fender LEO FENDER commemorative BROADCASTER
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Before it was
christened the Telecaster®, Fender's famous trademark design guitar was named
the Broadcaster. Fender Musical Instruments, with the accompaniment of BBE
Sound and Fred Gretsch Enterprises, introduces a limited edition Leo Fender
Commemorative Broadcaster guitar.
Fifty of these special tribute instruments were reproduced according to Leo's original design and materials from 1950. Number 001 went to the Fender Museum. 002 went to Phyllis Fender 003 went to Fred Gretsch. And, 004 went to BBE Sound, then owner of G&L. The first rendition of this guitar was named Esquire®and featured a single pickup and no truss rod. After limited production and field testing, Fender realized the apparent need to reinforce the Neck and began plans to fit the Neck with a truss rod. By the time they were ready for full production, the decision was made to also include a second pickup. Eager for an entry into new markets, especially on the east coast, Don Randall, Fender's head of sales, chose a new name for the dual pickup version of the Esquire and named it the Broadcaster. So, without hesitation, Fender began shipping the new, improved dual pickup Broadcaster in place of the original Esquire. By attempting to give the Esquire its new name in such haste, Fender had caused unforeseen trouble. On February 20, 1951, the company received a telegram from the Fred Gretsch Manufacturing Co., stating that use of the Broadcaster name, was an infringement upon Gretsch's registered Trademark used on their Broadkaster model drums, and that abdication of this name was warranted. Built to 1950 Broadcaster specs, butterscotch blonde finished ash body, highly flamed maple neck, 1-5/8" nut width, 25-1/2" scale, 2 Custom Shop single coil pickups, vintage-style wiring, 3-barrel bridge, official Leo Fender signature on peghead (authorized by his estate) and special commemorative paperwork, lightweight and great sounding. Handmade at the Fender Custom Shop, comes with a plexi-glass display case and two cases (old style shaped tweed with flat lid and modern shaped thermoplastic). 
Leo Fender Headstock Signature
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Leo Fender Broadcaster Display Plaque
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Leo Fender Broadcaster Certificate
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Leo Fender Broadcaster Flyer
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Leo Fender Broadcaster Telegram
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Leo Fender Broadcaster Display Case
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Leo Fender Broadcaster Letter
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