Hey BP, a question for you.

[whitestrat]

You said this: "I never understood that Dudley and I were taking on one of Leo Fenders easels." in one of your blogs.

What were you really talking about? That your guitars were based on a platform he developed? or are you referring to something else?

I honestly think he would have loved your stuff today for sure.

 

[Colin]

can add to the question? (great question btw) Leo passed away in 1991 did he ever comment on the designs after EB acquired MM in 1984?

 

[Big Poppa]

Lionel We bought and continued Leos second company. Its almost like buying a band name and making records without an original member.

Leo was always cordial to me but was clueless as to what we were doing. I distanced my self from LEo as I did not approve of many of the things that happened that led up to the dissolution of Music Man

 

[whitestrat]

Leo was always cordial to me but was clueless as to what we were doing. I distanced my self from LEo as I did not approve of many of the things that happened that led up to the dissolution of Music Man

But it seems like you went in with your eyes wide open, no? Which is why your original statement puzzled me.

If, you were to comission a history book on EBMM (which I think is a great idea), it sounds to me like Leo's presence would be a cameo-like one. I know that none of his old Sting Ray guitars made the cut, and history for EBMM began with the Silhouette.

Would you consider having such a book? It would be great to show off the company's real expertise, as a home for accomplished musicians rather than just another guitar company.

You know, it's like the difference between Lamborghini and Ferrari. One sells cars, while the other sells a dream.

 

[Big Poppa]

Lionel Please try to read and undersstand my perspective not defend your assumptions.

Here is what I am saying.

As two guys in their late twenties with zero manufacturing experience taking over from Leo Fender....we were clueless and fortunate that our vision was correct. Looking back on it at my age I may have dwelled on the pressure of taking over from Leo.

 

[whitestrat]

As two guys in their late twenties with zero manufacturing experience taking over from Leo Fender....we were clueless and fortunate that our vision was correct. Looking back on it at my age I may have dwelled on the pressure of taking over from Leo.

Ah... I see now. So it was a case of stepping into shoes you weren't aware of how big, and it paid off? Hindsight is always 20/20.

Here's the bigger question: Would you have done it differently knowing what you do now?

 

[Big Poppa]

How can you say that....the answer is no. I am happy and love the stuff we did...it was everything in one giant ball.....torture ridicule clarity fuzziness discovery strain happy....

 

[TNT]

kinda like getting married!!!


lol,lol,lol

 

[whitestrat]

How can you say that....the answer is no. I am happy and love the stuff we did...it was everything in one giant ball.....torture ridicule clarity fuzziness discovery strain happy....

Hahaha... It's been a fun ride, I take it?

No offense meant, BP. Was just wondering what it was like when I was reading your blogs, and this point came up, so I wasn't sure what it meant. I didn't mean to say that you should or should not repeat what you did in the past up till today. It was an honest question to which I obviously couldn't have known the answer.

It's good to know that you're still positive about the whole thing after so long. It's hard to keep the energy going on stuff that you're not too hot about after a while. Sometimes I struggle to find the energy to remain positive about the things I do. I relish challenges in a job, but sometimes, you tend to bite off more than you can chew, or even worse, digest.

P.S. I know you sorta skipped my question on the book, but know that if you do make such a book, I'd buy about 20 copies just to give away to friends. I think that'll make such a cool gift!

 

[straycat113]

Sterling what kind of guy was Leo, honestly. Was he helpful to two guys who were in their twenties who may of come to him for his opinion on something. I really find it amazing what he accomplished without being able to play or even tune a guitar. I also find it strange that in all his years in the business he never was able to come up with a single guitar with humbuckers of any importance.

 

[Big Poppa]

OK Lionel I dont believe that there is a book in me that anyone really wants to read...may a few here but Im a green guitar in bookdom

Im fine with your questions and answered all of them to the best of my ability.

Leo Fender........I didnt go to his funeral. I sort of took sides in the Tommy Walker Leo debacle that ultimately brought the company down. It wasn't with Leo.

Now before this gets misinterpreted..... Leo Fender would be a good book but the problem is you have butt sniffers and yes men that end up writing the story. Or you get Frank Green who wrote the Music Man book and it is awful. Sorry Frank. I used to call on Frank when he ran a tiny store inside a movie theater that went broke Tommy Hired him to create an accessory line .....( i may have done a lot of it ...)

Leo did nothing to or for us when we bought it. I dont believe that he thought that we would be sucessful. I only waved cordially to him when he would take his one stroll through the namm show floor. I have a lot of Pics of Leo and me but have not idea where they are. Dont get this wrong ...I didnt ask for Leo's help and there was no reason on earth why he would help us as he was deep into G and L.
I believe the root problem of the collapse is Leo's ego not being able to handle the failure of the stingray and sabre guitars. Keep in mind Leo didn't have a major hit in guitar creation since the Strat....sure that Jag and Mustang are cool video guitars and surface from time to time....but Leos out put was primarily designs from the 40's through mid fifties....the sixties were refinement but the basic designs were done.

I was in R and D meetings with Leo and Tommy Forrest White and whoever the flavor of the month was...there was always on old country guy hanging around.....I was sort of the designated rock guy. Many of us told him that the pickups were too powerfull...(the magnets killed the strings vibration.) we also told him that rotary seitches dont work...and finally we told him that the guitar was too bright. He didnt listen.
Leo Fender paved the way for all of us. You really have to admire someone who was committed to his vision.

 

[whitestrat]

Im fine with your questions and answered all of them to the best of my ability.

That you did, BP, that you did. Thanks for all to great insights so far! Leo Fender was apparently hard of hearing, so that probably explains the bright guitars.

But yes, his greatest product contribution was the Strat (though some Tele guys might disagree) but I think what he really did to the guitar world was the manufacturing process. He turned a woodcraft product into an assembly line.

...Which I think was taken further by what you guys are doing today, judging from the JPX vid.

 

[walleye]

OK Lionel I...
... committed to his vision.

that was really interesting.

being able to take criticism is a really valuable character trait, and i really do think it is a character trait rather than something you can get better at