Roy Buchanan, revered as one of the most influential Telecaster players of all time, captivated audiences across genres – from R&B and rock to metal and country. A master among masters, Buchanan’s innovative playing style inspired countless guitarists. As a long-time admirer, I had the distinct honor of collaborating with Roy in 1987 to design and build his signature instrument, the “Bluesmaster” guitar.
Roy sought a Tele-style guitar that addressed limitations he faced with existing instruments. His powerful playing and extensive string bending at the nut led to frequent string breakage and tuning instability. To solve this, I pioneered the patented stainless steel nut, a groundbreaking feature that eliminated these issues and enhanced sustain, creating a smoother, almost steel-like tone.
Innovation didn’t stop there. The “Bluesmaster” incorporated newly available Sperzel locking tuners, further solidifying tuning stability. To complement Roy’s distinctive style, we opted for tall frets, providing ample room for bending, paired with a smooth ebony fretboard for effortless playability. An angled neck pocket was implemented to improve access to the upper frets, crucial for Buchanan’s expressive solos.
Addressing the common 60-cycle hum prevalent in single-coil pickups, we integrated EMG Tele pickups, along with an EMG Strat pickup in the middle position. These were specifically chosen as lower output EMGs to retain a more natural and dynamic sound, respecting Buchanan’s tonal preferences. Finally, a custom 7-position switching system, controlled by a push/pull pot in the tone control, was developed to unlock a wider range of tonal possibilities from the pickup configuration. Combined with our robust stainless steel bridge and control plate, the “Bluesmaster” emerged as a reliable and versatile instrument, perfectly suited for the demands of professional musicians.
