06/11/2020
There are a number of things that inspired the decision to create Royal Riff's. The first came about when I bought myself a new Tele and could finally convert my old Multi-cultural Tele into a dedicated Open-G Rhythm Machine. No more re-tuning, finally I could leave one guitar in Open G. Thus started a journey π
This had its problems 1) which pick-ups to use; 2) where to place them; and 3) the extra tension on the neck warping it!
So I started looking on the market and I noticed there wasn't much around. I also noticed Joshua at JH Guitars in Tasmania, a young guy succeeding, passionate, and ingenious, and he truly inspired a 54 year old to action. Then I thought well, no one's really using the vast array of Queensland Timbers available. Something often discussed at the RoyalMail Goodna ππ where I had been fortunate enough to play an Acoustic made from Laminated Bunya Pine; a unique mellow tone! So I thought π€ why not!!
Despite being an absolute follower of the Rick Parfitt School of Open-G (6-strings), the journey took me down slide, ZZ Top, and inevitably to the Keith Richards School of Open-G (5-strings).
I'm converted, "Keef" has a point, plus it releases the tension off the neck, in fact there is less tension than standard tuning, and it's easier to play - what's a G between friends? Besides, you don't need pneumatic fingers, and concrete forearms like Rick!
This led to experimentation with Pick-ups, the development of the unique Royal Riffs Blend control, and we're in Business. The Teleblaster came into being!
Status Quo - Mystery Song - performance by Rick Parfitt is from the DVD 'Rick Parfitts Rhythm Guitar Method. Available from http://www.licklibrary.com/store/...