Californication

Leo Fender succeeded in 1950 with the Telecaster in producing the electric guitar industrially and making it accessible to many people. Few other brands have ever been able to shape the music scene across all genres again in the way Fender still does today!

70 years of craftsmanship

Fender can look back on an impressive history of more than 70 years. Founded in 1946 by Leo Fender in Fullerton, California, the company revolutionised the music world and produced some of the most iconic instruments of all time. With classics like the Telecaster and the Stratocaster, Fender has not only shaped the sound but also the image of modern music to this day.

While the Telecaster changed the music world as the first industrially produced electric guitar, over time musicians and collectors developed a desire for individual instruments with special characteristics, whether in terms of woods, electronics, finishes or unique designs.

Musicians' dreams come true!

To meet this demand, John Page and Michael Stevens, the visionaries behind the Fender Custom Shop, founded the coveted guitar workshop in 1987 and brought Fender back to its roots. Their goal was clear:

The Fender Custom Shop would from then on create hand-built guitars and basses and make musicians' dreams come true with every single instrument.

A stage for master craftsmen

The Fender Custom Shop is more than just a workshop – it's a stage for master craftsmen who create a work of art with every instrument. Each Master Builder, from Dale Wilson to Dennis Galuszka to Andy Hicks, brings their incomparable passion, experience and creativity to the building process. These guitars and basses not only embody artisanal perfection, but they tell stories. They are designed with dedication for musicians who seek the extraordinary. Here not only an instrument is created, but a piece of music history.

See the Masterbuilt guitars

Since its founding, the Fender Custom Shop has built a variety of legendary guitars for famous musicians such as Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and David Gilmour. In addition to one-offs, the Custom Shop also offers limited runs designed by the Master Builders and produced in small numbers, similar to our Dealer Select or Metalic Run Collections.

A very special relationship

At Custom Reserve we live the passion for hand-crafted guitars – and it is precisely this passion that binds us closely to the Fender Custom Shop. Our guitar guru Oliver Lohmann maintains a deep, friendly relationship with the Master Builders, based on mutual respect and expertise. In lively conversations that dive into every single detail, outstanding ideas continually emerge. From this exchange on equal footing arise exclusive Special-Runs and limited Collections that exist only thanks to this special collaboration. Every guitar that emerges from this partnership bears the unmistakable signature of a true masterpiece.

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Just Simply the Best!

Limited runs: In addition to one-offs, limited, carefully produced series are offered.
Masterful craftsmanship: Highly skilled Master Builders create exceptional guitars and basses with passion and experience.
Tailor-made instruments: Each instrument is crafted according to the individual wishes and needs of the musician.
Unique materials: Exclusive woods, specialised electronics as well as individual finishes and agings are used.
Legendary players: Artists such as Eric Clapton and David Gilmour play Custom Shop instruments.