1951 Fender "Broadcaster" Telecaster main image

Fender 1951 Fender "Broadcaster" Telecaster

$72,622.65 Price Tier: High-end

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

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We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 1, 2026.

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Price

$72,622.65 4 available Used

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Average Price: $72,623

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, 1951 Fender "Broadcaster" Telecaster is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

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Description

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Step back in time with the iconic 1951 Fender "Broadcaster" Telecaster, a masterpiece that marks the dawn of modern electric guitar design. Born from Fender's visionary innovation, this guitar was the first to feature two single-coil pickups, setting the stage for the legendary sound that would sculpt countless musical landscapes. Crafted with a single cutaway solid ash body and a one-piece maple neck, the Broadcaster not only delivers exceptional tone but also showcases the timeless aesthetics that inspired a generation of guitarists.

Before it was known as the Telecaster, the Broadcaster experienced a brief, yet pivotal existence in the early 1950s. Its legacy is immortalized by the likes of Keith Richards and James Burton, who harnessed its vibrant tones and unmatched playability. The combination of a black Bakelite pickguard and natural finish exudes a classic elegance, while the bridge pickup cover and string-through-body construction enhance sustain and resonance, delivering clarity and punch in every note.

Whether you're a collector or a player seeking authentic vintage vibes, the 1951 Fender "Broadcaster" Telecaster is more than just an instrument; it's a piece of music history that continues to inspire and captivate.

Key Features:

Two single-coil pickups
Single cutaway solid ash body
One-piece maple neck
Black Bakelite pickguard
Bridge pickup cover
Volume and tone controls
25 1/2-inch scale length
String-through-body construction

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Broadcaster
Finish	Blonde
Year	1950
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Ash
Body Shape	T-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	String-Through
Color Family	Yellow
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Maple
Fretboard Radius	7.25"
Model Family	Fender Broadcaster
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	21
Number of Strings	6-String
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	SS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	25.5"
Series	Fender Vintage Pre-CBS Era
Wood Top Style	Plain

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the 1951 Fender "Broadcaster" Telecaster?: The 1951 Fender "Broadcaster" Telecaster is known for its bright, cutting tone with a strong midrange presence, making it ideal for country, rock, and blues genres. Its ash body and single-coil pickups contribute to its distinctive sound.
Is the 1951 Fender "Broadcaster" Telecaster suitable for modern music styles?: While primarily celebrated for its vintage tone, the 1951 Fender "Broadcaster" Telecaster's versatile sound can complement modern music styles, particularly those that benefit from a classic, raw guitar tone.
What is the neck profile of the 1951 Fender "Broadcaster" Telecaster like?: The 1951 Fender "Broadcaster" Telecaster features a maple neck with a comfortable "U" shape profile, providing a smooth playing experience that suits both rhythm and lead guitarists.
How does the 1951 Fender "Broadcaster" Telecaster differ from a modern Telecaster?: The 1951 Fender "Broadcaster" Telecaster features vintage specifications such as a 7.25" fretboard radius and a unique pickup configuration, offering a more authentic vintage sound compared to modern Telecasters which may have updated features for contemporary playability.
What makes the 1951 Fender "Broadcaster" Telecaster a collector's item?: The 1951 Fender "Broadcaster" Telecaster is a collector's item due to its historical significance as one of the first solid-body electric guitars, its limited production run, and its association with the early days of rock and roll.

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1951 Fender "Broadcaster" Telecaster.

Value and pricing

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A 1951 Broadcaster is priced at $110,000, sparking debate about its worth compared to modern guitars.
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Build quality

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The neck was refinished by Tom Murphy in the 90s, with an unknown artist handling the earlier body refinishing.
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Some Broadcasters show discrepancies with Fender logos and decal placements, suggesting potential mismatches with other era components like necks from the late '50s.
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Comparisons

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Discussion highlights that the Broadcaster is not deemed 55 times better than current models despite its high price.
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Vince Gill's collection includes numerous blackguards, yet he considers none to match his main Telecaster, indicating subjective differences in perceived quality among similar vintage models.
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Features and functionality

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The Broadcaster is one of approximately 250 made before transitioning to the Nocaster and then Telecaster, marking its rarity.
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The Broadcaster's bridge pickup often features staggered pole pieces, indicating a mid to late 1950s origin rather than an original 1951 model.
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The Broadcaster includes a "bass" neck setting in position 3, originally designed for bass tones but can be used creatively with effects like fuzz pedals.
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Use cases and applications

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These guitars are often considered collector's items and are less frequently used for regular play due to their value and rarity.
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Neil Young reportedly utilized a Broadcaster during the "Tonight's the Night" tour, showcasing its use in live performance settings by major artists.
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User experience

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An owner recalled a Broadcaster's truss rod being broken during unauthorized use, leading to significant personal and financial consequences.
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The guitar is described as having a "baseball bat neck," providing a substantial, comfortable feel reminiscent of vintage designs.
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Owners mention the guitar's weight at around 9 pounds, contributing to its solid and resonant playing experience.
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It delivers a distinct "twangy" and "punchy" tone, noted for being loud with a responsive feel, especially when paired with certain amplifiers like an '81 JCM.
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Artist usage

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John Mayer

Guitarist

John Mayer Trio

Verified via YouTube

At the beginning of this periscope live stream put on youtube, John Mayer mentions this being a 1952 Telecaster

Joe Bonamassa

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

Verified via Photo

On his website, Joe Bonamassa says this about his Fender Telecaster:

"The class of 1951. Here we see one of the first 250 Telecasters ever made. October 1951 neck and body date with the matching pro amplifier. This would be what I would have used if I was a member of Bob Wills Texas Playboys!"