BajaNomad

Fender Guitars in Baja

Santiago - 11-24-2011 at 03:09 PM

Anyone know if Fender Guitars are still made in Ensenada and if so, where? A buddy and I are having the unending Tele/Strat 'discussion' and we thought it would be nice to check out their factory on our next trip.

Ateo - 11-24-2011 at 03:24 PM

Yes they are making them in Ensenada. Where? I dunno.

lizard lips - 11-24-2011 at 03:42 PM

The Fender plant is across the street from Costco in Ensenada down a side street.

DENNIS - 11-24-2011 at 04:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by lizard lips
The Fender plant is across the street from Costco in Ensenada down a side street.



Yeah....you just have to drive around that block toward the Military base and you'll see it.
I think Dick Dale is the receptionist, so say hello from me. :biggrin:

acadist - 11-24-2011 at 04:52 PM

My compadres sell all the coatings:)

goldhuntress - 11-24-2011 at 06:36 PM

A friend of mine used to be the head honcho there. He worked for CBS then went with the company that bought it. He's retired now but about 10 years ago I got a complete tour of the place and it was really interesting. My friends all are gone from there now but you should see if you could get a tour. Whether your into guitars or not it is really cool and would be worth the effort.

BajaBlanca - 11-24-2011 at 06:59 PM

I had no clue ... I would love a tour and mostly I am interested in knowing if they sell second hand or not up to snuff guitars ???? 2012 is the year fo the guitar for La bocana =- already have 4 guitars to teach on !!!!

:bounce:

Woooosh - 11-24-2011 at 07:09 PM

I have a friend looking to have a Bass Guitar he invented manufactured. It's one piece Hard Maple that needs to be routed by a computer system. I wonder if the Fender factory can do that on the side?

Here's the bass guitar we need to make...


[Edited on 11-25-2011 by Woooosh]

acadist - 11-24-2011 at 09:48 PM

Being in an industry that deals with companies like Fender I would guess that they would only make 'thier' own instruments. Most large millwork shops would have the equipment needed, what they would charge is another question.

Woooosh - 11-24-2011 at 09:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by acadist
Being in an industry that deals with companies like Fender I would guess that they would only make 'thier' own instruments. Most large millwork shops would have the equipment needed, what they would charge is another question.

I haven't found a baja factory with a "CCR" Computer Controlled Router" yet. We have a few sizes of these to produce- but in limited numbers. Hard maple is another animal too.

Roberto - 11-24-2011 at 10:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
Quote:
Originally posted by acadist
Being in an industry that deals with companies like Fender I would guess that they would only make 'thier' own instruments. Most large millwork shops would have the equipment needed, what they would charge is another question.

I haven't found a baja factory with a "CCR" Computer Controlled Router" yet. We have a few sizes of these to produce- but in limited numbers. Hard maple is another animal too.


CNC machines is a more common term for these. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numerical_control. Up until a few years ago (less than five), these were monstrously expensive, but a number were built for different purposes, and now many are sitting idle, and renting time has gone WAY down. They are now commonly used in the instrument building market, an example being Carvin in San Diego.

But, as far as I know, you are correct. Fender guitars made in Mexico do not use CNC manufacturing, but many of the parts are made in the USA and assembled in Mexico. For example necks. That all being said and done, Fender guitars made in Mexico cost about 1/2 of what those made in the USA do. Personally, I find that justified by the difference in quality.

[Edited on 11-25-2011 by Roberto]

The Sculpin - 11-25-2011 at 12:05 AM

I would think that Henry Garza is of a different opinion. Although he "mixes and matches", he uses mexi_strats exclusively. Through a set of serial wired twins they sound great!

Dave - 11-25-2011 at 01:10 AM

Who is Henry Garza?

redhilltown - 11-25-2011 at 01:45 AM

As to your original "discussion": Tele all the way!!!!!!! James Burton for President! ;D

Ateo - 11-25-2011 at 02:00 AM

Tele's rule.

Santiago - 11-25-2011 at 08:49 AM

I've run across some discussions on guitar boards (computer, not rosewood) and it seems the Ensenada plant does not do tours. Some have been able to get a tour by just walking in, asking to be shown around and paying somebody $20. Here's the Fender Blonde Baja Telecaster. And just to be clear, I'm a Strat guy.
[img][/img]

David K - 11-25-2011 at 08:54 AM

How did the guitar get its name: Fender?

I wondered if Freddy Fender had any connection? I rode next to him on a flight to San Antonio from L.A. (yes, I got his autograph).

[Edited on 11-25-2011 by David K]

DENNIS - 11-25-2011 at 08:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Dave
Who is Henry Garza?



Sheeeesh...where have you been? :lol::lol:

http://www.firstact.com/Artists/Henry_Garza.aspx

woody with a view - 11-25-2011 at 08:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
How did the guitar get its name: Fender?

I wondered if Freddie Fender had any connection? I rode next to him on a flight to San Antonio from L.A. (yes, I got his autograph).


GottaPeso told me he invented it while playing his guitar one day. he said the car he was leaning on had a dented Fender and VIOLA! another cultural icon was invented.....

he's still waiting for the royalty check somewhere along a dusty desert highway.

[Edited on 11-25-2011 by woody with a view]

David K - 11-25-2011 at 09:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
How did the guitar get its name: Fender?

I wondered if Freddy Fender had any connection? I rode next to him on a flight to San Antonio from L.A. (yes, I got his autograph).


GottaPeso told me he invented it while playing his guitar one day. he said the car he was leaning on had a dented Fender and VIOLA! another cultural icon was invented.....

he's still waiting for the royalty check somewhere along a dusty desert highway.


That's a great story Woody! :lol:

goldhuntress - 11-25-2011 at 09:06 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
How did the guitar get its name: Fender?

I wondered if Freddy Fender had any connection? I rode next to him on a flight to San Antonio from L.A. (yes, I got his autograph).

[Edited on 11-25-2011 by David K]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fender

dean miller - 11-25-2011 at 11:36 AM

FYI
No interest=deleted

[Edited on 11-25-2011 by dean miller]

Bob H - 11-25-2011 at 11:45 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
How did the guitar get its name: Fender?

I wondered if Freddy Fender had any connection? I rode next to him on a flight to San Antonio from L.A. (yes, I got his autograph).


GottaPeso told me he invented it while playing his guitar one day. he said the car he was leaning on had a dented Fender and VIOLA! another cultural icon was invented.....

he's still waiting for the royalty check somewhere along a dusty desert highway.


That's a great story Woody! :lol:


Absolutely Hilarious stuff! Love it...

[Edited on 11-25-2011 by Bob H]

capt. mike - 11-25-2011 at 12:04 PM

funny - i thought they moved to Scottsdale a few years ago.
My brother plays a Rickenbacker fretless elec bass.
i'm going to send him that lead on the one above.
very interesting.

DENNIS - 11-25-2011 at 12:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by capt. mike
funny - i thought they moved to Scottsdale a few years ago.
My brother plays a Rickenbacker fretless elec bass.
i'm going to send him that lead on the one above.
very interesting.


I think they have more than one facility, Mike. Think I heard or read that somewhere.

dean miller - 11-25-2011 at 01:14 PM

No interest=deleted

[Edited on 11-25-2011 by dean miller]

David K - 11-25-2011 at 02:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by goldhuntress
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
How did the guitar get its name: Fender?

I wondered if Freddy Fender had any connection? I rode next to him on a flight to San Antonio from L.A. (yes, I got his autograph).

[Edited on 11-25-2011 by David K]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fender


Thanks... so it was a real last name... and 'Freddy' perhaps used it for his 'professional' last name?

wessongroup - 11-25-2011 at 03:08 PM

Speaking of Fender... here's an oldie ... that is still in use ..

'Micawber' is probably one of Keith’s most famous trademark guitars and is a 1953 Fender Telecaster Blonde. Micawber is named after a Charles Dickens character, no one is exactly sure why. Keith’s had this guitar since Exile On Main St. This guitar is kept in Open G tuning (G,D,G,B,D) low to high with no capo, and of course has the famous 5 strings with the 6th string removed (as do all his open G tuned guitars).

Bob H - 11-25-2011 at 03:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by wessongroup
Speaking of Fender... here's an oldie ... that is still in use ..

'Micawber' is probably one of Keith’s most famous trademark guitars and is a 1953 Fender Telecaster Blonde. Micawber is named after a Charles Dickens character, no one is exactly sure why. Keith’s had this guitar since Exile On Main St. This guitar is kept in Open G tuning (G,D,G,B,D) low to high with no capo, and of course has the famous 5 strings with the 6th string removed (as do all his open G tuned guitars).

[img]

http://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/wessongroup/Micawber.jpg[/img]


Ohhh... here's more!
http://members.tripod.com/blue_lena/guitar2.html

Dave - 11-25-2011 at 04:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by wessongroup
Speaking of Fender... here's an oldie ... that is still in use ..

'Micawber' is probably one of Keith’s most famous trademark guitars


OK, who's Keith?

DENNIS - 11-25-2011 at 04:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Dave
OK, who's Keith?



Here's one of 'em:

http://jamorama.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/keith.pr...

wessongroup - 11-25-2011 at 07:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by Dave
OK, who's Keith?



Here's one of 'em:

http://jamorama.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/keith.pr...


Think that photo was takien ... just before he fell out of a tree :lol::lol:

http://www.hecklerspray.com/keith-richards-falls-out-of-a-tr...

redhilltown - 11-26-2011 at 12:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by wessongroup
Speaking of Fender... here's an oldie ... that is still in use ..

'Micawber' is probably one of Keith’s most famous trademark guitars and is a 1953 Fender Telecaster Blonde. Micawber is named after a Charles Dickens character, no one is exactly sure why. Keith’s had this guitar since Exile On Main St. This guitar is kept in Open G tuning (G,D,G,B,D) low to high with no capo, and of course has the famous 5 strings with the 6th string removed (as do all his open G tuned guitars).



omg...this is a "drool-able" guitar pic!!!!!! some might see the scratches/scuffs and think old/worn but oh no no no no...it is a "patina" (like cigarette burn marks on an old tweed amp)...glorious! would love to see the neck with the wear marks. front pick up not original but I guess keith can do what he wants, eh?

acadist - 11-26-2011 at 07:04 AM

I would bet there are more CNC machines in TJ, Ensenada, and Mexicali than you realize. These are huge areas for the manufacturing of all kinds of wood products. They are also in almost any metropolitan market in the US.

Quote:
Originally posted by Roberto
Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
Quote:
Originally posted by acadist
Being in an industry that deals with companies like Fender I would guess that they would only make 'thier' own instruments. Most large millwork shops would have the equipment needed, what they would charge is another question.

I haven't found a baja factory with a "CCR" Computer Controlled Router" yet. We have a few sizes of these to produce- but in limited numbers. Hard maple is another animal too.


CNC machines is a more common term for these. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numerical_control. Up until a few years ago (less than five), these were monstrously expensive, but a number were built for different purposes, and now many are sitting idle, and renting time has gone WAY down. They are now commonly used in the instrument building market, an example being Carvin in San Diego.

But, as far as I know, you are correct. Fender guitars made in Mexico do not use CNC manufacturing, but many of the parts are made in the USA and assembled in Mexico. For example necks. That all being said and done, Fender guitars made in Mexico cost about 1/2 of what those made in the USA do. Personally, I find that justified by the difference in quality.

[Edited on 11-25-2011 by Roberto]

Roberto - 11-27-2011 at 03:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
How did the guitar get its name: Fender?

I wondered if Freddy Fender had any connection? I rode next to him on a flight to San Antonio from L.A. (yes, I got his autograph).

[Edited on 11-25-2011 by David K]


Leo Fender

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo_Fender

Roberto - 11-27-2011 at 03:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by acadist
I would bet there are more CNC machines in TJ, Ensenada, and Mexicali than you realize. These are huge areas for the manufacturing of all kinds of wood products. They are also in almost any metropolitan market in the US.

Quote:
Originally posted by Roberto
Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
Quote:
Originally posted by acadist
Being in an industry that deals with companies like Fender I would guess that they would only make 'thier' own instruments. Most large millwork shops would have the equipment needed, what they would charge is another question.

I haven't found a baja factory with a "CCR" Computer Controlled Router" yet. We have a few sizes of these to produce- but in limited numbers. Hard maple is another animal too.


CNC machines is a more common term for these. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numerical_control. Up until a few years ago (less than five), these were monstrously expensive, but a number were built for different purposes, and now many are sitting idle, and renting time has gone WAY down. They are now commonly used in the instrument building market, an example being Carvin in San Diego.

But, as far as I know, you are correct. Fender guitars made in Mexico do not use CNC manufacturing, but many of the parts are made in the USA and assembled in Mexico. For example necks. That all being said and done, Fender guitars made in Mexico cost about 1/2 of what those made in the USA do. Personally, I find that justified by the difference in quality.

[Edited on 11-25-2011 by Roberto]


What I said was is that, as far as I know, they are not used in guitar manufacturing in Mexico. At least that's what I've been told. Perhaps due to much cheaper labor?

Roberto - 11-27-2011 at 03:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by wessongroup
Speaking of Fender... here's an oldie ... that is still in use ..

'Micawber' is probably one of Keith’s most famous trademark guitars and is a 1953 Fender Telecaster Blonde. Micawber is named after a Charles Dickens character, no one is exactly sure why. Keith’s had this guitar since Exile On Main St. This guitar is kept in Open G tuning (G,D,G,B,D) low to high with no capo, and of course has the famous 5 strings with the 6th string removed (as do all his open G tuned guitars).



I'm not a vintage guitar expert, but I see two problems with this guitar.

1. It does not have a bridge cover, and I believe they were used in 1953. So it would have to have been removed, or it's a later model.
2. It does not have a single-coil pickup in the neck position (yes, they were single coils and not lipstick pickups regardless of appearance).

So, this is not an original, from what it would seem. Given the pathetic condition, it would, however, it could easily belong to "Keith".

Roberto - 11-27-2011 at 03:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Dave
Quote:
Originally posted by wessongroup
Speaking of Fender... here's an oldie ... that is still in use ..

'Micawber' is probably one of Keith’s most famous trademark guitars


OK, who's Keith?


Keith Richards. You do know who the Rolling Stones, are, yes? :lol::lol:

Roberto - 11-27-2011 at 03:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Sculpin
I would think that Henry Garza is of a different opinion. Although he "mixes and matches", he uses mexi_strats exclusively. Through a set of serial wired twins they sound great!


If so, he is one of the few. Even I can see the difference in quality between a U.S. built-Strat and one made in Mexico.

Dave - 11-27-2011 at 04:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Roberto
Keith Richards. You do know who the Rolling Stones, are, yes? :lol::lol:


Yes... Although confused that Wesson would be on a first name basis. I know several guitarists named Keith and coincidentally all, including the famous drug addled one can't play worth $h!t.

Packoderm - 11-27-2011 at 07:20 PM

About Freddy Fender, from wiki:

"He took [the name] Fender from the guitar and amplifier, and Freddy because the alliteration sounded good and would "...sell better with Gringos!"" So, it was actually the other way around.

Santiago - 11-27-2011 at 08:11 PM

Well, this thread has gone into interesting ways but I still don'tknow if I can actually get a tour of the place. Anyone know? Maybe some of you guys who live in the area can stop by and check it out? I've sent an e-mail to corporate but don't hold out for a response.

wessongroup - 11-27-2011 at 08:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Dave
Quote:
Originally posted by Roberto
Keith Richards. You do know who the Rolling Stones, are, yes? :lol::lol:


Yes... Although confused that Wesson would be on a first name basis. I know several guitarists named Keith and coincidentally all, including the famous drug addled one can't play worth $h!t.


Was just the "text" that was associated with that photograph of what is reported to be a 1953 Fender Tele... by the owner

Sorry, thought it was understood it was a quote... like I know the Stones on a first name basis...

As for the condition.. don't think the owner is too worried about this one's overall cosmetic looks ... or selling ...

I like the older dented and nicked up ones my self, lot more comfortable playing.. not worrying about "dings" and some of that other stuff... that happens to mine...

It all good... like Neil Young's old ax too...strangely also a 1953 .. but a Gibson LP Gold top ... "Old Black" now he's got some old tube stuff... a real nut on it... and gets some really nice tones and feedback working ... if ya like that kind of thing :biggrin::biggrin:

The Sculpin - 11-27-2011 at 09:00 PM

I keep doing this!
Went overboard - again......
sorry....
sigh...

[Edited on 11-28-2011 by The Sculpin]

redhilltown - 11-28-2011 at 01:03 AM

That guitar is beautiful just the way it is...original or not. No one keeps the "ashtrays" over the bridge...they are taken off and hopefully kept in the case just to leave it as original as possible if you might sell it some day. And I apologize for not keeping to the original intention of the thread.:O

Roberto - 11-28-2011 at 03:04 AM

Chill out Sculpin. I said the guitar is not original, something you apparently agree with, not that it wasn't manufactured in 1953.

Keith Richards is a very good rhythm guitarist, IMO, but are you saying he's a great musician? And recreational drug use? Is that what you call heroin addiction?

And yes, I definitely see a difference between my American Standard stratocaster and the Mexican one. Huge difference? Probably not.

I play guitars, not collect them, so you may well know more than I do about such trivia, but that makes no difference to me. You want to give me some information I don't have do it, otherwise, go pee in another campfire.

tripledigitken - 11-28-2011 at 12:36 PM

I would say all the members of the Stones are great musicians. Just lasting as long as they have and still rock live to the level that they do is extraordinary.

by the way........... Rolling Stone Mag just put out their 100 greatest guitarists of all time and Keith is in the top ten....................

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-guitari...



[Edited on 11-28-2011 by tripledigitken]

wessongroup - 11-28-2011 at 01:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Roberto
Quote:
Originally posted by The Sculpin
I would think that Henry Garza is of a different opinion. Although he "mixes and matches", he uses mexi_strats exclusively. Through a set of serial wired twins they sound great!


If so, he is one of the few. Even I can see the difference in quality between a U.S. built-Strat and one made in Mexico.


Picked up a Tele (Mexican made) used off ebay cheap ... not too bad a sound to me :biggrin:... like the "Slinky strings" on it.. too... over "bright wire"... :):) on the tele... on a strat... like the brit wires ..

Dave - 11-28-2011 at 01:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by tripledigitken
Rolling Stone Mag just put out their 100 greatest guitarists of all time and Keith is in the top ten....................


A joke. A list of R&R guitarists compiled by rockers. Any one of these guys, if they chose to play rock, could out perform the top ten combined:

Jim Hall
Pat Martino
George Benson
Pat Metheny
Barney Kessel

wessongroup - 11-28-2011 at 02:05 PM

Another view... of sounds..

I remember being in junior high school, hearing "Satisfaction" and being freaked out by what it did to me. It's a combination of the riff and the chords moving underneath it. Keith wrote two-and three-note themes that were more powerful than any great solo. He played the vibrato rhythm and the lead guitar in "Gimme Shelter." I don't think anyone has ever created a mood that dark and sinister. There is a clarity between those two guitars that leaves this ominous space for Mick Jagger to sing through. Nobody does alternate tunings better than Keith. I remember playing the chorus to "Beast of Burden." I'm like, "These are the right chords, but they don't sound anything like Keith." He had some cool tuning, a beautiful chord so well-tuned that it sings. That is the core of every great guitar part on a Rolling Stones record. Keith finds the tuning that allows the work – the fretting, muting strings – to get out of the way of what he's feeling.

Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-guitari...

Saw them preform that little "ditty" at Altmont .. with rather striking results..

And I like George Benson too ... :biggrin::biggrin:

Best advise I ever heard, Wynton Marsalis .. "Don't worry about mistakes, everyone makes them".. "just play"..

[Edited on 11-28-2011 by wessongroup]

The Sculpin - 11-28-2011 at 04:45 PM

Sigh - I know I'm going to regret this....but to repeat myself - Dave, you're an idiot. First off, you forgot a few off your list - Robben Ford, John Mclaughlin, Joe Pass, hell - even George Winston!! Now all these guys are fantastic musicians - wait - add Jennifer Batten, but here's what you don't understand - every one of those musicians would love to have Keef's ability to keep it simple, keep it melodic, create a great hook, and do it in 3 chords or less - for 50 years!!! As you state, "if these guys wanted to play rock" - well, Keef plays jazz, he plays disco/funk, he plays country, he's even played a little metal! His whole philosophy revolves around what is important for the song - not the band or the individual players. That's why he's in the top 10. That said, I'm sure he would be the first to say he doesn't belong there and that there are a thousand "real" musicians that deserve the honor more than he - and a thousand musicians would probably disagree.

By the way - caught some great waves a few weeks ago on the east cape. Hot, glassy, uncrowded and fun. Been way too long.......

Absurd

Dave - 11-28-2011 at 10:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Sculpin
Keef plays jazz


He's lucky to differentiate between a major and dominant 7th chord. Where would you have heard him play jazz?

I know several preeminent jazz guitarists and have heard none complement his work or respect his talent. I'd bet all would probably agree that he "keeps it simple", though.

BTW, Robben Ford, Jennifer Batten and George Winston don't deserve mention in the same paragraph with John Mclaughlin, Joe Pass.

redhilltown - 11-29-2011 at 12:21 AM

C'mon you guys. To quote Herman Cain you are comparing apples to melons. Er...um...oranges. I have seen the Mahavishnu Orchestra more than once...B.B. a zillion times...Richard Thompson...Keith...they are all great and comparing really doesn't make any sense.

Santiago - 11-30-2011 at 04:55 PM

Wwwweeeelllllll, getting back to the orginal question, I received an email from a Customer Relations Rep at Fender saying they do not have tours in Ensenada but they have recently open a new facility in Corona that does have a public facility.

Roberto - 11-30-2011 at 10:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Dave
Quote:
Originally posted by The Sculpin
Keef plays jazz


He's lucky to differentiate between a major and dominant 7th chord. Where would you have heard him play jazz?

I know several preeminent jazz guitarists and have heard none complement his work or respect his talent. I'd bet all would probably agree that he "keeps it simple", though.

BTW, Robben Ford, Jennifer Batten and George Winston don't deserve mention in the same paragraph with John Mclaughlin, Joe Pass.


BTW, Dave. Listening to John McLaughlin for more than 10 minutes causes me to break out in hives. Sure knows his stuff, though. :lol::lol::lol::lol:

But, a discussion for another time. Maybe over a Pastrami Sandwich? Oh wait, you don't make those any more? hmmmm. Maybe the genius baker could make me happy?

bajaguy - 11-30-2011 at 11:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Santiago
Wwwweeeelllllll, getting back to the orginal question, I received an email from a Customer Relations Rep at Fender saying they do not have tours in Ensenada but they have recently open a new facility in Corona that does have a public facility.





Check your u2u

tripledigitken - 11-30-2011 at 11:14 PM

Not Fender, but.............The Taylor Guitar tour in Santee, CA is very interesting.

dean miller - 12-1-2011 at 02:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Santiago
Wwwweeeelllllll, getting back to the orginal question, I received an email from a Customer Relations Rep at Fender saying they do not have tours in Ensenada but they have recently open a new facility in Corona that does have a public facility.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ya gotta know the right people...to repost:

FYI
Some years ago while I was in practice in Anaheim Hills (Near Fullerton) California I had most of the key personnel of Fender as patients; Bill Schultz, President & his wife Mary Jane, Bob Sandell, Vice President & his wife ?? and the production manager, Bashar Deseralli, and a number of production personnel.

Bill was a huge man,6-3 or 6-4 tall. After WW11 he had been a tackle on the Northwestern University foot ball team. I was told he was also musical multitalented could play just about every musical instrument ever made.

Bob was the chosen son to replace Bill upon retirement....Then Fender was placed on the block for sale. Bob gathered some investors to purchase the company and place him in as the President...This did no set well with Bill Schultz so he also gathered some investors and purchased the company.

Bob exited stage left and for a while was president of Anvil case company, until he found a better position in Boston.

At that time I was very personally interested in the emerging field of "robotics" as was Bill for adaptation to the production of gitars. Over a several year period we shared articles we had gleaned from various sources.

Bashar, who at that time lived in San Luis Obispo and comutted weekly announced that he was moving to Mexico as the manager of Fender's new modern facility south of Ensendada and invited me to stop in some time for a visit.

About a year later my wife Betty and I paid the plant a visit..It was very difficult to find, on a dusty side street,with only a small business size card identifying it as a Fender plant. As luck would have it Bashar was at a meeting in Fullerton but his red headed assistant plant manager gave us the million dollar tour.

We were pleasantly surprised and impressed by the nowledge and professionalism of the key Mexican employees and the cleanliness of the plant.



Sorry to hear that it was destroyed by fire,



SDM