Does Fender have factories in China? Does Fender have factories in Asia? Where are all Fender factories located? Where is Fender’s main manufacturing facility? Are there any differences between Fender guitars that are made in Asia and America? Fender guitars have been available globally for many years, but in the eyes of those who are not knowledgeable about Fender guitars, they are still curious about where they are made.
So, where are Fender guitars manufactured? Fender was established in 1946 by Leo Fender in Fullerton, California. In the same year, Fender introduced its first lap steel guitar, which bears the cursive “big F” Fender logo. The first manufacturing facility of Fender was located at Fullerton, Northern Orange County, California, before Fender decided to move out to their new main manufacturing facility in Corona, California.
As of today, American-made Fender guitars are manufactured in its main manufacturing facility in Corona, California, while all Mexican-made Fender guitars are made in the company’s manufacturing facility in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. Fender also has a manufacturing facility in Japan.
Squier, which is owned by Fender, has its guitars manufactured in Asian countries like China, Indonesia, and Korea. As Squier guitars represent Fender’s more affordable guitars, they are all made in Asia, while Fender guitars are made in America, Mexico, and Japan.
Does Fender Have Factories In China?
As of today, there are two companies located in China that are under contract with Fender. The first company is the Yako Musical Instruments Company. It is located in Zhangzhou, China. The company started to be Fender’s first factory that is under an original equipment manufacturing contract for their Squier guitars in 1994. The company’s main headquarters is located in Taiwan, where they also have some factories.
The second company where it is under an original equipment manufacturing contract with Fender is the AXL Musical Instruments, where its headquarters is located in Shanghai, China. In 2009, the company opened its 200,000 square-foot factory plant that will be used for making Squier guitars.
At first, the factory’s target market would be China and South America, but after some time, it was decided that the guitars manufactured in the factory would be sold outside of China.
The factories in China became an integral part of the success of Squier guitars globally. It pushed Fender’s popularity to new heights with the introduction of their more affordable guitar versions.
What Fender Squier Guitar Models Are Made In China?
The Squier guitar models that are made in China are the Affinity, Classic Vibe, Contemporary, and Paranormal Series.
Affinity
Squier Affinity Series guitars are partially made in China, as they are also made in Fender factories in Indonesia. Affinity guitars are available in Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazzmaster, or Telecaster variations. These guitars are priced to be the second cheapest for Squiers. Their guitar bodies are either made of Maple or Poplar, which are usually used for more affordable guitars.
Classic Vibe
Another Squier guitar model that is partially made in China is the Classic Vibe. This model is available in Stratocaster, Telecaster, Mustang, Jaguar, Jazzmaster, and Starcaster variations. Their guitar bodies are either made of Maple, Poplar, Pine, or Nyatoh.
Contemporary
One of the best Squier guitars available is the Squier Contemporary, and they are made in China and Indonesia. It is available in Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jaguar, Jazzmaster, and Starcaster models. Their guitar bodies are either made of Maple or Poplar.
Paranormal
The Squier Paranormal has one of the most unique guitar body shapes available on the market, and they are manufactured in China and Indonesia. It is available in Telecaster, Jazzmaster, and some notable variations. Their guitar bodies are made of Poplar.
Are There Any Fender Factories In Asia, Aside From China?
Indonesia
There are two factories in Indonesia that have an original equipment manufacturing contract with Fender: Samick and Cort.
Samick started to produce Fender acoustic guitars in 1993 and was followed by electric guitars in 1994. Their manufacturing plant in Indonesia has a land area of nearly 50 hectares. As of today, only Squiers guitars are made in this factory.
Cort, a Korean company, opened a guitar manufacturing facility in 1995 in Surabaya, Indonesia, and since then, has manufactured Squier guitars as an original equipment manufacturer.
Aside from the Squier Affinity, Classic Vibe, Contemporary, and Paranormal, the Squier Bullet and Mini are also manufactured in Indonesia.
Korea
As Korean guitar companies, Cort and Samick also have their factories in their main headquarters and have made Squier guitars for a long time. They are under an original equipment manufacturer contract with Fender.
Japan
Fender started with a joint venture in Japan with the companies Kanda Shokai and Yamano Gakki. After it ended in 2015, Fender took over the production line under the name Fender Music Corporation.
Under the Japanese-made Fender guitar models are the JV Modified, Made in Japan, Japan Exclusive, Japan Modern, and Japan Aerodyne. Most of the Fender guitars that are made in Japan are only exclusively available in Japan.
What Are Fender Guitar Models Are Made In The USA and Mexico?
All Mexico-made Fender guitars are made in their manufacturing facility in Ensenada, Baja California. The guitar models that are done here are the Player, Player Plus, Vintera, and the Noventa Series, and they are available in Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jaguar, Mustang, Jazzmaster, and Meteora variations.
For all American-made Fender guitars, they are manufactured in Fender’s main factory in Corona, California. The guitar models that are made in the USA are the American Professional II, American Ultra, American Ultra-Luxe, American Original, and the American Performer. They are available in Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazzmaster, and Mustang variations.
Overall, there are Fender factories in China, although there are no Fender guitars that are manufactured there, but only Squier guitars. As a more affordable version for Fender guitars, Squier guitars are purposely made in Asian factories, as these countries are known to have a cheaper labor cost. Fender factories in China are still active and have already made a large number of guitars throughout the years.
