ART EN BOIS INTARSIA
Créations artistiques en bois, fabriquées à la main et fièrement au Canada.
Keith Richards Micawber
The battered 1953 Fender Telecaster that became Keith Richards' unmistakable voice and helped shape the sound of the Rolling Stones.
Artist:
Keith Richards
Built:
It is a 1953 Fender Telecaster.
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Eric Clapton gave it to Keith Richards around 1971 as a birthday gift.
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Richards converted it to his famous five-string open G setup by removing the low E string and using custom pickups, creating his unmistakable rhythm sound.
Most Famous Songs:
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Brown Sugar
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Honky Tonk Woman
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Start me up
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Tumbling Dice
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Beast of Bruden
Few guitars are as instantly recognizable as Keith Richards' Micawber. Gifted to Richards by fellow guitarist Eric Clapton in the early 1970s, this weathered 1953 Fender Telecaster became his primary stage and studio instrument. Modified with a five-string open-G tuning, Micawber helped create the unmistakable rhythm sound that powered countless Rolling Stones classics.
This handcrafted shadow box celebrates not only the guitar itself, but the innovative playing style and enduring influence that made Micawber one of rock's most iconic instruments.
The Story
Quick Facts
Why Micawber Matters
Micawber proves that originality often comes from breaking the rules. Keith Richards transformed a standard Telecaster into a unique instrument by removing the low E string and embracing open-G tuning. The result was a bold, driving rhythm style that inspired generations of guitarists and became a signature element of classic rock.
The Craft Behind the Tribute
Every Guitar Legends shadow box begins with extensive research. Before a single piece of wood is cut, I study the instrument, its history, the artist who played it, and the moments that made it legendary.
For Micawber, I wanted to capture its worn finish, distinctive five-string configuration, engraved portrait of Keith Richards, and commemorative plaque—all honoring an instrument whose imperfections became part of its legend.
Each component is individually handcrafted, assembled, and finished to create a one-of-a-kind shadow box celebrating both musical history and traditional woodworking.
Design Philosophy
Micawber was never about perfection. Scratches, wear, and modifications tell the story of decades spent on stage and in the studio. I wanted this tribute to reflect that same authenticity, highlighting the character that made this Telecaster legendary rather than hiding the marks that made it unique.
Design Choices
Every Guitar Legends piece is designed to capture the personality of its subject. For Micawber, the emphasis is on its road-worn appearance and unmistakable simplicity. The engraved portrait of Keith Richards and custom plaque complement the guitar without distracting from the instrument that became one of rock's most recognizable Telecasters.
Songs That Made Micawber Famous
Brown Sugar written in 1970 by Jagger-Richards.
One of the first songs to showcase Richards' open-G tuning and driving Telecaster rhythm.
Honky Tonk Women written in 1969 by Jager-Richards.
A Rolling Stones classic built around Richards' unmistakable guitar style.
Tumbling Dice written in 1972 by Jagger-Richards.
A perfect example of Micawber's warm, punchy rhythm tone.
Start me Up written in 1981 by Jagger-Richards.
One of the band's most recognizable riffs, built around Richards' signature playing.
Specifications
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25" by 11"
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Baltic birch backing
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Poplar frame
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Solid hardwood guitar
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Laser engraved artwork
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Hand assembled
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Ready to hang
Beast of Burden written in 1978 by Jagger-Richards.
Demonstrates the expressive, relaxed groove that made Micawber so distinctive.
Micawber Through the Years
1953 – Fender Telecaster manufactured
1971 – Gifted to Keith Richards by Eric Clapton
1971 – Begins using open-G tuning extensively
1972 – Featured on the Exile on Main St. tour
1981 – Prominently used during the Tattoo You era
Today – Remains one of the world's most famous Telecasters
Originally a birthday gift from Eric Clapton to Keith Richards, Micawber evolved into one of the most recognizable guitars in rock history through decades of performances with the Rolling Stones.
And check out the cigarette under the 5th string. Another Richards unique feature reproduced to perfection.
From The Artisan
I don't build replicas—I build stories. Every piece of wood, engraving, photograph, and document is chosen to preserve the history of an instrument that helped define rock music. My hope is that each Guitar Legends shadow box invites you to look beyond the guitar itself and appreciate the musicians, craftsmanship, and moments that made these instruments legendary.