Fender: The Sound Heard 'Round the World Hardcover – 1 Feb. 2010

If you're into Fender guitars and/or basses and want to know how they developed from very small and primitive beginnings in the 1940s, this book is for you. Lots of detail and photos. Although Leo was non-musician, he knew what musicians wanted and a part of his genius was his ability to spot a hole in the market. This is a brilliant book.Also, if you want to know about the Fender Precision bass in great detail, Detlef Schmidt's 'Fender Precision Basses: 1951-1954' is also a must have.

The term coffee-table book has always struck me as slightly derisive: a big, over-priced photo collection with a bit of text tacked on that you leaf through a few times then leave for the guests.And then you get coffee-table books like this one. First, it's a real book. Properly researched and written, by an expert on Fender. That it comes in large photo-book format is neither here nor there: this is a solid piece of work.One reviewer has bemoaned the lack of glossy pics; but it isn't that kind of book. This is more about the story of Fender, not just a catalogue of models and finishes (although there are plenty of great pictures).And the DVD that comes with it is a pure joy - a home movie of the Fender factory in the 50s.I can't imagine a more accurate, well-researched Fender book than this one.

Bought this as a gift for my partner who is very enthusiastic about guitars. He loved it and thought it was very detailed and included many interesting images.

Great reading for all guitarists great price great seller

This book is a real bonus for any guitar enthusiast.

Great Book, ticked all the boxes, many thanks

This is a must for all Fender nerds. A good read from cover to cover.

The book is good, hard cover, big pages. But I think it should have more color photos, big ones, about the classic guitras (telecaster, stratocaster, and so), maybe some rock legends' photos playing them and of course almost a reference guide to music played on them.

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Una miniera di informazioni e dietro le quinte, perfetto per gli amanti dei segreti e delle storie inedite. Tantissimi dettagli tecnici utili per chi colleziona.

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In reading the books on Fender instruments and company history by Tony Bacon, Jim Roberts, Dave Hunter and others I found one common thread in the bibliography of each of those books. Each of these authors cites "Fender: The Sound Heard 'round the World" as one of their sources so I looked it up, purchased and read the book. Now I know why this book is so popular with all these authors, it is by far the best and most definitive history of C. Leo Fender, his legacy and his company I have read so far. Richard R. Smith writes very well, keeps the reader wanting more and gives a fresh insight into the minds of Misters Fender, Randall, Kauffman, Hall, Massie, Hyatt, Hayes, Driver and so many more hard working people who created and made the Fender Musical Instrument company the world wide organization it is today. The detail in this book is vast and extraordinary, the photographs and technical drawings are excellent and the included DVD is a wonderful addition showing home movies of Leo Fender and his boat which was one of the great joys in his life. If you're a musician who plays or has played Fender instruments, if you're a collector or if you're a fan of all the music that has evolved as result of the invention of the electric guitar, you will enjoy how Mr. Smith's book gives you a great new insight into our changing world since the invention, Leo Fender's vision and the mass production of this instrument.