Dale Hyatt

Who was Dale Hyatt?

Dale Hyatt was an American salesman and marketing person who was a longtime associate of Leo Fender and George Fullerton.

Hyatt joined the Army Air Force in 1944, and served as a tail gunner in the B-17 bomber. He completed 25 missions, and was shot down once over occupied France, but was able to make his way back to Allied lines and successfully returned to his bomber group.

Hyatt began working for Leo Fender in January, 1946, upon returning from World War II. He left Fender Music when Leo Fender sold the business to CBS in 1965, and rejoined Fender and George Fullerton when the three founded G&L Musical Instruments. Hyatt is the father of and marketing strategist behind G&L's highly collectible Broadcaster model; during its only production period from May, 1985 through May, 1986, 869 guitars were made. Dale retired from G&L on November 4, 1991, about eight months following the death of his close friend Leo Fender.

Hyatt resided in Hawkins, TX prior to his death and owned one of very few known guitars to be signed by Leo Fender.