The Score Magazine at NAMM 2026
The 2026 NAMM Show opened with a defining moment for one of music’s most iconic brands. Fender announced Edward “Bud” Cole as CEO-designate, marking the beginning of a new leadership era as he prepares to succeed Andy Mooney. The announcement was paired with the unveiling of Fender Studio, a bold new platform that signals where the company sees the future of music creation heading.
The timing could not be more symbolic. As NAMM celebrates 125 years of shaping the global music industry, Fender steps into this moment marking 80 years of the brand and 75 years of the Telecaster, an instrument that didn’t just change Fender’s story, but the sound of modern music itself.
For Fender, this moment was not about transition alone. It was about intent.
A leadership change rooted in legacy and vision
“To lead Fender is the honor of a lifetime,” Cole said during the announcement. “This brand has been a part of my life since childhood, and I’m committed to ensuring Fender continues to empower players everywhere.”
His words set the tone for what followed at NAMM, a clear message that Fender’s next phase will be rooted in both heritage and forward-thinking innovation. Cole steps into the role after a long-standing association with the brand and extensive experience across music, consumer culture, and creative industries.
While Andy Mooney’s tenure focused on expanding Fender’s global footprint and strengthening its connection with new generations of players, Cole’s leadership arrives at a moment when the very definition of a musician is evolving. Today’s creators move fluidly between home studios, live stages, and digital platforms and Fender appears ready to evolve alongside them.
Introducing Fender Studio: Creativity Amplified
Unveiled under the banner “Creativity amplified,” Fender Studio brings together innovation across software, analog and digital audio engineering, and Fender’s legendary tonal heritage. Rather than positioning itself as just another production tool, Fender Studio is designed as a complete creative ecosystem, one that connects songwriting, recording, production, and performance seamlessly from studio to stage.
At its core, Fender Studio reflects a shift in how Fender approaches modern music-making. The platform aims to remove friction between ideas and execution, offering tools that feel intuitive rather than technical. From tracking guitars and shaping tones to producing full arrangements and preparing material for live performance, Fender Studio is built to function as a unified creative environment.
Designed for the next generation of creators
What makes Fender Studio especially relevant is its understanding of today’s creative workflow. Modern musicians are no longer confined to a single role or space. They write, record, produce, perform, and share music across multiple formats — often simultaneously.
Fender Studio is designed to support that fluidity, allowing creators to move effortlessly between different stages of the creative process without losing momentum. It reflects Fender’s intent to become not just an instrument manufacturer, but a long-term creative partner.
Fender’s future takes shape at NAMM 2026
At a NAMM Show celebrating 125 years of industry history, Fender’s focus was firmly on the future. The pairing of new leadership with a forward-looking platform sends a strong signal about where the brand is headed.
With Bud Cole preparing to take the helm and Fender Studio redefining how creators engage with sound, Fender is entering its next chapter with clarity and confidence. As NAMM 2026 continues to spotlight innovation across the global music industry, Fender’s announcement stands as a reminder that legacy only matters when it continues to inspire what comes next.
