❌SOLD❌ Fender Broadcaster® 70th Anniversary Blonde 2020

The new, limited edition Fender Broadcaster^® 70th Anniversary recreates an historic instrument, one of the very first successful solidbody electric guitars.

The first Fender Broadcaster^® was built for less than a year, from mid 1950 to early 1951, in a quantity of perhaps 250. At that point, the Gretsch company filed a copyright claim to protect their Broadkaster drum line. For immediate response Fender simply cut the word ‘Broadcaster’ from the decal, and these models are known as ‘NoCasters’. For the latter part of 1951, once the modified ‘NoCaster’ decals were used up, new ‘Telecaster’ decals started to appear.

Ironically, Fender now has control over marketing, production, and distribution of Gretsch products, with the Gretsch brand and IP still owned by Fred W. Gretsch.

Here we’re looking at a brand new, limited edition Fender Broadcaster^® 70th Anniversary in the original translucent blonde finish and built in Corona, California. This closely follows the design and construction of the original, down to the button style string tree and serial number stamped into the bridge plate. The neck plate is different, stamped with 70th Anniversary commemorative markings. One of the most profound differences in this reproduction is the presence of an adjustable truss rod, with the adjuster at the heel end of the neck.  Because of the truss rod, the neck can be – and is – slimmer than the originals. 

This guitar is light and comfortable, and very easy to play. It’s clear why the design has been so successful. It’s extremely versatile, sounds great, nice to play, and is one of the most durable and reliable guitars going.

Sold with the original embroidered Fender hard shell case.

More From The Builder On The Fender Broadcaster^® 70th Anniversary Model: 

“In the fall of 1950, the world of guitar and popular music changed forever with the introduction of the Broadcaster^® , Fender’s first solid body electric guitar with a truss rod and two pickups. A few short months later, a telegram from Gretsch®, owner of the BroadKaster^® trademark, ended Fender’s use of the name. For a short time, the word “Broadcaster” was simply clipped off the headstock decal – these guitars are known as “Nocaster^® s.” Thereafter, this revolutionary guitar was dubbed the Telecaster®. Original Broadcaster models, of which only 250 are thought to have been produced, have become highly collectible.

The Fender^® 70th Anniversary Broadcaster celebrates the remarkable origins of one of Fender’s most iconic models. Features include an ash body with Blackguard Blonde lacquer finish, period-correct black phenolic pickguard, thick “U”-shaped neck, Custom Shop-designed ’50-’51 Blackguard pickups, special anniversary neck plate, embroidered case and a custom COA.

The controls are wired for standard Telecaster operation, while an optional original Broadcaster wiring kit, included in the case, can be installed to replicate the unique “blend” circuit used in original Broadcasters. Production of the 70th Anniversary Broadcaster will be limited to 2020 only.”

Fender Broadcaster^® 70th Anniversary Model Features:

• Ash body with Blackguard Blonde lacquer finish
• One-piece maple neck with 7.25” radius fingerboard and 21 vintage-tall frets
• ‘50s Broadcaster spaghetti logo
• Fender Custom Shop Designed ’50-’51 Blackguard pickups
• 1-ply black phenolic pickguard
• Custom neckplate, COA and embroidered hardshell case