Fender’s Mike Lewis Passes Away

Mike Lewis, vice president of product development at the Fender Custom Shop, passed away on March 6. He was 70.

Lewis first joined Fender in the sales department in 1991, where he engaged with dealers over the phone. Later, he revitalized Fender’s evolving amp line, ensuring the business reclaimed the No. 1 market position by introducing products, such as the DeVille series and the Vibro-King. Lewis’ innovations also extended to Fender’s electric guitar department, where he actively contributed to guitar innovations based on player preferences. Notably, he introduced Fender’s first production Stratocaster with a regular humbucker: the Lone Star Strat.

Additionally, he spearheaded Fender’s first online store, showcasing his commitment to pushing boundaries. Lewis went beyond just overseeing the site — he immersed himself, acquiring unique coding skills. Lewis consistently exhibited an appetite for learning new skills, whether in bowling, tattoos, ukuleles, painting, photography or web design.

Lewis’ impact reached new heights when Fender collaborated with Gretsch. He revamped the entire line, restoring specifications to the original magic recipe, which resonated instantly with fans. His commitment went so far that he took a 1959 6120 to a medical facility for an MRI and CAT Scan, ensuring authenticity in its internal construction.

In the Fender Custom Shop, Lewis brought his design aesthetic and keen management skills, resulting in the best 10-year run in the shop’s history, according to a statement from Fender.

The statement continued: “Fender and the Fender Custom Shop mourn the loss of not just a colleague but a beloved member of our family. Mike’s passion for guitars and his unwavering dedication to his craft was evident in every project he touched. His legacy at the Fender Custom Shop is a testament to his profound influence, and we are deeply grateful for the time we spent alongside him.”

“Mike Lewis didn’t merely oversee product lines; he possessed the rare ability to reimagine them, stripping them down to their essence and rebuilding them anew. His strong vision, cultivated over decades as a player, shaped his approach,” said Justin Norvell, executive vice president of product at FMIC. “From touring with Chuck Berry and opening for the Rolling Stones to serving as a studio session musician in 1970s NYC and owning a music store in Virginia, Mike’s wealth of experience, perspective and wisdom became the foundation he brought to Fender. He didn’t just work here; he lived and embodied the spirit of the brand. Though I initially worked for him for many years, there came a point where the dynamic shifted, and he started working for me. And yes, throughout our time he consistently remained a mentor, a wellspring of wisdom, and, above all, a treasured friend until the end.”

fender.com