Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC), commonly referred to simply as
Fender, is an
American manufacturer of
stringed instruments and
amplifiers. It is known for its solid-body
electric guitars and
bass guitars, such as the
Stratocaster (also known as the "Strat"),
Telecaster (also known as the "Tele"),
Precision Bass, and the
Jazz Bass. Its headquarters are in
Scottsdale, Arizona. The company, previously named the
Fender Electric Instrument Manufacturing Company, was founded in
Fullerton, California, by
Clarence Leonidas "Leo" Fender in 1946.