Fender Electric Guitars & Basses: 2002-2006 - Full-color behind-the-scenes look at the manufacturing and release of iconinc guitars and basses Paperback – March 1, 2024

If you are a music fan, a guitar fan, a classics fan, a person who wants to know more about what really goes on behind the scenes of the music world, then you need to grab this book! I read a lot, and like to know little things about the how and why things end up the way they do. While I don't play guitar or bass, the Fender electric guitar HAS to be considered a defining instrument of music history. And in this book, we get an absolute insider's look at the huge selection of instruments that Mike Tonn and team brought to the market from 2002-2006. Written by an insider, but written so well that he is telling a story about each instrument....you can feel the care and dedication Mike Tonn had in representing Leo Fender's original vision for the Company. Sounds like a dream job, working with really cool artists, and super talented manufacturing and design teams. I loved learning about how modifications were made to instruments literally on the fly while Mike was testing them out in the factory. I could flip through the pictures every day, they are amazing....like looking at Hot Rods! The book is fantastic, people involved in the creation of these instruments are amazing, and nobody other than a guy on the front lines could have written this book. Mike Tonn's love of the guitar, industry and people shines through in his narratives. As he says in the book, he's done most aspects in the music business, well now he can add successful author! Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book!

Loved this book! Coming from a music fan, this is an excellent book for anyone interested in the history and growth of Fender guitars and basses during a really interesting time in its evolution.One of the great things about this book is the wealth of information it provides. Michael not only covers the various models and their specifications, but also includes stories about the people who designed and played them. This adds a human element to the history and makes the book more engaging. And you get the inside details from the guy who actually designed them and sat with the likes of Buddy Guy, Tony Franklin, John Mayer and Eric Johnson. You don’t have to be a guitar or bass player to enjoy this read, just a music lover. And who isn’t?!The book is also filled with beautiful photographs, which really help bring the instruments to life. Whether you're a seasoned player or just a fan you'll appreciate the stunning visuals that accompany the text.Another strength of the book is Michael’s writing style. He writes in a clear, concise manner that is easy to understand, even for those who may not be familiar with all the technical terms associated with the design of guitars and basses.This makes the book accessible to a wide range of readers.Overall, "Fender : Electric Guitars and Basses 2002-2006” is a must-read for anyone who loves Fender guitars and basses or is interested in the history of the electric guitar or bass. The book is informative, engaging, and beautifully illustrated, making it a valuable addition to any musician or music enthusiast's collection.

After his years at Fender, Michael Tonn And I became co-workers and friends who who both played music and jammed together. Michael spoke of the nature of his work at Fender, the instruments he helped create and the artists they were created for. I later learned a book was in the works and could not wait to see the final product. “Brilliant” is the word that best describes this work from Michael. The reader gets a glimpse of the creative production process for some of the most iconic instruments developed at Fender from 2002 to 2006. This absolutely wonderful and beautiful book includes vivid images and amazing details describing each product creation from concept to release. Especially interesting are the Artist series (signature model) guitars, those made for legendary artists. If you are a fan of Fender guitars and Basses, this book is truly a must include in your library. I purchased several copies to give to my Fender fanatic friends and relatives. Thank you Michael for sharing your experiences at Fender with the world.Don.

I’ve known Mike since he joined our cover band playing Seattle clubs back in the 80’s. Mike worked at the biggest music store at that time selling gear to all of the “Seattle Scene” musicians. A number of which became huge bands that coined the term “grunge”.Meanwhile, Mike & I focused on writing and recording the tunes that we wrote and recorded an album & EP at our friend Floyd Rose’ house and recording studio.Our lives moved on and Mike continued in the business side of music. We kept in touch. We always have and I knew where he went when he moved to Arizona to accept his job at Fender. I really did not know exactly what he was doing there but I got the sense that it was a higher level position. When he moved back to the Northwest after Fender we began communicating again and were able to get back together and see each other again. It was then that he told me that he had a book almost done. 2 weeks ago he called me to tell me it was on Amazon. I ordered it immediately. I received it 2 days ago and I am having a hard time putting it down. I was quickly educated on what his job actually was.I love the guitars. I play guitar and bass and I have an American Standard Jazz Bass which just happens to BE one the basses in this book, but everything in here catches my eye. The stories are entertaining and informative. It dawned on me while reading this that no one other than Mike could have written this. I think every player or Fender guitar fan would find this book a great read and I would encourage anyone to pick it up!

This is a fantastic book. It shows that Mike really knows his stuff when it comes to this era of Fender guitars. Great pics, too.