Fender Guitars

James Nottage · Post by **James Nottage** » 1 Nov 2010 7:27 am

There are so many books out there that deal with the history and instruments of the Fender company. Can someone tell which ones are the best for information on the history and variations of Fender steel guitars?

Thanks to all.

James Nottage

Mike Kowalik · Post by **Mike Kowalik** » 1 Nov 2010 9:04 am

The best book on the history of Fender and the Fender product line is "Fender:The Sound Heard Round The World" by Richard R. Smith.

This book tells the history of Leo Fender, the origins of the company, as well as the evolution of all the products.

Somewhere in the book is a picture of Buddy Emmons( in Texas Troubador uniform) sitting behind a Fender steel guitar.

In the past this book was available from Amazon.

James Nottage · Post by **James Nottage** » 1 Nov 2010 5:34 pm

Thanks so much for your suggestion. I have received other helpful replies, suggestions and information. It all goes to prove once again what a great community of folks is involved in the forum.

James

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 2 Nov 2010 1:26 am

like any subject, it may take a few books to capture the full perspective.

50 years of Fender History, by Tony Bacon

Fender, The Golden Age by, Kelly, Foster and Kelly

Fender, the Sound heard round the World by R Smith

The Soul of Tone , by Tom Wheeler

The Soul of Tone is about the amps with excellent sound files and discussion by the great player Greg Koch , playing various guitars thru various vintage amps. This is worth the price all by itself !

The Golden Age, has more rare photo's of adds and album covers than any previous books, excellent photo's...this one is my favorite of the "history" books.

t, they are all good...

Bob Knetzger · Post by **Bob Knetzger** » 2 Nov 2010 10:16 am

I just started reading 'Fender, the Golden Age" yesterday, and I agree: it's really great. Lots of terrific photos and shots of catalogs, trade ads, etc.

This one caught my eye:

I'm from Milwaukee and bought two Fender steels in the 1970's from Ralph Henzel at West Allis Music. He was quite the character! Anyone else remember him?[/img]

James Nottage · Post by **James Nottage** » 2 Nov 2010 3:56 pm

Since posting this simple inquiry, I have received the most amazing response. Private messages have been sent by people recounting Fender history for me. One especially generous member is sending me a book on the subject with information. It just goes to prove how strong the spirit of Steel Guitar Forum is and the willingness of people to share is astounding. Thank you all so much!

James Nottage

Don Barnhardt · Post by **Don Barnhardt** » 2 Nov 2010 4:11 pm

What about Jody Carver's book;is it out yet?

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 3 Nov 2010 12:28 am

From the Golden Age book:

Here is a photo of a Mickey Baker LP, ( Book and real world) Mickey is playing a Jazzmaster with an anodized pick guard but it also has a strange add on angled piece which I have never seen in any Jazzmaster photo's previous to this LP cover. This book is the only place I have ever seen a reference to this MBaker LP as well.

story:
By the way Mickey was married to my sister for many years and although he lives in France we still communicate now and then. This exact Jazzmaster in the photo was stolen in NYC , a porter who was carrying Mickey's gear left it in the street by mistake on the way into a gig. Obviously when they went back out the guitar was gone! YA THINK !

here is Mickey playing THAT guitar at the house...
I was maybe 10...it was like Elvis was at the house !

These were the days of Mickey and Sylvia and when Mickey was really busy in NYC with King Curtis etc...

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 3 Nov 2010 6:04 am

hey Tony, here's some pics of Mickey's 84th birthday party in Toulouse
http://www.myspace.com/mclaes/photos/al ... um/1516070

i've got the " Fender - the sound heard round the world " book
i'll have to look into some of the others mentioned on this thread

Mickey Adams · Post by **Mickey Adams** » 3 Nov 2010 1:17 pm

This guy taught me how to play...Wow...What a story!...

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 3 Nov 2010 1:30 pm

Wow ! Crowbear, thanks for those photo's,
were you in attendance at the get together ?

t

Blake Hawkins · Post by **Blake Hawkins** » 3 Nov 2010 5:55 pm

The books mentioned pretty well cover Fender's history.
Like Don Barnhardt, I wonder what happened to Jody
Carver's book "The Last Fender Guitar."
Last time I talked with him, he said he had contacted Fender's legal people and that they
had approved it. Jody's perspective is perhaps
a bit different from the other books and more
personal because of his work as a sales rep.
However, I've heard nothing lately.
Has anyone got more recent information?
Blake

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