Business Wars Gibson vs Fender - Attack of the Robot Guitars | 6
Jul 8, 2019
Explore the dramatic rivalry between Gibson and Fender as they battle for dominance in the guitar market. Witness Gibson's bold CEO using a Stratocaster as a target for motivation and the company's ambitious but rocky innovations. Delve into the legacy of Leo Fender and the legal conflicts that shaped their competition. Discover how strategic shifts, including a new CEO, aimed to rebuild trust with musicians. The quest for the perfect sound amidst a resurgent market keeps the stakes high for both iconic brands.
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Shooting Fender
- In 1994, Gibson CEO Henry Juszkiewicz took his sales team to a shooting range.
- They shot targets of Fender Stratocasters to symbolize beating the competition.
Gibson's Reinvention
- Juszkiewicz aimed to reinvent Gibson, expanding beyond guitars.
- He envisioned a "music lifestyle company" encompassing apparel, electronics, and even concert promotion.
Leo's Legacy
- Leo Fender continued innovating despite health issues, even developing a baritone bass guitar shortly before his death.
- After Fender's death, his company, G&L, was sued by Fender Musical Instruments Corp. over trademark issues.