Fender Custom Shop: 40 Years

Discover the stories behind the world's most elite guitar workshop.

For four decades, the Fender Custom Shop has set the gold standard for electric guitar craftsmanship, producing instruments prized by collectors, revered by players, and emulated across the industry. 

Created with the full access granted by the legendary guitar maker, Fender Custom Shop 40 Years draws on never-before-published interviews with the Custom Shop founders, Master Builders, and the diverse team that builds the guitars. The result is a comprehensive, visually rich account of this legendary operation, tracing its origins, evolution, and lasting impact on modern music.

Drawing on exclusive interviews with Master Builders and key figures, the book takes readers deep inside the Custom Shop, revealing how these instruments are conceived, built, and refined. From the earliest days of experimentation to the development of today’s most sought-after models, the narrative captures the ingenuity, artistry, and obsessive attention to detail that define Fender’s top-tier division. Features include:

In-depth profiles of Master Builders . . . their passion, creative drive, and fortitude
Behind-the-scenes look at team-built production
Exploration of the relic phenomenon
Coverage of art guitars and commissions
Insight into relationships with professional musicians
Visual archive of instruments and workshop environments
 

Through a dynamic mix of fresh storytelling interwoven with new shop and instrument photography, Fender Custom Shop 40 Years explores the individuals, collaborations, skill, and ideas that shaped the Custom Shop, bringing a fresh perspective on the passion and creativity behind what truly is a dream factory.