The global supply chain crisis that started last year is expected to last for another nine months, which means that the shortage of components used to make the iconic guitar model Fender will last longer.
Guitar maker Fender, said that without the supply chain disruptions that occurred during the global recession, sales would have grown by about 50 per cent.
While Fender has been able to weather the crisis due to its extensive manufacturing network, which spans from Mexico to California, it has been hit by component shortages.
In addition, the resin used in the amplifiers of Fender is harder to find and is more expensive than the wood used for making guitar bodies.
Even though the economy is starting to recover, it will be at least the third quarter of the year before the normal return to normalcy occurs.
The company’s struggles reflect the impact of the pandemic that hit in early 2020. When the outbreak occurred, Fender stopped production and closed some of its stores around the world.
In response to the pandemic, which affected parts of the world, the company decided to give away its online education platform, Fender Play, for 90 days. During the first three months, the site’s user numbers grew to over four million.
To accommodate the surge in demand, the company has increased its production capacity and raised its prices by around 10 per cent.
Despite the uncertainties caused by the pandemic Fender expected the company to see solid growth in 2022 due to the resurgence of the guitar industry.
The company’s goal is to engage the army of people who have never bought a guitar. According to the company’s data, about 90 per cent of new guitar owners would start using their instrument within a year of buying it.
In response to the increasing number of guitar-playing students, the company has launched an online beginners’ hub to help people get started with their instrument.
For a great range of Fender guitars, check out Catch and use a Catch coupon for your guitar purchase.