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| Photo credit: Guitar Legends: The Evolution of the Guitar from Fender to G&L, by G. Fullerton, |
Linking to Mural Monday at Oakland Daily Photo. Check it out to see some great murals!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Electrified Gee-Tars!
So technically not a mural, I couldn't resist posting this mosaic tile mural of a red Fender Statocaster. I live in Fullerton, the home of Fender guitars, basses, amplifiers and related musical gear. Leo Fender developed Telecasters and Stratocasters in the early 50's, and the design was so perfect they remain virtually unchanged to this day!
By all accounts, Leo Fender was a quiet, unassuming man, but he changed the world. Reportedly he had little talent for playing a musical instrument or singing, but loved country western music and was relentlessly interested in improving the sound produced by electric guitars. He would ask musicians of the day to try out his gear, then he would go listen to them in concert and later head back to his shop to make changes to further improve the sound. I'm a huge fan, and own a number of Fender guitars and amps.
Fender later sold out to CBS, and later still Leo Fender and George Fullerton formed G&L Guitars (initially here in Fullerton, later moving to Huntington Beach). To my knowledge, there are no longer Fender or G&L guitars being made in Fullerton, but if you drive around, you just might notice Fender Avenue and other signs that you are at the home of Fender guitars! Oh, and if you happen to have an old Fender guitar under your bed or in your closet from the 50's or 60's, please let me know!!
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That's an amazing mosaic and interesting piece of history.
ReplyDeleteFender left his mark on the music industry and the world. The mural is fantastic and you explain the history of Fender just perfect.
ReplyDeleteWow! A mosaic with an incredible history! A street named after a guitar whizz! That's quite unique!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful mosaic - very rich colors and execution of the guitar...Love this bit of history!
ReplyDelete«Louis» enjoyed your history of the Fender guitars. He didn't know this story!
ReplyDeleteWow an interesting mural and story.
ReplyDeleteamazing how one man can have such an impact and influence on a genre and generations to come...
ReplyDeleteNow that my husband has taken up photography, I have several Fender guitars collecting dust around the house. Name your price and they are yours!
ReplyDeleteHa ha, very funny. I'm checking my inventory as soon as I get home!
DeleteNow I did not know all of that. Interesting. Neat guitar mural.
ReplyDeleteI bet that mosaic attracts a lot of attention from those who see it for the first time.
ReplyDeleteWonderful mosaic - love the intense colours!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful...great shot - makes me wish my son had collected these along with his other 12 hobbies
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! Loved the guitar mosaic mural.
ReplyDeleteA mural is "a painting or other work of art executed directly on a wall." so a mosaic is definitely a mural! :-)
Loved learning the history of Fender. Had no idea it was a So. Calif. business. The mosaic is very cool. Am I the only one who sees a 17th century lace ruffled hand ready to strike the strings? Thanks for participating again in this week's Monday Mural.
ReplyDeleteIt is funny how that article changes from 'electrified gee-tars' to 'electric guitars' for the second part!
ReplyDeleteNeat mural for a great guitar (I only wish I had one lying around....)
Although I am not into guitars I do like this mural al lot, especially after I read your post about the history of Fender. I had no idea, but If I ever come to your neck of the woods, I will be on the look out for some leftover Fender signs.
ReplyDeletethat mural is so awesome! I love it. Would like to have one even though I don't play.
ReplyDeleteI love the street signs!
ReplyDeleteAn American Legend -- great photos and history!
ReplyDeletePS: DId mention that I really like your header photo? Magnificent vista and colours.
ReplyDeleteoh i really, REALLY love that mosaic mural...i've never seen one before! awesome!
ReplyDelete