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Topic: The Power Of Tweed |
Jody Carver
From:
KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED
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Posted 7 Nov 2007 6:31 pm |
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To Those who like myself are dedicated to the finest Musical Instrument Company in the world. I have received the attached that was sent to me today. He emailed me for my own information, I asked him if I could have his permission to post this and he agreed. He put his trust in me to speak what I feel for those who have done so very much over the years. I have often times said "I was not the best salesman Fender ever had, but I was the proudest.I know many who feel as I do, they are proud to have been a part of history
which will go on forever.
The attached is from a dedicated and loyal employee who has been a major influence on me for years long after I retired from Fender. The hard work and hardships of the early days when I started with Fender has been a continuous effort on those I knew, and I know that Leo Fender and Bill Schultz would have been proud to see the progress that Fender has made since the outset. And to my good friend and mentor who is still among us,Donald D. Randall this is dedicated to them. They who will always be the heart beat of Fender . The years have come and gone, and still the Camaraderie is alive and well and will be as long as those of us who admire those who worked so hard and dedicated will find this Interesting.Fender has always been a team that worked hand in hand with one another. Many are to be credited for the success of what I beleive is the greatest company in the world.
The Fiber woven from Tweed will always be close to those who are like myself. "Tweed Indeed"!!!!
edited for spelling.
Thank you.
Jody...
Fender To Acquire Kaman Music Corp.
October 29, 2007
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) announced today that it has
entered a definitive agreement to acquire Kaman Music Corporation (KMC).
FMIC agreed to purchase Kaman Music Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of
parent company Kaman Corp. (NASDAQ-GM: KAMN) for approximately $117 million
in cash, subject to specified post-closing purchase price adjustments.
Closing is expected to occur prior to January 1, 2008.
Kaman Music Corp. is the preeminent independent U.S. distributor of musical
instruments and accessories, offering more than 20,000 products for amateurs
and professionals. KMC owns Ovation Guitars, LP and Toca hand percussion
products, Gibraltar Hardware, Genz Benz Amplification, Hamer Guitars, and is
the exclusive U.S. sales representative for Sabian Cymbals, and exclusive
worldwide distributor of Takamine Guitars and Gretsch Drums.
"We are delighted to welcome the Kaman Music Corporation into the Fender
Family," said Bill Mendello, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fender
Musical Instruments Corp. "KMC is one of the most respected companies in the
musical instrument industry. We have very similar cultures that have been
developed over many years. The distribution expertise that Kaman Music
brings to the music marketplace will complement and strengthen FMIC's
service to its dealers and consumers."
Kaman Music Corporation will continue to be led by current President, Edward
Miller. Miller has 35 years of experience with Kaman, having joined the
company in 1972 and later serving as Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer. He was appointed President of Kaman Music Corp. in June
of 2007.
"There is great synergy between Kaman Music and Fender, both of which are
deeply rooted in the long history and colorful culture of popular music,"
said Edward Miller, president of Kaman Music Corporation. "The acquisition
of Kaman Music by Fender forms the most dynamic partnership in the music
industry. I believe that our collective customers will benefit greatly from
this combination."
Commenting on the announcement, Matt Janopaul, President and Chief Operating
Officer of FMIC said, "FMIC is a proven steward of great brands, and the
acquisition of KMC is consistent with this long-term growth strategy. We
have great respect for what KMC's seasoned management team has accomplished
over the past forty plus years. This is an amazing company that today under
Ed Miller's leadership has numerous opportunities both domestically and
internationally. We look forward to providing KMC with the resources to
accomplish these goals."
Fender was advised by the law firm, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. Kaman was
advised by Lazard and the law firm, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom,
LLP.
For more information, visit their web site at www.fender.com
<http> .
Last edited by Jody Carver on 7 Nov 2007 7:28 pm; edited 2 times in total |
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Rick Alexander
From:
Florida, USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 7 Nov 2007 6:40 pm
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Wow, that's a mighty hefty acquisition!
Thanks so much for posting this, Jody.
_________________
BIG STEEL |
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Joey Ace
From:
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Posted 8 Nov 2007 3:56 am
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Hi Jody,
Thanks for the interesting news.
Didn't Fender also aquire the Jackson and Charvel lines recently?
I have mixed feelings on if this is good for the end user. |
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Jody Carver
From:
KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED
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Posted 8 Nov 2007 5:41 am
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Hi Joey, I honestly don't know anything regarding your question as for how it will effect the users such as the musicians and buying public. That remains to be seen. I did however forgot to give credit to those musicians who endorsed Fender over the years, they too have helped make Fender what it is today. Eric Clapton, Speedy West Roy Lanham, Noel Boggs, Jimmy Bryant etc etc and the list goes on and on. Thank you Joey,I'm sorry I wasn't able to answer your question as to Charvel and Jackson., however I do beleive they have yes.
Thank You Joey and to Rick as well..
Jody.
Last edited by Jody Carver on 9 Nov 2007 6:03 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Clyde Mattocks
From:
Kinston, North Carolina, USA
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Posted 8 Nov 2007 9:48 pm
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Jody, I have long been a devotee of the Fender sound.
Thanks for posting your list of some of the guys who put them on the map. I long ago cancelled my
subscription to Guitar Player magazine after they did an article on who defined the telecaster sound with no mention of the people you listed or Don Rich or Luther Perkins. |
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Jody Carver
From:
KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED
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Posted 9 Nov 2007 8:56 am
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Clyde, I too have cancelled my Guitar Player Subscription.lets not forget Leon Mc Auliffe, Herb Remington, and Buck Owens the list goes on and on..There is nothing steel guitar related in Guitar Player Magazine..
Thank you for your comments
Jody
Last edited by Jody Carver on 9 Nov 2007 6:41 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Jody Carver
From:
KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED
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Posted 9 Nov 2007 1:09 pm In memory
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And to the memory of Blill Carson, Forrest White, and Freddy Tavares. I miss them.
Art Bates unknown
Mike Cole deceased.aka Koladish.
Bob Dayton deceased.
Bud Driver deceased.
Harold Hyatt deceased.
Luke Morris deceased
Orville Graham deceased..
Andy Nelson deceased.
John Koladis deceaed
Dale Hyatt Deceased
Dave Driver Sr. deceased.
Tom Walker deceased.
Mr. Donald D Randal deceased
To these pioneers I tribute this to those who have made Fender what it is today.
The Day That my Friend Mike Cole (aka) Koladish passed
Fender Stood Still!!! I'm the last one of Fender
All of the above were and in my memory the "Best Of Fender". The Power Of Tweed Lives On!!!!
Last edited by Jody Carver on 6 Apr 2013 9:21 am; edited 3 times in total |
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Mark Durante
From:
St. Pete Beach FL
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Posted 10 Nov 2007 7:56 am
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Jody,
Thanks for this post, it's of interest to me as I used to work for Kaman years ago. |
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Jody Carver
From:
KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED
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Posted 10 Nov 2007 1:55 pm
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Mark, You don't have to thank me, I get pleasure from speaking of nice people..BTW have you ever come across a salesman Frank Campagnia he was repping for Kaman selling Ovation guitars which were real fine and still are to this day.
Thank you..
Jody |
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Mark Durante
From:
St. Pete Beach FL
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Posted 10 Nov 2007 2:58 pm
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Jody,
I worked making Hamer guitars in Arlington Hts. IL. (which was bought by Kaman) so I rarely crossed paths with Ovation people. I decided not to go when Hamer moved out to Connecticut or I would be working for Fender now! |
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Bobby Caldwell
From:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA * R.I.P.
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Posted 15 Nov 2007 7:55 am
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| Jody, Thanks for the post and thanks for remembering some old friends. I did not know them all but most of them. A great buch of guys indeed. What a time it was. My best dear friend, Bobby |
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Jim Phelps
From:
Mexico City, Mexico
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Posted 15 Nov 2007 10:20 am
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Didn't Microsoft get broken up for being too big? Fender better watch out....! Just joking! 
The list of brands now controlled by Fender is staggering, and from what little I know it seems they have done nothing but improve them. An amazing feat especially considering that Fender was totally restructured around 1980 and the shape it was in at that time. They've bounced back bigger and better than ever. I know that's due to a lot of dedication and hard work from a lot of people.
I'm waiting for them to buy out Gibson, hehehe!
Congrats to everyone at Fender on your success. |
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