Fender introduced the Broadcaster as a replacement for the original Esquire in mid-1950. The updated design included two single-coil pickups instead of one, as well as a truss rod in the neck. By 1951, Fender had dropped the Broadcaster model name to avoid conflict with a series of Getsch drums. For a period in early 1951, the model had no name on the headstock and these guitars have since been termed "No-casters." By the spring of 1951, the name Telecaster could be found on the model; the name that would stick till the present. As the first Telecaster, the first successfully marketed Fender Spanish guitar, and according to many, the first successfully mass-produced solidbody guitar ever, original Broadcasters are of substantial interest to collectors.

Years of Production: 1950 - 1951

Unique to this Year: The Broadcaster launched in mid-1950. 

Body Style: Single cutaway solid-body

Wood Composition: Ash, one-piece Maple neck

Design Elements:  Two single-coil pickups, black bakelite pickguard, bridge pickup cover, volume and tone controls, 25 1/2-inch scale length, string thur-body

Finish Specifications: Natural was a standard finish for the Broadcaster.

Notable Tele Players: Keith Richards, Merle Haggard, Johnny Greenwood, James Burton