Dan Smith, a pivotal figure for 25 years at Fender, passed away on September 28th. He was 70 years old. Smith joined Fender in 1981, and played a major part in Fender’s mid-’80s return to prominence as an industry leader. Dan’s son, Jason Smith, is currently a master builder in the Fender Custom Shop. According to Jason, Fender “…lost a passionate innovator who took this company from its darkest moment and helped build it into what it is today.”
His achievements included creating the Fender Custom Shop in 1987 (which he ran from 1998 to 2003), the development of the American Standard series, and the introduction of the first artist signature models (including the Eric Clapton Stratocaster, and the James Burton and Yngwie Malmsteen signature guitars) and vintage reissue instruments. He also served as Fender’s vice president of marketing, and was in charge of Fender’s guitar R&D department from 1995 until he retired in 2006. In 2008, Smith joined Leo Fender, Don Randall, Forrest White, and Freddie Tavares when he was inducted into the Fender Hall of Fame.
Our condolences to everyone at Fender and to all of Dan Smith’s friends and family.