Ormsby Guitars RC One Purple: Where Cutting-Edge Design Meets Sonic Versatility

Have you ever stared at a guitar and felt it was built not just for today’s music, but for the sounds of tomorrow? What happens when an Australian luthier’s obsession with perfection meets the demands of modern players who refuse to be pigeonholed? The answer is the Ormsby Guitars RC One Purple—an instrument that doesn’t just enter the conversation about high-performance electric guitars; it dominates it. This is more than a purple guitar; it’s a meticulously engineered tool for sonic exploration, wrapped in a finish that commands attention on any stage or in any studio. Whether you’re a metal virtuoso, a session player, or an enthusiast chasing the perfect tone, understanding what makes the RC One Purple tick could redefine your entire approach to the instrument.

The Ormsby RC One series represents the brand’s philosophy of innovation without compromise, and the Purple model is a flagship example. It combines a dramatic, deep-purple finish with ergonomic multi-scale construction and a versatile HSH pickup configuration. This isn’t a guitar that sits in the background; it’s designed for players who demand responsiveness, clarity, and a visual identity that matches their musical ambition. In a market saturated with “modern” guitars, the RC One Purple distinguishes itself through Australian craftsmanship, obsessive attention to detail, and a feature set that addresses real-world playing challenges. Let’s dive deep into what makes this instrument a standout choice for the discerning guitarist.

The Ormsby Legacy: Australian Innovation on the Global Stage

Before we dissect the RC One Purple, it’s essential to understand the brand behind it. Ormsby Guitars was founded in 2007 by luthier Dean Ormsby in Brisbane, Australia. What started as a one-man operation crafting custom instruments quickly gained a reputation for radical designs and uncompromising build quality. Ormsby’s core mission was to solve common guitar problems—poor intonation, uncomfortable ergonomics, and limited tonal flexibility—through engineering and innovation.

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The brand’s breakthrough came with the popularization of multi-scale (fanned fret) guitars in the modern metal and progressive scenes. While pioneers like Ralph Novak and later Strandberg had explored the concept, Ormsby refined it for mass production, making the benefits of improved intonation, tension balance, and ergonomic playability accessible to a wider audience. Their instruments are now played by notable artists like Tosin Abasi (Animals as Leaders), Nick Johnston, and many session professionals worldwide. This heritage of innovation is the bedrock of the RC One series, ensuring that every model, especially the striking Purple variant, is built on a foundation of proven design principles.

First Impressions: Unboxing the Ormsby RC One Purple

The moment you unbox an Ormsby RC One Purple, the first thing that strikes you is the visual impact. The finish isn’t a simple coat of paint; it’s a deep, rich purple with a subtle metallic flake or burst depending on the specific year’s finish, catching the light in ways that make the guitar look both aggressive and elegant. The body shape is Ormsby’s iconic “RC” silhouette—a sleek, angular modern design with a deep cutaway for effortless upper-fret access. It feels substantial yet perfectly balanced, whether you’re standing or sitting.

Upon closer inspection, the craftsmanship is immediately apparent. The multi-scale fretboard with its characteristic fanned frets is the most obvious visual cue that this is no ordinary instrument. The neck profile is a comfortable, rounded C-shape that feels familiar yet optimized for the extended range of the scale lengths. The hardware—typically Ormsby’s own bridge and tuning machines—is robust and precisely installed. The HSH pickup configuration (Humbucker-Single-Humbucker) is visible under the pickguard, promising tonal versatility. Out of the gig bag or case, the RC One Purple presents itself as a professional-grade instrument that requires no apologies; it’s ready for the most demanding environments.

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Design & Craftsmanship: A Study in Modern Aesthetics and Function

The Ormsby RC One Purple is a masterclass in form following function. The body is typically constructed from lightweight, resonant tonewoods like mahogany or sometimes ash, paired with a maple or sometimes roasted maple neck. The choice of woods is deliberate, aiming for a balanced low-end, clear mids, and sparkling highs that complement the guitar’s electronic versatility. The purple finish itself is more than skin deep. Ormsby applies it with meticulous care, often using a polyurethane or nitrocellulose lacquer that provides both protection and a slight resonance. This finish is durable but should be cared for with proper guitar polish to maintain its luster.

Every ergonomic detail is considered. The body contours are designed to rest comfortably against the player’s torso, and the heel of the neck is smoothly carved for easy access to the highest frets—a critical feature for players utilizing the full 24-fret range. The control cavity is shielded and neatly wired, a testament to Ormsby’s attention to electrical integrity and noise reduction. Even the knobs and switches are chosen for both function and aesthetic integration. This is a guitar that feels cohesive, where every part seems to have been placed with purpose, resulting in an instrument that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the hand.

The Multi-Scale Neck: Decoding the Fanned Fret Advantage

The heart of the Ormsby RC One’s innovation lies in its multi-scale neck. Unlike a traditional guitar with parallel frets, a multi-scale neck features fanned frets and varying scale lengths—typically longer on the bass strings (e.g., 25.5") and shorter on the treble strings (e.g., 25"). This design mimics the string tension and scale length principles of a piano or orchestral string instruments.

The benefits are threefold:

1. Improved Intonation: The longer scale length on the lower strings reduces the “sharpness” common in low tunings (like Drop C or lower), providing tighter, more accurate intonation across the entire fretboard.
2. Optimal String Tension: Each string operates at its ideal tension. The low B or low F string gets the tension it needs to feel tight and articulate, while the high E string avoids being overly tense, making bends and vibrato easier.
3. Ergonomic Playability: The fanning creates a natural, sloped hand position. Your hand doesn’t have to twist unnaturally to reach different string sets, reducing fatigue during extended playing sessions.

For a player transitioning from a traditional guitar, the fanned fret feel takes about 30 minutes to an hour to acclimate to. The initial sensation is that the frets are “pointing” at you, but your hand naturally aligns with the angle. Chord shapes remain the same, but single-note lines, especially across string sets, feel more intuitive. The RC One Purple’s implementation is particularly smooth, with a moderate fan angle that offers the benefits without a steep learning curve.

Electronics & Tone: The HSH Configuration’s Sonic Palette

The HSH pickup configuration on the Ormsby RC One Purple is a deliberate choice for maximum versatility. It typically features a high-output humbucker in the bridge position for aggressive, tight rhythm tones and singing leads, a single-coil in the middle for classic, quacking Strat-style tones, and another humbucker in the neck for warm, creamy lead sounds and smooth jazz chords.

What elevates this setup is Ormsby’s wiring scheme. It usually includes:

• A 5-way blade switch (positions: Bridge, Bridge+Middle, Middle, Middle+Neck, Neck).
• Coil-splitting on both humbuckers via push-pull pots on the tone knobs, turning them into single-coils for even brighter, thinner tones.
• A master volume and master tone for simple, effective control.

This means you can go from a djent rhythm tone (bridge humbucker) to a funky rhythm (bridge+middle split) to a glass-clean jazz tone (neck single-coil split) all on the same guitar. The pickups themselves are often Ormsby’s own custom-wound designs, tailored to be clear under high gain while remaining dynamic and responsive to volume knob adjustments. For the RC One Purple, this electronics suite means you’re not just getting a metal guitar; you’re getting a true workhorse that can handle blues, country, indie rock, and everything in between with minimal amp switching.

Playability & Ergonomics: Built for Marathon Sessions

Beyond the multi-scale neck, the Ormsby RC One Purple excels in the subtle details that affect playability. The fretwork is typically excellent—medium-jumbo frets with a smooth, polished finish that facilitates fast playing and easy bending without fret buzz. The nut is often a synthetic material like TUSQ or bone, providing a smooth string guide and stable tuning.

The neck profile is a key factor. Ormsby tends to favor a relatively thin, flat C-shape that is comfortable for both chord work and shredding. The flat radius (often 12" to 14") on the fretboard makes for easy string bending and low action setup. The tuning machines are high-ratio, providing precise tuning stability—a must when using dropped tunings and aggressive playing styles.

For players with larger hands, the multi-scale’s natural fan can actually be more comfortable, as the string spacing at the nut is slightly wider on the bass side. The body weight is well-distributed, preventing neck dive when seated. All these factors combine to make the RC One Purple an instrument you can play for hours without fatigue, which is crucial for touring musicians and dedicated hobbyists alike.

Sound in Action: Genre Versatility Demonstrated

Let’s translate the specs into real-world sound. Here’s how the Ormsby RC One Purple performs across genres:

• Modern Metal / Djent: The bridge humbucker, combined with the tight low-end of the multi-scale, delivers percussive, articulate rhythms that cut through a dense mix. The clarity means you can play complex, syncopated riffs and every note will be heard. A touch of gain and a tight cabinet simulation yields that classic “chug” with definition.
• Progressive Rock / Fusion: The neck and middle pickups, especially when coil-split, offer beautiful, nuanced cleans and driven blues tones. The extended upper fret access and comfortable neck make intricate, melodic lead lines a joy to play.
• Ambient / Clean Tones: The single-coil sounds, particularly from the neck, are warm and full, not thin or brittle. With a touch of reverb and delay, this guitar can produce lush, cinematic soundscapes.
• Classic Rock / Hard Rock: The HSH configuration is a classic for a reason. Position 2 (bridge+middle) gives you that iconic “in-between” quack perfect for funk and rhythm, while the full humbuckers handle classic rock crunch with authority.

Practical Tip: Experiment with your amp’s EQ and gain structure. The RC One Purple’s pickups are dynamic. Rolling back your guitar’s volume knob with the bridge humbucker engaged can clean up a high-gain amp into a classic rock crunch, while a full volume gives you modern saturation. This responsiveness is a hallmark of a well-designed pickup system.

How It Stacks Up: The RC One Purple vs. The Competition

In the crowded market of modern hybrid guitars, how does the Ormsby RC One Purple compare? Its closest competitors are instruments like the Ibanez RG Series (with their Wizard necks), the Strandberg Boden (another pioneer in ergonomic, headless design), and Kiesel Guitars (with their extensive customization).

• vs. Ibanez RG: Ibanez offers incredible speed and thin necks, but typically on a traditional 25.5" scale. The RC One Purple’s multi-scale provides superior low-string intonation and tension balance for dropped tunings. The Ormsby’s neck profile is often slightly rounder, which some find more comfortable for chordal work.
• vs. Strandberg Boden: Strandberg’s headless, ergonomic EndurNeck is a radical design focused on weight distribution and minimal weight. The RC One Purple has a traditional headstock and a more conventional (though still excellent) neck shape. The Ormsby often feels more familiar to players coming from standard guitars, while Strandberg is a bigger leap. Both offer multi-scale, but Ormsby’s fan angle is often more moderate.
• vs. Kiesel: Kiesel’s strength is insane customization. You can build a guitar to exact specs. Ormsby’s RC One is a curated, pre-set model that offers a specific, optimized vision. The Purple finish and specific Ormsby specs (like their bridge design) are unique. Kiesel can match specs, but Ormsby has a distinct brand identity and proven, cohesive design.

Ultimately, the RC One Purple carves its own niche: a visually striking, fully-featured multi-scale guitar from a dedicated boutique brand, at a price point that competes favorably with high-end models from larger manufacturers.

Who Is the Ormsby RC One Purple For? (And Who Should Look Elsewhere?)

This guitar is a specialist’s tool, but a surprisingly broad one.

Ideal For:

• Modern Metal & Progressive Players: Anyone regularly using tunings below Drop C will appreciate the intonation and tension stability.
• Session Musicians & Versatile Players: The HSH configuration with coil splits means you can cover a wide range of styles in one instrument, invaluable for studio work.
• Guitarists with Hand/Fatigue Issues: The ergonomic multi-scale neck and balanced body can reduce strain.
• Enthusiasts & Collectors: The purple finish and Ormsby’s boutique reputation make it a standout piece.
• Players Seeking an Upgrade: If you’re coming from a mid-range guitar and want professional-level craftsmanship and innovation, this is a significant step up.

Think Twice If:

• You exclusively play traditional blues or jazz on a hollow-body and want a vintage, warm tone. The RC One is too modern and focused.
• You are on a very tight budget. While offering great value, it’s an investment.
• You are deeply attached to the feel of a perfectly parallel, vintage-style (e.g., 7.25" radius) fretboard. The multi-scale is a different animal.

Care & Maintenance: Keeping Your Purple Beast in Top Form

Owning an Ormsby RC One Purple requires some specific care to preserve its performance and finish.

• String Changes with Multi-Scale: You cannot simply restring a multi-scale guitar with a standard set and tune it down. You must use heavy gauges appropriate for your tuning. For standard E, a set like .010-.046 might work, but for Drop C or lower, you’ll need at least .011-.052 or heavier. The longer bass scale requires more tension. Always change strings one at a time to maintain neck tension.
• Finish Care: The purple finish, while tough, can be scratched by abrasive cloths. Use a microfiber cloth and a dedicated guitar polish (like those from Music Nomad or Dunlop). Avoid household cleaners. For nitrocellulose finishes (if applicable), be extra gentle as they are softer.
• Fanned Fret Adjustment: The truss rod is accessible at the headstock (typical for Ormsby). If you change string gauges or tunings significantly, you may need a slight truss rod adjustment to compensate for the altered tension. If unsure, consult a professional guitar tech familiar with multi-scale instruments.
• Hardware Check: Periodically check the tuning machine screws and bridge screws for tightness, especially if you play aggressively.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ormsby RC One Purple

Q: Is the purple finish a durable polyurethane or a delicate nitrocellulose?
A: Ormsby has used both over the years. The current RC One Purple typically uses a durable polyurethane finish that resists cracking and checking better than nitro, but it can still be scratched. Always check the specific model year’s specs on Ormsby’s website.

Q: Does it come with a case?
A: Yes, the RC One Purple almost always ships in a high-quality, padded gig bag or a hardshell case (often an option or included at this price point). Check with your dealer for the exact included case.

Q: Can I use a standard guitar strap?
A: Absolutely. The strap buttons are in standard positions. Some players with the headless Strandberg struggle with strap placement, but the RC One has a conventional headstock.

Q: How heavy is it?
A: It’s a solid-body guitar, so it has weight, but Ormsby selects lighter tonewoods. Expect it to be in the 7.5 to 8.5 lb (3.4 to 3.9 kg) range, which is comfortable for standing play.

Q: What’s the warranty?
A: Ormsby offers a limited lifetime warranty on workmanship and materials to the original owner, subject to terms. This is a strong testament to their confidence in build quality.

Q: Is it good for beginners?
A: Probably not. The multi-scale neck and high-performance specs are best appreciated by intermediate to advanced players who understand setup and tone chasing. A beginner might be better served by a more traditional, forgiving instrument.

The Final Note: Is the Ormsby RC One Purple Right for You?

The Ormsby Guitars RC One Purple is not just another pretty face in the guitar world. It is the physical manifestation of a design philosophy that prioritizes playability, intonation, and tonal flexibility above all else. The stunning purple finish is the hook, but the multi-scale neck, the HSH electronics, and the impeccable craftsmanship are what keep players coming back. It solves real problems—poor intonation in low tunings, uncomfortable playing positions, tonal limitations—that plague even some more expensive instruments.

If your musical journey demands an instrument that can keep up with your creativity, that feels as good as it looks, and that inspires you to push boundaries, the RC One Purple deserves a serious look. It represents a significant evolution in electric guitar design, proving that innovation and stunning aesthetics can coexist. It’s a guitar for the player who looks at the standard and asks, “What if it could be better?” The answer, in this case, is a deep, resonant purple.