bottom@katadn.DEC (01/05/85)
After talking to my favorite Fender Dealer this is it. Fender Guitars was a victum of budget crunchs. CBS put the whole copany up for sale. A Japanese company yet unnamed bought Fender Electronics. Fender guitars is closed.... history, finished etc. I notice that somebody thought that alll strats were made in Japan recently, not true only the Squire line of guitars was made in Japan, I bought one for my oldest and I have to say it is a very good guitar. The Vintage and standard line of strats, teles etc were made in USA up until the time they closed the doors. Gibson has been for sale for about 8 months now according to my dealer, Norlin the parent company has told the dealers that if it dosn't selll within the year they will also close their doors. Competition is very nice but it seems to be a loss to me that the two biggest and first electric guitar makers in this country , makers of some great classics should fall prey to the Japanese invasion and the glitter of Dean, kramer etc. However I admit to owning a Washburn and liking it very much, please note I have three fenders also. *db* dec-katadn!bottom