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On Fri, 26 Apr 2002, Robb Lowe wrote:
> As for rich kids and Fenders - it's hard to believe today, but in the early
> 60's, Fenders were one of the cheaper instruments, with the Strat and Tele's
> being on the low end of the spectrum. They were not 'rich' kid toys till the
> CBS era. Fenders were primarily regional, i.e. - Southern Californian -
> birthplace of Surf, home of Fender. They didnt take over the world till
> Hendrix took a hankerin to one...
I must strongly disagree here. It's funny you mention 'hankerin'", cause
Stratocasters were EXTREMELY popular in Europe from '60-'64 or so, due to
one reason - Hank Marvin of the Shadows and his Fiesta Red Strat. Europe
was flooded with red Strats because of this reason. They fell out of
favor from '64 to '67, cause everybody wanted semi-hollow electrics, like
the Beatles and other beat groups played (Gretsches, Ricks, Epiphones,
etc.). Hendrix did bring back the interest, and then Clapton solidified
it. But it started with Hank.
I must also disagree with your statement that Fenders were one of the
cheaper instruments. Adjusted for inflation, (US-made) Fenders cost
about the same then as they do today, which means around a $1000 mark,
which is certainly NOT one of the cheaper instruments. I believe the
Gibsons (like today) were more expensive, but Gretsches were
comparable. The other companies, like the various Japanese, Italian,
German guitars were considerably cheaper than Fenders. Fenders definitely
WERE for the rich kids.
Ivan
