...just being a music company. I see people now sporting Fender shirts and belt buckles and $@!& that have never touched a guitar. It's kind of cool actually.

_________________

Just showing there love for the product... And if you noticed lately...you can't turn on the TV without some sort of guitar being on there.


I think it's cool. it makes people happy...

_________________
08 American Strat - Blizzard Pearl
04 MIM Strat - Black Maple Neck
07 Gibson SG - Heritage Cherry
11 Gibson Les Paul Studio 60's Tribute GT
Martin Acoustic - 00CXAE
Marshall Class 5 Head
Blackstar HT5 Combo
Mustang V Head
Behringer AT108

Yes I whole heartedly agree ,I belive the visions of people like Richard McDonald have transcended Fender into an American Icon level, like Harley and Coca Cola. And yes its very cool. I also agree that everywhere you look now ,guitars , vintage rock ,the blues and the songs and bands we liked when we were younger have entered the social conscience again , maybe thank Rock Band and Guitar Hero for that.
Fender gives back in so many ways. Fender University, another vision of Mr McDonald, was one of the coolest experiences in my life.I picked up a guitar 3 yrs ago, changed my entire perspective.

Fender has become a symbol of the "Rock -n- Roll Lifestyle". THe tags on their licensed clothing even sports that as the motto. I bought a Fender shirt at a Kohls department store recently and noticed that on the tag.

It has helped when Fender started selling shirts in national department stores like J.C. Penney.

_________________
"My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives." Blazing Saddles...

I think Guitar Hero has has much to do with it also.

_________________
I Can't Explain

haha all my buddies who are old timers joke on me for wearing my department store bought Fender shirt. I offered to buy one just like it for one of my friends and he said not a chance.

not to slight anyother guitars/ people's feelings...but when I think of The guitar that most represents rock...Fender Strat...Country..Fender Tele...it is not because I am a Fender guy...those are the images I grew up with. So yes I would say IMO they have transended. I am just glad I am in for the ride..

This is a trend that is like the thing to do these days as you will see even D list celebrities who have a clothing line. But as far as Fender is concerned they are an iconic brand as people who dont even play will know what Fender produces. I am totally for it.

Guitar Hero/Rock Band have definitely been a boon. They've had a lot of kids picking up real guitars basses and drums. Over the last few years, I've seen a bunch of little garage bands come onto the scene and more than a few guitarists who said they started with GH and decided they wanted to try playing for real.

_________________

When you've created two iconic legends such as the Strat and the Tele that between the two of them outsell every other guitar in the world put together you deserve to, and will, become a household name. Fender not only IS the spirit of rock 'n roll, they invented it. I personally own Fender ball caps, t-shirts, posters, a zippo, a bar stool and a collection of guitars and amps.

Nuf Sed.

_________________

Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.