It All Started With Guy Named Fender

i think sometimes we all forget how important the electric guitar is to music these days. I mean, before the electric guitar was invented, the acoustic guitar simply served a "back up instrument" purpose only. Due to its design, the acoustic guitar depended entirely on the vibrations of the body and the strings to produce sound - preventing it from being even remotely loud. The electrical signals used to make sounds in electric guitars allow for a sharper and more amplified sound. This became a break through for the guitar because for the first time in history, the guitar could now be the leader of the band instead of being overshadowed by the louder instruments. Naturally this advancement in technology paved the way for a new sound; rock n' roll. There were several attempts to amplify guitars in the 30's and 40's, but no design really seemed to suit the industry yet. It wasn't until Leo Fender came along and presented his guitar, bass, and amplifier designs to world in which a significant was made. Fender, along with Lester William Polfuss (Les Paul) are often credited with being the two most influential guitar designers of all time. Their creations are still used today and are admired all musicians - even drummers :]