Fender factory story

Written by archtop girl on Friday, 13 November 2009

  Fender is fronting out the recession, according to this piece in the LA Times; though it cut out a shift a year ago, there are still 600 people employed at its assembly facility in Corona, California, and sales are starting to pick up again. What's making 'em the money? The Custom Shop is doing good business, apparently,along with the limited editions and the replicas; successes include a $12,500 faithful replica of a 1971 Yngwie Malmsteen Strat. And should you wish to try and buy some cred straight off the shelf, there's this artfully-distressed, pre-aged Road Worn series they're currently plugging. Why, oh why?

The LA Times has a good look inside the factory, however, a blend of 'assembly-line efficiency and hand-tooled precision', and there's a glimpse into the demands of seriously moneyed collectors. But who'd buy one of those Road Worns?