Johnny and Dave McLaren

Clarence Leo Fender: The Story of CLF Research

Have you ever heard of CLF Research? Probably not, but it’s time for its rich history to be shared. CLF Research is the company Leo Fender founded in 1966, where he continued to support CBS/Fender until 1970, later developed and manufactured Music Man instruments and ultimately his G&L instruments.

Back in ‘66, Leo moved his private office, laboratory and workshop from the Fender factory to CLF Research, where today his 2548 Fender Avenue building contains a variety of historic artifacts from across his career and personal life. Now, brothers Johnny and Dave McLaren have created Facebook and Instagram pages to share these artifacts with Leo fans around the world. Dave McLaren adds:

“For many years Johnny and I have thought about writing a book, but we realize we are too busy with our work running G&L. Thanks to social media, however, we now have platforms to share these fascinating Leo Fender artifacts, insights and stories. We also feel a sense of obligation, because if we don’t do it, it’ll never be done with the perspective we can bring. We hope that fans of Leo will join us as we turn back time and, hopefully, have a lot of fun as we go.”

CLF Research pages are now live @clfresearch on Facebook and Instagram.