Fender finishes remain consistent through changing trends in guitar fashion: Those specific designs are timeless
Fender Custom Shop Embraces Evolving Guitar Trends Whilst Upholding Timeless Models
A shift in the guitar world is underway, with rubber bridge guitars gaining popularity, as endorsed by Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers [1]. However, the Fender Custom Shop continues to prioritize its timeless electric guitar models, maintaining a focus on the classic Stratocaster and Telecaster designs.
The Custom Shop's always-in-production models include blonde Telecasters, black Stratocasters, and sunburst finishes across key models. These staples, produced consistently regardless of changing fashion trends, are beloved for their enduring popularity and iconic status [2].
More specifically, the Custom Shop frequently offers blonde Teles, black Strats, and sunburst finish guitars, as well as classic vintage reissues like the 1962 Stratocaster Relic and the '51 Nocaster Deluxe Closet Classic Butterscotch Blonde [3][4].
The focus is not just on aesthetics, but also on the components. The use of roasted maple, alder, and ash bodies is becoming more prevalent in the design of guitars, appealing to guitarists' evolving tastes for tone and craftsmanship [2].
In terms of trends, the Fender Custom Shop team is noticing a shift towards components rather than aesthetics. The evolution of guitar players has resulted in a more discerning taste, enabling them to hear more of what is being thrown into the design of the guitars in terms of pickups and tonewoods [5].
The growing offset trend is also evident, with Jackson reviving the Surfacaster silhouette and Aristides launching its own offset guitar with Mike Stringer [6]. Despite this, requests for blonde Teles and sunburst Strats remain constant and will never die [7].
Orders for the Fender Custom Shop are often two years old, indicating a focus on anticipating future trends [8]. The team places a big emphasis on staying ahead of trends and maintaining good communication with dealers [9].
In an interview, Paul Reed Smith suggested that alternative tonewoods, such as Guatemalan fence posts, should not be dismissed [10]. Guthrie Govan reported a tonal difference during an experiment involving tonewoods [11].
The Gibson Dark Purple Burst has been so popular it has been extended to an Epiphone Les Paul [12]. To read Waller's interview in full, it can be found in the latest issue of Guitarist magazine from Magazines Direct [13].
In summary, the Fender Custom Shop's approach is to balance the pursuit of new trends with the preservation of its heritage designs. The focus is on creating guitars that offer both timeless appeal and modern innovation.
References:
- Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers Champion Rubber Bridge Guitars
- Fender Custom Shop's Dedication to Preserving Its Heritage Designs
- Fender Custom Shop Offers 1962 Stratocaster Relic
- '51 Nocaster Deluxe Closet Classic Butterscotch Blonde by Fender Custom Shop
- Evolution of Guitar Players Leads to More Discerning Taste
- Growing Offset Trend in the Guitar World
- Constant Requests for Blonde Teles and Sunburst Strats
- Fender Custom Shop's Focus on Anticipating Future Trends
- Fender Custom Shop's Emphasis on Good Communication with Dealers
- Paul Reed Smith's Suggestion of Alternative Tonewoods
- Guthrie Govan's Experiment with Tonewoods
- Gibson's Dark Purple Burst Extended to Epiphone Les Paul
- Waller's Interview in Guitarist Magazine
- A notable guitar trend championed by artists such as Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers is the rise of rubber bridge guitars.
- Despite this shift, the Fender Custom Shop remains dedicated to maintaining the popularity of classic models like the Stratocaster and Telecaster.
- Among the consistently produced models at the Fender Custom Shop are blonde Telecasters, black Stratocasters, and sunburst finish guitars, as well as vintage reissues.
- The team at the Fender Custom Shop is noticing a trend towards components, such as roasted maple, alder, and ash bodies, appeal to evolving tastes for tone and craftsmanship.
- PRS suggested that alternative tonewoods, like Guatemalan fence posts, should not be dismissed, while Guthrie Govan reported a tonal difference in experiments involving tonewoods.
- The Gibson Dark Purple Burst has been so popular it has been extended to an Epiphone Les Paul, demonstrating the enduring appeal of some designs in the face of changing trends.