Leo Fender History

Dave McLaren gives us a little Leo Fender history.

[dustyallison]

Worked for Leo in 63-66 at the Acoustic plant and was the 3/4 guy hired after Phil Kubicki. Got 3 of my Colorado buddies jobs there also. Roger Rossmeisl was our boss and Leo was intrigued with how acoustics were built. I built the tops and backs, bracing, inlays etc. and delivered guitars to Santa Ana every week. Sometimes 10 to 15 boxed and tied down in the back end of our 1963 ford pickup. One particular week several flew off the back end and Roger was going to fire the old guy who strapped them down, but recanted. Roger would ask me to stop by the store to get a couple of bottles of gluten free booze and when I got back would tell me to come into his office and shut the door, which I did. He would pour himself a stiff one and tell me I couldn't have one because I was working. What a lot of fun we had until CBS installed the union. Phil and the Colorado guys became good friends and I sometimes wonder where I would be if I'd stayed. Of course, Roger and Phil built many famous guitars for Hendricks, Beattles, etc. while there. thanks

[charlesdyer]

Happy 114th Birthday, Leo. Thanks for everything.

[slapitman]

If America ever had a knighthood it should have been bestowed on Leo. He created what for many defines the American sound and was so 'instrumental' in bringing joy, legacy and craft around this small planet of ours.. God Bless you Leo, I have been a disciple making emulations of your inventions for 45 years and your genius is never lost on me.

[liveliferusty]

What a wonderful video. I own a Telecaster, it’s my number one. Leo started not just an iconic brand, but he also created something that so many people built their lives around, something that people could let their artistic ideas flow through their fingers and into these wonderful instruments.

[hilmarwensorra]

In loving memory of Mr. Clarence Leo Fender (1909 - 1991 R.I.P. // gone but NOT forgotten).

[mark-onthedl]

Just bought my first G&L today. Thank you! Love my new toy!

[tikitorturedmf]

As a Fullerton and a Fullerton native, I say thank you.
Thank you for respecting and carrying on the tradition of Leo and George.

[fenderrexfender]

I'm Leo's great great great grandson. Your doing awesome keeping up with the times!

[ourlifeinwyoming]

As proud as he was of all the fantastic inventions there (and they were and are great), I wonder what he'd say today about how much people revere the old original design of the Telecaster? It's amazing how the old design - the concept that kind of started all this - is still such a gold standard. Great video!

[emmarose]

I don’t play guitar. (Of course, neither did Leo.)
But who cares? Leo Fender was AWESOME!!! One of my personal heroes. ❤️

[underskillednunderpaid]

Dave you are a great guy, we are all proud of you. I can only imagine Mr. Leo would be too!

[dave]

Imagine the mojo in that chair and that bench

[MrSparks]

Thank you so much for this slice of history! I own 2 G&L basses, L2000 and Fallout. Love them.

[albertarthurparsnips]

“ Pulls the string !…”. Martin Landau would’ve loved to have heard that…

[spitfirekid]

Wonderful video! And you’re doing a great job furthering Leo’s legacy with your excellent products. I had the great pleasure of meeting Leo at the NAMM show in Chicago in 1980. What a down to earth and modest guy!

[jeffreybiscoe]

I could listen & or read about this stuff for hours. This video is awesome for a Fender guy that can not get enough of knowledge and stuff you are sharing. Hope I can get a green G & L version of the T style someday to sit with my other Fender guitars.

[robertcallaway]

What an awesome video! I appreciate all of the history, info, & ideas behind how my ASAT was born. It also makes me marvel at all of the craftsmanship that’s gone into it. These guys must be thinking “We never know who’ll be playing this guitar, so I better do my best”. Thanks for the video!

[BensMusicDojo]

My G&L ASAT Classic Alnico is my most played instrument. Great job keeping the legacy going. If I had the extra dough, i would be buying a custom dual humbucker ASAT with vintage white Nitrocellulose finish and Saddle Lock bridge.

[brunoraffo]

Really touching talk... A picture of the labour of love. I see the different guitars Leo made as kind of chapters of the same book, there's a continuity in the inventions and designs...

[mariscallucifer]

Tks from argentina! Great great great guitars and basses!!!! But REALLY GRATE MASTERPIESES! Gracias