Worked for Leo in 63-66 at the Acoustic plant and was the 3/4 guy hired after Phil Kubicki. Got 3 of my Colorado buddies jobs there also. Roger Rossmeisl was our boss and Leo was intrigued with how acoustics were built. I built the tops and backs, bracing, inlays etc. and delivered guitars to Santa Ana every week. Sometimes 10 to 15 boxed and tied down in the back end of our 1963 ford pickup. One particular week several flew off the back end and Roger was going to fire the old guy who strapped them down, but recanted. Roger would ask me to stop by the store to get a couple of bottles of gluten free booze and when I got back would tell me to come into his office and shut the door, which I did. He would pour himself a stiff one and tell me I couldn't have one because I was working. What a lot of fun we had until CBS installed the union. Phil and the Colorado guys became good friends and I sometimes wonder where I would be if I'd stayed. Of course, Roger and Phil built many famous guitars for Hendricks, Beattles, etc. while there. thanks
If America ever had a knighthood it should have been bestowed on Leo. He created what for many defines the American sound and was so 'instrumental' in bringing joy, legacy and craft around this small planet of ours.. God Bless you Leo, I have been a disciple making emulations of your inventions for 45 years and your genius is never lost on me.
What a wonderful video. I own a Telecaster, it’s my number one. Leo started not just an iconic brand, but he also created something that so many people built their lives around, something that people could let their artistic ideas flow through their fingers and into these wonderful instruments.
As proud as he was of all the fantastic inventions there (and they were and are great) , I wonder what he'd say today about how much people revere the old original design of the Telecaster? It's amazing how the old design - the concept that kind of started all this - is still such a gold standard. Great video!
Wonderful video! And you’re doing a great job furthering Leo’s legacy with your excellent products. I had the great pleasure of meeting Leo at the NAMM show in Chicago in 1980. What a down to earth and modest guy!
I could listen & or read about this stuff for hours. This video is awesome for a Fender guy that can not get enough of knowledge and stuff you are sharing. Hope I can get a green G & L version of the T style someday to sit with my other Fender guitars.
What an awesome video! I appreciate all of the history, info, & ideas behind how my ASAT was born. It also makes me marvel at all of the craftsmanship that’s gone into it. These guys must be thinking “We never know who’ll be playing this guitar, so I better do my best”. Thanks for the video!
Really touching talk... A picture of the labour of love. I see the different guitars Leo made as kind of chapters of the same book, there's a continuity in the inventions and designs...
My G&L ASAT Classic Alnico is my most played instrument. Great job keeping the legacy going. If I had the extra dough, i would be buying a custom dual humbucker ASAT with vintage white Nitrocellulose finish and Saddle Lock bridge.
Got my first Telecaster and I'm completely in love. I was never much of a gear head and I usually bought cheap guitars because I saw them just as a means to an end to make music, but the guitars Leo created are truly splendid and beautiful works of art.
If he could only hear and see the things that I've done and I'm still doing with a 57 Stratocaster I think he would be pretty amazed!... I know that I myself still am every time!
Absolutely LOVE my Mar 2016 G&L jazz bass. Got to talk to the crew that built it before it was built in terms of what I was looking for. Hands down, it is my favorite that I've owned in the last 45 years.
I watch this interesting video and the one thought that springs to mind about the Fender guitar design is, I wonder how many people on this planet owe a thanks to Leo for a job they have due to his design, I mean this is a global business started by one man and an idea. The USA, huh, you got to love it.
love the look of the 87 ASAT. wish that were still on the market. If G&L ever made their pickups available to builders and people who mod, I bet they'd be in high demand.
The video is excellent heart felt love and emotions of love for a great man who loved his work. I also have a 60 year history with my little family church family where the people were in church every Sunday morning and they worshipped Our Heavenly Father with songs of praise and glorious grace. Today we feel like you do about the past history of Leo Fender and company. Love is the common theme of all good relationships. Real old fashioned love the kind that commands respect and respect is given to people who have earned their own respect in life by setting the EXAMPLE FOR A GREAT AMERICAN LOVE TO BLOSSOM AND GROW UP AND LEARN HOW TO GIVE PEOPLE THE TRUTH. Leo Fender was in search for the truth about the free electrons he studied for many years of his life. Search and you shall find. Leo Fender found love in his work and he was blessed. Why is love gone today?
Nicely done. Not to brash like alot of clips of other guitar makers . I've a 1978 big headstock stratocaster. That I have for 40 years . Still play it . Only for home now . But we'll put together ❤
I hope one day to try a G&L. I believe Leo got it right in 50s but hey. I have never tried a G&L...I've heard nothing but good from them. I hope one day to honor him with a purchase of one. Until then I adore these stories. Sadly I was a drummer during the days he passed and remember the news but as I got into 2018 I took up guitar and have been so in love with strats. I do not want to keep door closed on what I feel is best for me. So the hope is there I get to try one soon. I don't get out much. Hahah
Know what seems more rare than a hen's tooth?ANY recording or video of Leo Fender talking. I have heard the Fullerton library has some homemade films with him talking.Google it - nada ...
Really enjoyed this and will love playing my SB2T all the more when I pick it up in a few minutes. Who were the fantastic players on this sound track at the end?
It seems implausible to me that a man who allegedly invented half of electric guitar equipment to the point that it couldn’t be improved in 70 years was never interviewed although he lived until 1991. I think that this man was a staged actor and didn’t invent shit.
