Tone Nerds

Is there a bigger corporate strategy unfolding? Or is it time to break out the tin foil hats?

With Fender’s new CEO coming from luxury brands like Ralph Lauren and LVMH, we're starting to wonder if this is less about guitars...and more about turning Fender into a premium lifestyle brand.

One of the coolest dudes we met at 2026 - the Custom Shop legend Mike Eldred ()

Was great seeing what Mike's been cooking up at

SUPPORT BOUTIQUE BUILDERS🎸🤝

If Fender wants to stop the bleeding, they may need to start thinking less about courtroom wins and more about rebuilding trust with the guitar community.

What would damage control even look like from here?

👇 Curious where you land on this one.

Ever wish your clean boost could also sound like a cranked little tweed amp on the edge of meltdown?

That’s exactly what the “Dirt” mode on the Joker is going for — gritty, touch-sensitive, tweed-style breakup with a ton of character.

Watch the full demo & review now on the Tone Nerds channel 🎸

And go check out Flattley Pedals to grab a Joker and check out the rest of their lineup🔥

Gear used:
Les Paul Tribute
'70's Era Pickups
Flint
Enigmatic

guitartone

Fender lawsuit update — May 19, 2026 👀

The cat is officially out of the bag.

Fender's legal battle being waged against boutique builders has now been covered by Guitar World, along with major guitar YouTube voices like Phil McKnight, Tim Pierce, and John Nathan Cordy.

Meanwhile, LSL Guitars has officially launched a GoFundMe to help cover legal defense costs as small builders face mounting pressure and massive legal expenses.

To help support the cause, we created Tone Nerds shirts with 100% of proceeds going directly toward supporting the fundraiser.

If you want to help:
⚡ Support LSL
⚡ Grab a shirt
⚡ Follow Tone Nerds to stay up to date

The Strat is iconic.

But was it originally designed as art…or as a better tool for musicians?

That distinction matters in regard to Fender’s current legal battle.

Support your local guitar shop!

Fender’s legal battle with boutique guitar builders is escalating fast.

More builders are reportedly receiving cease-and-desist letters…legal costs are climbing…and the community is starting to organize.

We break down the latest updates, including:
• New info shared by Phillip McKnight
• Why Thomann may be connected to the targeted builders
• The financial reality small builders are now facing
• Ways the guitar community may be able to help

If you want to support directly, DM us about the Tone Nerds hats — all proceeds are going toward builder legal funds.