THE FENDER VISITOR CENTER
One of the world’s biggest guitar makers opens its
doors to the public for the first time ever with a new
Visitor Center and factory tours—a symbol of the
musician-friendly leadership new CEO Larry Thomas
hopes to bring to the company.
PHOTOS AND STORY BY REBECCA DIRKS
ABOVE: The Visitor Center’s walls are lined with instruments that can be plucked down, taken into the sound room,
plugged in, and played by the general public. Each instrument is explained by a pick-shaped plaque and is surrounded
by photos, album covers, and advertisements that help tell the story. The main wall opposite the entrance features classic
examples of Fender’s iconic guitar shapes: the Tele, Jazz bass, Strat, Jazzmaster, Precision bass, Jaguar, and Mustang.
