It's been some time since I last posted in this blog, but I thought it was time to highlight the fact that there is now a limited stock of ANNIVERSARY STRAT books available. I have never promoted the book hard and never will do as long as a few copies still remain. But I do want as many guitar-mad Fender Stratocaster and Fender Custom Shop fans out there as possible to get hold of a book before they are all gone. The signed and numbered limited edition run of 1,954 books (the

I'm delighted to report that after more than 4 years in the making, all 45 chapters are finally ready to be sent to the proofreader. I'm currently color managing all the photos. Phew! Of course the full story of this 9/11 Stratocaster and the other two Strats that make up the very special trio is told book. Photo: Courtesy of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Cleveland, Ohio. Photo: DPI Digital Content. With sincere thanks to Tommy Clarke. #911 #tributestratocaster #an

(The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Riverside. L-R Todd Krause - Gary Davies - Fred Stuart) My first draft sections on all the Anniversary Strats are done and dusted. So now it's time to write up the personal stories. I've been interviewing folks for more than 2 years, but the majority of interviews have taken place over the last year. The artists and all the past and present Fender folks I've interviewed have generously granted me their time. They've also willingly shared plenty o

OK so Fender Custom Shop Senior Master Builder Todd Krause is not my twin, but we do share a particular sense of humor. I've just had another enjoyable conversation with the mighty Todd. As usual despite being as busy as anyone I know, he was willing to spare me some of his valuable time and plenty of interesting information and memories. Thanks again Mr. Krause! #ToddKrause #SeniorMasterBuilder #FenderCustomShop #masterbuilder #JacksonGuitars #CharvelGuitars #Fender #Fenderg

Three Fender Stratocaster 9/11 Tribute guitars were built by Todd Krause to commemorate the first responders. The 3 public service organizat

My wife and I visited the Fender facility at Corona, California in August 2016 and master builder Greg Fessler very kindly gave us a personal tour of the Custom Shop and factory. During our 3 week visit to Southern California we met all the present master builders, plus some of the legendary characters who worked at the Fender Custom Shop in the early days. It was a real treat and I count myself lucky to have been able to spend some quality time outside work with some of them