Perhaps we could say that Tadéo is the second in line after Abigail Ybarra that deserves the higher accolades. Tadeo was a wood worker who was instrumental in the Fender's development of neck shapes and carves.

Tadéo Juarga Gomez was born in 1902 in La Cueva Mexico, Tadeo was an immigrant from a large family, that like so many, crossed over the USA border to find the American Dream. Certainly he made here, but ending up at Fender was perhaps not the dream he wished for perhaps, But he did find honest work which was more than he needed. He remained unknown for most, and was not really heralded for his work until the vintage collector market started to rise acknowledging his contribution to the Fender brand.

No exact date is known when he started at Fender, But he was there in the very early beginning in the 50's as his "TG" signature is found on Broadcaster necks. During his time in Fender he invented the infamous '57 Soft-V shape which many favor. This neck shape is the defining shape amongst the 50s reissues today.

His carving technique and neck shapes is tiday called "The Tadéo Taper" that goes from one shape at 1st fret and ends up differently at the heel.

Tadéo would only work for Fender until 1957 when he quit due to disagreement with managment. He then went to Anaheim to help constructing Disneyland. But finding his health was not cut out anymore to do hard labour, he returned to Fender after it was sold to CBS to work as a... Janitor.

You could say it was a waste of talent during those years, but neck production methods had changed and CBS only really cared for straight C-shapes during their reign. Neck carves and shapes did not really seem to be emphasized on while CBS had Fender ownership.

A work-accident made him quit Fender for good in 1969.

He retired back to his home in La Habra, CA (just north of Fullerton) to run his own little convenient store with his wife called "La Chiquita Store" on 4th Street until he passed away in 1986.

Tadéo was Married to Petra (who died in 1989). The couple had six children.

Read more about Tadeo: Guitar.com / GuitarHQ