Manufacture of Telecasters

[The Real Matt Dunn]

Hi, I'm looking for information about the manufacture of Fender guitars for a Design and Technology project at college. I was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of such information, as I have had trouble so far finding any on the web. Thanks for your help.

Matt Dunn

[dean]

Hello Matt,

There are lots of soources for info on Fender designs, but it might help if you were more specific about what you need.

Probably the most important book for Tele fans is this one: Fender Telecaster: The Detailed Story of America's Senior Solid Body Electric Guitar. It covers the basic history of Fender's first guitar, and it serves as the guide for those purchasing vintage Teles - we call it "The Tele Bible".

Another good source for a broader look at Fender history and of the forces that drove Fender guitar design can be found in:FENDER THE SOUND HEARD ROUND THE WORLD by Richard R Smith, 1995 edition. This is a great source of anecdotal as well as technical info.

There are a couple websites that are important for historical detail regarding Fender's instruments and amps - they can be found here:

http://www.provide.net/~cfh/

http://www.ampwares.com/ffg/index.html

Welcome to the TDPRI, by the way. If yoou can be more specific about what you need, we can be of more help.

Good luck,

Dean

[dean]

Hello Matt,

There are lots of soources for info on Fender designs, but it might help if you were more specific about what you need.

Probably the most important book for Tele fans is this one: Fender Telecaster: The Detailed Story of America's Senior Solid Body Electric Guitar. It covers the basic history of Fender's first guitar, and it serves as the guide for those purchasing vintage Teles - we call it "The Tele Bible".

Another good source for a broader look at Fender history and of the forces that drove Fender guitar design can be found in:FENDER THE SOUND HEARD ROUND THE WORLD by Richard R Smith, 1995 edition. This is a great source of anecdotal as well as technical info.

There are a couple websites that are important for historical detail regarding Fender's instruments and amps - they can be found here:

http://www.provide.net/~cfh/

http://www.ampwares.com/ffg/index.html

Welcome to the TDPRI, by the way. If yoou can be more specific about what you need, we can be of more help.

Good luck,

Dean

[The Real Matt Dunn]

Sorry, I should have been a bit clearer. Basically, I'm after info about how they are manufactured, and something about what machinery is used for the different jobs.

Thanks,

Matt

[Bob Rogers]

I don't know of any resourse with exactly the type of focus of your project, but there is info scattered around.

I'd start with Smith's book. It provides a lot of business history and at least some info on when various pieces of heavy equipment were purchased.

You should also check out guitar repair books. Can someone remember the one that describes how Fender installed frets?

There are several web sites on Fender paints and finishes. Search specifically for that.

Good luck. When you get this info together please put it up on the web. It would be a great resource.

[Silverface]

Go to the Fender Discussion Page and post your question on the "Ask Fender" board. Many of the management and marketing folks hang out there and you may just get the answer you need.

www.fenderforum.com

[Michael Murphy]

These are pics and movies from USA Custom Guitars depicting the process and the equipment involved.

The USA Custom website has a link to some still pics in the "SHOP TOUR" link.

For some stills, click on the "Making of a T Body".

Down at the bottom of the page the "USA Custom Guitars Tour @ FRETS.COM" link has more stills, plus several mpeg movie clips of the CNC router in action.

Good luck,


-Michael
Charter Member S. Texas He-Man Emoticon Haters Local #316

[The Real Matt Dunn]

Thanks a lot guys, your help is much appreciated!

Matt

[ron b.]

You should also check out guitar repair books. Can someone remember the one that describes how Fender installed frets?

Dan Erlewine's excellent book, Guitar Player Repair Guide.
ron