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Fender: 60th/Diamond Anniversary: Fender/Music History...

1945 - A new company- Kauffman & Fender begins producing electric lap-steel guitars and amplifiers.

1946 - Kauffman departs K&F and the Fender Electric Instrument Company is born. "I didn't see much of a future for electric guitars.. I guess I was wrong"- Doc Kauffman Fender introduces the Dual-Professional amplifier- the first tweed covered Fender. Also: Deluxe model 26 amp, Dual Professional, Princeton amp.

1947 - Bell Labs develops the transistor to replace vacuum tubes (see 1954 & 1966). Super Amp.

1948 - Fender introduces the Pro Amp.

1949 - The first prototype of the Fender Esquire, Broadcaster and Telecaster is completed.

1950 - Fender introduces the single pickup Esquire guitar.

1951 - Fender introduces the dual pickup Broadcaster guitar- re-named Telecaster that same year. Fender invents the world's first electric bass guitar- the Precision Bass. Also introduced: the Bassman amp.

1952 - The Bandmaster Amp and Twin Amp make their debut.

1953 - Fender's Champ amplifier makes its debut. (3 watts, 1 x 6" speaker). This name was to last for several decades.

1954 - Fender introduces the most famous guitar in the world - the Stratocaster. Also making its debut: the Volume Pedal.

1955 - The introduction of the mother of all amplifiers- the 4x10 Bassman (see 1990) and Tremolux. First Fender picks produced.

1956 - The first student model guitars - the Musicmaster and Duo-Sonic - are launched. Also new for '56: Harvard Amp, Vibrolux Amp, Solidbody mandolins. Hits this year include Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps with Be-Bop-A-Lula (Featuring Johnny Meeks on Stratocaster guitar, Otis Rush's I Can't Quit You Baby, Carl Perkins' Blue Suede Shoes.

1957 - Buddy Holly appears on the Ed Sullivan Show with his Stratocaster. Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps album is released with Gene's guitarist Johnny Meeks on Stratocaster guitar.

1958 - Fender introduces the Jazzmaster guitar with patented offset waist design. Other newbies include the Electric violin and the weirder-than-weird Eccofonic unit. Buddy Holly tours the U.K with his Stratocaster, inspiring a new generation of players. His hit single Peggy Sue hits the UK charts. Albert Collins releases The Freeze.

1959 - The Vibrasonic Amp and Custom Telecaster are revealed. Buddy Holly dies in a plane crash. Hank Marvin of The Shadows takes possession of a fiesta red Stratocaster - possibly the first in the U.K.

1960 - Fender introduces the Jazz Bass and the Concert amp.

959 - The Vibrasonic Amp and Custom Telecaster are revealed.
Buddy Holly dies in a plane crash. Hank Marvin of The Shadows takes possession of a fiesta red Stratocaster - possibly the first in the U.K.

1960 - Fender introduces the Jazz Bass and the Concert amp. The Ventures hit the U.K charts with Walk Don't Run.

1961 - New products for '61: Showman and Dual Showman Amps, Fender VI guitar, Fender Reverb Unit, TR-105 Wireless unit. Dick Dale records Misirilou. Muddy Waters releases his classic album The Real Folk Blues.

1962 - Fender introduces the ultra-sophisticated Jaguar guitar as well as the White Tolex Twin amp and Double Showman amp. Howlin' Wolf's self titled album makes waves.

1963 - The Twin Reverb Amp is unveiled. '63 also marks the first year of Fender acoustic guitars with the Concert acoustic and Folk acoustic. Other new kids on the block include the Deluxe Reverb amp, Fender-Rhodes electric pianos and Electronic Echo Chamber. John Paul Jones buys his Jazz Bass, which he subsequently uses for Led Zeppelin's first eight albums. A young Rory Gallagher buys his first and only Stratocaster, which will propel him to fame and success in later years. Strat legend and Fender Signature Artist Yngwie Malmsteen is born Lars Johann Malmsteen in Stockholm, Sweden. Strat hits of the year include Dick Dale's album King Of The Surf Guitar and the Beach Boys' debut single Surfin' U.S.A.

1964 - Bridging the gap between "Student" and "Professional" models, Fender introduces the Mustang guitar. Also new to the stores: Super Reverb Amp, Viboverb Amp, King and Concert steel string acoustic guitars. Carol Kaye played P-Bass on the Righteous Brothers' You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'

1965 - CBS buys Fender for $13 million. New products include the following: Pro Reverb, Bass V, Electric XII, Kingman acoustic, Malibu acoustic, Newporter acoustic, Shenandoa XII and Villager XII 12-string acoustics. Neckplates begin to be stamped with a big backward "F" for Fender. George Harrison and John Lennon play their Stratocaster guitars on The Beatles hit Nowhere Man from the album Rubber Soul. Curtis Mayfield does his thang on a Strat on People Get Ready from the Impressions' album Definitive Impressions. Bob Dylan plays his Fender Strat at the Newport Folk Festival. Folk purists are outraged. Dave Davies of The Kinks plays a Broadcaster guitar on the band's smash hit You Really Got Me.

1966 - The first Fender Solid-State (transistor) amplifiers are introduced. The large headstock appears on Stratocaster guitars for the first time. Other innovations include: Coronado guitars, Mustang Bass, Antigua finishes, Wildwood acoustics, Solid-State Reverberation Unit and the Echo Reverb disc delay. Jimi Hendrix arrives in the U.K. Jimi Hendrix Experience release their debut single Hey Joe. Jamie Jamerson plays Jazz Bass on Reach Out...I'll Be There. Ike Turner plays a Strat guitar on River Deep, Mountain High.

1967 - New products for '67: Bronco guitar, Solid State Deluxe Reverb, Solid State Pro Reverb, Solid State Super Reverb, Solid State, Vibrolux Reverb and the rather spaced-out Soundette Echo Device. Jimi Hendrix plays (and burns) his Stratocaster guitar at his American debut at the Monterey Pop Festival. George Harrison first plays his hand-painted psychedelic Strat guitar live on T.V for the Beatles' All You Need Is Love broadcast.

1968 - Fender introduces the semi-hollow Thinline Telecaster, Bronco amplifier, Pink Paisley and Blue Flower Telecaster guitars, Montego and LTD hollowbody archtop guitars, Palomino acoustic, Orchestration Plus brasswind effects unit (!), Dimension IV sound expander, Fuzz Wah pedal, Fender Blender distortion pedal and Bandmaster Reverb. Also, the black Fender logo introduced to instruments. Jimmy Page plays a Telecaster guitar on Led Zeppelin's eponymous debut album. Status Quo break into the U.K charts with Pictures Of Matchstick Men and Ice In The Sun. The band's guitarists Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt play their Teles on these and all subsequent tracks throughout their long career.

1969 - Among the crop of new stuff at the close of the 60s: Fender Custom, Maverick, Swinger, F Series acoustics, Redondo acoustic, Bantam Bass Amp, Super Showman amp, Multi Echo effects box and Super Bassman II. Jimi Hendrix performs The Star Spangled Banner and closes the Woodstock festival. George Harrison plays a rosewood-bodied Telecaster for the Beatles' farewell performance on the roof of the Apple building in London's Saville Row. Bruce Springsteen buys his now-famous Fender Esquire guitar.

1970 - Groovy consumables for this year include: Bantam Bass amp, Capricorn amp, Libra Amp, Taurus amp, 400 PS bass amp, Musicmaster Bass Amp, Quad Reverb Amp, Scorpio Amp, Super Bassman amp, Super Showman, Musicmaster bass and the First fretless Fender basses. Whilst browsing in a Nashville music store, Eric Clapton buys his most beloved instrument - a black Strat called "Blackie." Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist, John Frusciante is born. Strat legend Jimi Hendrix dies, aged 27. Eric Clapton plays a Strat guitar on Derek and the Dominoes' album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. Deep Purple's masterpiece album, Deep Purple In Rock, stays in the U.K charts for the whole of

1970 and features Ritchie Blackmore's dynamic Strat playing on such hits as Black Night, Strange Kind Of Woman and Child in Time.

1971 - Three-screw neckplates added to Fender instruments. Keith Richards' Tele work can be heard on the Rolling Stones' famous album Sticky Fingers. Curtis Mayfield plays a Strat on Move On Up. Rory Gallagher plays a Strat guitar on his self-titled debut album. Larry Graham's Fender Jazz bass can be heard on Sly and the family Stone's classic album There's a Riot Goin' On. Strat tones can be heard on Steve Winwood's Traffic album, The Low Spark Of High-Heeled Boys and on the Funkadelic album, Maggot Brain. This time, the Strat licks are supplied by Eddie Hazel.

1972 - New for '72: Bassman 10, Super Six Reverb amp, Bassman 100 amp. Deep Purple release Smoke On The Water, which features one the most-played riffs in guitar history. Also: Henry The Human Fly by Richard Thompson.

1973 - The Telecaster Deluxe is introduced. Pink Floyd release their best-selling album, The Dark Side of the Moon. The Isley Brothers' album 3+3 features Ernie Isley's Strat playing.

1974 - Pickups change from staggered to flush pole pieces. Hardtail (no vibrato) Stratocaster guitars are introduced as well as left handed models. Strat-playing Robin Trower breaks America with his Bridge of Sighs album.

1975 - New in '75: 300 PS speaker enclosure and Fender Phaser pedal. Tele and Esquire player Bruce Springsteen releases his landmark album Born To Run. Roxy Music, while Strat-player Phil Manzanera has a worldwide hit with Love Is The Drug.

1976 - This is the year of the Super Twin Amp and Starcaster guitar. Robbie Robertson plays his

1958 Strat guitar for The Band's farewell performance. Rush release 2112, with Geddy Lee on Jazz Bass and lead vocals. For Jeff Beck's album Wired, he starts using Stratocaster guitars again and still uses them to this day. Other Strat albums of the year include the historic Eagles album, Hotel California and Fly Like An Eagle by the Steve Miller Band.

1977 - Five-position selector switches are added to Stratocaster guitars. The Antigua finish is revived. Schaller tuners begin to appear on Fender instruments. Also: Bassman 70 and Studio Bass Amp. Status Quo release their anthem: Rockin All Over The World. Elvis Costello clutches his Fender Jaguar on the cover of his

1977 debut album, My Aim Is True. Talking Heads' Psycho Killer is released, featuring David Byrne on a Duo-Sonic guitar and Tina Weymouth on Fender Mustang Bass. Nile Rogers' Strat playing on Chic's self-titled debut album makes an impression. The Stranglers second album No More Heroes features the Tele sounds of Hugh Cornwell and the fat tones of Jean-Jacques Burnel's P-Bass. Junior Marvin played guitar on Bob Marley album Exodus.

1978 - Thin Lizzy release their Live and Dangerous album, featuring Phil Lynott on P-Bass. The Police have a hit with Roxanne. Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits release Sultans of Swing (Mark's fiesta red

1961 Stratocaster can be heard on several tracks). Chris Rea's debut album Whatever Happened To Benny Santini? earns a gold disc in the States and the single, Fool If You Think It's Over, is nominated for a Grammy award.

1979 - New this year: Bassman 135 amp, Lead I and Lead II guitars. The Police release Walking on the Moon. The Clash's London Calling makes its debut. Ry Cooder plays a Stratocaster guitar on his album Bop `til You Drop.

1980 - New catalogue items include Fender 30, 75 and 140 tube amps, plus the B-300 head. Chrissie Hynde bursts onto the scene with her Telecaster guitar, charting with the Pretenders' eponymous debut album. This collection includes the hit single, Brass In Pocket. Strat and P-Bass-loving metal gods Iron Maiden announce their arrival with their self-titled debut album.

1981 - The four-bolt neckplate returns on all models and there is a change back to the small headstock on Strat guitars. The Micro-Tilt neck adjustment is discontinued. The Stratocaster "Standard" is introduced as Fender's core model. This features a narrow headstock shape and four screw neck/body fixing. The twin-humbuckered Lead III is added to the Lead Series. The short-lived Fender Bullet is introduced. This features a Telecaster headstock and a Stratocaster guitar body, with two pickups. Other new stuff for '81: The Walnut Strat featuring a one-piece walnut neck and the Bass Compact amplifier. Bright Custom colours become available for a limited period. These include Capri Orange, Monaco Yellow, Morocco Red and Sahara Taupe. Sting buys his early-50s P-Bass, which he still uses to this day. The Rolling Stones released Tattoo You. The Specials close the curtain on Britain's Two-Tone boom with their biggest-selling single Ghost Town. (Lynval Golding plays Telecaster).

1982 - Fender launches Squier, the company's first line of imported guitars. Super Champ Amplifier. Yale Reverb amp. Fender Bullet guitar. Vintage reissue models launched: '57 Stratocaster, '57 Precision Bass '62 Strat, '62 Precision Bass, '52 Telecaster. Standard Series Acoustics. RGP-1 and RPW-1 power amps. Deluxe Reverb II. Bassman 20 amp. The original nutty boys Madness continued their assault on the U.K singles charts with titles such as Cardiac Arrest, House Of Fun and Our House. Guitarist Chrissy Boy played Strat and Tele guitars on some of the band's finest moments. Iron Maiden's sophomore album The Number Of The Beast turns then into a stadium-filling phenomenon. Miles Davis hires Strat player Mike Stern for his album We Want Miles.

1983 - New products for this year: London Reverb Amp, Montreux Amp, Stage Lead Amp, Elite Series guitars, California Series acoustics, Twin Reverb II. Stevie Ray Vaughan's dazzling Strat skills are debuted in the U.K on the David Bowie single Let's Dance. The Cure release Love Cats, with Will Sargeant on Jazzmaster guitar. Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck play the ARMS Benefit Concert on 20th September, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, followed by 9 dates in USA.

1984 - CBS announces its intention to dismantle its Musical Instrument Division and puts the Fender company up for sale. This is also the year of the Master Series guitars and the Gemini Series acoustics. Bruce Springsteen's Born In The USA and U2's Unforgettable Fire (featuring tracks with the edge on Stratocaster) are two of the best-selling albums of the decade. Steve Vai plays a couple of modified Stratocaster guitars on his album, Flex-Able. (Clean tones can be heard on the track Call It Sleep).

1985 - Fender management purchases the company from CBS in a buyout, putting Fender back in the hands of a small group of musically dedicated professionals, headed by Bill Schultz. U.S. production is (temporarily) suspended. The newly restructured Fender company opens its first factory in Corona CA. and resumes production of U.S. Fender guitars. Fender acquires Sunn Electronics. The historic Live Aid Concert opens at London's Wembley Stadium. Fender highlights include The Edge playing a Stratocaster guitar, Dire Straits and Sting (Sting on a customised black Strat and Knopfler on a red Strat), Elvis Costello playing a red Jazzmaster guitar, Queen playing Tele guitars (Freddy: white, Brian: black), Eric Clapton on Stratocaster, and Status Quo on Tele guitars. Meanwhile, Liverpool's likely lads Echo and the Bunnymen weighed in with their most influential album, Songs To Learn And Sing. (Will Sergeant plays a Telecaster guitar for this collection). Also: Dream Of The Blue Turtles (Sting) and Showdown (Robert Cray).

1986 - U.S. production of Fender amplifiers resumes at the Fender/Sunn factory in Lake Oswego, Oregon. The flagship American Standard Series is announced. The '57 and '62 Vintage Reissue Stratocaster guitars are introduced. The first one made is a '57 Strat in Fiesta red, with a serial number of V000001. This is presented to Fender boss Bill Schulz. The second, also a '57 reissue in Fiesta red, has a serial number of V000002, and is presented to Shadows guitarist Hank Marvin at a special banquet in London on February 12th. Also new this year is the Vintage Plus Stratocaster and amplifiers with red knobs. Dire Straits' Brothers in Arms is the first CD to sell a million copies worldwide. Fender signature artist Yngwie Malmsteen releases his Trilogy album. Elvis Costello and the Confederates issue the fabulous King of America album. (Including Tele master, James Burton). Thin Lizzy singer and P-Bass player Phil Lynott dies.

1987 - Fender introduces the American Standard Stratocaster in January at the winter NAMM show. The Fender Custom Shop is established by John Page and John Stevens in Corona, California. Fender begins manufacturing low-cost guitars in its new facility in Ensenada, Mexico. New products include the valve-powered Twin amp, BXR 300, Strat Plus and Dual Showman amp. This was the year that The Smiths were at their peak, with three albums on release: The World Won't Listen, Louder Than Bombs and Strangeways, Here We Come. Andy Rourke was ever-present his

1964 Precision Bass. Malmsteen racked up another hit album with Odyssey. Guns 'n' Roses release their monster album Appetite For Destruction, featuring Duff McKagan on P-Bass. U2 stage an impromptu live performance at the Justin Herman Plaza in San Francisco on November 11. The event, which includes guitarist The Edge on Fender Stratocaster is filmed for the celebrated documentary Rattle And Hum. Pink Floyd (without Roger Waters) make a comeback with A Momentary Lapse Of Reason.

1988 - Fender introduces the first Signature model, the Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster. Other new catalogue items in Sidekick bass amp, Yngwie Malmsteen Strat, Deluxe 85, Princeton Chorus and Super 60 amp. Fender Japan introduces a number of Stratocaster guitars including the Strat XII (a 12-string model), '68 Stratocaster, HM Power Strat, Paisley Strat and the Blue Flower Strat. The Blue Flower finish had only previously been available on Telecaster guitars. Dinosaur Jr. had a big hit with the album Bug. The group's guitarist, J. Mascis played a

1963 Fender Jazzmaster on several tracks, including the fantastic Freak Scene. Thurston Moore played a Jazzmaster on Sonic Youth's breakthrough double album Daydream Nation. Other albums: Nothing Like The Sun (Sting) and the Frank Zappa album, Guitar! (Featuring Zappa on Strat guitar).

1989 - This year saw the launch of the M-80 Amp and the Mini Amp. Chris Rea reaches the top of the charts with the biggest selling album, The Road To Hell, while Bonnie Raitt's album Nick of Time scales the charts.

1990 - Fender reissues the classic 4x10 Bassman amplifier. Also new for the new decade: H.O.T Amp, R.A.D Amp, '63 Vibroverb re-issue, Super 210 and Super 112 amps. This year also saw the first 5-string Fender basses go into production. Andrew Belew (formerly of Frank Zappa's band, David Bowie, Talking Heads and King Crimson) plays a Stratocaster on his album Young Lions. (Clean tones can be heard on the tracks Heartbeat and Phone Call From The Moon). Another great Strat album from this year is Eric Johnson's Ah Via Musicom.

1991 - The company's founder, Leo Fender dies. This year sees the introduction of the Standard Series and the debut of the following: M-80 Bass Amp, Power Chorus Amp, X-15 amp, Prodigy II guitar, Japanese HM Strat. Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit is released and spawns a new musical genre. The band's album, Nevermind changes music forever. The Red Hot Chili Peppers' Blood Sugar Sex Magik is issued. John Frusciante played various Fender guitars. Also out this year: Richie Sambora's solo album Stranger In This Town (Eric Clapton guests on the track Mr Bluesman), Buddy Guy's album Damn Right I've Got The Blues and Pearl Jam's landmark album Ten, with Mike McCready on Strat duties. Eric Clapton releases his star-studded live album, 24 Nights, which includes Strat players Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan and Robert Cray.

1992 - New for '92: '65 Twin Reverb Re-issue, SX and CX Series acoustics. Rage Against The Machine releasetheir eponymous debut album (With Tim Commerford on Jazz Bass). REM release the multi-million-selling Automatic For The People, featuring Mike Mills on P-Bass. Nirvana, play their legendary "wheelchair" gig at the Reading Festival, U.K on August 30th.

1993 - Custom Shop Amplifiers - Tone-Master, Vibro-King. Blues Deville, Blues Deluxe - are introduced also new for this year: Bullet Amplifier, BXR 100, '65 Deluxe Reverb re-issue, Performer

1000 amp, Richie Sambora Signature Stratocaster, Special Edition

1993 Stratocaster, Harley-Davidson Stratocaster, Playboy Strat Nirvana release their follow-up album, In Utero. Richard Thompson's Strat tones can be heard on his album, Watching The Dark.

1994 - The Stratocaster turns 40 years old. This is celebrated with the release of the 40th Anniversary Stratocaster. Also launched this year: BXR 15 and BXR 60 amps, Pro Junior, Spring Hill Series acoustics, AG Series acoustics, Dick Dale Strat, Mexican-made Strat Special and the Aluminium Strat. Jeff Buckley's Grace is released to much acclaim. The album contains much deft guitar work, courtesy of his white Telecaster. Other releases include: Pearl Jam's Vitalogy (With Mike McCready, Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament all playing Fender gear, Blur's Britpop breakthrough Parklife (With Graham Coxon on Telecaster guitar), and Pink Floyd's The Division Bell. Dave Navarro plays a Custom Shop sunburst Strat at Woodstock '94 with his band The Red Hot Chili Peppers. After the performance, in which all of the band are dressed as Jimi Hendrix, a white Stratocaster is thrown into the crowd.

1995 - Fender acquires the Guild Guitar Co. After taking an order from Keith Richards for a "beaten up" Telecaster, the Custom Shop begins making Relic instruments. The public are given their first taste of the popular DG Series acoustics. Bonnie Raitt becomes the first woman with a Fender signature guitar - the Bonnie Raitt Signature Stratocaster. Other models include: Buddy Guy Signature Stratocaster, Carved Top Strat, '54 Strat FMT, '60 Strat FMT, Japanese Floyd Rose Standard Stratocaster, Japanese Foto Flame Strat, Custom Shop Aloha Strat, Custom Shop Black Beauty Stratocaster Radiohead go global with their landmark album, The Bends. Rancid release And Out Come the Wolves. Elastica make an impact in the U.K with their self-titled debut album (featuring frontwoman Justin Frischmann on Tele guitar). Irish Strat legend Rory Gallagher dies on June 14, aged 47.

1996 - Fender moves U.S. amplifier production from Lake Oswego, OR. to Corona, CA. and purchases Guild Guitar Division. The company celebrates its 50th anniversary with special commemorative guitar and amps. Also released this year: Jag-Stang, Fat Strat Tex-Mex Strat, Hot Rod Amps, Relic 60's Guitars, SPA Power Amplifiers, Roc Pro Amps, Custom Classics, Lone Star Stratocaster,Traditional Strat,Traditional Fat Strat, Richie Sambora Black Paisley Stratocaster (Japan) and The Ventures Strat (Japan) Album releases this year: Jagged Little Pill (Featuring Alannis Morrisette on Strat guitar), Everything Must Go by the Manic Street Preachers (With Nicky Wire on Jazz Bass) and Eric Clapton's 4-disc masterwork, Crossroads II.

1997 - New for '97: The Big Apple Strat, Hank Marvin Stratocaster, Super Strat, Powerhouse Stratocaster, Jerry Donahue Hellecasters Stratocaster (Japan), Collectors' Edition Stratocaster (limited to a run of 1,997), Custom Shop Monterey Strat (limited to a run of 210), Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster, Automatic SE & GT Amps, Fender Rock-ola Jukebox , New California Clears Picks, California Series Guitars, Fender SRM Series Powered Mixers, Passport Portable P.A. system, Amp Can, Jimmie Vaughan Signature Tex-Mex Stratocaster, '69 Stratocaster, Tex-Mex Strat, Tele Specials and Frontman Series Amps. Also, the DeltaTone System is added to Standard Strat guitars. Tele whiz-kid Jeff Buckley dies of drowning. Radiohead release OK Computer. Texas have a crossover hit with White On Blonde.(Lead singer Sharleen Spiteri plays her Telecaster guitar on the album). John Fogerty makes a welcome comeback with his excellent Strat-filled album, Blue Moon Swamp.

1998 - Fender's new 177,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art guitar and amplifier factory goes online in Corona, CA. The Relic line is re-organised. Relic Stratocaster guitars now available in Relic, Closet Classic and N.O.S (New Old Stock). Fender SFX (Stereo Field Expansion) Amplifier Technology is announced. The SUNN line of amplifiers is unveiled at the Winter NAMM Show in Los Angeles. Fender announce Groove Tubes Announce Joint Agreement. The four Fender Roadhouse exhibition trailers hit the road (one in the U.K/Europe and three in the U.S). Other new additions to the Fender range include: Showmaster Stratocaster, American Deluxe Series instruments equipped with Fender Vintage-Noiseless Pickups, Standard Jazz Bass V, Hot Rodded American Series, Toronado, Cyclone, '69 Telecaster Thinline, American Vintage Series, Passport 150, John Jorgenson Signature Custom Tele, Limited Edition Donald "Duck" Dunn Precision Bass, Limited Edition Matthias Jabs Stratocaster, Will Ray Signature Mojo Tele, Standard Roland Ready Strat,

1998 Collectors Edition Telecaster, Deluxe Series Models, American Special Models, Marcus Miller Jazz Bass, Geddy Lee Jazz Bass, Buck Owens Telecaster. Strat player Tom Delonge and Blink 182 release their excellent album, Cheshire Cat. Meanwhile, one of the biggest-selling albums of the decade - The Miseducation of Lauren Hill - features reggae legend Chinna Smith (formerly with Bob Marley) on Fender Stratocaster.

1999 - The Fender factory in Ensenada produces its first Classic Series Stratocaster guitars. These are divided into 50's 60's and 70's models. Other new stuff includes: Dyna-Touch Amp Series amps, Classic Tele guitars, Princeton Chorus DSP and Acoustasonic Pro Amps, New Stu Hamm "Urge" Bass II, Power Tele, New American Vintage Instruments, Deluxe Fat Strat, Hot Rodded P-Bass, Jaco Pastorius Jazz Bass, LTB Mixer and Speakers, Classic Series instruments. Fender introduces the DeArmond line of guitars and basses. Eric Clapton sells his Sunburst Strat guitar "Brownie" at auction for $497,500.00. Blink 182's Enema Of The State propels them to stardom in the U.K. Among the standout tracks are All The Small Things, What's My Age Again? and Adam's Song. Travis's breakthrough comes with The Man Who, featuring Fran Healy on Tele guitar. Stereophonics (with Richard Jones on P-Bass) release Performance and Cocktails. Feeder have great success with their album Yesterday Went Too Soon (Featuring Grant Nicholas on his

1967 Jazzmaster guitar). Strat player John Frusciante makes a spectacular comeback on the Red Hot Chili Peppers album, Californication.

2000 - New for the Millennium: American Series Guitars & Basses replace the American Standard Series, '65 Super Reverb reissue amplifier, Sub-Sonic guitar Stratocoustic and Telecoustic Guitars, new Folk and Bluegrass instruments, Acoustasonic 30 amp, FV-3 Violin, Bassman amp, Muddy Waters Tribute Telecaster. Coldplay begin their ascent with their album Parachutes. The band's Jonny Buckland and Chris Martin play a variety of Fender guitars. Also: The Deftones chart with White Pony (featuring Chi Cheng on P-Bass). Doves release their classic album Lost Souls. Strat player Geno Lenardo and his band Filter release their album Take A Picture.

2001 - Fender USA moves its corporate headquarters to a new location in Scottsdale, Arizona. New products for '01 include: Cyber-Twin Guitar Amp, XP Series Loudspeakers, 50th Anniversary American Series Precision Bass Sting and Steve Harris Signature PBass guitars, Zone Bass models, Pro Series Amps, GN-45 SCE and GC-42 S Acoustic guitars, Exotic Wood Jazz Bass models, updated Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck Stratocaster guitars, Custom Shop 50th Anniversary P-Bass, Tom Delonge Signature Stratocaster guitar, Grand Auditorium acoustic guitars and the '65 Super Reverb re-issue amplifier. Fender players The Strokes invade the U.K with their album Is This It? Several of the band's guitars and amplifiers are Fender. Ryan Adams comes to the fore with his Gold album, featuring the multi-talented musician on a number of Fender instruments. Tele tones can be heard on Elbow's debut long-player, Asleep In The Back. Jack White's Twin Reverb tones can be heard on the White Stripes' classic album, White Blood Cells. Buddy Guy makes a comeback with his highly acclaimed album Sweet Tea. Turin Brakes release The Optimist LP.

2002 - Jackson/Charvel Manufacturing Inc. is created under the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation as Fender acquires the Jackson/Charvel brand names. New for this year: Cyber-Deluxe amp, Cyber-Twin Head American Special Toronado Competition Mustang, Mark Hoppus Signature Bass, Dyna-Touch Plus DSP Amps,Mustang Bass reissue, Buddy Guy Polka Dot Stratocaster, newlook Cyclone guitar, Passport Deluxe 150 and 250 Portable Sound Systems, Reggie Hamilton Signature Jazz Bass and Jazz Bass V. Tele legend and Clash frontman Joe Strummer dies. Coldplay release their follow-up album A Rush of Blood to the Head. Australian rock band The Vines cause a sensation with their debut album Highly Evolved. The band's Craig Nicholls smashes over 150 Stratocaster guitars during the year! Cooper Temple Clause release See This Through And Leave. The album is awash with Tele guitars!

2003 - Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is granted the rights to develop, produce, market and distribute Gretsch products, worldwide. This is a busy year for new Fender products: Figured Wood and Metallic Showmaster Models, DSP Effects added to Acoustasonic Amps, American Deluxe Series Guitars feature new pickup design, Global Design Series Acoustics, PRO Series Bass Head and Cabinets, 800 Pro Bass Head, American Series P-Bass with S-1 Switch, Highway 1 Texas Tele, American Series Ash Telecaster, Cyclone HH, Jimmy Bryant Signature Telecaster, Custom Shop Flat Head Showmaster guitar, American Series Jazz Bass with S-1 Switch, Rumble Series Bass Combos, FM65R Guitar Combo, FR-50 CE Resonator Guitar and FR-51 Resonator Bass, Splatter Stratocaster, Acoustasonic SFX II Acoustic Combo, Jag-Stang Reissue, GJ-46 SCE, GC-42 SCE, and Big Tex Acoustic Guitars, American Series Stratocaster HSS with S-1 Switch, American Series Stratocaster HH with S-1 Switch, Mark Knopfler Stratocaster, Cyber-Champ Combo, Custom Shop J5 Telecaster, 400 PRO Bass Combo, Robert Cray Stratocaster, Highway 1 Showmaster HSS, Standard Series Stratocaster Satin Finish, Custom Shop '55 Precision Bass, Pink Paisley and Blue Flower Reissue Stratocaster guitars and basses, Custom Shop Seymour Duncan Esquire, Artist Series Marcus Miller Jazz Bass V, American Series Tele HS, Highway 1 Stratocaster LH (Left-Handed), Highway 1 Stratocaster HSS, '51 Precision Bass, Custom Shop '59 Esquire, Esquire Custom Scorpion, Esquire Custom GT, Custom Shop

1960 Custom Telecaster, Showmaster Celtic H, Custom Shop '65 Stratocaster, Highway 1 Precision Bass, Highway 1 Toronado, Aerodyne Jazz Bass I, Strat-o-Sonic Black Dove II, Strat-o-Sonic Black Dove I, Esquire Custom Celtic Guitar, Acoustasonic Stratocaster and '64 Vibroverb Custom Amplifier�PHEW! Biffy Clyro make a lasting impression with The Vertigo Of Bliss. Strat and P-Bass guitars are used extensively in the recording. Oceansize release the majestic Effloresce. The Strokes bounce back with their highly-acclaimed album Room On Fire. Once more Albert Hammond Jr. does the business on his Stratocaster! Jeff Beck scores a hit with his self-titled album, Jeff. Bluesy Strat tones are the order of the day on Sonny Landreth's hit album, The Road We're On. Hell Is For Heroes assault the charts with The Neon Handshake.

2004 - Fender Musical Instruments Corporation celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Stratocaster: 1954-2004. A number of celebrations take place, culminating in a concert at London's Wembley Arena. The line-up includes artists such as David Gilmour, Gary Moore, Hank Marvin, Ronnie Wood and Joe Walsh. FMIC introduces the Fender Bass Amplification Division dedicated to the development, design and marketing of modern cutting edge bass amplification. SWR is purchased by FMIC. Production moves to the Corona, CA facilities. Fender Acquires Tacoma Guitar Company Assets. Among the new crop of goodies is the following: 50th Anniversary Custom Shop, American Deluxe Series, and American Series Stratocaster guitars, FBZ-66 Bouzouki, FMO-66 Octave Mandolin, SR

6300 and SR

8500 Powered Mixers, Passport P-80 Portable PA System, Steel-King Pedal Steel Guitar Combo, Dyna-Touch III Series Amps, John 5 Telecaster, TBP-1 Tube Bass Preamp, 50th Anniversary Golden Stratocaster, Custom Shop Limited Edition SRV Tribute Stratocaster. Eric Clapton sells his most treasure Strat guitar - "Blackie" for $959,500. Album releases include: A Crow Left Of The Murder (Incubus, featuring Mike Einziger on Jazzmaster guitar), Shatterproof Is Not A Challenge (by Hundred Reasons), Who Killed The Zutons (by The Zutons), The Final Straw (Snow Patrol) and Let's Bottle Bohemia (The Thrills).

2005 - A signed Fender Stratocaster Becomes World's Most Expensive Guitar, Fetching �1,628,632.17! The guitar, signed by a host of top musicians was sold to Sheihka Miyyassah Al Thani of the Qatari royal family. Fender's top-man Bill Schultz retires. Bill Mendello becomes chief executive officer. Tacoma guitars and brands become the newest additions to the FMIC family. New for '05: Jazz King Amplifier, FM 15DSP and FM 25DSP Guitar Amps, Classic Series 50s Precision Bass, Big Block Series Strat, Tele, and P-Bass instruments, MB-

1200 Bass Power Amp, Jazz Bass 24, Reggie Hamilton Standard Jazz Bass, DG-22 SCE Exotic Hardwood Acoustics, Fender Blender Custom Reissue Pedal, John Mayer Signature Stratocaster, Eric Johnson Signature Stratocaster, Fender Footwear, Speed-e-tuner, G-DEC (Guitar Digital Entertainment Centre Combo) amplifier, Custom Shop Mary Kaye Tribute Stratocaster guitar, Metalhead Guitar Head and Cabinets, Classic Series '50s Esquire Guitar, New Bassman Combos. Fender-related album releases include: Kaiser Chiefs/Employment, Athlete/Tourist, Coldplay/X & Y, Editors/The Back Room, The Cribs/New Fellas and Hard-Fi/Stars Of CCTV.

2006 - Fender celebrates its 60th anniversary. Products launched: 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Guitars And Basses, Super-Sonic Series Guitar Amplifiers and Enclosures Acoustasonic Ultralight Acoustic/Electric Guitar Amp, Rumble 100/210 bass amp, ESV-10 12-Fret Orchestra And ESA-10 Grand Auditorium Acoustic Guitars, California Series Acoustic Guitars, Jazzmaster Ultralight Electric Guitar Amp, New-look James Burton Signature Model Telecaster guitar, Tony Franklin Signature Fretless Precision Bass, Victor Bailey Signature Model Fretless Jazz Basses. The Arctic Monkeys catch the music industry napping with their MySpace-promoted best-selling album, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not. The Zutons issue their follow-up album, Tired of Hangin' Around. FMIC founder, William C. (Bill) Schultz dies.