Fender Adds 2 Master Builders

Fender Custom Shop has added two new master builders who will be joining its team: Andy Hicks and David Brown.

Operating in Corona, California, the Fender Custom Shop is known as the “Dream Factory” and is home to a group known as the master builders — some of the most-skilled luthiers in the world — who craft Fender’s instruments.

Andy Hicks firmly believes that his two passions — playing and building guitars — keep him deeply connected to the craft and player needs.

“I love interacting with guitarists,” Hicks said. “Bridging the gap between builder and player, listening to their desires and implementing them into my builds is incredibly rewarding,” and to create such guitars in the Fender Custom Shop, “nothing could be better,” he added.

When asked how he feels about joining the Fender Custom Shop, David Brown noted, “I hope to bring a perspective that takes into account all of my previous experiences in guitar building and construction. I hope to create these instruments that are the industry standard when it comes to accuracy and feel for the musician. Becoming a master builder for the Fender Custom Shop means that you’ve arrived. There is no higher pinnacle than this.”

fender.com