Keith Richards, the legendary guitarist of The Rolling Stones, has wielded an extensive array of guitars throughout his illustrious career. His choice of instruments has significantly influenced the band’s distinctive sound, blending rhythm and lead in a manner uniquely his own. This article delves into the iconic guitars that have shaped Richards’ musical journey, highlighting their characteristics, modifications, and the pivotal roles they’ve played in rock history.
Early Instruments: The Foundation of a Legend
In the early 1960s, as The Rolling Stones were carving their niche in the music scene, Keith Richards’ choice of guitars was instrumental in defining the band’s blues-infused rock sound. One of his primary instruments during this period was the Harmony Meteor H70. This hollow-body electric guitar, equipped with DeArmond pickups, offered a warm, resonant tone that complemented the band’s early blues covers and original compositions. Richards’ use of the Meteor is notably captured in the band’s debut album, where its rich tones can be heard on several tracks.
Another significant guitar in Richards’ early arsenal was the Epiphone Casino. This instrument, favored by many British Invasion artists, featured a fully hollow body and P-90 pickups, delivering a bright and punchy sound. Richards utilized the Casino extensively during live performances and recordings in the mid-1960s, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and innovative guitarist.
The Transition to Fender Telecasters
The late 1960s marked a pivotal shift in Richards’ choice of instruments, as he gravitated towards the Fender Telecaster. This transition coincided with his exploration of open tunings, particularly open G, which became a hallmark of his playing style. Richards discovered that the Telecaster’s solid body and bright tonal characteristics were exceptionally suited to the rhythmic drive and sonic clarity he sought. In a 2002 interview with Guitar World, he reflected on this period:
“Around the same time I was getting into Telecasters I was experimenting with open tunings… Of all the guitars, the Telecaster really lent itself well to a dry, rhythm, five-string drone thing.”
This synergy between the Telecaster and open G tuning became a defining element of Richards’ sound, contributing to some of The Rolling Stones’ most memorable riffs.
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Micawber: The Quintessential Keith Richards Guitar
Among Richards’ collection, one instrument stands out as emblematic of his style and tone: the 1953 Fender Telecaster, affectionately known as “Micawber.” This guitar holds a storied place in rock history, both for its distinctive sound and the modifications that tailor it to Richards’ specifications.
Acquisition and Early Use
The origins of Micawber are steeped in rock folklore. It is widely believed that Eric Clapton gifted this butterscotch blonde Telecaster to Richards on his 27th birthday in December 1970. This gesture came at a time when The Rolling Stones were preparing to record the seminal album “Exile on Main St.” Photographs from the recording sessions at Villa Nellcôte in France depict Richards wielding Micawber, indicating its integral role in the album’s creation.
Modifications and Unique Features
Richards is renowned for customizing his instruments to achieve his desired sound, and Micawber is no exception. The guitar underwent several significant modifications:
Humbucker Installation: The original single-coil neck pickup was replaced with a Gibson PAF humbucker, installed backward with the pole pieces facing the tail end of the guitar. This alteration provided a warmer, fuller tone, enhancing the guitar’s versatility.
Bridge Pickup Replacement: The bridge pickup was substituted with a Fender lap-steel pickup, secured with two screws. This modification contributed to a distinctive tonal character, blending the sharpness of a single-coil with the depth of a steel guitar.
Brass Bridge and Five-String Setup: A custom brass bridge with individual saddles was installed, and the low E string was removed to facilitate Richards’ preferred five-string open G tuning (G-D-G-B-D). This setup became a signature aspect of his playing style.
These modifications transformed Micawber into a unique instrument, perfectly suited to Richards’ rhythmic sensibilities and tonal preferences.
Micawber’s Role in Iconic Songs
Micawber has been central to the creation and performance of numerous Rolling Stones classics. Its distinctive tone can be heard on tracks such as “Brown Sugar,” “Honky Tonk Women,” and “Before They Make Me Run.” The guitar’s unique setup and Richards’ masterful playing combine to produce the raw, driving riffs that have become synonymous with the band’s sound.
Malcolm and Sonny: Companions to Micawber
In addition to Micawber, Richards’ collection includes other notable Telecasters, each with its own character and role in his musical repertoire.
Malcolm
“Malcolm” is a 1954 Fender Telecaster that serves as a sibling to Micawber. Sharing many of the same modifications, including the Gibson PAF humbucker in the neck position and a five-string open G setup, Malcolm offers a slightly different tonal palette. Richards often employs this guitar for songs that require subtle variations in sound or when a backup to Micawber is needed.
Sonny
“Sonny” is a 1967 sunburst Fender Telecaster, also configured for five-string open G tuning. While it retains the classic Telecaster twang, the sunburst finish and specific setup provide a visual and sonic contrast to its butterscotch counterparts.
Conclusion
Keith Richards’ choice of guitars has been instrumental in shaping the unmistakable sound of The Rolling Stones. From his early days with the Harmony Meteor and Epiphone Casino to his lifelong love affair with the Fender Telecaster, each guitar has played a significant role in his musical journey. His most famous instrument, Micawber, remains a cornerstone of his signature sound, with its distinctive modifications and open G tuning.
Whether on stage or in the studio, Keith Richards’ guitars are more than just instruments—they are an extension of his musical soul, helping him craft some of the most legendary riffs in rock ‘n’ roll. Aspiring guitarists can learn much from his approach: the importance of feel over technicality, the beauty of open tunings, and the magic that happens when a player truly connects with their instrument.
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