long time no post... but i digress, we are planning a trip to California next year (either june or july). Had a few questions: has anyone taken the tour or gone to the Fender Museum? Can you purchase from the factory there? See in the next 2 years i am planning 2 huge trips that will have great impact on my life and my guitar flock. Going to California then road trippin home from CA to Tampa Florida. I would like to bring home a factory fresh fender from California.
then in 2014 we are being re-married in graceland for our 20th anniversary, and of course i will be bringing home a factory fresh gibson from that event. It is win/win BUT specifically i am hoping to get any ins and outs about the fender gig out there in California. ANY thoughts, experiences or tips will be greatly appreciated!

Sounds like a great trip. I was SF Calf. this summer, but was not able to make it that far south to the Fender factory. I have been to Memphis and I did tour the Gibson factory. It was great, but don't plan on buying a Gibson at the factory showroom store. They sell all their guitars at the Manufacture list price. No discounts. The reason is they will not match or under sell their distributors. While your in Memphis do the Sun Records Tour, eat at Gus's chicken and check the morning or evening duck walk at the Peabody Hotel. Plan on spending a day on Beal Street. Park your car in the Gibson factory paid parking lot. The cost is reasonable and very close to Beal Street. Memphis is a great music city with lots to see and do.
Kenny V

Call them and ask. When they were in Fullerton, they did not sell to the general public. Maybe that is different now! I was there when it was CBS Musical Instruments.

I'm jealous! That's both dream vacations in one, visiting Fender, and a cross country road trip! I'm sorry I don't have the answers to your questions, but I was thinking if I ever went I'd have to bring enough money to buy a new guitar directly,too. if possible. ciao!

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~Dan

Just google it, there are lot's threads about the Fender Factory on guitar forums. From reading some I remember people saying yes, you can purchase guitars there. But I think they're full list price as the other poster mentioned about the Gibson Factory.

Supposed to be a fun and informative tour though, I'm planning on visiting it myself within the next year or so.

Read this page: http://www.fender.com/visitorcenter

Let us know what you get from the wood vault.

It is nice that your bride is so accommodating about these little trinkets you are picking up. And what are you getting the bride? Or should I just ask how many karats? lol