The Latest Breaking News from Edward Bud Cole

Fender CEO clarifies his controversial comments comparing cover songs to AI: “My intent was to talk about how technology can help artists and players learn and grow”

Edward “Bud” Cole’s comments likening cover music to “analogue AI” did not go down well with musicians – but he still believes AI can be a useful tool for players

MusicRadar · Aug 6

Fender CEO responds to backlash after comparing cover bands to AI: “Great songs are born out of people’s lives – something no machine can ever replicate”

Edward “Bud” Cole came under fire after his controversial comments concerning AI from earlier this year were recirculated online

Guitar World · Aug 5

“Cover music has been analog AI for a long time”: Fender CEO Bud Cole under fire from online guitar community for AI comments

Cole's comments on AI's place in the guitar world from earlier this year have resurfaced – and not been well-received

Guitar World · Jul 29

“Protecting the integrity of Fender’s iconic designs is essential to preserving the legacy of the artists and builders who shaped them”: Fender wins historic German court ruling over Stratocaster body design

The Regional Court of Düsseldorf rules in favour of Fender and offers broad legal protections for the Strat's body design

MusicRadar · Mar 10

“To lead Fender is the honour of a lifetime. This brand has been a part of my life since childhood”: Fender announces Edward “Bud” Cole as its new CEO

Cole will replace Andy Mooney, who is stepping down after a successful decade at the company

MusicRadar · Jan 6

“2026 is going to be in the record books as one of the most exciting years for Fender”: Fender has announced its new CEO – what does it mean for the future of the iconic guitar brand? We met Edward ‘Bud’ Cole to find out

Fender’s new CEO pioneered the firm’s most talked-about projects. Now he’s taking his innovative Fender Japan ethos global

Guitar World · Jan 6

“There was great jubilation and there were tears”: Fender invited music fans to design their own Telecaster. They received over 1,500 applications – and turned four into a reality

Everyone from children to lifelong guitarists entered the Fender Design Contest, which showcased Fender Japan’s quest to prove guitar is for everyone

Guitar World · Oct 17, 2025

“They want their fans to join them on that journey”: Fender is changing the way it approaches signature guitars – and it’s starting with a Japanese pop-rock band named after the Red Hot Chili Peppers

The Chilli Beans Moto Mustang, Lily Cyclone and Maika Mustang Bass are the first Fender Japan signature guitars built in Indonesia – and their beginner-focused spec signals further shifts for the company

Guitar World · Oct 15, 2025

“The Japan team is free to create guitars with a fresh perspective”: Fender Japan remains a mystery to the western world. I went behind the scenes and found out why its guitars are so radically different – and what’s stopping them reaching the US

Fender Japan makes some of the iconic guitar firm’s most exciting products, but we know very little about how it operates… until now

Guitar World · Aug 20, 2025

“Korea is one of the most dynamic and exciting music markets in the world”: Fender expands its presence in Asia with the establishment of Fender Music Korea – is a retail store coming next?

Headed up by Jack Kim, FMK will exclusively distribute Fender, Squier, Jackson, Charvel, EVH and Gretsch guitars in Korea. CEO Andy Mooney says move strengthens the Big F’s global presence

Guitar World · Jun 27, 2025