Fender Announces All-New, Highly Collectible 75th Anniversary Electric Guitars & Basses, Artist Signature Models, Amplifiers, Squier® Contemporary Series Additions, New Accessories and more
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (January 12, 2021)— Off the heels of record guitar-playing interest in 2020, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is entering its 75th anniversary year stronger than ever. This past year, Fender welcomed more than 900k new players via the brand’s online learning app, Fender Play®, driving consumer demand from beginners and record sales milestones. Fender today announced a slate of new products for the first half of 2021 via its second online meeting experience for global dealers. The introductions come as an effort to accommodate recent droves of aspiring players and loyal professional musicians learning and creating at home during the pandemic. New additions include products across categories – from electrics and amplifiers to Squier® guitars and accessories. Fender will continue to use a private interactive portal for its dealers to explore executive and product video, as well as other visuals via an easy-to-follow user interface.
“Interest in guitar and self-expression is at an all-time high worldwide, and now, more people than ever are playing the instrument and learning online,” said Tammy Van Donk, EVP Sales, America and EMEA Fender. “Our immersive, online dealer experience was so well-received across the network last summer, we have decided to continue to engage with our dealers this way as we enter our 75th year. We’re proud of this platform and look forward to supporting our dealers as they equip new players around the world with the innovative Fender gear they need in 2021.”
“We’re proud to usher in Fender’s 75th anniversary with some of our most innovative products to-date,” added Justin Norvell, Executive Vice President, Product at Fender. “Heading into 2021, we’re introducing an elevated, highly collectible selection across all categories – including electric and acoustic guitars, basses, amps, Squier, accessories and more – with something for professionals and all the new players learning at home. A selection of electric guitars made this year will don a commemorative 75th anniversary neck plate and our anniversary models will feature their own special artwork on the neck plate. In true Fender tradition, our products are an extension of our artist community and we continue to find new, innovative ways to support their creative expression.”
In 1946, Clarence Leonidas “Leo” Fender created Fender Electric Instrument Company and changed the trajectory of modern music forever. The 75th Anniversary Series, handmade in Corona, Calif., celebrates Leo’s bold, revolutionary designs with special versions of the Stratocaster®, Telecaster®, Precision Bass® and Jazz Bass® guitars. Featuring unique finishes, premium pickups and remarkably comfortable necks, these instruments honor the timeless Fender designs that reshaped music. Each limited-edition axe is a fitting homage to one of the world’s most popular electric guitar models, providing classic Fender style and tone in an exclusive, upscale package which includes a custom Inca Silver molded hardshell case with plush Lake Placid Blue interior, a special certificate of authenticity, a 75th anniversary ingot inlaid into the back of the headstock and an engraved anniversary neck plate. All models are available with ash bodies in 2-color Bourbon Burst, one-piece maple necks and Custom Shop pickups. Models include:
Additional Ensenada-built 75th Anniversary guitars include the iconic Stratocaster®, Telecaster®, Jazz Bass® and Precision Bass® models all priced at $849.99 USD, £889, €999, $1,699 AUD, ¥110,000 JPY and are available February 2021 in a special edition Diamond Anniversary with Maple fingerboard. Specs include a “Modern C” profile, medium jumbo frets and a satin finish for supreme comfort and playability. For all details on each model please see here.
To learn more and for product descriptions of each 75th anniversary model, click here. For product images click here.
In addition to commemorative electric models, Fender alongside publisher Motorbooks will also release a 75thAnniversary book by Dave Hunter: Fender 75 Years available May 18, 2021. Ubiquitous in the music world, Fender guitars and amplifiers are also icons in popular culture, their shapes and sounds instantly recognizable. Authoritatively written and lavishly illustrated, Fender 75 Years is the officially licensed anniversary celebration of the company and its legendary instruments. Illustrated throughout with rare images from company archives, Fender 75 Years treats readers to rare behind-the-scenes views of the shop floor throughout the years, as well as studio imagery of the guitars, rare period advertising and brochures and performance images of Fender players. It’s the definitive look at the Fender’s first three-quarters of a century and a must-have for the shelf of any guitar enthusiast. To learn more or purchase the book, click here through a retailer in the U.S., U.K., Canada or Australia ($50.00 USD; $65.00 CAD). Images here.
Combining classic Fender style and dynamic MP- 90 pickups, the Noventa Series delivers powerful tones and modern playability. Its striking good looks are matched by the midrange bite, crisp highs and smooth lows of the MP-90 pickups. 21 medium jumbo frets and 9.5” radius fingerboards deliver a smooth blend of modern and vintage playability that is distinctly Fender.
To learn more and for product descriptions of each Noventa model, click here. For product images click here.
For players who demand the ultimate in performance and tone, the American Ultra series is Fender’s most advanced series of guitars and basses. The addition of four new American Ultra Luxe models ($2,299.99-$2,399.99) in 2021 will bring the guitar playing experience up a major notch. These elevated models in this series feature versatile, state-of-the-art specs that will inspire players to push their skills to new heights. The American Ultra Luxe series features unique Augmented “D” neck profile with Ultra rolled fingerboard edges for endless playing comfort and a tapered neck heel that allows easy access to the highest register. A speedy 10”-14” compound-radius fingerboard with 22 stainless steel medium-jumbo frets means effortless and accurate soloing. Models include:
To learn more and for product descriptions of each American Ultra Luxe model, click here. For product images click here.
In late 2020, Fender released the all-new American Professional II series, the second generation of its flagship electric guitars and basses widely adopted by players and working guitarists in the world with over 60 percent of Fender artists across all genres. The series combines a longstanding history of quality with handmade craftsmanship to provide the world’s most relevant artists with a better tool that transcends more genres than any other series before it. 2021 brings additions, such as a Left-Handed Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazzmaster, Precision Bass and Jazz Bass models, as well as 5-String and fretless basses to the currently available 10 models. Price ranges from $1,499.99-$1,799.99 USD, £1,599-£1,829, €1,849-€2,099, $3,099-$3,599 AUD, ¥200,000-¥220,000 JPY.
Watch the American Professional II campaign video here and demo videos here. To learn more about the American Professional II series including detailed product/spec descriptions, click here. Campaign artist, “The One. For All” campaign images, Lifestyle product, Individual product and group product images here.
In true tradition, the Fender® Artist Signature Series honors iconic musicians through product progression and storytelling, creating instruments inspired by the unique specifications of the world’s greatest guitarists and bassists. 2021 will see Fender and some of the world’s leading players continue to blaze trails of product innovation, with this year’s launches including:
To learn more and for product descriptions of each model, click here. For product images click here.
The ‘68 Custom range has become an extremely popular amp series for guitarists who love classic Fender sounds. This year, Fender expands that range with the addition of the Pro Reverb and Vibro Champ. For those who want a bit more variety, additions to the Mustang line will ensure players have access to any tone possible. In addition, the Mustang Micro, an exciting addition to the Mustang line, will ensure players can practice with great tone anywhere.
To learn more and for product descriptions of each model, click here. For product images click here.
In response to a growing market abuzz with new players inspired in part by the 2020 Fender Play Through initiative, Fender is introducing several updates to the entry-level Squier® lineup in 2021 including an all-new batch of models in the Contemporary Series. Perfect for the player seeking enticing high-performance features and bold aesthetics, the Squier Contemporary Series offers value-packed modern remixes of familiar Fender platforms. These new models all feature modern-voiced Squier SQR™ pickups, rich-looking roasted maple necks for optimal stability, sculpted neck heels for improved hand comfort all the way to the upper frets and painted headstocks with chrome logos for a super-premium look. Select new models include unique pickup configurations and coil-tap switching for single-coil tones, black hardware for a stealthy aesthetic vibe and premium components including a tremolo system by Floyd Rose® for smooth string-bending effects. Models include:
To learn more and for product descriptions of each model, click here. For product images click here.
The 2021 Fender line of accessories speaks to a player’s personal style and tone preferences, while adding ease to the entire playing experience. Offerings include Camouflage Collection cables, Right HeightTM and MustangTM Saddle straps and gig bags, Roadworn Necks, FlashTM Clip On Tuners adding extra ease to the tuning process, as well as new strap offerings in a variety of patterns. To top it off, Pedal Power Supplies expand Fender’s Effect Pedals product solutions. Accessories will be available for purchase Winter/Spring 2021. ($19.99-$249.99 USD, £15.49-£449.99, €17.49-€499.99, $25-$499 AUD, ¥3,400-¥45,000 JPY). In addition, Fender will debut new lifestyle apparel in 2021.
To learn more and for product descriptions of each accessory model, click here. For product images click here.
For technical specs, additional information on new Fender products and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.fender.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @Fender.