In 1950, Fender introduced the 'Esquire' electric guitar in single - and double - pickup models. That fall, Fender Sales chief Don Randall named the dual - pickup version the 'Broadcaster'. It was a revolutionary guitar! It had a newly developed truss rod system for easy neck stability adjustment, a walnut'skunk stripe' on the neck back, and a walnut or maple headstock plug. The guitar sported a translucent blonde nitrocellulose finish that showed off its high - quality ash body, with a single - ply black phenolic pickguard. Early Broadcaster players like Bill Carson, Rex Gallion, and Charlie Aldrich helped it gain popularity among pro musicians. However, due to a trademark issue with the Fred Gretsch Manufacturing Corporation, the Broadcaster was only produced from October 1950 to January 1951, and then it became the Telecaster. Today, the original Broadcasters are legendary and highly prized. To honor its glory, the Fender Custom Shop created the Masterbuilt Limited 70th Anniversary Broadcaster in 2020. Only 70 of these guitars were made, and each Custom Shop master builder added a unique custom Relic finish. Each instrument comes with a 70th anniversary neck plate, original Broadcaster flier, Broadcaster telegram, special bi - fold certificate holder, and a Fat ’50s control assembly in the case. Specifications include a Telecaster® body shape, 2 - Piece Off - Center Seam Ash Body, Relic Lacquer finish, 1950 Broadcaster 'U' neck profile, maple fretboard with 7.25' to 9.5' compound radius, 20 vintage frets, black dot inlays, hand - wound '50 - '51 Blackguard pickups, '50 Broadcaster Bridge Assembly with brass saddles, black phenolic pickguard, vintage style tuning machines, Relic Nickel hardware finish, and a hardshell case.
Using this Fender Custom Shop 70th Anniversary Broadcaster is a breeze. First, make sure the guitar is properly tuned using the vintage - style tuning machines. Plug it into your amplifier and adjust the controls on the Fat ’50s control assembly to get your desired sound. When you're done playing, always put it back in the hardshell case to protect it from scratches and damage. As for maintenance, keep the guitar in a place with stable temperature and humidity. Wipe the strings with a clean cloth after each use to prevent rust. If you notice any issues with the neck or hardware, it's best to take it to a professional guitar technician. Enjoy your amazing piece of guitar history!
