Rickey Medlocke’s name is synonymous with raw, blues-drenched riffs and the fiery spirit of Southern rock. But beyond his virtuosity lies a deeper connection: the Rickey Medlocke guitar itself—a tool as much a part of his legend as his playing. These instruments, often custom-built or meticulously modified, carry the weight of decades of touring, studio sessions, and the unmistakable growl of Blackfoot Inc.’s back catalog. They’re not just guitars; they’re extensions of Medlocke’s voice, shaped by his demands and the sweat of luthiers who understand the difference between a good axe and a great one.
The story of the Rickey Medlocke guitar begins not in a factory but onstage, where feedback and sustain became as critical as the notes themselves. Medlocke, a man who’s spent half a century wielding six-string weapons, has long been associated with guitars that defy convention—whether it’s a Les Paul with a custom humbucker screaming through a Marshall stack or a Telecaster reimagined for modern rock’s heavier demands. His relationship with his instruments is one of mutual respect; he doesn’t just play them, he coaxes them into life, and they respond with a tone that’s equal parts grit and grace.
What sets the Rickey Medlocke guitar apart isn’t just its hardware but the philosophy behind it. Unlike mass-produced models, these guitars are often hand-selected, modified, or even built from scratch to meet Medlocke’s exacting standards. The result? An instrument that doesn’t just keep up with his playing but elevates it, ensuring that every bend, every palm mute, and every open-string wail cuts through the mix with surgical precision. For musicians who’ve chased the perfect tone, understanding the Rickey Medlocke guitar is about more than specs—it’s about the alchemy of player and instrument.
The Complete Overview of the Rickey Medlocke Guitar
The Rickey Medlocke guitar represents a fusion of Southern rock tradition and modern luthiery innovation. Medlocke, a founding member of Blackfoot Inc. and a solo artist in his own right, has spent decades refining his setup, often collaborating with builders to create instruments tailored to his dynamic playing style. These guitars aren’t one-size-fits-all; they’re the product of trial, error, and a deep understanding of how strings, pickups, and electronics interact under the pressure of live performance.
At its core, the Rickey Medlocke guitar embodies a rejection of generic tone. Whether it’s a Les Paul with a custom-wound humbucker or a Strat-style axe with a reverse headstock for easier left-hand access, Medlocke’s choices reflect a practicality born from decades on the road. His guitars often feature modifications like scalloped fretboards for faster playing, reinforced necks to handle aggressive bending, and pickup configurations that balance clarity with raw power. The end result? An instrument that doesn’t just survive the rigors of touring but thrives, delivering a sound that’s as distinctive as Medlocke’s playing.
Historical Background and Evolution
The evolution of the Rickey Medlocke guitar mirrors the trajectory of Southern rock itself—a genre that blended blues, country, and hard rock into something entirely its own. Medlocke, who cut his teeth in the 1970s with bands like Blackfoot and later as a solo artist, developed a playing style that demanded a guitar capable of both delicate fingerpicking and explosive power chords. Early in his career, he relied on stock models, but as his reputation grew, so did his need for instruments that could keep up.
By the 1990s and 2000s, Medlocke’s relationship with his guitars deepened. He began working closely with custom builders, including names like Tom Anderson Guitars and Collings Guitars, to craft instruments with his specific requirements in mind. These collaborations led to guitars with features like coil-splitting for versatile tone shaping, locking tuners to maintain stability during long sets, and custom pickups that captured the essence of his vintage-inspired sound without sacrificing modern durability. The Rickey Medlocke guitar of today is less about nostalgia and more about functionality—an instrument that’s as much a partner in creation as it is a tool.
Core Mechanisms: How It Works
The magic of the Rickey Medlocke guitar lies in its ability to adapt to his playing style, which ranges from bluesy licks to hard-rock riffs. One of the key mechanisms is the pickup configuration. Medlocke often favors a setup that includes a high-output humbucker in the bridge position for thick, sustained tones and a single-coil or P-90 in the neck for crisp, articulate leads. This combination allows him to switch between the raw power of a Blackfoot Inc. anthem and the nuanced phrasing of a solo piece without sacrificing consistency.
Another critical element is the neck profile and fretboard radius. Medlocke’s guitars typically feature a slightly rounded neck profile for comfort during long sessions and a flatter fretboard radius (often 9.5”–12”) to facilitate faster playing. The frets themselves are often scalloped, a modification that reduces string noise and allows for smoother bends. Additionally, the use of heavy-gauge strings (10s–12s) and high-output pickups ensures that the guitar can handle the demands of live performance, where feedback and sustain are non-negotiable. The result is an instrument that feels like an extension of Medlocke’s hands, responding intuitively to his touch.
Key Benefits and Crucial Impact
The Rickey Medlocke guitar isn’t just a piece of equipment; it’s a statement. For musicians who value tone as much as technique, these instruments offer a level of customization and performance that mass-produced models simply can’t match. Medlocke’s guitars are built to handle the wear and tear of touring, with reinforced bodies, durable hardware, and electronics that can withstand the rigors of the road. But beyond practicality, they deliver a sound that’s instantly recognizable—warm, powerful, and full of character.
What makes the Rickey Medlocke guitar truly special is its ability to inspire. Medlocke’s playing has influenced generations of guitarists, and his instruments serve as a blueprint for those seeking to blend vintage aesthetics with modern demands. Whether it’s the way a custom humbucker cuts through a mix or the way a scalloped fretboard enhances playability, these guitars embody a philosophy: that the right instrument can elevate not just the music, but the musician themselves.
“A guitar should feel like an old friend—familiar, reliable, and ready to take you wherever you want to go.”
— Rickey Medlocke
Major Advantages
- Custom Tone Profiles: The Rickey Medlocke guitar often features coil-splitting and pickup switching that allow for a wide range of tones, from clean blues to distorted rock.
- Enhanced Playability: Modifications like scalloped fretboards and rounded neck profiles reduce friction, making fast runs and complex solos more fluid.
- Durability for Touring: Reinforced bodies, locking tuners, and heavy-duty hardware ensure the guitar stays in tune and holds up under constant use.
- Vintage-Inspired Sound with Modern Reliability: Custom pickups and electronics replicate the warmth of classic guitars while offering the consistency of modern craftsmanship.
- Artist-Backed Innovation: Built in collaboration with Medlocke, these guitars reflect his decades of experience, making them ideal for players who demand both performance and pedigree.
Comparative Analysis
| Feature | Rickey Medlocke Guitar | Standard Les Paul | Custom Shop Strat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pickup Configuration | High-output humbucker + P-90/single-coil | Standard humbuckers (490R/498T) | Vintage noiseless single-coils |
| Neck Profile | Rounded, ergonomic for fast playing | Slim taper (varies by model) | Modern C-profile |
| Fretboard Modifications | Scalloped, flatter radius (9.5”–12”) | Standard 12” radius | Optional scalloped (premium models) |
| Tuning Stability | Locking tuners, reinforced neck | Standard tuners (vintage-style) | Locking tuners (high-end models) |
Future Trends and Innovations
The future of the Rickey Medlocke guitar is likely to see even greater integration of technology and tradition. As digital modeling becomes more sophisticated, we may see Medlocke’s signature models incorporating multi-effects routing or wireless connectivity while retaining their analog soul. However, the core philosophy—prioritizing playability and tone—will remain unchanged. Expect to see more collaborations with boutique builders, as well as innovations in materials, such as carbon-fiber bodies for lighter weight without sacrificing resonance.
Another trend could be the rise of modular guitar systems, where players can swap pickups, electronics, or even necks to tailor their instrument to different musical styles. Medlocke, who has always been a pragmatist, would likely embrace such flexibility, ensuring that his guitars remain as adaptable as his playing. Whether through traditional luthiery or cutting-edge tech, the Rickey Medlocke guitar will continue to evolve—always with an eye toward the next great riff.
Conclusion
The Rickey Medlocke guitar is more than an instrument; it’s a testament to the marriage of craftsmanship and creativity. From its humble beginnings as a tool for Southern rock’s pioneers to its current status as a benchmark for custom guitar building, it represents a commitment to tone, durability, and innovation. For Medlocke, the guitar isn’t just an accessory—it’s a partner, one that has stood by him through decades of music, sweat, and passion.
For musicians seeking to capture a piece of that legacy, the Rickey Medlocke guitar offers a blueprint: an instrument that’s as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an aspiring player, understanding the philosophy behind these guitars can inspire your own pursuit of the perfect tone. After all, as Medlocke himself has shown, the right guitar doesn’t just play music—it helps you make it.
Comprehensive FAQs
Q: What makes a Rickey Medlocke guitar different from a standard guitar?
A: The Rickey Medlocke guitar differs from standard models through custom modifications like scalloped fretboards, high-output pickups, and ergonomic neck profiles tailored for fast, aggressive playing. Many also feature locking tuners and reinforced construction to handle touring demands, along with unique pickup configurations (e.g., humbucker + P-90) for versatile tone shaping.
Q: Can I modify a stock guitar to sound like Rickey Medlocke’s setup?
A: Yes, but it requires precision. Start with a Les Paul or Strat-style body for versatility, then upgrade to high-output humbuckers (e.g., Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB) and a P-90 or single-coil in the neck position. Add a scalloped fretboard, heavy-gauge strings (10s–12s), and consider a coil-splitter for cleaner tones. For authenticity, research Medlocke’s exact pickup placements and bridge adjustments.
Q: Are Rickey Medlocke’s guitars available for purchase, or are they custom-only?
A: While Medlocke doesn’t offer a mass-produced signature line, he has collaborated with builders like Tom Anderson Guitars and Collings on limited-edition models. For a Rickey Medlocke guitar-like experience, seek out custom shops that replicate his specs or explore aftermarket modifications on high-end stock guitars.
Q: How does the tone of a Rickey Medlocke guitar compare to other Southern rock legends like Duane Allman or Allen Collins?
A: Medlocke’s tone leans toward thick, modern humbucker growl with a bluesy single-coil clarity, whereas Duane Allman’s setup (e.g., ’59 Les Paul) emphasized vintage single-coil warmth and Allen Collins’ (e.g., Gibson ES-335) favored semi-hollow resonance. Medlocke’s guitars bridge the gap between raw power and articulate phrasing, making them distinct in Southern rock’s tonal landscape.
Q: What’s the best way to maintain a Rickey Medlocke-style guitar for longevity?
A: Given their heavy use, prioritize regular string changes (every 3–5 shows), light oil on the fretboard, and humidity control (40–60%) to prevent warping. Use a hard-shell case for transport, and check truss rod tension quarterly. For electronics, clean contacts and consider graphite lubricant on the potentiometers to prevent wear.
Q: Are there any famous songs where Rickey Medlocke’s guitar tone is particularly iconic?
A: Absolutely. Tracks like “Train Leaves Here This Morning” (Blackfoot Inc.) showcase his humbucker-driven riffs, while “Southern Nights” highlights his single-coil clarity. Solo work like “Highway Patrolman” demonstrates his ability to blend bluesy bends with hard-rock chugs, all facilitated by his signature Rickey Medlocke guitar setup.
