Many friends have shown interest in learning an instrument, but some have had to put their plans on hold for various reasons. Now that you have more time at home, take this opportunity to enhance your musical skills!
Once you decide to learn the guitar, the first thing you need is a guitar. Fender offers the richest product line in the industry, allowing any player to find the perfect instrument. However, for beginners, the vast array of products can often be overwhelming.
Below, we will briefly introduce some of Fender’s most iconic guitar models, which were created in different eras and have distinct appearances and tonal styles, favored by various musicians. With this understanding, you can consider your personal preferences and musical style.
It is important to note that each of the following guitar models appears in multiple series within the Fender product line, with different audiences and price points based on configuration and origin. We will introduce each product series from Fender in our next installment, so stay tuned!
Stratocaster
Introduced in: 1954
Undoubtedly, this is the most famous electric guitar style in the world. The classic outline and double cutaway have become symbols of electric guitars, frequently imitated by later instrument manufacturers. The pickguard-mounted pickup structure, synchronized tremolo system, and multiple pickup combinations provide an extremely rich tonal range and versatility, keeping the Stratocaster in high demand.
Style:
The Stratocaster was once the preferred guitar for rock, blues, and surf music. Over more than sixty years of development, today’s Stratocaster models offer a wider range of configurations that cover almost all musical styles.
Notable Users:
Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, The Edge, Eric Johnson, Yngwie Malmsteen, Jim Root, and others.
Telecaster
Introduced in: 1951
The original design dates back to the late 1940s, although Telecaster was not its initial name. The Telecaster was the first commercially produced solid-body electric guitar, and its groundbreaking design laid the foundation for the development of electric instruments. Its bright and clear signature tone has made it an essential guitar for musicians.
Style:
The Telecaster has always been loved by country and rock fans. As musical trends have changed, the Telecaster has gradually added various configurations and designs, covering all musical styles.
Notable Users:
Keith Richards, Bruce Springsteen, James Burton, Jimmy Page, Prince, Andy Summers, Albert Collins, John-5, and others.
Jazzmaster
Introduced in: 1958
The Jazzmaster was originally positioned as a more advanced guitar than the Stratocaster, aimed at satisfying jazz musicians, but it unexpectedly became a favorite among surf rock musicians in the early 1960s. This was an original design with an offset body style, new pickups, and lead and rhythm circuits, along with a unique tremolo system, all of which differed from the Strat and Tele, creating a new style. In the 1970s, the Jazzmaster regained favor among alternative and indie rock musicians.
Style:
Surf, rock, punk, indie music, etc.
Notable Users:
Elvis Costello, Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth), Thom Yorke (Radiohead), Nels Cline and Jeff Tweedy (Wilco), Ric Ocasek (The Cars), and others.
Jaguar
Introduced in: 1962
With a similar offset body to the Jazzmaster, independent lead and rhythm circuits, and a richer tonal switching capability, the Jaguar also features a shorter 24-inch neck. The Jaguar has been favored by surf musicians, and after it was discontinued in 1975, it became increasingly popular with the rise of American punk rock, later becoming one of the most popular guitars during the alternative and indie rock waves of the 1980s. Today, the Jaguar still represents a radical cultural form.
Style:
Surf, rock, punk, indie music, etc.
Notable Users:
Tom Verlaine (Television), John Frusciante, Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth), Graham Coxon (Blur), Johnny Marr, and others.
Duo-Sonic and Mustang
Introduced in: Duo-Sonic – 1956 / Mustang – 1964
Along with the Musicmaster, these were originally designed for beginners and young users, featuring a compact size and a punchy tone. In the 1990s, they became iconic guitars for indie rock, punk, and grunge. We reissued these two models in 2016, incorporating some new designs and improvements.
Notable Users:
Kurt Cobain, Liz Phair, Dave Alvin, Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth), Patti Smith, and others.
Precision Bass
Introduced in: 1951
This is also a groundbreaking instrument, as solid-body electric basses did not exist before this. The original Precision Bass shows some resemblance to the Telecaster, but with a double cutaway design that influenced the later Stratocaster. Since its inception, the Precision Bass has frequently appeared in various music recordings and live performances, and in many people’s minds, it is the industry standard for electric bass.
Style:
Covers all musical styles
Notable Users:
Jet Harris (the Shadows), Brian Wilson, John Entwistle (the Who), Roger Waters (Pink Floyd), Dee Dee Ramone (the Ramones), Sting, Paul Simonon (the Clash), Steve Harris (Iron Maiden), Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses)
Jazz Bass
Introduced in: 1960
To complement the sound and function of the P-Bass, the Jazz Bass was born, offering more diverse features and tones. The name “Jazz” comes from the recently launched Jazzmaster, and its offset body style allows players to sit comfortably while playing. The specialized pickup set and circuit functions provide a truly “luxurious configuration” in terms of functionality and tone.
Style:
Covers almost all musical styles
Notable Users:
Noel Redding (Jimi Hendrix’s band), John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), Geddy Lee (Rush), Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Ron Blair (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), Adam Clayton (U2), and others.
For more on choosing between P-Bass and J-Bass, you can read our previous articles:
PRECISION Bass? JAZZ Bass? How should you choose?
In addition, there are many other Fender guitar and bass models not listed in this article; you can check with dealers and the Fender website for related information.
In our next content, we will introduce each series in Fender’s current product line, so stay tuned!
May every friend stay safe and sound!
Even without a stage and audience,
you can still be a guitarist!
