Axes & Amps

One of the things that sets Bogus Quo apart from other Status Quo tribute bands is the attention to detail in the equipment that the band use. From the amps, to the guitars, and from the strings to the plectrums, everything is exactly the same as the real thing.

The Bogus Quo Guitar Rack

Guitars

Status Quo are famous for the green and white Fender Telecaster guitars used by Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt. Go and see a Quo tribute band and you'll more than likely see a green and white guitar being played. But that alone is not good enough for Bogus Quo, as Tony explains:

'Well its got to be right hasn't it? Else what's the point? We use the same string gauges, and play every song using the same tunings Quo use. While I agree that most people wouldn't know the difference, there's always gonna be someone out there watching you who does, and we want everyone to go home after one of our gigs thinking they've seen the next best thing to Quo.'

When he's not playing or rehearsing with Bogus Quo, Tony is in his workshop making and repairing guitars. He has been a professional luthier for over 30 years, and now enjoys an international reputation, making guitars for customers at home and abroad, particularly in the USA. But how does he get the guitars so accurate? Again, Tony explains:

The Status Quo Guitar Rack!

'Well, for a start, I've worked on just about every model of guitar over the years. As for the Quo guitars, you have to be careful because there's so much rubbish out there that's been written about them, and there's only so much you can get from photos in books etc. But I'm very lucky in that I've got a friend who knows the band, and he's been able to supply me with detailed photographs and specifications. He's also a good friend of the old Quo guitar tech Tonto, and that's been a a big help.'

'My friend is also a guitar nut, and I've made and repaired a number of guitars for him over the years, including replicas of the Quo guitars. He's taken them along to Quo rehearsals and has had them plugged in through the Quo backline.'

Ones a Rockett Replica and ones the Real Thing!

As well as making/restoring the guitars for the band, Tony has also made Quo replica guitars for friends and Quo fans.

All of Tony's guitars are totally hand made in his workshop in Holbury, near Southampton.

'For the guitars in the band I've tried to use original Fender hardware where possible, which all adds to the authenticity. I've built up quite a collection of original parts over the years, including several old necks which I've had to rebuild. Using these on the bands guitars means that even the logos are spot on!'

One of Tony's Replicas and the Quo Backline

'I've also built up quite a collection of other guitar parts, including G&L saddle lock bridges, which means that Mr Rossi's guitars aren't a problem!'

'It all comes back to the accuracy thing doesn't it? If Rick's guitar has a curved rosewood finger board, then Yab's guitar has one. If Francis has an extra fret on his maple slab finger board, then I'll make sure mines just the same!'

If you're interested in how Tony builds a Quo replica just click on this link.