Fender: The Inside Story

This is an excellent addition to the other books written on this subject. It tends towards the manufacturing side of things at Fender in the early days and written by one who was actually there and involved. I couldn't put the book down.

Early in the book, Forrest White writes "...Some critics may not like the style I use for writing this book ...... it is written in the way Leo Fender would want it to be - plain. down to earth, no fancy frills. I tried to write it in the same manner that would be used in telling the story verbally ...."And that IS how it reads. The author doesn't so much write to you or for you, he writes AT you, often interjecting comments to ram home the point that he knows what he's talking about so you'd better darn well believe him. This mock-oral style does soon become very frustrating and it begins to come between you and the information. You're always aware of the author as someone who is virtually ordering you to believe him because he was there at the time and he not only knows best but he also knows what Leo would want.As for the information in the book - that is very comprehensive and detailed. The author's "inside eye" does add a lot of veracity to what he writes but ultimately I found that his writing style wore me down and I began to lose both interest and the will to read much more.On balance I'd say that if information is your key reason for buying the book, then go ahead. You will find it worthwhile. But if you also want a book to enjoy as a reading experience, then maybe you'll end up not quite so content.There.I've told you.You'd better believe me because that's my opinion and experience.So there !!!!!(Last few lines written in a style not unlike Forrest White's)

First, I'll say what this book is not.It's not a coffee table book with lavish photos (plenty of photos, but all B&W). And it's not a detailed history of the company and the models. For those things, read the wonderful "Fender, the Sound Heard Round the World".What this is, then, is a pretty thin account by one of the main players of the company, of some of its glory years. And it really is surprisingly thin (don't be fooled by the page count; this is a short book). Thin on detail, thin on all but the most important Fender products - not thin, though on insights and judgements on the people at Fender. The author may have the odd axe to grind, but you get the feeling that his gripes were often justified, and that he worked hard to make the company a success.It is also, at times, a slightly rambling and very subjective account, by a gentleman in his later years, who could have used some help on what details to include and what to omit. Do we really, for example, need several pages on how the author reorganised the stock bins, complete with pictures of blank stock forms?? And the author's efforts at introducing some dialogue between the main players are embarrassing.The original patent drawings are an absolute pleasure to behold, and the author adds some details and verifications that you might not get elsewhere. But whether those things justify the price is up to you. I'm not convinced.

Great in depth treatment of the Fender pre cbs years

Was very interested to know the story of the birth of Fender guitars and amps along with the personalities involved, but the author's version was more of his own biography than that of the entire team. He stresses repeatedly how he was Leo Fender's best friend and how we should ignore any other author's similar claim! Technical information was ok but I would have liked more details about all the Fender range, including occasional photos.

A really interesting and enjoyable read for anyone interested in guitars, with a great collection of photos and documents. A must read for guitar players.

Very good reading

Received it, not bad condition - the money a good buy. Satisfied. Thank you