RICK Parfitt’s widow took his beloved guitar away days before his funeral, meaning a replica had to be knocked up as a centrepiece, it is claimed.

The Status Quo legend had wanted the custom-made white Fender Telecaster to take pride of place at the service.

It was used by Rick throughout his career and has been described as “priceless” by experts.

But third wife Lyndsay, 56, angered friends by taking it — believing the instrument was hers.

Rick had written her out of his will five days before his death.

Lyndsay is also said to have wanted the funeral to be held in Marbella, Spain, where the couple had lived with eight-year-old twins Tommy and Lily.

Rick, who died on Christmas Eve aged 68, was laid to rest in his home town of Woking, Surrey, last month.

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Quo pals Francis Rossi, John “Rhino” Edwards, Andy Bown and Leon Cave were among 80 mourners, many of whom arrived on the group’s old tour bus.

Lyndsay attended the service alongside the star’s two other ex-wives, Marietta Boeker and Patty Beedon.

But a friend of Rick said: “Lyndsay pushed for his memorial to take place in Spain but everyone told her where to go.

“Taking the guitar was the last straw, although she insists the situation was a misunderstanding.”

Rick and Lyndsay wed in 2006. He dumped her by phone last September after a series of rows over money and his health.

Status Quo manager Simon Porter said: “Rick’s funeral was a private affair for family and friends and as such we would not comment on any of the arrangements.”

Rick’s guitar is a 1965 model with a reworked bridge that stopped him slicing his hand when playing.