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

Warranties and the methods for administering warranty service can vary from country to country. Please refer to the literature that came with your product for its specific warranty details and limitations. In the United States, call the Fender Consumer Relations Department at 480.596.7195 and a representative will be happy to provide you with information. Outside the United States, 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 warranty coverage for your instrument.

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

Is my Fender product still under warranty if I bought it used?

No. All Fender instrument warranties apply to the original purchaser only. If your Fender product is no longer covered under warranty, however, we might still be able to assist you if you're experiencing a problem. In the United States, Fender's Authorized Fender Service Centers can perform repairs on used, non-warrantied equipment, and may be able to give you an accurate cost estimate before beginning work. Please use the link here to find Service Center locations near you, or contact your local Fender dealer.

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

No, but you can get personalized service on pricing, options and availability information for Custom Shop instruments from an Authorized Fender Custom Shop Master-Built Dealer.

To do so, contact the nearest Authorized Fender Custom Shop Master-Built Dealer in your area. These dealers have worksheets with helpful information on options for neck profiles, wood selection, hardware, finishing materials, etc., along with Custom Shop instrument detail forms (if your dealer doesn't have these forms, any sheet of paper listing the instrument details will work). Submit these completed forms to your Authorized Fender Custom Shop Master-Built Dealer (remember—not all Fender dealers are authorized Custom Shop  dealers, so please consult your local dealers as to their status).

Your dealer will then contact a Custom Shop sales representative and soon thereafter give you a price quote for the instrument, review the quote details and confirm your consent to place an order. After your order is placed but before work begins on your instrument, the Custom Shop Master Builder assigned to build your instrument will contact you to confirm your specifications and discuss other elements.

After order confirmation, your instrument will be placed in the Custom Shop production schedule and construction will begin accordingly. Delivery of a custom "one-off" instrument usually takes six to ten months.

To locate your nearest Fender Custom Shop Master-Built Dealer, contact Fender Consumer Relations (480.596.7195).

Can I get a price list for Fender products?

Yes. Download a current U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price List from this website.

I didn't receive a warranty card with my new instrument. Could you send me one?

No. Fender doesn't issue warranty cards or register consumer warranties with the sale of any FMIC brand product. An "Owner's Registration" card does accompany many FMIC products; an online version of this Owner's Registration card can be found 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 keep your sales receipt for the term length of the product warranty. Should you ever have a claim for warranty service, this receipt must be presented at the time of service for appropriate consideration.

Should you require warranty service, contact the authorized FMIC dealer from whom you purchased your product or any Authorized Fender Service Center in your area. To find a Service Center near you, call Fender Consumer Relations (480.596.7195) and a representative will be happy to help you.

What are the tonal differences among solid-body guitars made of alder, ash, poplar, basswood, mahogany and maple?

Alder sounds full and rich, with fat low end, nice cutting mids and good overall warmth and sustain. A traditional Stratocaster body wood.

Ash has a snappier tone with a bright edge, warm bass and long sustain. Another traditional Stratocaster body wood.

Poplar is one of the softer hardwoods; nicely resonant with a meaty tone. Many guitar manufacturers substitute poplar for alder, as it is quite similar in tone.

Basswood is the main wood of many Japanese-made instruments because of its tonal response (very similar to alder) and ready availability to manufacturers in Asia.

Mahogany has deep, warm mids, good sustain and nice bite.

Maple is punchy and bright, with nice high-end bite. Often used for laminated tops rather than entire bodies, as it's an especially heavy wood.

Does Fender sell replacement guitar necks and bodies?

Only in certain well-defined circumstances. Fender may authorize sale of a guitar neck or body, but only through an Authorized Fender Service Centers and only as a direct replacement for a neck or body that is defective or damaged beyond repair. These sales aren't made to players simply because they want replacement parts, or for any other reason.

To see if your instrument meets Fender's criteria for neck and body replacement, take it to an Authorized Fender Service Center for evaluation. Bring photographs showing the entire front of the instrument, the entire back of the instrument, a close-up of the headstock and a close-up or lead pencil rubbing of the neck plate showing the serial number or other Fender markings.

An authorized technician will then verify the authenticity of the instrument and the need for a replacement neck or body; the Service Center then sends the photographs and documentation to Fender technical support for consideration.

If approved by Fender, the Service Center then orders the replacement part; Fender will send the new neck or body most closely matching the part needed (please understand that depending on the age and model of your instrument, exact replacements may no longer be available and a substitution may be required). The Service Center will then make the necessary repairs. All costs—including replacement parts, shipping, insurance and repairs—are the sole responsibility of the customer.

What kinds of finishes does Fender use on its instruments?

U.S.-made American Vintage series instruments are finished in nitrocellulose lacquer (with one exception, the polyurethane-finish '75 Jazz Bass). Other U.S.-, Korean- and Chinese-made guitars are finished in polyurethane. Mexican and Japanese-made instrument bodies are finished in polyester, with necks finished in polyurethane.

Fender Custom Shop "Relic," "Closet Classic" and "N. O. S." instruments have "thin-skin" nitrocellulose lacquer finishes. Most other Custom Shop models use urethane, but the Custom Shop can accommodate most finish requests for "one-off" instruments (finish specifications are subject to change without notice).

Can I get a replacement decal for my old Fender instrument?

Yes, in many cases. To help Fender get the best decal match, take at least four clear photographs of your instrument (the entire front and entire back, and close-ups of the front and back of the headstock) to help verify that it is indeed a genuine Fender product needing a replacement decal. If the instrument's serial number is stamped into the neck plate, please include a pencil rubbing of the number.

Take the photos and your instrument to the nearest Authorized Fender Service Center. Service personnel will then send the photos and neck plate rubbing to Fender Product Support in Scottsdale, Ariz. After receiving the photos, Fender will try to find the most accurate decal for the instrument and send it to the Authorized Service Center (note that decal availability is limited to certain models and that while Fender doesn't charge for replacement decals, the Fender Authorized Service Center may).

Can the Fender Custom Shop build a replacement neck for me or supply other special parts?

No, but Fender does offer a comprehensive line of parts and accessories. The Fender Custom Shop is dedicated to creating complete instruments only; while it does craft special parts and components for various "one-off" instruments, it doesn't offer single-component customization of any kind for sale as aftermarket accessories.

As noted, however, Fender offers a wide and comprehensive selection of parts and accessories. It it, you're very likely to find parts that suit your needs. Please visit the Strings, Picks and Accessories section on this website, or check with your Fender Dealer or the Fender Frontline In-Store catalog for a list of available parts and accessories.

Does Fender sell replacement parts for my old Fender guitar?

Yes. Fender offers a wide selection of replacement parts for old Fender instruments that can be ordered directly from your local Fender Dealer or Fender Authorized Service Center (which might already stock many parts and accessories). For information on and help with purchasing parts outside of the United States, please contact the Fender Distributor in your country or region.

What is a bi-flex truss rod?

Most truss rods only allow adjustment for concave (downward-bending or dipping) neck bowing. Unlike these, the Fender bi-flex truss rod (used on most American and American Deluxe series instruments) allows adjustment and correction of bowing in either direction—concave and convex (upward-bending or arching) neck bowing.

All Fender instruments with a bi-flex truss rod have the truss rod adjustment nut at the headstock. Turning this nut clockwise straightens a neck with a concave bow; turning it counterclockwise straightens a neck with a convex bow.

Additional information can be found in the Setup Guides found in the "Support" section of the Fender website.

What does the term "neck radius" mean?

"Neck radius" actually refers to the measure of the curvature of the top of the fingerboard from edge to edge. The correct term is actually "fingerboard radius, but everybody says "neck radius" (the actual neck shape and size is referred to as the "neck profile").

The measurement itself is of the radius of a circle from which a section the width of the fingerboard corresponds. In other words, if you drew a circle with a 9.5” radius and cut out a section equal to the width of the fingerboard, the section would have a slight arc with the same curvature as a 9.5”-radius fingerboard.

What is a V, C or U shape neck?

Fender uses the letters V, C and U to describe "neck profiles"—the actual shape of the letters roughly corresponds to the shape of the back of its instrument necks.

V-shaped necks come in two different versions, a more rounded "soft" V and a more pointed "hard" V. U-shaped necks are chunky and rounded, with high shoulders. The term "C-shaped" generally refers to oval and modern "flat oval" neck profiles, even though these profiles don't strictly correspond to the shape of the letter C. The use of these letter designations is often more easily understood when actually feeling the back of a Fender instrument neck.

There is occasional confusion about V, C and U neck profile designations and A, B, C and D neck width designations. From the early '60s to the early '70s, Fender refered specifically to the nut width of its instrument necks using the letters A (1 1/2"), B (1 5/8"), C (1 3/4") and D (1 7/8"). These letters were stamped on the butt end of the necks and had nothing to do with neck profile.

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

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

How often should I change strings?

There are no set rules for how often you should change strings. If your strings are worn, dirty, greasy, grimy, flattened, kinked, corroded or rusted, then it's definitely time to change them. The only other factor is that if your strings are no longer giving you the tone, brightness and response that you like, it's probably time to change them.

Setup Guides

How often should I have a setup done on my instrument?

About every six months, ideally.

Instruments made of wood are subject to temperature and humidity changes; as such they require periodic maintenance and adjustment in order to ensure maximum performance and playability. It's important to familiarize yourself with the many different and important points of adjustment on your instrument—i.e., truss-rod, tilt adjust, saddle height and intonation.

The wood of your instrument absorbs moisture (humidity) in the air and expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity, affecting the setup. During a hot summer, for example, when an already-tuned instrument taken to an air-conditioned venue is removed from its case, its wood cools and shrinks—decreasing string tension and causing pitch to drop noticeably. Seasonal adjustments of the action are often necessary to compensate for such changes; changing string gauges or materials also affects the amount of neck tension and also usually requires neck adjustment to compensate.

Further, it's not uncommon for a new instrument to have an initial "settling in" phase when periodic adjustments to the action must be made until the wood stops moving (seasonal adjustments may still be necessary).

To make setup adjustments yourself, you can refer to the Setup Guides found in the "Support" section of the Fender website. If you're not comfortable making setup adjustments yourself, Fender recommends having a qualified Authorized Fender Service Center technician examine your instrument for setup adjustments about every six months. The technician can also make adjustment recommendations related to fret wear, intonation, etc. Please keep in mind that setup adjustments are the owner's responsibility and are not covered by warranty.

How do I intonate my instrument?

To maximize your instrument's performance, always keep it properly intonated (in relative tune to itself). Check and adjust the intonation as needed after every change of strings.

When intonating an instrument, the active vibrating length of a string is shortened or lengthened so that it will be "in tune with itself" according to the scale length of the instrument, differences in string gauges, and micro-variations from string to string that occur during manufacturing. To intonate your instrument yourself, you can refer to the Setup Guides found in the "Support" section of the Fender website.

Can Fender tell me how much my instrument is worth?

No. As a manufacturer of new instruments only, Fender has no direct involvement in used, collector or vintage instrument markets, and is therefore unable to determine or comment on the current value of your instrument.

Many variables are involved in establishing the value of used or vintage instruments. These are best determined by dealers who specialize in used and vintage instruments. Fender Consumer Relations (480.596.7195) can refer you to dealers who might be able to help determine the value of your instrument.

Can I upgrade my guitar's tuning machines from the vintage-style tuners that it came with to modern die-cast tuners? What are the diameter differences between vintage and die-cast tuning machines?

Yes. Upgrading vintage-style tuners to modern die-cast tuners is possible, but  it's not a simple drop-in replacement. Some headstock modification is required.

The headstock mounting hole diameter for Fender vintage-style tuners is 11/32” (8.7mm); the machines themselves have a .249” diameter string post. The  headstock mounting hole diameter for Fender die-cast tuners is 13/32” (10mm) with a .236" diameter string post. Modern tuning machines are obviously larger in diameter than vintage tuners—the mounting holes must consequently be enlarged to accommodate the new tuners. This isn't an easy modification for a beginner, and Fender suggests that it be done by a skilled luthier.

Conversely, to switch from modern tuners to vintage-style tuners without having to fill and re-drill the mounting holes, you'll need to get a set of conversion tuner bushings that allow 11/32" string posts to fit into 13/32" mounting holes. These can be purchased from an aftermarket parts supplier.

Can Fender tell me how to mod my amp?

No. Fender amplifiers pass rigid NEMCO and CSA safety standards, and any modification—no matter how slight—will nullify any safety rating and void the waranty.

Fender understands that you’d like to mod your amp, but because of liability concerns we can't directly offer instruction, advice or support for modifying any Fender electronic product. Please check with your local amplifier service center for assistance if you want to mod your amplifier.

Why doesn't Fender offer left-handed versions of all its guitar models?

The demand for right-handed instruments far outnumbers that for left-handed models. Since building left-handed models requires a complete change in tooling processes, it's not cost effective to produce right-handed and left-handed versions of every instrument.

Fender does offer several regular left-handed production models, however, and Authorized Fender Custom Shop Dealers can provide quotes for left-handed Custom Shop instruments.

Can I order a custom Guild acoustic?

No. FMIC sincerely appreciates your interest, but Guild is currently unable to offer custom-made instruments. Please visit the Guild website periodically for updates on new Guild products—you might find a suitable instrument already available.

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 five years from the original date of purchase of the product.

What are the tonal differences between ceramic-magnet and alnico-magnet pickups?

Ceramic pickups generally offer a brighter and more glassy sound. You’ll notice more midrange and treble response from a ceramic pickup. Alnico pickups provide a warmer sound and generally have a little more bass response.

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

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. There is also a light adhesive on the cover to prevent accidental movement of the cover and subsequent coil damage. Please note that SCN and Noiseless pickup covers are oversized and that aftermarket or vintage-style pickup covers will not fit them.

Why did Fender discontinue the ___________?

Models are most often discontinued due to lack of demand. Models or colors that create steady demand and are strong sellers tend to stay in our product line for longer periods, whereas models or colors that don't sell as well may be discontinued sooner.

Does Fender ever plan on re-releasing the___________?

Fender certainly appreciates your interest, but it can't publicly share information on if and when a specific instrument will be re-released.

I saw on an artist website that a _________ guitar was going to become available—can Fender tell me anything about that?

No. It’s not at all uncommon for Fender artists to play prototype instruments live or mention upcoming projects with Fender on their websites before any official information is released. While Fender certainly appreciates the excitement this generates among consumers, it simply can’t comment on such matters before official information is released.

The store from which I ordered my instrument/amplifier instructed me to call Fender to check on my order status. Can Fender tell me when I’m going to get my new instrument/amplifier?

No. While Fender appreciates your patience while waiting to receive your order, unfortunately, there's no way for Fender to directly check the status of an order for a specific individual. Dealer orders in Fender's system contain no individual consumer information that would identify a specific order as belonging to a specific customer.

Further, since all Fender dealers have confidential private accounts with Fender, it would be unethical for FMIC to breach confidentiality by sharing private dealer/FMIC transaction information with individual consumers. To make an analogy, if a stranger asked your bank for a look at your private transactions, you would doubtless consider the release of any proprietary information to anyone who's not the account holder unethical. The same holds is for dealers holding accounts with Fender.

Fender apologizes if you've received misinformation instructing you to contact FMIC directly for availability info. The best and fastest way to get updates on order status is to contact the dealer with whom you placed your order and ask them to contact their Fender inside sales representative for a status update.

Can I talk to someone in Fender's Tech Support department?

Yes. Fender Consumer Relations department representatives can assist you with most technical questions about guitars or basses. It's almost impossible, however, to diagnose a complex technical issue by phone. To expedite a resolution to your problem, Fender representatives may refer you to a certified technician at an authorized Fender Service Center in your area.

Regarding technical support for amps, Fender is very limited in what it can discuss with consumers because of liability issues and the complex nature of amplifier electronics. As Fender amplifier products typically aren't user-serviceable, representatives may refer you to a certified techician at an authorized Fender Service Center in your area for assistance.

Nor can Fender advise consumers on guitar, bass and amplifier modifications, as these void the warranty that instruments and amps come with. 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 e-mail address I can write to?

No. The Fender Custom Shop is staffed with builders and doesn't communicate directly with consumers. The sales department at your local Fender Custom Shop Dealer is your direct link to the Custom Shop Sales Department.

If you are ordering a one-off Master-Built instrument, the Master Builder commissioned to build your instrument may contact you with questions and to confirm details, but only after an order has been placed.

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

The important question is "What sound do you like?" There is no best pickup for any particular style. There are many artists playing identical pickups in many different styles of music and, frequently, the best music comes when artists go against established conventions to find their own voices. Fender suggests that you visit your dealer and play as many guitars with different pickups as you can to see what sound you like.

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

Possibly. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation accepts artist packages sent for consideration of endorsement. An artist’s business manager or record label A&R representative can send a complete artist package to:

Fender Musical Instruments Corp.
ATTN: Artist Relations Dept.
8860 E. Chaparral Rd., Suite 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85250-2610 USA

A complete artist package should contain music, video, biography information, photos, press clippings and a cover letter listing current music gear (Fender and otherwise). It should also contain a proposal indicating artist's expectations as an endorsee of a working relationship with Fender.

Artists without business manger or label A&R representation may submit complete artist packages of their own. Allow a minimum of at least 90 days for a response and please note that all submissions become property of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation and cannot be returned.

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

Possibly. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is involved in numerous charitable projects, music education seminars and special events, and gladly considers charity donation and event sponsorship requests. Fender accepts such requests only in the form of a written proposal mailed to:

Can Fender refinish my instrument?

No. Fender manufacturing facilities produce new instruments only and do not offer factory refinishing or restoration services. Many other companies, however, offer this kind of service.

Does Fender offer public factory tours?

No. Because of liability concerns, Fender is unable to offer public tours of any of its manufacturing facilities.

The independently owned Fender Museum at the Fender Center for Music Education in Corona, Calif., however, is open to the public and offers many fascinating Fender exhibits. For more information online, visit www.fendermuseum.com.

Does Fender sell direct to consumers?

No. Fender appreciates the desire to purchase direct, but it is a wholesale manufacturer that sells instruments, parts and accessories exclusively through a network of authorized dealers. To find an Authorized Fender Dealer in your area, use the Dealer Finder found on the Fender website.

Can I buy a set of Eric Johnson pickups for my non-Eric Johnson Fender guitar?

No. Eric Johnson pickups are proprietary to Fender's Eric Johnson models and are not available to purchase for non-warranty use. To browse available Fender pickups, please visit the Accessories page of the Fender website.

What is a Fender “FSR” instrument or amplifier and why can't I find information on them?

“FSR” stands for Fender Special Run. These products are specially commissioned by individual dealers and built to their specifications. As they aren't regular production models, FSR instruments and amps aren't generally available to every dealer, and Fender seldom provide specs or listings for them on its website. Your local dealer, however, should be able to provide detailed specs for any FSR products they offer.