Every name carries a story, and RhPf Electronics is no exception. In this installment of Behind the Scenes, we dive into the origins of our brand name, revealing the thought process and inspiration that led to its creation.
A Name with Meaning
When starting this journey into designing and building pedals, finding the right name was crucial. It had to reflect not just the technical aspect of what we do, but also a personal connection—something unique and meaningful.
RhPf stands for Rheinpferd, a play on words that merges two distinct elements: the mighty Rhein river and the powerful yet graceful Pferd (horse). But the true inspiration goes even deeper.
A Personal Connection
Before my acromegaly diagnosis, I had no idea why my physical appearance was changing so drastically. I used to be quite skinny, what some would call a “pretty boy,” but as my body transformed, I started joking that I was “transitioning into a Nilpferd” (hippopotamus). That nickname stuck, and my partner became Liepferd—a mix of “Liebe” (love) and “Pferd” (horse).
After my diagnosis, we even jokingly referred to the Universitätsspital Basel as the Nilpferd Metzgerei, given how much time I now have to spend there. Over time, we embraced the name Rheinpferd as a tribute to Basel, a city we both love, and to celebrate the Rhein, which brings so much joy into our lives.
The Essence of RhPf Electronics – The Origin of the Name
Beyond the wordplay, Rheinpferd captures the essence of our approach to pedal design: powerful, reliable, and deeply rooted in both tradition and innovation. Just as the Rhine is a defining force in Basel, RhPf Electronics aims to be a defining force in the world of handcrafted pedals, bringing something both personal and professional to the table.
What started as a small project driven by passion has grown into something bigger. And just like the currents of the Rhine, RhPf Electronics continues to move forward, shaping sound and creativity along the way.
Stay tuned for more RhPf Electronics Behind the Scenes!
Want to read more like the Behind The Scenes – RhPf Electronics – Part 3: Beyond The Tone? go to our Behind the Scenes series on our subreddit.