ENSENADA ROCKS -- FENDER GUITARS
Submitted by adambehar on Sat, 05/15/2010 - 01:35.
By: ERICK FALCÓN
Well known for its wineries and gourmet dining, few would imagine that Ensenada is closely associated with rock history. Yes, Ensenada is inevitably linked to the musical brilliance of Kurt Cobain, Eric Clapton and many others. Why? Because their favorite guitars were built in the Fender guitar factory in south Ensenada.
Located near the Municipal Beach on Huerta Street, the Fender manufacturing hub has been opened in Ensenada for over 20 years now. Fender’s famous Telecaster and Stratocaster guitars are assembled here, as well as several products offered by Fender and its subsidiaries. Thousands of guitars, from moderately priced to costly special editions, are built here each year using modern technology in four different areas of production.
According to several online sources, the Ensenada plant employs over 800 people and has a very low employee turnaround. But after all, who could ever quit a dream job like testing factory-fresh Strats for quality assurance?
The factory is divided into four major areas that assemble acoustic guitars, electric guitars and basses, amplifiers and strings. It hasn’t ceased making guitars despite the economic downturn. There’s even a special acoustic guitar line called the Ensenada series, designed in 2006 and shown at the International Music Products Association trade show that same year.
A brief lesson on the start of rock
Leo Fender optimized the solid body electric guitar in the 1940s, paving the way for his invention of the world-famous Stratocaster in 1954. This led to a revolution in popular music, a wave that Fender rode for decades until the late ‘70s. That’s when, according to reports, its quality mysteriously started to diminish. The speculation was that the company’s owner at the time was not sufficiently committed. Music publications suggest that Fender was saved when a group of employees and investors bought the company. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation started from scratch, since the buyout did not include machinery or buildings. Only the brand name, intellectual property rights and a few components were left in stock. Suppliers and distributors helped Fender get back on its feet.
Ensenada rocks Fender
That’s where the Ensenada plant comes in. After constructing its Corona, California factory in the mid 80s, Fender also decided to build a second, state of the art facility in Ensenada. This would allow it to manufacture high quality editions with lower production costs. According to sources, Ensenada’s competitive wages and strategic geographic location were key to the company’s decision to come to Mexican soil. Wages run approximately one-quarter of those in America and Korea, and Ensenada's close proximity to the Fender factory in Corona, California allowed same day access for its American managers and engineers.
A musical landmark in Ensenada
Fender builds a variety of mid to high quality guitars in Ensenada. But being part of Fender isn’t only about the guitars. Many employees have told stories of famous rock personalities that have secretly visited the plant at the invitation of Fender board members, and have even enjoyed free private concerts in-house. Ensenada bar act Grupo Comisario has performed for many Fender-sponsored artists without even being aware, says band member Pablo Rodríguez.
“Larry Fishman, the inventor of the Fishman acoustic pickups, once heard us play. He sent a pair of pickups for me to the guys at Fender, and they delivered them to me. It was quite an honor,” he said.
Fender is appreciated in Ensenada because of its prestige and community involvement. At the plant, the company receives high marks from its employees because it generally pays workers a fair wage and treats them with respect.
Submitted by adambehar on Sat, 05/15/2010 - 01:35.
By: ERICK FALCÓN
Well known for its wineries and gourmet dining, few would imagine that Ensenada is closely associated with rock history. Yes, Ensenada is inevitably linked to the musical brilliance of Kurt Cobain, Eric Clapton and many others. Why? Because their favorite guitars were built in the Fender guitar factory in south Ensenada.
Located near the Municipal Beach on Huerta Street, the Fender manufacturing hub has been opened in Ensenada for over 20 years now. Fender’s famous Telecaster and Stratocaster guitars are assembled here, as well as several products offered by Fender and its subsidiaries. Thousands of guitars, from moderately priced to costly special editions, are built here each year using modern technology in four different areas of production.
According to several online sources, the Ensenada plant employs over 800 people and has a very low employee turnaround. But after all, who could ever quit a dream job like testing factory-fresh Strats for quality assurance?
The factory is divided into four major areas that assemble acoustic guitars, electric guitars and basses, amplifiers and strings. It hasn’t ceased making guitars despite the economic downturn. There’s even a special acoustic guitar line called the Ensenada series, designed in 2006 and shown at the International Music Products Association trade show that same year.
A brief lesson on the start of rock
Leo Fender optimized the solid body electric guitar in the 1940s, paving the way for his invention of the world-famous Stratocaster in 1954. This led to a revolution in popular music, a wave that Fender rode for decades until the late ‘70s. That’s when, according to reports, its quality mysteriously started to diminish. The speculation was that the company’s owner at the time was not sufficiently committed. Music publications suggest that Fender was saved when a group of employees and investors bought the company. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation started from scratch, since the buyout did not include machinery or buildings. Only the brand name, intellectual property rights and a few components were left in stock. Suppliers and distributors helped Fender get back on its feet.
Ensenada rocks Fender
That’s where the Ensenada plant comes in. After constructing its Corona, California factory in the mid 80s, Fender also decided to build a second, state of the art facility in Ensenada. This would allow it to manufacture high quality editions with lower production costs. According to sources, Ensenada’s competitive wages and strategic geographic location were key to the company’s decision to come to Mexican soil. Wages run approximately one-quarter of those in America and Korea, and Ensenada's close proximity to the Fender factory in Corona, California allowed same day access for its American managers and engineers.
A musical landmark in Ensenada
Fender builds a variety of mid to high quality guitars in Ensenada. But being part of Fender isn’t only about the guitars. Many employees have told stories of famous rock personalities that have secretly visited the plant at the invitation of Fender board members, and have even enjoyed free private concerts in-house. Ensenada bar act Grupo Comisario has performed for many Fender-sponsored artists without even being aware, says band member Pablo Rodríguez.
“Larry Fishman, the inventor of the Fishman acoustic pickups, once heard us play. He sent a pair of pickups for me to the guys at Fender, and they delivered them to me. It was quite an honor,” he said.
Fender is appreciated in Ensenada because of its prestige and community involvement. At the plant, the company receives high marks from its employees because it generally pays workers a fair wage and treats them with respect.