50 Years Of Fender: Half a Century of the Greatest Electric Guitars

by Tony Bacon

(Book). The first Fender guitar hit the scene 50 years ago and music hasn't been the same since! Featuring 200 color photos, this visual chronicle of the premier guitar maker charts every Fender model from 1950 to 2000, accompanied by a parallel timeline of musical highlights. The book celebrates 50 years of Telecasters, Stratocasters, Precision Basses, and other Fender instruments played by such artists as Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Kurt Cobain and many others.

Genres: Music, History

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 29, 2000

Reviews

[Gonzalo · Rating 4 out of 5]

"50 Years of Fender: Half a Century of the Greatest Electric Guitars" by Tony Bacon is a fascinating read about Fender musical products form the 1950s to 2000s. This book even though it didn't have a plot, it did kind of work like a timeline of Fender guitars, guitar equipment and other musical products that they produced for their consumers between the 1950s and the year 2000. It is an interesting read because not only do you see advertising techniques used by Fender in the period of 50 years, but you also see how Fender changes its the products it makes as the years go by. Its fascinating to see how a company like Fender adjusts to a certain time period and that times' period type of music smoothly. The only thing that I didn't like was that it didn't go up to 2010, since even though not a lot of things have changed, different playing styles, types of music, and music artists have popped up in 10 short years. Also another thing is that the author at times seems to be advertising Fender itself throughout the book and that can be annoying and tedious. The author could've made a timeline of all the different types of guitar companies such as les paul and ibanez, but instead he decided to make it about one, which is Fender. Overall, the book is a pretty awesome read that i recommend for everybody especially for people who like rock and are musicians. It helps brush up you rock history and is a great fascinating read that will 95% of the time won't leave you bored.

[Brian James Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part encyclopedia, part pizazz, and 1oo% fun! Wife got me this after I returned to guitar playing this year and wanted a different Fender/Squier guitar not the same old Stratocaster or Tele(which I still love) This is invaluable for today's guitar shopper because depending on where you buy, they don't always explain all the features of your potential instrument. I've read other books by Tony Bacon and always come away impressed with the depth of his knowledge. Get this! You'll enjoy it for years and it makes a great coffee table book when you have company.

[Paul Bourke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cool history of Fender Guitars

Interesting read for anyone who loves guitars and particularly those made by Fender. This is a simple read, strait up and easy to finish in a single read. If you don't love the subject matter it will probably seem a ver dry read. Quite interesting for those of us that love guitars and a little about their history.

[Kenneth Aspan · Rating 5 out of 5]

For every Fender fan

Having grown up in the 50's/60's I experienced the evolution of Fender guitars and amps. I fortunately have been able to own and play nearly every guitar and amp mentioned in this book. Fun read and reference book.

[Thiala · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was pretty interesting.

[Amish Schulze · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great read, poor photos

This is a picture book with terrible photos. Would not buy again. The rest of the info was fine. Bob.

[Bruce Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read for all guitar fans, especially Fender fans. Every model of guitar is covered along with speakers and basses.