New Fender Visiting center and factory tours

[Brad Little]

"Fender Musical Instruments Corp. (FMIC) is very proud to announce the opening of its new Corona, Calif., Visitor Center and the inauguration of free public tours of the adjacent manufacturing facility. Both mark the first time in Fender’s 65-year history that the company has opened its doors to the public for an engaging look at its history and legacy and an up-close look at the manufacturing processes for its iconic instruments and amplifiers."
I wonder if the success of the LTG tour had anything to do with this?
Full story:
http://www.fender.com/news/index.php?di ... rticle=768
Brad

 

[chazmo]

I wouldn't be surprised, Brad!

 

[capnjuan]

I wouldn't be surprised, Brad!

For as cynical and down-headed as I've been towards the NHers and their aspirations and even though it's gotta be maximum fun for you, the LTG membership and especially the LMG1s and LMG2s owe you a boisterously large 'Good On Ya' for paving the way and making these events happen.

Guild wants and needs adoration and there can't be a better bunch of fans to feed them what they need ... and it's nice they provide the milk and cookies :wink:

Congratulations Charlie!

 

[chazmo]

[blush] Thanks, CJ!

I don't think that I, personally, have all that much to do with this. However, the acquisition of Kaman Music by Fender (which led to the LMG events, etc.) may have brought some cultural change to Fender. KMC (Ovation, Hamer) had active fan clubs who had been given factory tours and events for years before we came along. A couple of years ago when I was persistently requesting of (former) KMC management to set up the first Guild tour (LMG1), there was never an ounce of pushback from them in New Hartford. It just took a while for them to wheedle Fender corporate in Scottsdale to accept the idea and fund it.

Anyway, the day we see Fender employees actively participating in online forums will be the proof that KMC (and LTG) has really had an impact. This opening up of Corona may have come from multiple directions, but yeah... it's a step in the right direction!

 

[capnjuan]

Somebody made the phone calls, knocked on people's doors, hung around and pestered and persisted. The next thing any of us knew, a group of LTGers was marching around the Guild workshop.

It took patience and diplomacy ... not sure anybody else would have been up to the task. You Da Man!

 

[twocorgis]

Somebody made the phone calls, knocked on people's doors, hung around and pestered and persisted. The next thing any of us knew, a group of LTGers was marching around the Guild workshop.

It took patience and diplomacy ... not sure anybody else would have been up to the task. You Da Man!

What John said. Way to go Chaz!

 

[bluesypicky]

Somebody made the phone calls, knocked on people's doors, hung around and pestered and persisted. The next thing any of us knew, a group of LTGers was marching around the Guild workshop.

It took patience and diplomacy ... not sure anybody else would have been up to the task. You Da Man!

Already thanked you for that privately, and will do it again publicly...
Thanks Chaz for all you do! :wink:

 

[ladytexan]

Somebody made the phone calls, knocked on people's doors, hung around and pestered and persisted. The next thing any of us knew, a group of LTGers was marching around the Guild workshop.

It took patience and diplomacy ... not sure anybody else would have been up to the task. You Da Man!

Chazmo,

You're our point man, Charlie.....and, thank goodness, because of all of the above-mentioned qualities outlined by CJ. We couldn't have a better person; and, without you, there would be no LMGs. We SO appreciate all of your hard work in making the LMG events happen. You have planned an outstanding LMG II that's coming-up in a few weeks. Yippeee!

Thank you, Charlie. :::grateful smile:::

P.S. And, see what Fender's doing now......because of LTG's lead. Even more awesomeness. 8) Thanks for the post, Brad.

 

[chazmo]

[megablush] I'm nothing if not a patient, persistent, pain in the patootie!! Just ask Frank U. at Guild!

Wait till you guys hear me sing at the jam; you may change your opinions of me!

Thanks, again.

 

[adorshki]

Wait till you guys hear me sing at the jam; you may change your opinions of me!
Thanks, again.

Maybe you should bring your trumpet for backup? :lol: