Re: maple fingerboard - no "Royale" was not the first, "Blanca" preceded her and was partially her inspiration. However, "Royale" may be the first Europa model with a maple board.
Her unique bright ringing tone and the simplicity of the Europa electronics are perfect for multitasking between rock, pop, funk, country and disco (all of which we played that night). I spec'd a Fat Boy for the bridge PU, a comfort-taper neck profile and gold-plated hardware. Other than those things (and the maple board), she's a straight Europa model.