Did the tour with my brother in law who has no interest in guitars. Even he was very impressed with the knowledge of the tour guide and the information presented in the visitor centre and on the tour.Very well laid out visitors centre with many interesting displays.The use of headphones for everyone was a very good idea and everyone could hear what the guide was saying.A must if you are a Fender or guitar fan, I have three Fenders, and as my BIL showed very interesting even if you are not.
I went down to the Fender Corona factory with the wife (not a guitarist), and we both loved the Fender Factory Tour and the Visitor Center. It´s about a one-hour drive from LA, where we were visiting at the time.The Visitor Center is free of charge, and there is a lot of stuff to see, from historic memorabilia to the Jam Room (actually, there are 2 - one for Fender gear, and another for other Fender brands, such as Gretsch, Jackson and EVH), where you can play all you want. Tried a Cabronita Tele and a Fender Reverb someting, and they sounded amazing. :)There is also a room where you can build your customized guitar from parts you can see and choose. Cool too.The best part, of course, was the Factory Tour. You get to see nearly all the processes involved in guitar-building, and meet many of the factory workers, including some very nice ladies who have been there for many decades. Plus, you get a good look at the Custom Shop.Unfortunately, I was not planning on buying a new guitar. But, if I were, the guide said he could put some 20 "freshly-made" guitars so I could try them there at the factory, and choose my favorite (prices were around 30% off MRSP, which I think is basically the same as at your average Guitar Center). Is that cool or what?My wife actually enjoyed the tour and bought some chick´s clothes at the Visitors Center. So, yes, bring your girl, she won´t kill you.
Fender is the gold standard, and the factory tour is no exception. So cool, the history, seeing the guitars made. Leave your credit card at home, or you will want to buy one of these beauties right of the factory floor.
I've visited Corona multiple times while my son was a student at UCR and only just found out about this place on our recent trip to graduation. There is a tour ($10 adults, less for Senior, students) of the factory where they make Stratocasters, Telecasters, basses and other instruments. It's fascinating for anyone interested in manufacturing, woodworking, music, guitars or basses. There is also a museum (free) where they have lots of stuff for looking and purchase including vintage guitars and exhibits of famous Fender guitar players. There's even a room where you can play many different kinds of Fender and Gretch guitars and basses using a wide variety of Fender amps. I could have stayed for days!!
If you are at all interested in anything Fender and have the opportunity, not to be missed. Great tour, loads of information from our guide (Dave) and clearly people that are enthusiastic about their job. Very interesting to see how it all happens. Great gift shop/memorabilia area and even a jam room. Some great opportunities here, like being able to select and purchase a guitar right off the factory floor. Be careful, maybe leave the credit card at home, it is hard to resist a special bargain, or just give in and get one. Well Done guys!
The tour is very good in that they go through entire factory with you to show you how guitars are made. They show you a video of how they paint the guitars (no walk through due to the fumes from the paints). The guide even said if there is a finished guitar on the floor you see and like you can buy it from Fender there...a never played guitar. The guide is very thorough. He does go quickly, so if you have difficulty walking, and at a quick step, the tour might be a bit rough. We got there at 9AM to check in for the 10AM tour and were the first there. More people arrived as the tour time got closer. They do not appear to take reservations ahead of time (except for maybe large groups…not sure). I would suggest calling ahead of time to make sure the tour is on for that day. I went because my husband is an avid guitar player, but he was caught up at work and could not go. Most of our group had someone in the party that played guitars. They show you the entire process from the blank piece of wood up to where it is being tuned before shipping out. It was worth the $10. The visitor center has a good selection of Fender guitars that have been used by celebrities and well known musicians. The history of some of the guitars was quite amazing. They have a “Jam Room” at the visitor center where you can go in and try out many of their models. They do let you take pictures during the tour just no video.
I have been travelling to California for business for several years, but had not had spare time when the tour was on. This year, I made time, and it was well worth it!Drove to Corona from the coast on spec, didn't book in advance, just checked opening and tour times. Caught the morning tour, Dave took us around was very knowledgeable, and answered all questions from a mixed bunch of ages and nationalities, with a good mix of information and humour.Afterwards, we had an unhurried look around the Visitor Center, tried a guitar or two in the jam room NOTE, if you're a lefty like me, expect the same ratio of left to right handed guitars available to try out - about 3 lefties for 60 plus guitars!Had to buy the obligatory T shirt, and a couple of other souvenirs, and a hats off to Jane, who had a look around the store room for an XXL shirt for a buddy of mine!
I can't say enough about our TWO visits to Fender, the Visitors Center and Factory. They were actually closed on the day and yet they bent over backwards for us!! I bought a guitar so rare that it was actually the test model for a limited run and even ended up asking them to build me a new one - why? Because they were so helpful, accommodating and informative!!Nearly everyone we met was passionate about their products and the history. We got invited back to spend time looking around the Fender and Gretch Customshop and talk to the craftsmen who hand make the guitars for ever legend we've ever heard of.We were totally bowled over by the team and staff here and I can't recommend a visit there enough!! Go!! you'll love it!!
My family and I loved every minute of this tour - from jamming on any guitar you want in the jam room to even purchasing our own fenders picked right off the factory floor.As we were travelling a long way to take part I had rang the centre from Australia to check opening times and if we needed to book in advance - no need to book just turn up and if there are a lot of people they will run an extra tour. Do note they are not open weekends and can occassionally be closed to the public so do check the website for updates.Dave our tour guide has worked every area of the factory and knows it all intimately as well as the crew who work there. His enthusiasm and love of guitars was contagious. He included everyone in the group and even got the guys in custom shop to hand over some picks to my boy (made his day!)Jane in the visitors centre helped us without any fuss going through what was in stock and prices. In the end we decided to pick off the factory floor as we wanted a guitar that hadn't been played by anyone else. Dave took us back in to the factory and helped pick out some beauties, even offering shipping to Australia (and anywhere in the world) for a flat fee of $100 if required.The tour was informative and very enjoyable, even my son was enthralled. Highly recommended if you like guitars. $10 for adults is great value for money.The visitors centre is simple but enjoyable with the jam room being the highlight.No food or drinks other thank snacks from the machine so bring your own if you are intending to go home with a fender - as we were there for 6 hours including our tour.