fender factory tour corona ca

Fender Announces Opening of Free Public Visitor Center and Factory Tours

Fender Musical Instruments Corp. has announced the opening of its new Corona, California, Visitor Center and the inauguration of free public tours of the adjacent manufacturing facility.

This marks the first time in Fender’s 65 years that the company has opened its doors to the public.

In the 8,600-square-foot Visitor Center, exhibits include interactive displays of modern Fender products, historic instruments, rare photos and artifacts, a tribute to Leo Fender, the Fender Hall of Fame, video presentations on the evolution of the electric guitar, displays presenting reflections on Fender by musicians throughout the history of modern music and more.

The facility includes a retail shop where visitors can browse and purchase Fender apparel, accessories, collectibles and other items. Guests can also buy instruments or design and buy their own instruments. The Visitor Center is also the starting (and concluding) point for the public tours of the adjacent factory and Custom Shop.

The Fender Visitor Center will open to the public Monday, September 19, at which point the twice-daily factory tours will also begin. The Visitor Center is at 301 Cessna Circle, Corona, CA 92880, and it will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. The 45- to 60-minute factory tours take place 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. every weekday except Wednesday.

For more information, visit fender.com/visitorcenter or call 951-898-4040.

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Damian is Editor-in-Chief of Guitar World magazine. In past lives, he was GW’s managing editor and online managing editor. He's written liner notes for major-label releases, including Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'The Complete Epic Recordings Collection' (Sony Legacy) and has interviewed everyone from Yngwie Malmsteen to Kevin Bacon (with a few memorable Eric Clapton chats thrown into the mix). Damian, a former member of Brooklyn's The Gas House Gorillas , was the sole guitarist in Mister Neutron , a trio that toured the U.S. and released three albums . He now plays in two NYC-area bands.

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Corona, California : Fender Guitar Factory Tour (Closed)

Where the legendary guitars manufactured. See exhibits and artifacts, and tour the "dream factory" to watch guitars and basses are made. Tours ended in 2020.

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Visitor Tips and News About Fender Guitar Factory Tour

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters . Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip .

The Fender Visitor Center has closed for now. We love having a place for our customers to visit and tour our facility, and we thank everyone who has come to experience the Visitor Center and Fender factory tour with us. We plan to reopen as soon as we create a new Fender Experience.

An incredible tour of the inside of the Fender guitar factory. This location has been open since 1998 (they started out in Fullerton, CA) and manufactures about 400 guitars a day. Tours are open to the public and are about an hour long. A guide leads groups through the factory and explains step by step how guitars are manufactured. It is fascinating to see guitars start out as simple blocks of wood and slowly become musical instruments.

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7 Fantastic Factory Tours You Can Only Take In Southern California

Discover seven fascinating factory tours in Southern California that showcase the production of bread, mattresses, caramel, RVs, chocolate, musical instruments, and beer.

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From bread to candy and vehicles to musical instruments, there are so many things produced in Southern California. It is one thing to enjoy a high-quality finished product, but even better to see firsthand the work and skill that goes into making it. Get a sort of backstage pass with these seven factory tours in Southern California and see how some wonderful products come together.

1. Bread and Cie - San Diego, CA

Who doesn’t love fresh bread, from that amazing smell to the soft and crusty texture? Tour San Diego’s Bread and Cie to see the process that turns dough into an irresistible finished loaf. On your tour, you will explore the factory and walk-in freezer, sample breads, and learn all the little things that bakers do to produce their goods. You definitely won’t want to leave without purchasing some breads or other baked goods to take home.

2. Custom Comfort Mattress - Orange, CA

If you have ever wondered how a quality mattress is made, we suggest a tour of the family-owned Custom Comfort Mattress factory. This is a great tour for adults, kids, and school groups. These mattresses are hand-crafted and you will get a chance to see each aspect of the process that goes into making each made-to-order luxury mattress. On your tour, you will be able to examine materials and fabrics, view sewing machines and equipment in use, and see mattresses being hand-sewn. You will definitely appreciate your own mattress differently when you get home.

3. Le Caramel - El Cajon, CA

Le Caramel is a family bakery that made its start as a small business with a traditional French sea salt caramel cream product and has become a large award-winning caramel factory. You can take a free tour of this sweet factory to learn the story behind this caramel, how it is cooked and cooled, and the equipment used in production. You will have a chance to sample a fresh piece of caramel before heading to the shop to stock up on sweet, caramel goodies.

4. Lance Camper Manufacturing Corporation - Lancaster, CA

Lancy Camper has been making the world’s finest RVs since 1965, and you can go behind the scenes at their state-of-the-art factory in Antelope Valley. See firsthand the craftsmanship that goes into what has been called America’s favorite truck campers. The expansive 141,000-square-foot facility is open for tours by appointment only and can be requested on their website .

5. Chuao Chocolatier - Carlsbad, CA

Have you ever wished you could enter the world of Willy Wonka? For chocolate fans 10 years of age or older, the Chuao Chocolatier factory tour is like a dream come true. Chuao is a Venezuelan chocolate factory and on your tour you will learn about its history, see how mouthwatering chocolates and truffles are made, and of course, enjoy plenty of free samples. Don’t forget to drop in to the store and buy some chocolate to bring home with you.

6. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation - Corona, CA

Touring the Fender Factory and Custom Shop will give you a close-up view of the beginning-to-end processes that turn raw materials into some of the world’s most popular guitars and other instruments. You will observe each stage of production in the wood mill, the metal shop, and the final assembly area. End your tour at the “Dream Factory,” the famous Fender custom shop.

7. Stone Brewery - Escondido, CA

Get the inside scoop on how beer is produced and bottled on your tour of Stone Brewery . Children must be over 12 years old to join the tour, Adults over 21 are able to enjoy four samples of the delicious beers and take home a souvenir glass. After your tour, explore the beautiful one-acre beer garden and enjoy a meal at the huge bistro. There are 36 beers on tap and a long list of wines to accompany your meal.

Have you had the chance to take any of these awesome tours in Southern California? Share your tour experiences with us in the comments. If you love tours, check out these other amazing tours you can take in SoCal .

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The Scenic Train Ride In Northern California That Runs Year-Round

Napa Valley Wine Train offers a luxurious journey through Northern California's scenic vineyards with world-class cuisine.

Napa Valley in Northern California boasts a type of beauty that you won't find anywhere else in the country, featuring rolling hills, mountains, and endless vineyards. It's truly no wonder this beautiful destination draws visitors from all over the world. When it comes to experiencing the best of the area, a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train is a perfect adventure. Not only does the train route show off the region's beauty, but the Napa Valley wine train route also takes you through several charming small towns and world-class vineyards. What do you say - are you ready to hop aboard this beauty-packed Wine Train on one of the best scenic train rides in California?

As one of the top wine-growing regions in the world, Napa Valley is a sight to be seen. The Napa Valley Wine Train runs right through the heart of the valley, allowing you to experience its beauty in a most memorable way.

Most people don't know that the rail line was originally built in 1864 to take visitors north to the resort town of Calistoga. Today, the Wine Train is a delightful, 36-mile journey from Downtown Napa to St. Helena and back.

Guests start their Napa Valley adventure by boarding the train at McKinstry Street Station. After leaving the station, the train travels through the old industrial section of Napa before crossing the Rural Urban Limit Line (RUL) and thrusting you into spectacular scenery!

The train chugs along, past famous farm real estate, agricultural lands, and charming towns like Oak Knoll, Yountville, and Rutherford. The entire experience takes about three hours, and you'll love every minute of it.

The Napa Valley Wine Train is a luxurious journey that combines majestic scenery with amazing, world-class cuisine. With four onboard kitchens, the train's team of chefs is always whipping up culinary works of art like yellowfin tuna tartare, pan-seared Pacific halibut, and roasted beef tenderloin.

Don't feel like you have to leave the kids at home, either! The Wine Train always welcomes children aboard, and some ride packages have special rates. There are several railcars ranging from casual to more upscale, so you can really customize the Wine Train experience to your liking.

It's always a good day to one of these scenic California train rides! From the delicious onboard food and drink to the breathtaking scenery passing you by, this is most definitely a train excursion to remember. Visit the Napa Valley Wine Train website to learn more.

See what it’s like to ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train:

What do you think? Will you be adding this year-round Napa Valley Wine Train route to your bucket list anytime soon? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!  While you're in the area, take a road trip to Sonoma to fully enjoy Northern California wine country. Just be sure to check out our road trip essentials packing list before embarking on your journey!

Love all things Napa? Check out this Napa Castle Winery!

This Wine Train In Northern California Puts A New Spin On Afternoon Tea In The Garden

The Napa Valley Wine Train offers a unique afternoon tea experience with scenic views of Northern California's wine country.

Having lived in Northern California, I can confidently say that it's one of the most beautiful places in the country. Aside from the Bay Area, there's so much to do and explore in the northern part of the state. Therefore, if you're planning to be in the area, I highly recommend booking a ticket to experience the infamous wine region. Better yet, how about planning a memorable outing aboard The Napa Valley Wine Train ?

Along with their tasting and lunch offerings, this wine train in California has a lovely afternoon tea service. During this excursion, you'll take a midday ride through wine country on this historic train while sipping tea, drinking sparkling wine, and eating finger foods. Even if you’ve experienced the Northern California wine train, I think you might want to take another trip to enjoy high tea while speeding through the scenic vineyards that make this part of Northern California so special.

The Napa Valley Wine Train in Northern California has long been celebrated as an iconic way to take in the region's beauty and flavors.

Whether you’re a seasoned tea enthusiast or seeking a unique way to see Napa, this afternoon excursion presents a fun way to soak in this picturesque area of the state.

This special Napa Valley train ride outing was created by a partnership between the wine train and winery Chandon.

In addition to being a special way to see the region, the tea and sparkling wine pairing makes The Secret Garden Afternoon Tea one of the most unique Northern California train rides.

The tour on one of the prettiest Northern California train rides takes place on a vintage Pullman rail car, decked out in a beautiful floral display.

We think the floral display will make you feel as though you’re having tea in a garden– all while seeing Napa Valley.

The three-hour adventure on this wine train in California winds through the area while guests are served cocktails and food in this scenic setting.

Riders will be given a signature drink to enjoy: the Chandon Garden Spritz. This sparkling wine is bright with notes of citrus– perfect for a day in the garden.

Guests will also be served a selection of steeped teas, small portions of soup and salad, plus finger sandwiches, scones, and mini desserts.

This is a great opportunity for people who don’t drink alcohol to enjoy the infamous wine train. Perhaps you and your friends will want to try this tea-centered wine country activity the next time you're contemplating one of the Napa Valley train rides.

Keep in mind that while the tour departs at 11:30 a.m. and returns at 2:30 p.m., guests are expected to arrive at 10:30 to get checked in for their Napa Valley train ride experience. All Aboard!

The Napa Valley Wine Train's afternoon tea offers the public a new way to enjoy California’s most celebrated wine region. Therefore, we think it's an ideal way to celebrate a birthday or special occasion too.

To get started on planning your memorable outing on this wine train in California, visit the Napa Valley Wine Train . If you've already been on this epic outing, let us know if this was one of your favorite Northern California train rides in the following comments section.

And, if you'd like to explore some more, we think you'll also enjoy our coverage of Sonoma. Feel free to also reference Viator for more ideas on what to do when you're in Northern California.

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About | Fender Musical Instruments

Fender musical instruments corporation, the world's leading guitar manufacturer, synonymous with all things rock n' roll, today, fmic brands include fender®, squier®, gretsch®, jackson®, charvel® and evh® among others..

An American icon, Fender was founded in Southern California and has established a worldwide influence that extends from the studio to the stage—and beyond. Everyone from beginners to the world’s most acclaimed artists have used Fender instruments, amps and gear, making the company not only a revered industry leader but a cultural symbol that resonates globally. Nearly seven decades since founder Leo Fender built his first electric guitar, Fender’s reach transcends instruments and accessories, encompassing a range of innovative digital experiences that fuel musical expression and serve players at every stage–on every stage.

The World's Largest Guitar Manufacturer

About Fender

Transforming music one guitar at a time.

Leo Fender wanted to craft an instrument that was as functional as it was easy to use. It was a primitive-looking object that was tough as nails, its powerful name inspired by another groundbreaking invention: the television. And with its revolutionary electrified tone, it would change the way music was made—forever. When someone asks, “Why Fender electrics?” the answer is clear. Fender guitars were designed to be louder, and exciting tones they produced are still engrained into our cultural DNA.

The First Word in Electric Bass

In 1951, we wanted to liberate musicians from the confines of the upright bass. And we did it by introducing a brand-new instrument with a bold, new sound. That instrument was the Precision Bass®, a name that would not only become synonymous with rock ‘n’ roll, but also shape its very being. As time went on, we created new instruments to cater to a new, evolving type of musician: the electric bassist. Each one was and still is a driving force behind the greatest moment in music—of every era, of every genre. Period.

Our History

The legacy begins.

The Fender story begins over 70 years ago in a small Fullerton, California workshop. A radio repairman by trade and inventor at heart, Leo Fender made the transition to musical instruments by default, tinkering with his friends’ faulty amps. In 1943, he teamed up with local musician and inventor Doc Kaufmann and formed K&F Manufacturing Corp, producing a limited run of amplifiers and lap steel guitars at the height of the Hawaiian music craze. When the two parted ways a few years later, Fender continued working under his own name, developing the original Princeton, Deluxe and Professional amps in 1946. Built with hardwood cabinets, Fender’s original “woodie” amps—as they’ve come to be known in collectors’ circles—were among the first products to bear the official Fender seal. In a new post-World War II era when rugged, reliable and suitably loud instrument amplification didn’t really exist, the simple and stylish woodies were by far the best amps of their time—and would go on to set the gold standard for guitar tone throughout the 60s, 70s and beyond.

The Telecaster®, The Precision Bass® & the Birth of the Modern Rock Combo

But Leo Fender’s legacy didn’t end there. Now fully immersed in the music world, Fender delved deeper into guitars, developing the prototype for a new solidbody alternative to the hollowbody electric favored by swing artists of the day. In 1951, he introduced the guitar he named the Telecaster (originally named the Broadcaster). The first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar, the Telecaster would change the way music was made forever. Unlike any guitar that came before it, the Telecaster had a bright, clean and cutting sound, with a prominent high end, thick midrange and bass perfectly suited to western swing. Unbeknownst to Fender at the time, the guitar would eventually find its way into the hands of rock ‘n’ roll, R&B and country guitarists everywhere – and its reputation as a reliable workhorse guitar endures to this day. That same year, Fender introduced another invention, the Precision Bass®, along with the first bass amp–the Bassman®. Held sideways like a guitar, the P Bass® liberated musicians from the confines of the traditional upright bass. It was fretted for more precise playing and could be amplified, laying the foundation for a revolution in popular music—the electrified rhythm section. As opposed to the “big bands” of the era, Fender’s electric guitars, basses and amplifiers made it possible for smaller groups of musicians to get together and be heard—inspiring the modern rock combo as we know it.

The Stratocaster® — The World’s Most Influential Guitar

In 1954, following the success of the Telecaster, Fender unveiled a guitar that would set the standard for generations to come: the Stratocaster. Named by Fender sales and marketing guru Don Randall, the sleek, Space Age-inspired model incorporated a host of innovations designed to make life easier for modern musicians. The guitar’s contoured body and double cutaway design provided greater comfort and playability, making it easier to access the higher frets and explore a new range of sounds. The guitar also featured the Fender synchronized tremolo (or “vibrato”) bridge, a new innovation that allowed guitarists to bend strings more easily, thus achieving the pedal steel-like sound that was popular among country artists of the day. Essentially unchanged since its debut, the Stratocaster remains the most popular and influential electric guitar ever made, and players across all genres continue to prize its sound, style and versatility.

Leo Fender remained a creative force over the next decade, introducing many classic instrument and amplifier designs, including the Jazz Bass®, the Jaguar® and Jazzmaster® guitars and the Twin Reverb® amplifier before selling the company to CBS in 1965. When CBS shed its non-broadcast media businesses in the 1980s, a core group of employees and investors (some of whom had been with the company since Leo Fender’s day) bought Fender from the television and radio giant and set out to rebuild an American icon.

From Fullerton to Hollywood

In 1985, Fender opened its flagship U.S. factory and headquarters in Corona, California, followed by a second manufacturing facility in Ensenada, Mexico in 1987. That same year, the renowned Fender Custom Shop debuted at the Corona facility. Leo Fender had always recognized the importance of an open-door policy for professional musicians, accommodating their requests for specific features on an individual basis. Known as the “Dream Factory” and home to Fender’s Master Builders, the Custom Shop lives up to its nickname, crafting dream instruments for avid collectors and esteemed artists, including Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Merle Haggard and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

The Next Era in Fender Innovation

Forging into the 21st century with an increased focus on digital innovation and artist relations, Fender returned to its Southern California roots in 2016 with its 24,500-square-foot headquarters in the heart of Hollywood. There, just moments from L.A.’s legendary recording studios and music venues, Fender’s executive, marketing, product and digital teams collaborate under one roof. In addition to its flagship headquarters, Fender continues to coordinate administration, product, sales and export operations from its office in Scottsdale, Arizona and international satellite offices in England, France, Australia, Germany, Mexico, Sweden and Japan. Representing the next era in Fender innovation, the company launched Fender Digital in 2015, connecting players with a vast digital ecosystem of products designed to elevate their musical experience. Since its inception, Fender Digital has introduced Fender Tune™ and Fender Tone™ for iOS and Android and debuted the groundbreaking app-based learning platform, Fender Play®. Combining expert instruction with the latest technology and research, the platform has single-handedly revolutionized the experience of learning to play guitar, bass and ukulele. Informed by expert instructors from the nation’s top music schools, Fender Play encourages and supports all styles of learning with a step-by-step, song-based approach that makes playing an instrument a more achievable goal than ever before.

Led by Chief Executive Officer Andy Mooney, Fender continues to expand its line of guitars, basses, amps, accessories and digital experiences—from evolving its legacy models with new, player-friendly features to creating innovative new products and technologies the world has never seen before. In 2018, Fender released an advanced line of guitar pedals, offering players a range of dynamic tools designed to expand their sound and capture some of Fender’s most iconic tones. The following year, the company introduced the revolutionary shapeshifting American Acoustasonic™ Telecaster. Handcrafted in Fender’s Corona factory, the powerful guitar combines traditional acoustic craftsmanship with high-tech electronics to create tones never heard before in a single instrument. Fender’s spirit of innovation continued in 2019 with the debut of the groundbreaking Tone Master® Twin Reverb and Deluxe Reverb® amps. Versatile and lightweight, these amps use advanced modeling technology to deliver the most accurate emulation of classic Fender tube-driven tones.

Leo Fender once said that all artists were angels, and it was his, “job to give them wings to fly.” Now, nearly seven decades since Leo Fender debuted his first amps and guitars, the company is proud to carry on his vision–inspiring artists around the world and giving new players the tools they need to start their musical legacy.