It is now 70 years ago that a trained radio technician, who actually never wanted to play the guitar himself, laid the foundation for the electric solid body guitar. And that man was Leo Fender. Right from the start, he designed a characteristic body shape that still exists today. He called the first guitar with two pickups "Broadcaster", based on the popular radio broadcasts in the 1950s. But anger was inevitable. Hardly on the market, there was a row with the Gretsch Company, which already had a drum set called "Broadkaster" on the market. Leo did not think long, simply removed the name "Broadcaster" from the Water Decal and released the guitar without a name (so-called "Nocaster"). A little later, it would become the now legendary Fender Telecaster, which is still at home on all stages of the world today.
In honor of the 70th anniversary of this original guitar, a 70th Anniversary Broadcaster model from the Fender Custom Shop is now released. Of course in the color "blonde", as it was delivered at the time and provided with an authentic relic aging. This is exactly what a guitar would look like that has had almost 70 years of hard studio and live use. Really cool! But the most important thing: This guitar simply sounds phenomenal! The two Custom Shop Hand Wound '50 -'51 Blackguard pickups really have it all! A brilliance that is second to none. Pleasantly light, with a great attack and incredibly resonant. Twang as Twang can be! In addition, this broadcaster has the same special circuit as the original - a second control plate with a fully assembled modern wiring control unit is included! Also attached are the reprint of an early broadcaster advertisement and the telegram from Gretsch to Donald Randall, in which reference is made to the violation of trademark rights.
By the way: the use of the name "Broadcaster" is still prohibited to Fender! On the occasion of the 70th anniversary, Gretsch has given Fender permission to bring instruments with this logo onto the market. This permit is limited to the 2020 production year!
Watch the Demo here!
