January 31, 2024 marked the unveiling of the latest addition to Gretsch®‘s storied catalog, the Gretsch Limited Edition boygenius Broadkaster® Jr. – a signature instrument paying homage to rock’s holy trinity: Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus. This highly customized Broadkaster model is a testament to Gretsch’s commitment to fine craftsmanship and excellence, providing musicians with an instrument whose versatility, dynamic range and sheer playability makes for the ideal tool to help navigate any sonic endeavor.
“I wish this had been my first guitar,” said boygenius.
Elevating Gretsch’s stellar roster, which includes legends like The Beatles’ George Harrison, Chet Adkins, The Cults’ Billy Duffy and Stephen Stills, the six-time GRAMMY-NOMINATED boygenius embark on their inaugural collaboration with the legendary guitar brand.
When booked for a triple-bill tour in late 2018, the three solo artists decided to record a joint 7″ single to sell on the merch table. The 7” became 2018’s self-titled six-song EP. After the EP’s breakout success it became clear that Baker, Bridgers and Dacus had created something far more potent than they had anticipated. Praised for their haunting lyrics, soaring harmonies, and the seamless alchemy between each member’s unique musical sensibilities, boygenius have pioneered a singular approach to crafting emotionally driven songs which has carved them a vital space amongst the pantheon of modern-day music. Following the success of their most recent album the record, boygenius have received six 2024 GRAMMY Awards nominations including both Album of the Year and Record of the Year. On the heels of the record’s success, boygenius released the rest, which includes four new songs.
The Gretsch Limited Edition boygenius Broadkaster® Jr. sets itself apart with broad tonal versatility, stunning aesthetics, and indie flair for days. With Vintage-style Gretsch Bezels and Pickguard, along with Electromatic® Filter’Tron™ Pickups this signature instrument provides classic design with modern flourish—all at an accessible price point. When conceptualizing this instrument, boygenius wanted to put an emphasis on accessibility. The trio go out of their way to put the fans at the center of their universe and this signature Broadkaster is no exception. This guitar is specially designed for beginners and seasoned pros alike ensuring that players of all backgrounds have the opportunity to harness boygenius’ unique sonic palette to help navigate their own musical journey. The band’s signature Broadkaster® Jr. model includes Electromatic® Filter’Tron™ pickups, vintage-style Trapeze Tailpiece, custom boygenius Fingerboard Inlays, Nickel Head Badge with boygenius signatures, and of course, a boygenius logo on the back of the headstock.
“At Gretsch, our unwavering commitment is to empower musicians at every level, fostering the expression of their unique voices across genres and among players of all backgrounds. Collaborating with boygenius on designing this guitar was a cool experience, working closely to ensure the specs matched their unique sound,” said Jason Barnes, VP Product at Gretsch. “Our collaboration with them transcends mere music; it’s about kindling inspiration in countless fans, reaching new audiences, and embracing diverse genres. This collaboration stands as a testament to our brand’s voice, resonating with the shared passion for artistic expression and the belief that music has the power to inspire and elevate individuals on their creative paths.”
Long before this official launch, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) has championed each member of “the boys” in different ways, a testament to the brand’s commitment to amplifying the voice of the artist. In 2019, Bridgers was selected as a member of the inaugural Fender Next class, an artist development program designed to elevate rising musicians who are pushing guitar forward in music and culture. Meanwhile, Bridgers enjoys using her Gretsch G9520E Gin Rickey, Baker regularly uses her Fender® Telecaster® and American Acoustasonic® Stratocaster® guitars while Dacus prefers her G6128T Players Edition Jet™ FT with Bigsby® guitar and Fender Telecaster, a testament to the enduring partnership between these musicians and FMIC’s portfolio of brands. In 2021, Baker was featured in a Re-Creation episode, where Tennessee-based singer-songwriter performed the powerful single “Something” off her acclaimed 2015 album ‘Sprained Ankle’ on the American Acoustasonic Stratocaster. In 2022, Dacus was also featured in an episode of Fender’s Re-Creation Remixed series: Re-Creation Remixed, performing “Summer in the City” by Regina Spektor and her original song “Partner in Crime” on the Acoustasonic Player Telecaster. This commitment to fostering musical excellence exemplifies FMIC’s unwavering dedication to supporting and elevating the next generation of musical luminaries.
Gretsch is proud to introduce the Limited Edition boygenius Broadkaster Jr. Longtime fans of the Gretsch brand, boygenius is the six-time GRAMMY-nominated supergroup of Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus. To celebrate the band’s rapid rise to the top of the music world, Gretsch is honored to offer the band’s first ever signature instrument.
Fans worldwide can purchase the Gretsch Limited Edition boygenius Broadkaster® Jr. through the band’s merch store at https://boygenius.store/
