What is the length of the warranty period on my Fender product?

Warranties and the methods for administering warranty service may vary somewhat from country to country. Please refer to the literature, which accompanies your product for details and limitations of the warranty for the specific product you own. If you are in the United States, call our Fender Consumer Relations Department at 480-596-7195 and a representative will be happy to provide you with information. If you are out of the US, please check with the Fender Distributor in your country or area, or the Fender Dealer from whom you purchased the product for specific details on the warranty coverage for your instrument.

For information on Fender warranties in the United States, please visit the Support section of the Fender website.

I bought my instrument used, is it still under warranty?

All Fender instrument warranties apply to the original purchaser only. Even if your Fender product is no longer covered under warranty, we may still be able to assist you in the event that you are experiencing a problem. In the US, our Authorized Fender Service Centers can perform repairs on used, non-warranted equipment as well, and may be able to give you an accurate estimate of the cost prior to beginning the work. Please click on the above link for Service Center locations near you, or contact your local Fender Dealer.

Can I order a "one-off" instrument directly from the Fender Custom Shop?

Although instruments may not be ordered directly from our Custom Shop, Fender has established a network of Authorized Fender Custom Shop Master Built Dealers who will give you personalized service on product pricing, options and availability information for Custom Shop instruments.

The following will detail the procedure for ordering a custom made "one-off" from our Custom Shop:

First, please contact the nearest Authorized Fender Custom Shop Master Built Dealer in your area. This Dealer should have a series of worksheets with helpful information on options for neck profiles, wood selections, hardware, and finishing materials etc., along with a Custom Shop instrument detail form. If your Dealer does not carry these forms, any blank piece of paper with the details of the instrument on it will work just fine.

Please complete the paperwork detailing the instrument you wish to have built, then submit the form to your Authorized Fender Custom Shop Master Built Dealer. (A quick reminder that not all Fender Dealers are authorized to sell Custom Shop instruments, so please consult with your local Dealer to confirm their status).

Upon receiving the information, your Dealer will contact a Custom Shop sales representative who will quote them a price for the instrument you wish to have built. Your Dealer will then be able to supply you with the price quote for the instrument, review the details of the quote and to confirm your consent to place an order. After your order has been placed but prior to beginning the construction of your instrument, you will be contacted by the Custom Shop Master Builder assigned to build your guitar, to confirm your specifications. Be prepared to furnish information regarding your playing style, your background and other favorite instruments you either own or have experience with, as this information will be critical to the craftsman who will be building your instrument.

After confirmation of an order, your instrument will be worked into the Custom Shop production schedule, and construction will begin as soon as that schedule permits. Delivery of a custom "one off" instrument will usually take between six and ten months.

Our goal at the Fender Custom Shop is to insure that your "Dream Guitar" meets your exacting needs and is precisely built to your specifications.

If you need assistance locating a Fender Custom Shop Master Built Dealer in your area, please contact our Consumer Relations Dept. at 480-596-7195, and a representative will be happy to help you.

Can I get a price list for Fender products?

Certainly! You can now download a current US Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price List from this website.

I did not receive a warranty card with my new instrument, could you send me one?

Fender does not issue warranty cards nor register consumer warranties with the sale of any FMIC brand product. An "Owner's Registration" card does accompany many FMIC products and an on-line version of this Owner's Registration card has also been created on the Fender website. The registration, however, is simply a demographic marketing research survey; it is not a "warranty" registration.

Your original sales receipt is your verification of proof and date of purchase for validation of warranty claims. Please retain your sales receipt for the term length of the warranty of the product. In the event that you have a claim for warranty service, this receipt must be presented at the time of service for appropriate consideration.

In the event that you may require warranty service, please return to either the Authorized FMIC Dealer from whom you purchased your product, or to any Authorized Fender Service Center in your area. If you need assistance locating a Service Center near you, please call our Consumer Relations Dept. at 480-596-7195, and a representative will be happy to help you.

What are the tonal differences on solid body guitars, between Alder, Ash, Poplar, Basswood, Mahogany and Maple?

(1.) Alder: full and rich, with fat low-end, nice cutting mids, and good overall warmth and sustain. Alder is generally considered to be one of the "traditional" Stratocaster body woods.

(2.) Ash: exhibits a "snappier" tone with a bright edge, but with a warm bass and long sustain. It is often considered as the other "traditional" Stratocaster body wood.

(3.) Poplar: one of the softer hardwoods, nicely resonant with a meaty tone. Many guitar manufacturers as a substitute for alder are using this wood, as it is quite similar in tone.

(4.) Basswood: the principal wood used on many Japanese made instruments. This is due both to its tonal response, (once again, very similar to Alder) as well as the fact that Basswood is much more readily available to the manufacturers in Asia.

(5.) Mahogany: deep warm mids, good sustain and nice "bite"

(6.) Maple: punchy, bright, and has a nice bite on the high end. Often used only as a laminated top instead of an entire body, as it tends to be a particularly heavy wood.

Does Fender sell any replacement guitar necks and bodies?

In some instances Fender may authorize an accommodation sale of a guitar neck or body through one of our Authorized Fender Service Centers, but only as a direct replacement for a neck or body which is either defective, or damaged beyond repair. An authorization will not be made to simply meet a players desire to purchase a replacement for any other reason.

To see if your instrument qualifies under Fender's criteria for neck and body replacement, you will need to bring your guitar to an Authorized Fender Service Center for an evaluation by an Authorized technician along with a series of photographs showing:

1. The entire front of the instrument.
2. The entire back of the instrument.
3. A close-up photograph of the headstock.
4. A close-up photograph or a lead pencil rubbing of the neckplate showing either serial number or other Fender markings.

An Authorized technician would determine a verification of the authenticity of the instrument as well as the need for either a replacement neck or body at that time. The Service Center would then send the photographs and appropriate documentation to our technical support staff here at Fender for consideration of the request.

If approved by Fender, an authorization for the sale of a new neck or body would then be made, and the Service Center would place an order for the replacement part at that time. The new neck or body most closely matching the specific parts ordered would then be released and invoiced to the Service Center. (Please understand that exact replacements may no longer be available, depending on the age and model of your instrument and a substitution may be required). You would then arrange between yourself and the Service Center the necessary repairs needed to complete your instrument.

All costs involved, including the cost of the replacement part, shipping, insurance, and repairs are solely the responsibility of the customer.

What kind of finish do you use on your instruments?

Our U.S. made American Vintage series instruments are finished with nitrocellulose lacquer (Exception: '75 Jazz Bass is finished with polyurethane).

Our other American, Korean and Chinese made guitars are finished with polyurethane.

Our Mexican and Japanese-made instrument bodies are finished with polyester while the necks are finished with polyurethane.

The Custom Shop Relic, Closet Classic, and N. O. S. series guitars use "Thin-Skin" nitrocellulose lacquer finishes.

Most other Custom Shop models use urethane; however, on a "one-off" order they may accommodate most finishing material requests. (Note: Finish specifications are subject to change without notice).

Is it possible to get a replacement decal for my old Fender instrument?

In many cases, the answer is "YES!" To help us achieve the best match of available decals, take at least 4 clear photographs of your instrument, (the entire front, entire back of the instrument and a close-up of the front and back of the headstock). This will help us verify that it is indeed a genuine Fender product in need of a replacement decal, (if the instrument has the serial number stamped into the neck plate, please include a pencil "rubbing" from the neck plate showing this number).

Next, take the photos along with your guitar to the nearest Authorized Fender Service Center, where they will evaluate the instrument. After comparing the instrument with the photos, they will then mail the photos and neck plate rubbing to our Product Support team in Scottsdale. Once we receive the photographs, we will try to find the most accurate decal for that instrument. We will then send the appropriate decal to the Authorized Service Center. Note: Decal availability is limited to certain models, and while Fender does not charge a fee for a replacement decal, the Fender Authorized Service Center may charge a fee for providing this service to you.

Can the Fender Custom Shop just build a replacement neck for me and can I buy some fancy parts from them?

The Fender Custom Shop staff is dedicated to creating complete, unique instruments only. We can craft unique parts and components for the build of a "One-Off" instrument; however, we are unable offer single component customization of any kind for sale as an aftermarket accessory.

We do, however, offer a comprehensive line of Fender parts and accessories. More than likely, you'll be able to find a part to fit your needs from that line. Please visit the Strings, Picks and Accessories section on this website, or check with your Fender Dealer or the Fender Frontline catalog for a listing of available parts and accessories.

Do you have any replacement parts for my old Fender guitar?

We offer a wide selection of replacement parts for old Fender instruments. Parts may be ordered directly from your local Fender Dealer or Fender Authorized Service Center, who by the way, may already be well stocked with parts and accessories. For information and assistance in purchasing parts outside of the United States, please contact the Fender Distributor in your country or region.

What is a Bi-Flex Truss Rod and how does it work?

The Bi-Flex Truss Rod (used on most American and American Deluxe Series instruments) was designed by Fender in the early 1980's. Unlike most truss rods, which allow only convex neck adjustments (back bow), the Bi-Flex allows you to adjust for either a concave or convex bow. If you tighten the truss rod nut it bows the neck backwards. As you loosen the nut you will find the neck's neutral position (the truss rod is not in use). If you continue to loosen the nut you will feel a renewed tightening as the rod pushes against the walnut dowel causing the neck to bow forward. Additional information can be found in the Setup Guides.

What does the term "neck radius" mean, relative to my guitar?

The measure of the curvature of the top of the fretboard from edge to edge is often incorrectly referred to as the "neck radius". Actually, the correct terminology would be either "fretboard" or "fingerboard radius" and the actual neck shape and size should be called "neck profile". The fretboard radius can be found by first drawing a circle with a corresponding radius, (the "radius" is the distance from the center of a circle to its outer edge), and then cutting out a portion of that circle corresponding to the width of the fretboard. For example, if you have a 7 1/4" radius fretboard. You could tie a piece of string to a pencil, measure out a length of string to 7 1/4", and put a thumbtack on the other end of the string. Secure the tack, stretch the string, and draw a circle. By cutting out a piece of that circle the width of your fretboard, you will have an example of an arc with the same curvature as that of your fretboard radius.

What is a V, C or U shape neck?

The letters V, C, and U are used today by Fender as analogies to describe the "neck profile" or shape and contour of the back of our instrument necks. Necks described by these letters will correspond roughly (although not quite as exaggerated), to the visual appearance of these letters.

The V shaped necks come in two different versions, a "soft" V and a "hard" V. The "soft" V shape is a bit rounded off, whereas the "hard" V is somewhat more pointed.

There are a couple of other neck shape descriptions which do not have directly corresponding letters. These are the "oval" and the modern "flat oval". Many people, however, simply use the letter "C" when referring generally to these "oval" shapes.

The "U" shape is chunky and rounded, with high shoulders, as seen in the exaggerated letter U.

There is no doubt that it is easier to understand the application of these terms to the necks when you put your hands on them and get the feel, however, the use of these letters is pretty accurate in describing the shape of the back of Fender necks.

There is often confusion between the use of the letters V, C, and U used to describe neck shapes, and the use of the letters A, B, C and D in describing Fender neck widths. During the period of time from the early '60's to the early '70's, Fender used the letters A, B, C, and D to refer specifically to the width of our guitar and bass necks at the nut. These letters were stamped on the butt end of the necks, and had no reference to the shape or contour of the neck. An "A" width was 1 1/2" at the nut, "B" was 1 5/8", "C" was 1 3/4" and "D" was 1 7/8".

How can I get an owners manual or wiring diagram for my instrument?

For information and access to Fender owner's manuals and wiring diagrams, please visit the Support section of the Fender website.

How often should I change my strings?

There is no set rule for how often you should change your strings. If you have strings which are worn, flattened, kinked, corroded, rusted or mucked up with sweat grease and grime, then it is definitely time to change your strings. Really, the only other determining factor should be that if your strings are no longer giving you the tone, brightness and response that you desire, then it's probably time to change them.

Setup Guides

How often should I have a set-up done on my instrument?

All electric guitars and basses, which are made from wood, are subject to changes in temperature and humidity. These instruments are machines, which have moving parts, and like any other machine, they require periodic maintenance and adjustment in order to insure a maximum level of performance and playability. This is precisely why there are multiple points of adjustment on each instrument. It is very important to familiarize yourself with the different points of adjustment on your guitar or bass i.e. truss-rod, tilt-adjust, saddle height, and intonation, as these features are there for a very important reason.

The woods of your instrument absorb the moisture (humidity) in the air, and expand and contract with changes in both temperature and humidity. This phenomenon may be illustrated easily with the following example: Suppose your instrument is already in tune, and you subsequently transport it during the heat of summer, to an air-conditioned venue. When you take it out of the case and let it cool to room temperature, the pitch of the instrument will dramatically drop as the wood cools and shrinks, causing the tension on the guitar to decrease. While this dramatic example may not require immediate adjustment compensation, it is often necessary to make seasonal adjustments in the action of your instrument to compensate for these changes. It is also important to note that changing string gauges or materials will also affect the amount of tension on the neck and will usually require a neck adjustment to compensate for this change in tension.

It is also, not uncommon that there may be a "settling in " period with a new instrument, where periodic adjustments in the action must be made until the wood stops moving, (bear in mind that seasonal adjustments may still be necessary). If you're a "do it yourselfer", visit our Setup Guides page for detailed information on setting up your instrument.

If you do not feel comfortable making adjustments in the action of your instrument, we would recommend that you have a qualified technician at an Authorized Fender Service Center check out your instrument for the proper setup adjustments approximately every 6 months. This would also be a great time for your tech to keep an eye on such things as such as fret wear, intonation, etc. Please keep in mind that setups and adjustments are the owner's responsibility and are not covered by warranty.

Setup Guides

How do I intonate my instrument?

To maximize the performance of your instrument you must be sure to always keep it properly intonated so that the instrument will be in relative tune to itself. Always check and adjust the intonation as needed after every change of strings. When we intonate a guitar we shorten or lengthen the active vibrating length of a string so that it will be in tune with itself, given the scale length of the instrument, as well as differences in string gauges and micro-variations from string to string which occur in the manufacturing process. For information on how to set the intonation for your guitar check the Setup Guides for your instrument on this website.

Can you tell me how much my instrument is worth?

Fender, as a manufacturer of new instruments only, has no direct involvement in the used, collectors, or "vintage" instruments markets and therefore, we are unable to offer you the current value of your instrument. There are many variables involved in establishing the value of used or "vintage" instruments such as condition, rarity, desirability, etc. These conditions are best determined by a dealer who specializes in the sale of used and vintage instruments. If you will call our Consumer Relations Dept. at 480-596-7195, we will be happy to refer you to a dealer who may be able to help determine the value of your instrument.

I want to upgrade the tuning machines on my guitar from the vintage style tuners that came on it, to your more modern style die-cast tuning machines. Can you tell me if this is possible, and what are the diameter differences between the vintage and die-cast tuning machines?

Yes, it is possible, but you should know that they are not a simple drop in replacement; some modification to the headstock is required to make this change.

The diameter of the mounting hole on the headstock for our vintage style tuners is 11/32” (8.7mm), and the machines themselves have a .249” diameter string post. The mounting hole on the headstock for our die-cast tuning machines is 13/32” (10mm) with a .236 diameter string post. The modern tuning machines are obviously larger in diameter than the vintage tuners and consequently, the mounting holes will need to be enlarged to accept the new tuners. As this is not an easy project for a beginner, we would suggest that you only have a skilled luthier perform this modification for you.

Conversely, if you want to switch from the modern tuners to vintage style tuning machines, without having to fill and re-drill the mounting holes, you will need to purchase a set of conversion tuner bushings which allow an 11/32 string post to fit into a 13/32 diameter mounting hole without any filling and drilling. Fender does not produce or offer these conversion bushings, so you’ll need to purchase them through an aftermarket parts supplier.

Can you tell me how to mod my amp?

Fender’s amplifier R&D department has designed scores of iconic amplifiers that have changed the landscape of western music. All of our amplifiers pass rigid NEMCO and CSA safety standards. Any modification, no matter how slight, will both void your warranty and nullify any safety rating. We understand that you’d like to make some modifications to your amplifier, however, due to liability concerns; we may not assist you directly with any advice or support to perform a modification to any existing Fender electronic product. Please check with your local amplifier service center for assistance if you wish to perform mods to your amplifier.

Why can’t I order a left handed guitar in every model Fender offers?

The demand for right-handed instruments far out numbers that of left-handed models. Since left-handed models require a complete change over in our tooling process. It wouldn’t be cost effective to devote equal amounts of resources to producing both left and right handed instruments. We offer several regular production left handed models you choose from, and you can also contact an Authorized Fender Custom Shop Dealer and obtain a quote for a left handed custom shop instrument.

Can I order a custom Guild acoustic?

While we appreciate your interest, Guild is not currently able to offer custom made instruments. Please check the Guild website periodically for updates on new Guild products. You may find an item suitable to your needs in our already available product line.

How does the 5-year transferable amplifier/electronic product warranty work?

To take advantage of the 5-year transferable warranty, the original purchaser must endorse the sale of the product to the new owner on the original sales receipt. The duration of the transferred warranty will be the balance of time remaining up to 5 years from the original date of purchase of the product.

What are the tonal differences between ceramic magnet and Alnico magnet pickups?

Generally, ceramic pickups offer a brighter, more-glassy sound. You’ll notice more of a midrange and treble response from a ceramic pickup.

Alnico pickups will provide a warmer sound and will generally have a little bit more bass response.

Can I change the covers on my SCN or Noiseless pickups?

The short answer to this is, no. The coils on SCN and Noiseless pickups are so tightly wrapped, that even the slightest tug on the cover could permanently damage the pickup. We also put a light adhesive on the cover to prevent accidental movement of the cover and subsequent damage to the coil. Please Note: The covers on SCN and Noiseless pickups are oversized, and aftermarket or vintage style pickup covers will not retrofit them.

Why did you discontinue the ___________?

The short answer is that it really depends on the demand generated by Fender consumers. Models or colors that sell strongly and create a steady demand may stay in our product line for a longer period of time, while models or colors that do not sell as well may be discontinued sooner.

Do you plan on ever re-releasing the___________?

While we appreciate your interest, unless and until our Marketing Department tells us otherwise, unfortunately, we have no information to share publicly as to if, or when, a specific instrument may be re-released.

I recently saw on an artist’s website that a _________ guitar was going to be coming out,…what can you tell me about it?

It’s not uncommon for a Fender artist to play a prototype instrument live or to talk on their website about an upcoming project they are working on with Fender, before any official information is released. While we appreciate hearing the excitement this generates from consumers, we simply can’t confirm any information about a product or product release until we get the official go ahead from our Marketing Department.

The store I ordered my instrument/amplifier through told me to call you guys to check on the status of my order. So,…can you tell me when I’m going to get my new instrument/amplifier?

While we appreciate both your interest in receiving an order status update and your patience while you wait to receive a product that you ordered, unfortunately, there is no way for us to check the status of an order for you directly. There is no consumer information attached to any Dealer’s order in our system that would identify a specific order as being for an individual consumer.

Further to the point, all Fender Dealers have a confidential private account with us, and it would be unethical for us to breach that confidentiality to share any information regarding their private transactions with FMIC, with you. It’s not much different than a stranger asking your bank to let them peek into your account to look at your private transactions. We have no doubt, that under these circumstances, you would see that any release of proprietary information to anyone who is not the account holder would be unethical. The same holds true for dealers holding an account with Fender.

We do apologize that you received this misinformation directing you to contact us directly for availability info, and would suggest that the most expeditious way to get a status update on an order would be for you to contact the Fender Dealer that you placed your order through, and ask them to get in touch with their Fender inside sales representative for a status update.

Can I talk to someone in your Tech Support department?

Our Consumer Relations Department representatives can assist you with most technical questions about guitars or basses; however it is virtually impossible to diagnose a complex technical issue over the phone. To expedite a resolution to your problem our representatives may refer you to a certified tech at an authorized Fender Service Center in your area.

In terms of technical support for Fender amplifiers, we are very limited in what we can discuss with you as a consumer, because of liability issues and also because of the complex nature of amplifier electronics. As Fender amplifier products typically are not “user serviceable”, our representatives may refer you to a certified tech at an authorized Fender Service Center in your area for assistance.

Finally, we cannot offer any advice on modifications to your guitar, bass, or amplifier. Modifications will void the warranty that your instrument or amplifier comes with and we are therefore not in a position to suggest breaking such warranties through experimentation. Please contact an independent repair facility or aftermarket parts dealers for assistance and information.

Does the Fender Custom Shop have a direct number I can call or an email address I can write to?

The Fender Custom Shop is not set-up to communicate directly with consumers. The shop is staffed with builders who are working during the course of the day to create Custom Shop production models and one-off custom guitars. The sales department at your local Fender Custom Shop Dealer is your direct link to the Custom Shop Sales Department who are then linked to our builders.

If you are ordering a Master Built one-off instrument, the Master Builder commissioned to build your instrument may get in touch with you to confirm details or to get answers to any unanswered questions, but only after an order has been placed.

This mode of communication is in place so that our Sales Department can do what they do best; assist Dealers with ordering custom instruments, and our team of Custom Shop Master Builders can do what they do best all day; build amazing instruments!

What pickup is best for a good (blues, rock, gospel, etc.) sound?

A more important question is; what sound do you like? There is no “best” pickup for any particular style. There are a multitude of artists playing identical pickups in many different styles of music and frequently the best music comes when an artist goes against the established convention to find their own voice in a genre of music. That is typically when the world perks up and takes notice of an artist. We’d suggest that you visit your local dealer, play as many guitars with different pickups in them as you can, and see what sound resonates in your ears. Bottom line: The perception of tone is subjective. Play what you like!

Will Fender endorse my band? How do I contact Fender Artist Relations?

Fender Musical Instruments is willing to accept mailed artist packs via post for consideration in regards to our artist endorsement program. Please have your band’s/artist’s business manager or record label’s A&R representative send a complete artist pack to the exact address listed below

This complete artist pack should contain any press, CDs, videos, biography information, photos and electronic press kits you wish to present—as well as a cover letter stating your current musical gear list (Fender gear or otherwise). In addition, please draft a proposal indicating your expectations of working in relationship with Fender Musical Instruments as an endorsed artist.

If you do not have a business manger or label A&R representative, you may still submit a complete artist pack on your own. Allow a minimum of at least 90 days for a response and please note: all submissions become property of Fender Musical Instruments and cannot be returned.

Will Fender sponsor or donate to my special event or charity function?

Fender Musical Instruments is involved in numerous charitable projects, music education seminars and special events and would gladly be willing to consider your proposed charity donation or event sponsorship request. We accept requests of this manner only in the form of a written proposal mailed to the exact address below

Can Fender refinish my instrument?

Fender does not offer any factory refinishing or restoration services in any capacity. Our manufacturing facilities are geared towards producing new instruments only. However, if you’ll search the web, you’ll find there are many independent companies that do offer this exact type of service.

Does Fender offer any factory tours to the public?

While we appreciate your interest, due to liability concerns, we are unable to offer public tours of any of our manufacturing facilities. However, if you are ever in Southern California, feel free to visit the independently-owned Fender Center for Music Education which houses the Fender Museum in Corona, CA. Though it is not owned nor run by Fender Musical Instruments Corp., they do have many interesting exhibits on Fender history. For more information, visit www.fendermuseum.com.

I would like to buy a guitar/amp from Fender. Do you sell direct to the consumer?

While we appreciate your desire to purchase directly from us, Fender is a wholesale manufacturer, and as such, we sell instruments, parts, and accessories exclusively through a network of Authorized Dealers. To find an Authorized Dealer in your area, click Dealer Finder in the main navigation of the Fender website.

Is it possible to purchase a set of the Eric Johnson pickups for my non Eric Johnson model Fender guitar?

At this time, the Eric Johnson pickups are proprietary to the Eric Johnson model and are not available to purchase for non-warranty use. To see which pickups we do have available, please visit the Accessories page of the Fender website and select Pickups.

I’ve seen various Fender dealers selling “FSR” guitars and amplifiers. I looked on the Fender website and I can’t find any information about these instruments. What is an “FSR”?

“FSR” stands for Fender Special Run. Many of these products are specially commissioned by individual Dealers or Dealer groups, and are built to the specifications that they request. The number of instruments produced can vary from run to run depending on the needs of the dealers. As these FSR guitars and amps are not offered as regular production “catalog” models, and are generally not available to every dealer, we are unable to provide specs or listings for them on our website. However, your local dealer should be able to provide detailed specs for any “FSR” they are offering.