CLF Research: Origins of the Espada

Dave McLaren takes us on a magical history tour from Leo Fender's pioneering work in the late 1960's to the launch of the new Espada.

[ocdigger]

This brings back memories. I worked for Leo between (about) 1979 thru 1981. I started off making Music Man stuff, then helped with the transition to G&L. I remember making all the prototypes for the F100's (and all the drama, haha.) Leo's work ethic was second to none. His white Cadillac was always parked there, seemed like, seven days a week. I had two active F100's and regret ever selling them. Thanks for posting !

[gs]

Magnificent stuff
Thanks for taking the time to make this video

[chriswest]

And the Legend was a genius! Fantastic guitars...no matter the model! Thanks for the continued effort!

[peaelare]

This is amazing. Thank you for this. Leo was a visionary of the highest order and you're doing a fine job carrying the banner of his legacy.

[martinsazon]

You guys did a terrific job in updating Leo Fender's innovative prototype design from the 1960's. The Espada is my favorite G&L model. It would be nice if it also came with a Dual Fulcrum Vibrato, a Front Arm Contour, and 22 frets just like the Comanche model. God bless!

[elikipreos]

Leo saved the best for last!!!
Thank U for recognizing the importance of making this guitar

[jtsam]

Love the history you shed on the origins of these beauties. I would love to see other early models discussed. I have an 1987 Skyhawk that is a fantastic instrument. Leo got it right! Keep the videos coming please.

[erestube]

After playing mine for a while, I would say the main reason it's called the Espada (Sword) is because it can cut through anything. Considering the late 60s "heavy sounds", Leo had to have been thinking about that. It is a beautiful guitar, and there are so many sounds in it. Of course, the Tele sound is there, but it doesn't have the percussive bite of my G&L Broadcaster with its ebony fingerboard. It can do the nuance of a Strat without the quack, and it will get you into Rickenbacker territory. With the bridge/neck pickups, serial/parallel switches, pre-amp on or off, and bass and treble controls, it's got to be about 10 guitars in one. I bought it as my last guitar purchase, and with all there is to discover in it, I can think of no reason I would ever get rid of it.

[josvanschagen]

Very well done! Look forward to future episodes.

[guitarsofold]

Burns guitars had that split coil arrangement in the mid sixties!

[emptypromises]

Dang, I want an Espada. It'd be cool in a lake placid blue sorta color with an ebony board and the block inlays. Mmm drool...

[RagDas]

What's the neck used on the prototype Espada? I don't recognize the headstock, and it looks like it has binding on it? It almost looks like the headstock on those older Fender acoustics like the Malibu.

[beatleleebailey]

Where is the Demo of that baby? Pluger in!

[iamarocketship]

And someone was playing "Postizo" in the background around 14:00. Was Marc Ribot in the building?

[robertmoulton]

So you eliminated the phase switch and the more complicated bridge / saddle?

[ciscco]

Dave thank you very much for your story! Please keep making these videos! Very interesting! Btw, so it looks like 2Tek stolen Leo's idea...

[nobodys.shapeshifter]

Will it work with no battery in it? I get that it will be weak in parallel, I just don’t want to rely on a battery.

[DavidRavenMoon]

AA batteries produce more current, and would last much longer than a 9v battery.

[garywium]

Straight talk is best. Lose the background noodling. It's annoying.