Looking Back: Fender's 2018 Highlights

2018 was a big year for Fender. Each month, new products were released to the world, from the American Performer Series to new updates on the Mustang GT Series of amplifiers to bass lessons from Fender Play.

Now, as we head into what promises to be a big 2019, here's a look back at some of the highlights of a great year.

California Series Acoustics

With vibrant, eye-catching colors, diverse body shapes and player-friendly appointments that are sure to inspire creativity, the California Series of acoustic guitars celebrates the Fender's Southern California roots.

American Original Series

Inspired by some of Fender’s most-successful ’50s, ’60s and ’70s models, the 11 models of the American Original Series guitars and basses match a variety of musical tastes and players. Check them out here.

Hot Rod Amplifiers

From backline to festivals to television shows, Hot Rod amps are used in more studios and stages by more artists than any other amp series in the world. And this year, they underwent subtle, thoughtful upgrades that included lighter cabinets and new speaker choices, as well as reverb, gain and volume control enhancements. Shop them here.

Eric Johnson Thinline Stratocaster

A perfect marriage between a semi-hollow body and traditional Stratocaster, the Eric Johnson Thinline Stratocaster is a lightweight, resonant instrument that opened the longtime Strat-slinger's tone to more possibilities. "You play the note, it comes out, and then it kind of resonates back into the guitar through the chambers," he said. "As you're playing, you feel this fluxing of energy where it inhales and exhales."Shop it here.

Fender Play Bass Lessons

Moving from the guitar to the bass is a challenge, but Fender Play made it easier by releasing an essential new curriculum for any beginning bass player or bassists looking to hone their chops. Get a free trial here.

Effects Pedals

Fender dove further into the tone game by releasing a slew of new new, innovative effects pedals with all-original circuits designed by in-house experts. It marked the first salvo of many pedals in a long-term commitment to the category and sonic innovation. See them all here.

60th Anniversary Jazzmaster

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the iconic Jazzmaster, Fender released three highly collectible iterations of the beloved model: the Limited Edition 60th Anniversary '58 Jazzmaster, Triple Jazzmaster and Classic Jazzmaster. Take a look at Jazzmaster legend Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine discussing his love of the instrument below.

Fender Presents: Artform

Collaborating with Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest and Adrian Younge, collectively known at the Midnight Hour, Fender produced a short film that highlights the duo's musical journey through the lens of hip-hop. In addition, Fender released a limited-edition Midnight Hour Precision Bass, a take on a classic model that has been a big part of each producerss career. Get a closer look at the Midnight Hour Precision Bass here.

Parallel Universe Collection

The Parallel Universe Collection spliced together many of Fender's notable guitar and bass models to create new instruments that were truly unique. From the Jazz-Tele to the Whiteguard Strat to the eye-popping Meteora (seen below), the Parallel Universe Collection was truly out of this world.

Mustang GT 2.0

In 2017, Fender released the Bluetooth- and WiFi-equipped Mustang GT Series of amplifiers alongside the Tone app, allowing you to create, download and manage a studio's worth of effects and presets from your wireless device. This year, the app and amps were updated to include more features that will unlock even more creative doors.

Player Series

Built for aspiring players and artists who represent the future of guitar, the Player Series established a new level of excellence for players ready to take that next step in their musical journey with Fender’s iconic models – whether their dreams lie on a big stage or in a garage band and beyond.

American Performer Series

After istening to direct feedback from artists, product developments focused on creating solutions for performers with the American Performer Series, elevating the standard of instruments for artists to make delivery seamless onstage. The new colors and new features allow players to focus on their art and share that in its finest form. Shop the American Performer Series here.

Grace VanderWaal Ukuleles

As Fender's youngest signature artist, Grace VanderWaal joined elite company. She worked with Fender on a signature ukulele and Moonlight Soprano uke, both of which are perfectly primed to inspire the next generation of musicians.

Flea Active Jazz Bass

It takes a bass of unusual power to keep up with the larger-than-life Flea, and as such, Fender released a bass that could match his boundless enthusiasm when performing in front of stadium-sized crowds with the Red Hot Chili Peppers and other projects. The Flea Active Jazz Bass brings thunderous tone and massive output, marking an instrument that embodies the artist that gave it a name. Shop it here.

Albert Hammond Jr Stratocaster

For nearly 20 years, whether as a solo artist or with the Strokes, Albert Hammond Jr was always easy to find on stage. All one had to do was look for his trademark Olympic White Stratocaster. The Strokes guitarist wanted other aspiring musicians to use his namesake guitar to create their distinctive musical personality ... hence the Albert Hammond Jr Stratocaster. Check it out here.