In the 1930's, jazz musicians experimented with amplifying traditional hollow-body guitars so they could be played with other instruments at the same sound level. One problem was that the speakers and pickups tended to generate feedback when played at a high level. Leo Fender knew he could improve on amplified hollow-body instruments.Leo Fender was born in California on August 10, 1909. His parents ran a successful orange grove. Leo became interested in electronics around age 13 after he watched his uncle build a radio from parts. Leo began dismantling and repairing radios as a hobby. He repaired radios in his shop at home ...view middle of the document...
Leo married in 1934. He got a job with the State of California as an accountant. Six months later he lost his job.In 1938, with six hundred dollars that he borrowed, he took a chance and opened the Fender Radio Service in downtown Fullerton. Soon, musicians began coming to Leo in search of improved guitars and amplifiers.Fender began K & F Manufacturing with Doc Kauffman in a shed behind the radio shop. In 1945, he unveiled his first electric guitar. In 1946, Leo opened the Fender Electric Instrument Company in Fullerton.With his knowledge of existing technologies, Leo knew he could improve amplified hollow-body instruments. In 1951, he introduced the Broadcaster, the prototype solid-body guitar that would eventually become the Telecaster. The Telecaster was the first solid-body electric guitar ever to go into commercial production. Soon to follow was the Precision Bass guitar in 1951, and the Stratocaster in 1954. These Fender Guitars where the best in the world at that time and are still highly respected today.In 1965, because of poor health, Leo Fender sold his company to CBS for $13 million. After the non-competition clause expired in the CBS sale agreement, Leo began designing guitars and basses for Music Man. Leo opened the G&L business in Fullerton. He continued to work there every day until his death on March 21, 1991, from complications from Parkinson's disease.Due in large part to Leo Fender, the electric guitar is now the world's most popular instrument.