Leo Fender founded Fender Electric Instruments in Fullerton, California in 1946. Fender’s first electric guitar, the Esquire, was released in 1950. The Esquire was later renamed the Broadcaster, and then the Telecaster in 1951.
Gibson was founded in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1894. Gibson’s first electric guitar, the Les Paul, was released in 1952.
So, Fender came first by about six years.
However, it is important to note that Gibson was producing electric mandolins and acoustic guitars as early as the 1920s. So, Gibson was certainly involved in the development of electric guitars before Fender.
But it was Fender who really popularized the electric guitar. The Telecaster and the Stratocaster, two of Fender’s most iconic models, were released in 1951 and 1954, respectively. These guitars were affordable, versatile, and easy to play. They quickly became popular with guitarists of all genres, and they remain some of the most popular guitars in the world today.
Gibson’s Les Paul, on the other hand, was a more expensive guitar. It was also heavier and more difficult to play than the Telecaster or Stratocaster. However, the Les Paul produced a warmer, richer tone that was perfect for blues and rock music.
As a result, Fender guitars became more popular with beginners and blues guitarists, while Gibson guitars became more popular with rock guitarists.
Today, both Fender and Gibson are still major players in the guitar market. Both brands produce high-quality guitars that are used by musicians all over the world.
Here is a more detailed timeline of the founding of Fender and Gibson:
- 1894: Gibson is founded in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
- 1946: Fender Electric Instruments is founded in Fullerton, California.
- 1950: Fender releases the Esquire electric guitar.
- 1951: Fender renames the Esquire to the Broadcaster, and then to the Telecaster.
- 1952: Gibson releases the Les Paul electric guitar.
- 1954: Fender releases the Stratocaster electric guitar.
Conclusion
Fender came first, but Gibson was involved in the development of electric guitars before Fender. Fender popularized the electric guitar with the Telecaster and Stratocaster, while Gibson made a name for itself with the Les Paul. Both brands are still major players in the guitar market today.
