HOW THEY MAKE GUITARS at Fender's Custom Shop (Factory Tour)

[@AndrewMasters]

This was so cool. Anybody use a fender in their studio?? What's your favorite?

[@qlyde]

Love this video! I've got a 13 year old Custom Shop 1960 Strat which is my #1, great to see where it came from and how the shop has evolved, would love to get a new one but that's a price tag for the future me to worry about lol.

[@Haku_records]

Tele!!!

[@damiansamb3980]

Awesome man!! My favorite is my Fender Custom Shop Heavy Relic Ressiue 1954 Stratocaster 🔥🙌🏻⚡🎉

[@chickenlickin3820]

My CS Strat 60's heavy relic just not long put in some seymour antiquities

[@AudioJanitor]

This one will push you over 100K. Well deserved brotha.

[@nottaller1993]

These master builders have probably the greatest job on earth. Incredible stuff

[@igavehimadollar3354]

Dude for sure I’m sitting in my man cave with my tele jazzmaster and mustang the strats are tucked away . Their plugged into my fender deville . There is nothing better on earth than an American made fender all the best man

[@jonbongjovi1869]

every atom of life is GRASS-IS-GREENER-ON-The-OTHER-SIDE-ism, dude. WHy do you think so many rock stars ENDED THEIR LIVES rather than remain rock stars???

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

True. Every job has a downside. Even famous stars hitting the stage night after night on a 1 year tour. Don’t tell me it doesn’t become a chore and they secretly want to be at home on the sofa alone in peace and quiet!

[@ramencurry6672]

I have a set of Custom Shop Fat 50s pickups. They are incredible and actually not that expensive

[@shidoin5398]

But I'm sure they are underpaid

[@jasonbate1756]

I have been a player for almost 30 years and started modding, repairing and eventually building for the last 25 years. Being a Masterbuilder at Fender would be my absolute dream job.

[@tracymussotte]

That sounds awesome! Have you tried applying?

[@MM-ig1iv]

Well if you really have something that special and unique to offer them.. hell they just might hire you!? seems that's what they're all about. Don't give up on your dreams whatever you do.. I'm a small time builder and hobbyist myself. built a couple parts casters that I'm very happy with.. and a first time scalloped fretted neck that turned out ok. with little error. encouraged to keep going!

[@MM-ig1iv]

also got about 30 years of playing and guitar experience in..

[@neurflerat2693]

You should really give it a shot and apply Jason!

[@HunnysPlaylists]

I would do it.

[@Zepie]

We'll make anything for anyone -- cardboard, agave, legos, gold leaf, custom necks, exotic pickup configurations, etc -- except if you're John Mayer. If you want to make extremely minor changes to the instrument that everyone will probably then want, you'll have to talk to PRS.

[@ItsJustRyan89]

You win the internet.

[@garyburginjr1366]

True

[@joesantamaria5874]

Wow

[@joesantamaria5874]

Wow

[@joesantamaria5874]

Wow

[@TheStormpilgrim]

Somehow, I managed to build a couple of guitars in my garage that actually work. Seeing these guys, it's a bit like going up to Michelangelo and saying, "Yep...I painted the ceiling in my house."

[@foylebutler8952]

If you built a playable guitar , its an acomplishment ,.. Its not easy to do.

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

Great job!

[@Murf_Workshop]

working on mine, a telecaster body, and yes while it's not easy it is a good sense of accomplishment, no matter how miniscule it may seem in comparison to other's who have came before.

[@TheStormpilgrim]

@@Murf_Workshop I made my tele-style from padauk and topped it with a diagonal checkerboard of padauk and maple. It's retro-looking and sounds great, but you'd better have a chiropractor on standby. I thought I'd drilled out enough of the body, but I'm not sure if it's even lighter than a Mosin-Nagant rifle.

[@Murf_Workshop]

@@TheStormpilgrim dually noted 😂, mine is Alder, resonance is killer just by tapping it, but man this slab is heavy

[@Belchdragon]

I can not play any instruments, but the love of the craft was pouring out of the whole film. I loved it.

[@DrunkenRhinoceros]

I've been a big fan of Fender Instruments for years. It was great to see the people and the process behind the scenes. Thanks!

[@AndrewMasters]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrEcted]

Fender is one of those companies that still has that mojo. They really cover every range and do it really well. Their cheapest offerings are still amazing guitars (I have a Player Tele that I absolutely love!), and what they offer at the very top end are really true works of art. It's awesome to see people who are so insanely good at their craft!

[@Superman-pn1rx]

@Boony Tooty best comment so far

[@triax7006]

@Boony Tooty Correct, that is why especially as even cheap guitars now due to modern techniques such as CNC are the best option if a person is learning & just picking up the guitar. I suppose if they are going to be committed a better guitar that will pretty much guarantee to be a good player & make it easier to play is the best option, but again it isn't going to cost that much. Gone are the days of terrible guitars that were awful & put people off from playing.

[@teleguy5699]

@Boony Tooty In my opinion the sound is just a minor part of why you buy a custom shop guitar. It's getting the exact feel, attention to detail, look, and yes the sound you want all rolled into your "one of" special guitar. Some people buy huge RV's with their disposable income. Some people buy custom built guitars. I agree with you that if a crappy player gets one thinking he's going to become a guitar god, then reality will hit them in the face, but like I said, the whole package is what would entice me if I wanted one.

[@ToddH76]

@@teleguy5699 don’t forget the colors they want too! Nothing to do with tone but a huge part of the draw to buying a custom shop. I happen to love daphne blue with a dark rosewood neck that is a little thicker! Wish they made them in the am pro II line but they don’t!

[@teleguy5699]

@@ToddH76 Try the Mod Shop. As a lefty that's how I got the colors and neck I wanted, pickups, fret size tuners, accessories etc. Not totally custom, but some good options. It was based on the AM Pro body when I got mine.

[@jimfinlaw4537]

Thanks for giving us a tour of Fender's Custom Shop. Very cool to see how they masterfully manfacture these incredible works of art. Its always a treat to see what goes on behind the scenes in creating these unique guitars. If money were no object, I'm sure I could keep them enployeed for many years with all the crazy ideas I have in my head for guitar designs. I started playing guitar when I was 6 years old. Jimi Hendrix gave me my very first guitar lesson when I happen to meet him in the summer of 1969 at a pawn shop in Columbus, Ohio, where he stopped in route to his Electric Ladyland Studio in New York. Hendrix was the sweetest guy you would ever want to meet, he was so down to Earth. I was messing around with a 1963 Fender Jazzmaster guitar and I asked him if he could teach me how to play All Along The Watchtower and he said he couldn't because there are 10 separate guitar tracks in its recording and it would take him a whole week to teach me all those. He taught me how to play Voodoo Chile Slight Return instead. I just turned 60 this year and I always look back on that day in 1969 with great admiration in knowing that I was jamming with one of the great guitarists of all time.

[@ScantlessBeatz]

Im not a guitar player but seeing the process of anything to do with music is always cool.

[@jeffg1524]

Videos like these reek with coolness even if you're not a guitar player. I was mesmerized from the first minute all the way through.

[@MM-ig1iv]

That's pretty cool how you got the pick guards with different pickups configs to quickly switch out like that.

[@charlesflint9048]

My Fender 2012 Tele butterscotch Baja had the pickups designed by some of these guys here and they made a really nice job of it. I love having the ‘Fender Custom Shop Designed’ logo stamped into the plate holding the neck.😊

[@trenken]

I was hoping to see jason smith. He builds geddy lee’s jazz basses and im a huge rush fan and bassist myself. Geddy has mentioned him a buncha times. Jason builds incredible basses.

[@jamesdacc2068]

I’ve watched a few of these Fender tours on YT, and this is by far the best. Great job by all.

[@ΧΛυδός]

Musicians wood artists machinery and passion. Fender's custom shop has the coolest combination you can find on earth.

[@Annunaki_0517]

A tour of the Fender Custom Shop? That’s like finding a golden ticket inside a Wonka Bar. I’m in!!!! And subscribed. Bring on the Oompa Loompas.

[@ChadwickRider]

Some excellent artist work in that Fender Custom Shop, nothing but top notch work. You can easily see their passion for history and admiration towards the musicians they've worked with throughout their existence.

[@bugmanuk]

Them some ugly guitars

[@GeoffModulate]

Oh that was SO COOL! Loved it. It's crazy they are still using some of the original tools. It's great to see behind the curtain and look around the factory.

[@parkereberhard7580]

Are you familiar with Heritage guitars? They (I believe still) are made in the original Gibson factory with many of the original machines

[@caryconover]

This was soooo sick. So revelatory in so many ways, incredibly insightful. Thanks for making this video.

[@zedudli]

“And this is the bathroom” “Wooow” “And this is the exit” “Yeaaah” “Well, goodbye then” “Aaaaahhh, woow”

[@redsteadyon]

That was ACE, Watchin from the UK, Much appreciated...

[@jeffsquires6620]

Been waiting 2 years now for my masterbuild tele. Coming in a couple of months. It's a honor to possess a beautiful piece of quality. A lifer.

[@tommyfallen9662]

I appreciate the fact that yall gave credit were it was due the craftsman that are artists😊

[@smoothshredder]

Im surfer with over 40 years of experience and get strictly custom boards. Seeing this factory is very similar to going to a high level shaper and custom making your gear. My musicianship is not to the level of getting a full custom shop but getting to a place where I can hear differences in pickups and body types and amps. One day I hope to custom a guitar for myself whether by home made or through an expert. One fine day...

[@BooksForever]

I have a Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster (2009) and thanks to this video tour my ownership now feels more complete and enriching. Thanks!

[@kostantismp3704]

respect to all those who prepare our babies with love, I love you! also happy new year!

[@donbutler8760]

I took a tour of the Fender factory in 1973 when it was at the original location in Fullerton. The place was very dis-organized..

[@marklowe7431]

Went there a few years ago, they were very good. The tour guide was awesome and really covered interesting stuff. Got to meet Abigail Ybarra. All the people I met there take real pride in their work. I do have a number of basses and the 75 Jazz is the one I couldn't do without.

[@JS-mz4xf]

I don't normally comment but that was one great tour/video. Thank you. Makes me appreciate my Fender guitars even more.

[@zedman6516]

That’s awesome, great vid! Art Esparza built a Custom Shop 1 off Telecaster the way I wanted back in 98’. I still have it, I don’t play very much these days but the guitar is my most prized possession. Hard to believe it will be 25 years old next year… where has the time gone. ☹️

[@darrenmcsorley3726]

Its nice to know that my bridge was stamped from the exact tooling that Jimmy Hendrix's guitars where stamped from..lol Thank you for taking me on the tour loved it. That host who has been there for 24 years sounds like a great guy! Would love a tour there some day.

[@luisfernandorojasvelasco4731]

The Jazzmaster strat at 33:30 looks amazing, the perfect hybrid beast

[@randybryant1141]

So cool to see inside the Fender factory.... Especially the Custom Shop! What an enjoyable video!!!

[@AndrewMasters]

Thanks!

[@1Rockstok]

I have 13 Strats from Affinity Squire to American Deluxe. I love them all. Just keep doing what you’re doing!

[@m.o.n.d.e.g.r.e.e.n]

10:10 omgx i need that in the studio! just a few different pickup variations you can slide on for different tones

[@bluepacificrecordingstudio1120]

I grew up in corona about 1/2 mile from where the factory is now….. love that town… love fender

[@craigshackleton1652]

I just carn't shake the thought that my american standard strat had parts stamped out by the same machines as all the greats like Jimi. Mind blown.

[@Blueguitar007]

Your strat wasn't made there with those parts. American Standards were made in the regular factory, this is the Custom Shop factory.

[@Eri4Jp]

@@Blueguitar007 dont kill his dreams

[@timmotel5804]

WoW. Excellent tour of the factory. I just ordered an American Ultra Strat HSS in Texas Tea finish. Waiting for it to arrive after Sweetwater receives it from Fender. Brand New, from the factory. I kinda feel like it's being made just for me. My thanks to you and the wonderful team at Fender.

[@tompoynton]

The Master Built models are obviously amazing and super fun, but personally I like the idea of a custom build more - each step of the build being in the hands of a master in their particular area of expertise

[@joeeck2752]

I live in eastern PA. So Martin is huge and I've done the tour. But seeing the behind the scenes of Fender is a dream. This was awesome.

[@arianamastersofficial]

Wooooow GREAT video. Loved it (Jack loved it too). My favorite part was the guitar neck with the raised wood instead of the metal for the frets. Jack's favorite was the LEGO guitar. This entire video was so entertaining - truly. One of my favorites. I had no idea that shop would be THIS COOL.

[@Blueguitar007]

If you're talking about the scalloped yvm neck they do have frets, that one wasn't fretted yet.

[@arianamastersofficial]

@@Blueguitar007 Oooooohhhhh!!!!! Thanks

[@stephenhope7319]

I just came across this video. Awesome. We have several US Fender guitars and basses in our house. I play bass. Wife and son play guitar. Great to see this background of the Custom Shop.

[@rjo8500]

Fender has their act together. Very impressive operation.

[@xCRiiSPYx]

18:05 The best thing is when he started to speak german. I really like it.

[@peterbondmusic]

My Fender custom shop Strat is one of my prized possessions. They really do make magic there.

[@kjneese]

This was a truly superb, behind the scenes look at arguably the greatest custom guitar manufacturer in the world. I've seen a few videos similar, but none as thorough and well put together as yours. So GREAT! kudos and THANK YOU!!!!!

[@JohnHenrySoto]

Pretty awesome to see the passion that goes into making these. It really justifies the price when you take the level of care and love that goes into making your special guitar! Well done getting the tour Andrew!

[@bayupradanamurdjito]

Thanks for giving us a tour of Fender's Custom Shop, this is super cool man..

[@Chaziltasm]

I got an American Fender Pro2 P-Bass a few months ago. For all I know, the people in that factory room were the people who made the bass i play every day. Seeing the process, the people at work, the skill involved, really makes me appreciate the whole thing so much more, and makes me feel like it was money well spent. That bass flew all the way from California to Korea and I caught it just as it arrived. So lucky to get it.

[@MegaTubescreamer]

the inspiration of the man himself back in the day, when leo was designing / modifying inventing and struggling to pay the wages of his employees, its a legacy to protect and respect, once rid of the toxic C,B,S business model the present team clearly have the real mojo leo painstakingly created then ! there`s a heart and soul about the place and its so good to know that . long may it continue ,,

[@stevekannes89]

I’m a guitar player. Thank you very much for showing the tour. It was almost a mystical place for me. Again thank you

[@mattilangofficial]

I've got a 2010 Clapton signature Strat. Was it eventually made there?

[@texrayvision]

they have a really amazing shop and I like that their luthiers seem to have some creative control over their spaces- that being said it looks like they need more dust extraction lol.

[@saltyclampirate7397]

Just bought a pickguard and Sweetwater called to ensure it would fit my model of guitar. Wow, what service.

[@KutWrite]

Thanks for the tour. if you do another one, I like to know what we're looking at. For instance, what was the yellow guitar in the Model Shop? it appears at 33:25 . It looks like a Jazzmaster, but smaller and without the slide switches. Anyone know? Anyone? Bueller?

[@michaeltincopa4053]

SIMPLY FABULOUS FENDER..!!! GOD BLESS THE GREAT AMERICAN FENDER GUITAR INDUSTRY. LONG LIVE ROCK..!!! Yeah..

[@Tonetwisters]

Bill Carson was a huge influence on the development of the Stratocaster ... WHAT A PLAYER! Good grief, he was good, and I've been playing 61 years ... I have a '50s American Original and that big soft V is incredible!!

[@cravecave505]

That was a great „Child in a candystore“ moment. Thanks.

[@greg_burn_themetalmotorcyclist]

Great comprehensive video! Awesome to see Scott Buell in his natural state! I dearly miss seeing him and his mad scientist creations! He is truly the master builder of all master builders within the Fender Custom Shop! Thanks for your mentorship and laughs over the years I spent working in Corona! May you ride on! P.S..... is the speed triple still available?! 😊

[@Drew_hecht55]

OMG THAT ONE LUTHIER MADE THE NECK FOR ORVILLE PECKS GUITAR!!! That’s so cool!!! I’d love to know which guitar it is

[@crustysocks1]

Thanks so much for this video tour I was captivated the whole time!

[@michaelquillen2679]

Looks pretty organized. I've heard some of the stories of Fender's crazy, last days before the CBS buyout. (i.e., things like shooting cheap student models with custom colors because there was still paint left in the gun, spraying a custom color over a burst finish becase there were no more blanks, etc.). Thanks for the video.

[@ringomaharaj1268]

Great tour...saw a guy in Norway that make Strats, Pinewood guitars I think 🤔. My only issue I have with fender stratocaster is the position of the volume control.

[@WeAreAllBuddhas]

I really hope the factory workers get treated well. I'm sure almost everyone else gets god-status but the conditions the factory workers work in makes me question things. Hope the get the validation and support they need and feel happy with their jobs, In the end most of us probably wont get a custom shop guitar but rather a regular fender build by these employees. Those people are the real heros here. Thank you! Muchas Gracias! Espero que esten bien!

[@paulgentile1024]

What's wrong with the conditions the factory workers work in ?

[@Salguine]

I worked for PRS for a short while back in the '90s, and that was exactly the case. The suits in the front office were making bank and buying real estate. The people in the factory who actually made the guitars were paid poverty wages. They'd arrive for work in cars that were falling apart and held together with baling wire. The turnover rate in the factory was enormous, because everyone would leave after three or four months to find another job they could actually live on.

[@keithclark486]

@@Salguine Which is why prs is overrated crap. They don't pay their employees well enough ' the employees hearts and minds are not into building a quality product and it shows. I've had 3 PRS guitars and all 3 we're junk.

[@bojangles6444]

@@keithclark486 lol based on the testimony of a guy online you are going to condemn their labor practices? Ok dude 🤦. They actually have way better quality control than anyone else they compete with. You won’t need a setup you can grab one off a shelf and play it without it playing poorly. I have had a McCarty since 05 plays better now than ever no problems. Only prs I ever played but reason enough to be optimistic. I never had a fender or a Gibson that had as few technical issues. Never had a fender custom shop though either.

[@keithclark486]

@@bojangles6444 Did you not read what I wrote? From my own experiences ' HAD 3 and all 3 we're junk

[@Shiloh7377]

I wanna get that lego set. I've seen it, it's pretty cool, you can make it red or black it's a strat. And also it comes with and you can build a small fender amp to go with it, it's really cool lookin.

[@UpliftingRiffs]

Amazing video. Once I got my first custom shop Strat I was blown away by the level of detail and craftsmanship the builders put into them. Well worth the price.

[@1963Tele]

Scott Buell is a True craftsman. I learned a lot working next to him for 5 years.

[@trailblazeratv6306]

Awesome, The G&L shop is kind of like that too. Some of Leo's original tools

[@kelalamusic9258]

I thoroughly enjoyed that. If only I belonged to the “heavy wallet brigade,” I would love to have a bass designed and built by one of those master luthiers. Thanks for providing such an awesome video. 👍

[@henryfreeman7748]

Watching this video make me appreciate the workmanship that goes and went into my mustang bass... A custom bass is my dream 🐎...😎

[@costelloandsilke7321]

Really informative - and refreshing that a manufacturer will show off their processes in such detail - very impressed at the amount of handwork involved in making Fender guitars - including some of my own!

[@Bry-dt8kz]

Dude, the guitar made from the wood from the club from Toronto is really cool!

[@darrenc8776]

I feel like the design room should have some angelic music playing as you enter because for most guitar heads your in heaven

[@rudymikula7129]

Very nice tour. I hold Fender in higher esteem after this. Thanks

[@merseybeat1963]

I have two Masterbuilt Stratocaster's..both ordered at the same time with some good changes. Am going down stairs now to have late breakfast and I'll pull the one I have down there and play over coffee. I am happy with them ordered in 2009 or 2010 but it takes some time for them to age the only thing is I think the frets are wearing pre maturely..probably soft fret material.

[@frankierodriguez8661]

fantastic video and your host seems to be a very nice fella. Obviously after all these years it's clear he has been a Fender dude for ever. Well done!!

[@bradhienzachary]

Ready to play pickups is a great idea! Never been able to choose pickups

[@RaddDadd29]

The more I watch it the more I'm hearing the voice of John 5 funny enough. He's a Fender artist and the tour guide sounds just like him.

[@projectmonk9673]

The only problem with "custom" shops is that they aren't true custom. Meaning this; I stand at 6'7 so all guitars look like toys to me when they are in my hands. I wanted a custom build guitar body that is slightly bigger than the average guitar. Unfortunately, these custom shops won't build me a body that is slightly bigger. They will cover anything EXCEPT making the guitar slightly bigger. They will do leggo guitar bodies, Game of Thrones guitar bodies, gold leaf covered bodies, and a smoked acrylic "not easy to machine" bodies but they won't carve me out an alder Stratocaster body that is slightly bigger. Now if Buckethead can get a Gibson Les Paul that is slightly bigger, why can't Fender?

[@ToddH76]

Didn’t they just build an oversized custom telecaster for ray benson who is like 6”7? Odd that they won’t do it for anyone else

[@edcolins5498]

Ask guys at Warmoth ! You basicaly want a guitar out of a Preision body !

[@jerrystephenson1172]

There is an oversized Tele made by Fender, It’s the Greg Koch model.

[@dwaynecarroll6098]

Ever try a BassVI? Curious

[@projectmonk9673]

@@edcolins5498 I tried various times asking Warmoth and they won't do it. If you want, I'll send you the email response they gave me as to why they won't do it.

[@angelskelton8354]

Whoa that quick change pick guard set up is awesome! I want to have THAT on my custom shop!

[@tetsujinotetsujino]

Thanx For this ! First time ever seeing Fender Making Faux Tortoise Shell Celluloid Precision Bass Pickguards,I've searched for pictures and vids but this is the first! He Was saying how it takes 6 month making them....I wish I can see it in details!!!

[@marcsabella2092]

This was incredible. Your lucky. Can you do a walk through of the Fender,Jackson room. Ino Fender makes the Jacksonpc1. Look it up

[@ScottMcdonaldMusic]

The el macamba reclaimed stage is awesome. I need one of those. Great video

[@kenhogan4381]

Just reading “The Birth Of Loud” tells the Fender story including Les Paul and Gibson, great read,for me it reminds me how attached we become to “norm” supported by the industry, I see new emerging tech means that playing music will no longer be limited to people who are lucky enough to possess skills to play music

[@shanegonzalezelindio4835]

incredible!! as a guitarist (flamenco) this was incredible lover the fenders im a BIG SRV fan..ajaja love this channel. one day will contact you..jejeje un asaludos desde malaga,sspain.

[@AndrewMasters]

Thanks!

[@mojekh]

Amazing tour, been there once and never forget that friendly and loving atmosphere! Thank you Andrew and Fender people❤

[@dannymacnevin3939]

I own several Strats and Telecasters, and all my amps are Fender Tube amps. I own one Gibson SG that hangs on the wall mostly. I have been and always will be a huge Fender fan, and live that's pretty much all I play. Great tour, I'd love to see that place too some day. I could ask a million questions! Thanks for sharing.

[@Shiloh7377]

The stones played that Toronto club.... Also, that's really cool, if those guys do do that, (when there relicing if they create a scenario while there working it)

[@ocatproductions9797]

my grandpa is good friends with the co founder and old leader of the custom shop. That man is John Page and he still builds guitars to this day!

[@thesillygooseisloose]

your studio is literally so clean

[@JohnOrtynsky]

Awesome! Thanks so much for the tour of this "Magic Shop"!

[@michaelrusso9952]

I own an original K&F lap steel and a 1950 Fender Champion 600 in nearly mint condition. I play a G&L ASAT signature tele in the studio . The lap steel and Champion are like staring into history some 70+ years ago.

[@seanrosedotcom]

I got a Custom Shop made and it was worth the wait and the money. It's amazing. Great video~!

[@yourdrummer2034]

I love the fact of taking wood from historic structures.. Just the fact its super old wood is cool!

[@PennStacker]

Is there a strat with texas special SRV neck and middle. With a dimebag humbucker? Rosewood neck?

[@stoneglad]

Great video and what a wonderful opportunity to see what goes on at the custom shop! Gives some clarity and insight as to why a custom shop guitar is so expensive (after watching this, I now feel as though the prices are justified)!

[@bwall615]

My latest guitar is the exact Strat you show in the beginning. But my favorite is my custom shop Telecaster. They do them right!

[@danielversion1.035]

Fender are just awesome! They just are worth the hype, in my opinion 👍

[@dabsafe]

The El Mocambo Strat would be an amazing addition to any Canadian collector. Spent many an evening there in the misspent days of my young adulthood in the early 70s. Sadly, never got to see the Stones there though. 😎🇨🇦🎸