Clarence Leo Fender (1909–1991) was an American inventor whose electric guitars and basses became the physical template for popular music.

Starting as a radio repairman in Fullerton, California, Fender co-founded Fender Electric Instrument Company and introduced the Telecaster (originally Broadcaster) in 1950 — the first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar to achieve widespread success. The Stratocaster (1954) added contoured body, vibrato tailpiece, and three pickups, defining the «Fender sound» heard in blues, rock, and country.

The Precision Bass (1951) created the modern electric bass category, freeing performers from upright acoustic instruments on loud bandstands. Fender also pioneered guitar amplifiers including the Bassman and Twin Reverb, pairing instruments with reliable stage volume.

Though Fender sold his company to CBS in 1965 and later co-founded G&L and Music Man, his original designs remain in continuous production and influence virtually every solid-body guitar built since.

Notable products: Fender Telecaster, Stratocaster, Precision Bass, Jazz Bass, Bassman amp.