(⇐ Me with a “Strat” at age 14) I often refer to music as “my other love.” Like many musicians, I started out playing in bands. And, although I play keyboards a little, it all began with guitars. To me as a teenager, electric guitars were the most sacred of all objects in the temple of rock ‘n’ roll. And not far behind them were amplifiers. If guitars were the Ten Commandments, amplifiers were the Ark of the Covenant which (very loudly) carried forth their sacred message.
The first electric guitar was patented in August of 1937. But more importantly, radio repairman Leo Fender was born the same month 28 years earlier. Leo didn’t invent the electric guitar. But he and his team were the first to figure out how to take it beyond the novelty stage. They produced the first affordable, mass produced electrics–within weeks of my birthday. Talk about destiny. Fender guitars, especially the iconic Stratocasters (see photo) soon became the consecrated instruments of nearly every “guitar god” in the pop cosmos! (Gibson’s Les Pauls are a close second.)
Even more interestingly (to me), Leo Fender built his factory in Fullerton, California, just minutes away from where I grew up. As a teenager, I would drive by it in reverence. After all, it was my Mecca! I even altered my handwriting to match the unique cursive used in the Fender logo. And I still sign my name that way!
Nowadays, I focus primarily on writing, directing and filmmaking. But I also find tremendous satisfaction in creating music and songs for my movies.
One final note: Something even more sacred was “made” in Fullerton, California, just a few years after the first Stratocasters came out:
this reminds me, i’d really like to get an electric guitar and speaker! thanks for the inspiration Mitch.
Mike
Go for it, Mike!
Rock on, Mitch!
Will do, BC!
Nice
Interesting. My first electric, around 1972, was a Fender Mustang, plugged into a Fender Princeton Reverb amp. Boy, I wish I kept those. Over the years had a 1976 LP Custom in the wineberry finish, a 50th Anniversary Strat, a Telecaster, an Explorer Pro and a PRS. That’s not mentioning the acoustics. Bought, sold and traded guitars like baseball cards . . . expensive baseball cards. Miss playing with the guys, but the arthritis has gotten the best of me.
as for year 97 44
Sorry to hear that, Ray. Still, enjoy remembering your rocker days.
Great piece! Years ago, there was a wonderful exhibit on the history of electric guitars at the Experience Music Project in Seattle ( I don’t know if that place is still there. It was musician’s heaven). On a more acoustic note, I grew up very near Nazareth, Pennsylvania, the home of Martin guitars.
One of the world’s greatest accoustic guitar makers.
Music has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember, Mitch. My mom, at almost 91, still plays her Fender 12-string acoustic and sings beautifully. Mom was, and still is, our songstress and musician at every family gathering. I “sort of” play 6-string acoustic. Unlike my mom, I lack the confidence to play and sing for others. It still brings great joy to be able to strum and sing a few of the old familiar tunes. Thanks for this post!
Your mom rocks, Terry!
That she does, Mitch! I want to be just like her when I grow up 😉
My father made certain I learned to appreciate all types of music, and I’m so glad he did!!
Do all the strats have bigsby bars? Nice Axe Mitch. Do you still have it and that twin reverb that went with it. I hear there is actually an amp that has 11 on the knob fascia.
;>)
You make beautiful music (I listened to the preview of your song Impossible Love).
Why, thank you, Jean.
Isn’t there some cardinal rule about never revealing a woman’s age? 😉
My mum was 26 for 30 years before she updated her age to 35 on her 80th birthday
;>)
My eldest grandson is learning electric guitar – with a teacher and exams, not sure if that’s how the ‘greats’ started, but watch this space.
Cool!
Cool piece, Mitch! 😎
Thanks, T!
My pleasure.
So cool!!
Hi Mitch, thank you for a great post!
My pleasure, Anonymous friend.
Nice history lesson. I learned a few cords later in life and could play a few simple songs. It just never took off for me. I would like to play the guitar well but… It seems some people are born for it. It seems to run in families also. Your picture is cool.
Thanks, Harry. If it makes you happy, play on!
Music is like breathing for me! Without it I’d certainly wither; maybe not die – but….
My little heart sings whenever I hear someone who truly loves to play an instrument; any instrument. Piano came into my life a few years back. What a joy, even though I can’t play often due to pain. But, there it sits looking so fabulous. My eyes are satisfied, even if my desire to play more is not…
A lovely article, and image!
Thank you, Carolyn. Sorry you’re unable to play sometimes, but there’s clearly music in your heart.
I know Fullerton. I grew up in Tustin, CA so we are/were kind of neighbors.
Indeed we were, Venus. I lived even nearer to Tustin later on (Santa Ana), and my mom lived in Tustin for awhile.
My first electric, in 1963, was a Japanese model with eight pickups and 20 knobs, all of which did nothing. The neck warped immediately, and it was like playing a hunk of wood with steel strings. Later, I got a Gibson 335, which took me through the 1970s rock and country. I still play in the church band, but it ain’t rock n roll…well, sort of.
Keep rockin’ for the Rock, my friend!
Doing it every week, Mitch.
I really like interesting information like that, thanks, and blessings my friend.
My pleasure, Pete.
😊
Music keeps me alive and truly happy …
I get that rock ’n’ roll roots run deep!
🎸!
Music is essential.
It certainly is, Beth.
Love this, Mitch – “If guitars were the Ten Commandments, amplifiers were the Ark of the Covenant”. My guitarist hubby agrees with you completely – happy guitar playing!
Thank you, Lynn!
Loved reading this history lesson on the Fender guitar melded with the musical side of your autobiography. I especially love the classy way you ended your piece.
Thanks, Cindie!
Wow, guitar AND wife!
;>)
Ah, yes. Wonderful guitar memories. I am today the proud owner of a bright red American Strat with the whammy bar and triple Humbucker pickups. It is a joy to pick up and play… a joy I allow myself far too infrequently. Thanks for this wonderful trip down Memory Lane, Mitch.
My pleasure, my Anonymous friend.
Nothing beats the last one that was made 😄.
❣
What kind of songs do you play for your movies I would like to hear some of them
Here are some links. Or, better yet, watch the movies. Thx! https://mitchteemley.com/?s=music+from+my+movies