These pickups are split into two types: 'Vintage', which deliver authentic single-coil sounds, and 'Hot', which offer more output. In comparison, the American Professional II Series uses V-Mod II pickups, which have a warmer and crunchier sound with more mid-range emphasis.

The Ultra Series has a Modern "D"-Shaped Neck, which offers optimal support for contemporary players but may not appeal to traditionalists. In contrast, the American Professional II Series retains Fender's popular Deep "C" neck shape.

The Ultra Series also has a compound radius fingerboard, which is rounded at the lower end to make chords easier to play and flatter at the higher end to facilitate string bending. The American Professional II Series, on the other hand, has a 9.5" fretboard radius.

Overall, the Ultra Series is designed for modern musicians seeking top performance and versatility, while the American Professional II Series offers solid Fender quality with a 21st-century twist.

American Fenders are made with exceptional attention to detail and have amazing sound quality

American Fenders are renowned for their exceptional attention to detail and amazing sound quality. The higher price tag reflects the superior craftsmanship and materials used in their creation. With strict guidelines in place, the Fender factory in Corona, California, employs between 300-400 workers who meticulously craft these instruments, ensuring they meet the high standards expected of the Fender brand.

The American Fenders are considered the highest-available models, a step above the Squier models made in China and Indonesia, and the mid-level guitars manufactured in Mexico. The American-made Fenders boast better wood selection, construction practices, and hardware. The company reserves the best woods for its American-made models, utilising two-piece instead of three-piece bodies and incorporating rolled fingerboard edges for enhanced comfort.

The hardware on American Fenders is also of a higher calibre. They feature improved tuners, tremolos, and electronics, resulting in better sound quality and overall performance. The pickups, pots, switch, and jack are all of superior quality, ensuring a more reliable and consistent playing experience.

Professional musicians often choose American Fenders for their tours and studio recordings, recognising the exceptional quality and sound that these instruments deliver. From Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton to John Frusciante and J Mascis, Fender has a long roster of artists who endorse their gear.

While the higher price may be a deterrent for some, the American Fenders offer a level of quality and performance that justifies the investment. The attention to detail, from the construction to the components, ensures that these guitars not only sound amazing but also withstand the test of time.

For those seeking the ultimate in sound quality, playability, and craftsmanship, the American Fenders are an excellent choice. The combination of superior materials, meticulous construction, and strict quality control results in instruments that meet the demands of even the most discerning players. While no one can predict the future value of these guitars as investments, their current reputation and performance certainly make them a desirable option for musicians and collectors alike.

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