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Fender Musical Instruments

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Fender Musical Instruments reviews

3.7

67% would recommend to a friend

(297 total reviews)
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Andy Mooney

71% approve of CEO

56% positive business outlook

Fender Musical Instruments has an employee rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars, based on 297 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Fender Musical Instruments employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Manufactura industry (3.5 stars).

Reviews by job title

297 reviews
2.0
Jul 22, 2015

Used to be cool

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great people in the ranks. History, Iconic brand, GUITARS. When it was great, it was the coolest thing in the world to say you worked for Fender

Cons

Upper management is a total "look at me" mentality. They only time they manage is to fire people to make them look strong. Every decision is made by a group of people that used to have that job. Everyone looks over their shoulder for the axe. Previous CEO and President, while a little misguided, appreciated the people and the hard work involved in every area of the company. The next guy only appreciated fear; A good employee is a scared employee. I worked with some of the best people I've ever known, and almost to a person, no one was ever told "good job" by anyone in an office. At least a few of the "how did he get that job?" VPs are gone now...

2.0
Jul 22, 2015

What an experience...

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The people on the ground floor of things (ie not the bloated overhead of directors, VPs, execs, etc) are generally great people, it's easy to feel comfortable with those who work with and around you.

Cons

The company is going through some major reorganization and structural changes, which has created an absolutely terrible cloud of fear, anxiety, miscommunication, gossip, etc. over everyone's heads. The company is, surprisingly, incredibly corporate and it's easy to become aggravated with those at the top as they announce at whim changes that deeply affect you and/or everyone you work with. In the marketing department specifically, morale is at an all-time low and I have never experienced so many people resign in such a short period of time (a grim sign to heed if you're considering working in that division). Communication and upward mobility seems to be granted only to a select few who have somehow been seen as more worthy than everyone else. Be prepared to be stuck for years in the same position without any significant raise or increase in responsibilities/ownership. Your job, family's well-being and basic livelihood can be threatened suddenly at any point by impulsive 'strategic business decisions' from the 'Bosses' and you will only receive whatever limited, well-rehearsed corporate jargon they decide to come up with in response to your legitimate questions and concerns. The line 'we just don't know yet' has been used easily a thousand times in the last 4 months when tough questions arise. Also, very recently they forced all employees to sign an arbitration contract, which essentially means you forfeit the right to take them to court over unjust business practices. Kind of an incredibly sketchy/scary thing to have at a 'Rock n' Roll' lifestyle company that markets itself as rebellious and empowering creatives, if you ask me. You've been warned. ;)

5.0
Jul 22, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Fender is an international company with a product that never goes out of demand. Incredible passion for the company's brand and line of products is unmatched.

Cons

Organizational restructuring is a challenge. The employee discount on Fender products is a little convoluted. Everyone in the company loves to buy Fender products but the ordering method is complicated.

Viewing 244 - 246 of 297 Reviews

Glassdoor has 357 Fender Musical Instruments reviews submitted anonymously by Fender Musical Instruments employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Fender Musical Instruments is right for you.