These are the guestbook entries for January - March 2003.

................Rounder Records has a bluegrass guitar collection, of Tonys tunes that will be out very soon..............Love to All, Pamela Mrs. T Rice Turtle Island, N.C - Monday, March 31, 2003 at 23:44:42 (PST) keep making more albums like Manzanita Bronn Gipson lakemont, GA - Monday, March 31, 2003 at 17:58:09 (PST) Taylor- I've been thinking about your idea of having a Tony Rice Anthology and I'd buy it in a second if it was endorsed by Mr. Rice himself. Hopefully he would not feel compelled to "re-mix" any of the songs. I like them just the way they are...can't play them but I sure like them. Doc Roberts Round Rock, TX - Monday, March 31, 2003 at 09:38:45 (PST) Nothing gets your Soul moving like pure Bluegrass-Thanks Lawrence Samuel Tyo Mansfield , TX - Monday, March 31, 2003 at 09:06:06 (PST) Nothing gets your Soul moving like pure Bluegrass-Thanks Lawrence Samuel Tyo Mansfield , TX - Monday, March 31, 2003 at 09:05:36 (PST) Tony, Wondering if you have any new recordig projects in the works? Hope all is well with you and your family. Scott Sullivan Pascagoula, MS - Monday, March 31, 2003 at 08:47:33 (PST) I've posted this on the Yahoo Group in the past but I didn't recieve as many replys as I would have hoped. I had posted a question on there to see how many people would purchase a Tony Rice Anthology. I'm talking a Bluegrass and a Jazz Anthology. Maybe it would be a double disc or just a volume 1 and 2. Just curious to see what some people think of the idea. Let me know by email at ctrorrer@ctc.net Look forward to hearing from some folks out there. Taylor Rorrer Eden, NC - Monday, March 31, 2003 at 07:48:57 (PST) I've wanted to play a TR Pro model for a while now. I gotta say, I almost like the tone of Tony's new SC better than the D-28. I really had my heart set on a Martin, but I've come to realize that the name on the headstock doesn't mean as much as what the ears hear. Maybe one of these days I can afford a TR model. At this point, I'm still picking on my uncle's Martin-- I can't afford one of those yet! John John Creech Buies Creek, NC - Friday, March 28, 2003 at 19:53:24 (PST) Hm.. dunno if I've ever eally noticed it. I've had a standard TR model but I don't notice much difference. wes - Friday, March 28, 2003 at 12:50:29 (PST) wes- you're a lucky man. I'm afraid i could only afford the regular model this time around. Do you see a big difference with that shorter scale length on the pro? pat mullaly delmar, ny - Friday, March 28, 2003 at 12:08:42 (PST) I concur on the SCTR Pro guitars. Mine is 3 years old and has really just started to open up. Has a very ncie punch but remains clear on the bottom and top. Very balanced which makes for easy recording. wes - Friday, March 28, 2003 at 10:45:28 (PST) I have a question for Tony about Clarence White. Tony - when Clarence crosspicked did he use down, down, up or down, up,down? Which do you use or both and when? Also, I just bought a Santa Cruz TR model. It beat out all the D28 style guitars I've checked out for the last four years. The other reason is that last summer I gave Wyatt a ride from a festival to the airport. During the three hour trip he only said about 8 words -- 4 of which were, "those are great guitars." So relatively speaking he wouldn't shut up about them. I couldn't ignore an endorsement like that from a musician of his caliber. Thanks. Pat Mullaly Delmar, NY - Friday, March 28, 2003 at 09:35:08 (PST) keepof all guyman oooooooooo frank uba lome, - Friday, March 28, 2003 at 04:02:48 (PST) THANKS...ANYWAY TO GET TICKETS IN ADVANCE? ALSO, ARE CAMERA'S ALLOWED? WOULD ALSO BEEN A DREAM OF MINE TO HAVE TONY POSE WITH ME POSSIBLY FOR A PIC? WOULD APPRECIATE IT VERY MUCH IF HE WOULD... blue_eyes - Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 19:38:52 (PST) In response to: "COULD SOMEONE LET ME KNOW IF TONY WILL BE PLAYING BY HIMSELF AT THE LYRIC THEATRE?" Tony is playing with Peter Rowan on this show. MagicBus - Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 07:51:47 (PST) April show in Charleston WV? From Tony's booking agency"This show was cancelled on March 7th" MagicBus - Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 07:49:59 (PST) Are you still on for the April show in Charleston WV? I don't see it listed now in your tour schedule. Some of the best music in the world - Tony Rice, Doc Watson, Emmy Lou Harris, Earl Scruggs Revue (where are they now?), Cox Family, the Louvins, Mac Wiseman and on and on. Phil Jones Parkersburg, WV - Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 06:50:11 (PST) Still wondering.....as much a master of music as Tony is, does he play any other instruments? Seems like he could play six rubberbands streched across a ham tin and still have that distinctive "Tony Rice" sound. Thanx! Charlie Garvin Fayetteville, WV - Monday, March 24, 2003 at 13:25:38 (PST) Are you going to be in the Atlanta area or nearby soon? Michael Bailey Tucker, Ga - Sunday, March 23, 2003 at 17:20:30 (PST) You are the greatest, hope to see you again in Atlanta soon Michael Bailey Tucker, Ga - Sunday, March 23, 2003 at 17:09:22 (PST) HEY T-BONE JUST WANTED TO STOP BY AND SAY HELLO, HOPE YOUR DOING WELL, KEEP PICKIN BUDDY, THANKS MAN, STAY COOL. Kevin Richardson Seagrove, N.C - Sunday, March 23, 2003 at 07:45:38 (PST) COULD SOMEONE LET ME KNOW IF TONY WILL BE PLAYING BY HIMSELF AT THE LYRIC THEATRE? STILL LISTENING AND LOVING YOUR MUSIC TONY!!! THANKS blue_eyes - Sunday, March 23, 2003 at 03:04:46 (PST) The API mic preamps are great. I've got a four channel myself. I've got a few others here at the house. If you would like to know what else I've got in preamps and mics let me know by email. Look forward to hearing from you. Email address is ctrorrer@ctc.net Taylor Rorrer, ctrorrer@ctc.net Eden, NC - Saturday, March 22, 2003 at 17:23:16 (PST) KEEP RIPPING OUT THE LICKS! Charlie Stanton Mars Hill, NC - Saturday, March 22, 2003 at 09:53:01 (PST) MARC C. I asked Bill Wolf, Tony's main engineer for many years, what mic pre he likes to use. He stated that the 4-channel API mic pre was a good choice in the "lower end" price wise. Little more than you wanted they run about $2500. However, Brent Averill makes a 2-channel version that runs you about $1500 so that might be an amazing improvement over just about anything else in the >$1000 range. Maybe Tony can verify this or add some other pre's he likes. wes - Friday, March 21, 2003 at 22:21:04 (PST) Pam, did you and Tony get your package and mag? I sent it to the SpaceGrass address. Hope to see you at Merlefest. Thanks. Derek H Derek H - Friday, March 21, 2003 at 16:14:44 (PST) Correction to my last message: 1st sentence was supposed to say : "the GG thumb picks are..." Hans M Oslo, - Thursday, March 20, 2003 at 03:52:02 (PST) The Golden Gate (GG-L) are in fact great for flatpicking. Using a thumb pick provides a more fixed contact between the hand and the pick. That - combined with the thickness and the material of the GG pick - enhances sustain a whole lot. Well, that's my theory, anyway... TR: still wondering about that DVD-encoding thing... Thanks! Hans M Oslo, - Thursday, March 20, 2003 at 00:42:33 (PST) I've pretty much given up on other materials and have started using heavy plastic picks. I noticed that I was tucking the point of a regular pick too far toward the bridge, so I started using the rounded corners rather than the point. After that,and after listening to the sound of the guitars on the Mo Canada album, I decided to try some of those heavy mandolin picks. Golden Gate makes a good one, but I've really been happy with the Dawg picks. They are 1.50 mm but they still have a tiny bit of "give" to them. Different types of plastic seem to sound different, even at the same thickness. Not everyone can deal with the round point, but if that doesn't bother you, you can make the rafters ring in the old 28 with one of those Dawg picks. You just have to remember not to squeeze too hard when you're trying to play fast. Alan Kaye Cairo, GA - Wednesday, March 19, 2003 at 17:42:32 (PST) Pam, can you ask Tony what brand of mic pre he likes to use? I know he said full frequency, low distortion, but I'm trying to build a home studio and I'd like to use what the Master reccomends. There are a lot of full frequency pre's that have lots of different sounds. Has he used any, or recorded with any in the $500-$1000 range? Thanks. I have some KM184 mics. marc c. - Wednesday, March 19, 2003 at 11:27:46 (PST) To revisit the tortiseshell pick issue, this is from a FRETS Magazine article on Tony that Drew just provided me (Thanks, man!) Frets: Do you use tortiseshell picks? Rice: Yeah. Not really for the stiffness, but because tortiseshell is denser. The pick is thinner, but less flexible, so you get more space between the strings. As for the tortise shell shaping, my dad says that its hard to alter the thickness once they are cut. Cheers, Andy Arlington, VA - Wednesday, March 19, 2003 at 09:00:38 (PST) Thanks Tony for all the masterful pickin'! Your gift of rythym is extraordinary and unmatched. Im a huge fan! Dale Mackey Glencoe, AL - Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 22:47:10 (PST) Love you music, I first listened to you in the eight's when I lived in San Diego ( I was in the Navy) on a locate radio station, I think wson or kson, I thank this internet for me to find it again, will you ever play in central Ill, I will come.. Thanks Jerome T Gribbins Sr CLinton, Ill - Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 16:38:25 (PST) I would just like to say that I feel that Tony is the motivation for my Bluegrass singing and guitar playing as in my opinion he has the most emotive and tone correct voice bluegrass music has had. His guitar playing has such rythm that it would be impossible for any picker not to be able to play with him ROBERT STEVENSON FALKIRK, - Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 05:10:51 (PST) Sorry for the double post here folks and for the bandwidth... Richie, would you e-mail me? I wanted to check and see how Louie was doing... I hope all is well! John pharmboycu John Creech Buies Creek, NC - Monday, March 17, 2003 at 19:47:58 (PST) Can I have the ones that weren't worth a s**t??? I got dibs!!! :O) Just in case anyone is curious, I just got in some of the picks made from "tor-tis" that stuff that John Greven makes (synthetic, NOT real)... they are VERY, VERY close to the real thing! The heavy thickness is really an extra heavy and the medium is really a heavy in my opinion though. I bought 6 of them and beveled them and they sound GREAT and wear almost like the real thing. John John Creech Buies Creek, NC - Monday, March 17, 2003 at 19:41:21 (PST) My father has quite a few picks made out of *the material,* all made from old combs or other such items. If I am not mistaken, he has gotten some shaved or shaped in some way as to alter the thickness. I assume that its the same as it would be with any other material, but I'll post any interesting information that I find out. There really isn't any substitute. God bless, Andy Arlington, VA - Monday, March 17, 2003 at 13:24:50 (PST) Thanks Pam. wes - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 21:56:20 (PST) ......Wes, the thickness of the pick is determined by how the turtle made its shell. Tony said to tell you... "last night I used a thick pick and a thin one. Neither one was worth a s**t, so I have to go back to my stash and revamp.".....again verbatum. Tony sends his warmest regards to all.............Best Wishes, Pamela Mrs. T. R - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 20:45:29 (PST) Hey Mrs. Rice! Great to see your posts! As always, thanks for answering us all. John John Creech Buies Creek, NC - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 15:52:28 (PST) ........To Royce Kimbal, please send contact info to SpaceGrass Prod. Tony was very happy to see your post. He wishes to contact you. Thank you, Pamela Mrs.Tony Rice Turtle Island, N.C. - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 14:23:27 (PST) ........low distortion full frequency mic pre amp. Mrs. Tony Rice Turtle Island, N.C. - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 14:19:31 (PST) Thank you to Tony for an amazing performance in Asheville. The LRB were also top notch and in peak form. Tony, Shenandoah and the Bone never sounded so good, especially coming across the fabulous sound system at the Orange Peel. We were moved. Tony Fan Asheville, NC - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 10:05:36 (PST) Hey, what kind of preamp does Tony like to use? In his latest instructional video he says he likes to use Sony C48 and KM184 mics and thats what he was using in the video. Does Tony have a preference as to what preamp is used? Does he like eutral pres or one with color? Thanks! marc c. - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 09:35:19 (PST) Sure wish I could be in Asheville right now... I bet the set is really kicking into gear! John John Creech Buies Creek, NC - Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 19:26:04 (PST) a long time fan. I look forward to your date on May 9 in Ft. Worth. I will be enjoying every note. I recently bought one of your instruction items and look forward to diving in. I am 53 too old to be really as good as someone who starts early in life but not to old to enjoy the process and accomplishment. Thanks for making music that is so heart warming and brain soothing, and pleasing to the ear. Do you have any suggestions for someone getting serious about playing at my age? Lynette Landry ladiecajun@yahoo.com Lynette Landry Hurst, TX - Friday, March 14, 2003 at 11:04:49 (PST) This is just to remind you of the terrific show in Asheville, NC tomorrow night (15th) at The Orange Peel with Lonesome River Band. My husband, Steve will be there to sell merchandise. He hopes to see many of you there! Kathi Fox Reidsville, NC - Friday, March 14, 2003 at 08:16:56 (PST) VERY OLD FRIEND OF TONY'S FROM SAFETY HARBOR FLORIDA, WE WENT TO JUNIOR HIGH TOGETHER AND PLAYED AROUND ON GUITARS WHEN WE WERE KIDS. WOULD LOVE TO HOOK-UP W/TONY AND TALK OLD TIMES. ROYCE KIMBLE 130 E.PENDLETON PIKE, INGALLS, IN,46048 - Thursday, March 13, 2003 at 05:54:28 (PST) The show in Cincy on March 7 was one that everyone should have the privilege to experience at least once in thier life. The only way it could have been better was if Tony would have had Clarence's LSV. My jaw still drops whenever I thnk about that show. Thanks Tony. W Lawrence Cincinnati, OH - Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 19:30:32 (PST) hey tony whats up Harley kitchener, - Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 18:29:37 (PST) Hey there! About the guitar pick... send me an e-mail at pharmboycu@yahoo.com and I'll give you the guy's name and address. He makes 2 kinds-- fossilized wood and certified mammoth ivory. The wood does wear, but it wears slightly slower than celluloid. He sells the wood ones for 10 bucks each (at last check) and uses the proceeds to fund his ministry to get kids off drugs. Great guy. Met him in MARS while looking for a substitute for *the* pick material. John John Creech Buies Creek, NC - Tuesday, March 11, 2003 at 19:58:27 (PST) For John Creech - fossilized wood guitar pick? Where can I get my hands on one to check out? Lately I've been using picks made out of some kind of animal horn which work pretty well, but wear quickly. I'm always on the lookout for a different pick to try. Thanks. Pat Pat Mullaly Albany, NY - Tuesday, March 11, 2003 at 06:59:18 (PST) Hello Tony! The Brock Family Think of you often and hope you are doing well, We think you are very special, Jesse thinks you are great and so does Dawn and Molly, just wanted to tell you that, God Bless you and your Brothers. Starre Starre Brock - Monday, March 10, 2003 at 19:00:38 (PST) Can't wait to see you April 4th at the Sound factory in Charleston,WV......Never seen you live but have all your recordings. *** Just wondering if you party any...If you do look me up..I'll be there...... Kevin & Angie Lowe chesapeake, wv - Monday, March 10, 2003 at 16:21:45 (PST) Jim, if you received an autographed photo from us, we only send photos signed directly by Tony. NEVER has anyone received a copy of an autographed photo from SpaceGrass Productions. If anyone out there would like such a photo, you can get one for $5 to cover materials and postage by sending a check to the SpaceGrass address on the merchandise page or by sending it through PayPal. Thanks. If there are any questions, call me on our toll-free line (866.866.9291). Kathi Fox Reidsville, NC - Sunday, March 09, 2003 at 19:07:32 (PST) I'm sure Tony will agree, that the strings he sues to record with are going to be different than the strigns he uses on stage. I *HATE* DaQuisto strings for just noodling around, and prefer the lovely warm Thomastik-infeld medium strings. But I *HATE* the Thomastick strings for recording and *LOVE* the DaQuisto's instead. They are more balanced for close miking purposes. Makes for some easy mixing. I am really interested to learn more about the Tone Poems recording. I emailed DAWG music and waiting a response. I would like to know a bit more about the mic placement and patterns used. Would love to reproduce such a lovely natural recording. Wes - Sunday, March 09, 2003 at 15:11:15 (PST) Here's my $0.02 on the pick issue. The pick can be as thick as you want it-- the catch is that it thins out towards the edges. As the material is used, the edges will wear creating a thinner surface at the edge than in the middle of the pick. In fact, you can polish the pick to create this. What you really want to look for is a pick that does not flex. Anything from a medium thickness to a heavy thickness should work. I'm betting Tony would agree that sometimes with this material you have to take what you can get and as long as it's thick enough not to shatter it should be fine. As far as the strings, the last I knew Tony was still using the D'Aquisto signature strings. Some people don't like them, but I do... to me, they're easier to fret than straight ahead phosphor bronze. They don't feel as stiff to me, but you still get the heavy gauge. Here's the main catch though-- I bet Tony would tell anyone that he uses these strings and picks because that's what works for *him.* I don't think anyone here is trying to be mean by saying you must discover what works for *you.* Yes, I have used those strings and picks too... but for *my* sound, I find a good phosphor bronze string and a fossilized wood pick sounds the best. Gives a nice warm tone with less pick noise than anything I have ever used. Hope that helps. John John Creech Buies Creek, NC - Sunday, March 09, 2003 at 12:29:21 (PST) Thickness does affect tone no matter who you are. Tony can take a thinner pick and twist it to cause more pick to hit the string to make it sound more thicker, but physics are physics. wes - Sunday, March 09, 2003 at 09:20:53 (PST) Attention Mike Gryner: Who said anything about anyone wanting to sound like Tony? IM sure Wes was just curious about the thickness of Tonys pick, just like he would be curious about the type of strings Tony uses. But the thickness of the pick, greatly affects the tone of the guitar and how fast You can play. I dont know many people who can take a pick that is thicker than a Silver dollar and play under the double eagle at warp speed, if You do, I will gladly buy a video of them. Keep Plugging. Ol' Roscoe Ol' Roscoe NC, - Sunday, March 09, 2003 at 04:59:43 (PST) Yes I was wondering? I got an autographed photo through the mail from You guys a while back and noticed it looked like a copy of an autographed picture. Could You enlighting me on this please? Thanks Jim Morrison Jim Morrison Staten Island, NY - Sunday, March 09, 2003 at 04:50:59 (PST) Dear TR, a couple of questions regarding the merchandise: is the DVD encoded in US zone, or does it play on european players as well? And; any chance on getting a signed copy when buying one? Thanks! PS: Europe suffers under the live-TR embargo!! Hans M Oslo, - Sunday, March 09, 2003 at 01:47:49 (PST) Tony, I just received your DVD from your website. All I can say is it is great! I think anyone who enjoys your music, whether a guitar player or not…should order this!! It’s a great resource as well just plain enjoyable to watch. Kathi did a great job on getting it shipped out with some other materials from your website. Thanks again! Rob Sharpe houston, TX - Saturday, March 08, 2003 at 20:07:58 (PST) Mr. Rice ,Of all the songs that you have mastered , there is one that always stays in the "corners" of my mind ...I have listen to this song many, many, times ! This song has spiritual valve for me,and your story telling of this song, makes it seems so real, and that it was based on truth. As you sing this song, I walk down this road with you ! -------SUMMER WAGES---- Tom & Sue Booher.. ps. wish I could attend your next performance in Charleston.. Tom & Sue Booher South Charleston, WV. - Saturday, March 08, 2003 at 19:57:24 (PST) Wes, you make a good point. However, Tony can play on any guitar, using any pick or any brand of string, and it will sound great. A guitar picker will not "sound like Tony" by finding the perfect pick, strings, or guitar. This sort of success is attained only through practice and refinement of technique. Mike Gryner VA - Saturday, March 08, 2003 at 11:35:49 (PST) The thickness of the point does affect your tone. Use a thin pick and get a thin sound, use a thick-pointed pick and your get a punchier bassy tone. Albeit, the pick has the same shape and composition. wes - Thursday, March 06, 2003 at 17:08:18 (PST) Wes, Tony stresses that the measurement of the pick is completely useless information. He advises people to use what works best for them. Mike Gryner VA - Thursday, March 06, 2003 at 10:55:36 (PST) Wes, I dont have any thing to get the exact measurments with, but I have a friend that does. I will get the exact specks on it and post the measurements as soon as possible Roscoe NC - Thursday, March 06, 2003 at 04:21:06 (PST) Just wanted to say hello Tony and Pam. I hope everyone is doing well. Take care. RAYMOND EATON Reidsville, NC - Wednesday, March 05, 2003 at 10:50:32 (PST) Ol' Roscoe, do you have calipers? Can you get me an exact measurement on the thickness? thanks. wes - Wednesday, March 05, 2003 at 08:03:20 (PST) I'm curious to know if Tony plays anything other than the guitar. C.L. Garvin Fayetteville, WV - Wednesday, March 05, 2003 at 07:22:08 (PST) Wes, I have one of Tonys picks that I traded from him a few Years back. The pick that I have is not real thick at all, maybe the thickness of a dime. But like I said, this was few years back, so he might be using something heavier or thinner now. I hope this helps. Ol' Roscoe NC - Wednesday, March 05, 2003 at 02:54:31 (PST) Tony, When will you be back to Annapolis, perhaps the Ram's Head?? I am a huge fan, you are truly the best guitarist in the world in my eyes...and hot too! BTW, are you single??? Sorry, I just had to ask!! ;-) Maria Hudgins Annapolis, MD - Tuesday, March 04, 2003 at 23:56:31 (PST) Pamela or Tony, I know I've asked this before but I'd really like to know what thickness of pick Tony prefers to use. I use the same material he does. In his most recent video, the pick looks relatively thin. Maybe it is just the camera. wes - Tuesday, March 04, 2003 at 09:17:31 (PST) Tony, I appreciate you and respect you as a muscisian. Before I got hurt I was playing along with Bluegrass Gospel Music. I would like to thank you. You, The Stanley Brothers, J.D. Crowe, III Tyme Out, Lonesome River Band, Blue Highway, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, New Road have all inspired me in the Bluegrass Gospel that I picked and sung. Sincerely, Rick Harris Jr. Ricky Lynn Harris Jr. Sneedville, TN - Monday, March 03, 2003 at 12:07:14 (PST) Tony, just a note to wish you well and to let you know how much you are appreciated for the excellence and professionalism you've brought to bluegrass music. You've had a jey role in helping to make it a HOT musical genre. Everyone speaks of Oh Brother Where Art Though, but they fail to see the foundation people such as you helped to pour. Take care of yourself and keep it up. Dave Russell Livonia, MI - Monday, March 03, 2003 at 10:11:30 (PST) I guess my email address would be helpful... andrew_l_smith@hotmail.com God bless! Andy Arlington, VA - Monday, March 03, 2003 at 08:03:34 (PST) Tony - I just got a recording of y'alls show in Chapel Hill on the 11th of January...the sound quality is great and you and the guys sound great. If you want a copy, please let me know. It was great to hear the love your mom got from the audience. 51 days until Merlefest! Can't wait! Andy Arlington, VA - Monday, March 03, 2003 at 07:45:13 (PST) i don reach here make una no spoil job oooooooooooooooooo guyman mugu, lagos - Sunday, March 02, 2003 at 22:53:13 (PST) Hi everyone, Tony is playing at the Orange peel with the LRB on March 15th in Asheville. While we have not been officially told by Tony's booking agent (as of yet), the venue has the date listed and you are encouraged to attend. This show will be in the best venue for hundreds of miles and they will play an entire evening. Please pass it on. Christian Asheville, - Sunday, March 02, 2003 at 08:39:13 (PST) Absolutely loved your show at Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort in Asheville, NC last weekend. I always look forward to seeing you each year at the annual Bluegrass Show. Wish you could play in our area more often - take care and I'll see you next time around! Jenny Carver Maggie Valley, NC - Sunday, March 02, 2003 at 07:15:43 (PST) Looking forward to any visits to Texas! I grew up in the DC area in the mid 70's hearing the Country Gentlemen and Seldom Scene...but never got to see Tony live! Now I just moved here to Houston...via CA. and Seattle.. and it doesn't look like you'll be here anytime soon. But will keep my eyes open! Rob Sharpe Houston, TX - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 17:41:10 (PST) Wow... sorry to hear that about the hard drive crash. I promise, I wasn't being mean when I said we'd lost a lot of posts-- just curious! :) John John Creech Buies Creek, NC - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 22:05:10 (PST) The first time I heard TR do "Old Train" on Manzanita, it began a love for bluegrass music in my soul that will never die. I now play flat top in a Bluegrass group along with Dean Webb from the Dillards. Thanks for starting my fire. that F Justin Sifford Branson, MMo - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 12:57:45 (PST) This is just a note to let everyone know that we had a pretty major hit to our webserver last week when the harddrive crashed and burned. We managed to get Tony's site back up within the first day, but unfortunately all of the guestbook entries between Jan 23 and Feb 23 were lost. We apologize for this, and hope that those whose messages were deleted will come back and repost. Thanks for all your support of tonyrice.com. Laura Marks - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 09:39:27 (PST) okay, Tony, maybe you would rather record in a RECORDING studio as opposed to the way way I spelled on prior post! Danny Danny Carlson San Jose, CA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 11:59:30 (PST) Hi, Tony...I've been a fan since the moment I heard that TONE! I live in the bay area, and we have a few mutual friends that I've played with over the years. If you ever wanna record anything, (comp, of course!) in my recroding studio, email me with when you gonna be in town and I will make it open for you! danny@palesonrecords.com Danny Carlson San Jose, CA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 11:57:08 (PST) Hey Tony, Heard that You tore them up in Asheville a few days back. Sure wished I would have been able to come and see You, but I just cant support any festival Milton Harkey promotes. Keep up the great work Jim Freeman Winston Salem, NC - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 03:40:03 (PST) Boy... we lost a lot of posts, didn't we? What happened? :O) John John Creech Buies Creek, NC - Monday, February 24, 2003 at 20:28:43 (PST) Thanks for a great show in Asheville Tony! Christian and Laura Marks Asheville, NC - Sunday, February 23, 2003 at 21:09:11 (PST) John, could you please e-mail me? Your donation was well received by Louie and his family and I want to send you a special gift, but I missplaced your envelope and I didn't write down your address. Also, I would like to send my prayers and good thoughts to Tony and his family on their recent loss of their Uncle. With respect... Richie Plass Green Bay, WI - Thursday, January 23, 2003 at 05:41:09 (GMT) Saw you and the boys at the Birchmere earlier this month....smokin'! After seeing that lineup, I remembered that a live album, "Live at the Ram's Head," has been talked about for a while. Any word on release date? Keep pickin', Andy Andy Alexandria, VA - Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at 18:04:52 (GMT) Wow... this is indeed a loss. Highway Call is a GREAT album. Please add my condolences as well. John John Creech Buies Creek, NC - Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at 03:29:54 (GMT) Walter Ray Poindexter will be missed. Sorry about the misspelling in the earlier entry, Tony. Our love to you and your family. Kathi Fox Reidsville, NC - Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at 02:17:25 (GMT) All of us at SpaceGrass Productions (Steve, Kathi and Drew)and MagicBus.Com (Christian and Laura), want to extend our sincere sympathy to Tony and his family in the loss of his Uncle Walter Wray Poindexter on this date. Walter is best known for his banjo picking on Dickey Betts' LP, Highway Call, originally released in November 1974. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Tony. Kathi Fox Reidsville, NC - Monday, January 20, 2003 at 23:32:09 (GMT) Heiner, if there is anything specifically that you would like that Tony has recorded, we would appreciate your support by purchasing directly from his merchandise page. If you don't see it on our current page, just e-mail us at merchandise@tonyrice.com and we'll do our best to get it for you. Remember, too, that we are able to get product autographed. We are working on adding some new product. Just keep checking occasionally and if you have suggestions for additions, let us know. It takes time (and money) to get items like tee shirts or posters and such made, but our Graphic Designer has created a couple of designs which we're hoping to get printed up soon. Kathi Fox Reidsville, NC - Monday, January 20, 2003 at 20:04:51 (GMT) I first heard Tony's brilliant Guitar on the Album "Evangeline" by E.Harris. From then on I tried to find any piece of music of Tony Rice. In Germany that is not that easy as it is in America or so. Meanwhile i could get the most of Tony's CDs or LPs. But I think, there are a lot more pieces of music, where Tony is involved. So who can help? I would be glad to hear something. My address: heiner.lange@web.de P.S. Is there any possibility to see Tony in Germany or Europe? Heiner Lange Marl, - Sunday, January 19, 2003 at 20:09:59 (GMT) Tony I have been listening to you for year's. You are defenitly my favorite bluegrass artist. I used to play in a band with a friend of yours Raymond Legere from New Brunswick Canada. Tony keep on picking your truly Harold Davidson Harold Davidson St Peter's, NS - Friday, January 17, 2003 at 03:16:17 (GMT) I would just like to tell everyone that if they don't have Jim Lauderdales CD Hummingbird to get it I have just purchased the Cd and Tony is doing some hot hot pickin' great work on that Tony very fluid..... guitar man N.C. - Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at 10:40:27 (GMT) Wes, I've heard that too. But on all cuts? "Where the soul of a man never dies" & "Bury me..." sounds like a Martin, doesn't it? Hans M Oslo, - Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at 07:48:56 (GMT) Mr. Tony Rice and family, It's great to know that someone with so much talent lives just a few hills away. You have been an inspiration to many bluegrass fans from around the world and myself. Great thanks to the family who keeps you goin' Mr. Rice. Music is one of the elements, so keep on pickin' and I'll keep a grinnin'. All the best to you and yours, Carter Carter Combs Shiloh, NC - Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at 01:44:43 (GMT) I believe TR used the Ovation guitar on Skaggs/Rice album. wes zville, oh - Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 16:05:26 (GMT) Tony, Will you be joining Peter Rowan this April at the Old Settlers Festival in Austin? Saw you there a couple of years ago. Thanks, Tony Davee Tony Davee Austin, TX - Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 14:16:24 (GMT) Question for Mr. TR: the sound on the Skaggs & Rice album is somewhat special. The instruments sound kind of compressed and have an extra "booming" sound. Now, some of that comes from your Martin Boom-box, I'm sure. But I'm curious to know how you miked the instruments on that record, because it sure has a different sound. Yup, that was the question. Thanks in advance! Hans M Oslo, - Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 13:57:05 (GMT) MR. RICE YOU ARE MY HERO! IF I HAD ONLY ONE WISH IN LIFE, IT WOULD BE TO JUST HANG OUT WITH YOU FOR A DAY. YOUR PLAYING JUST BLOWS ME AWAY! I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU PLAY SO FASTAND CLEAN AT THE SAME TIME. HOPE TO MEET YOU SOMEDAY. UNTIL THEN, CARRY ON BROTHER!!!! LANE WESTERFIELD CRAWFORD, TX - Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 02:48:00 (GMT) If you scroll down far enough, Pamela was kind enough to ask Tony that same question for me and Tony responded (via Pamela) with the exact setup specifications of his D-28. Thanks again Mrs. Rice!! John Creech Buies Creek, NC - Sunday, January 12, 2003 at 21:40:40 (GMT) to the person with the waterstain on the guitar top, i know this sounds rediculous, but a mixture of mayonayse and cigarette ashes will take it off. the vinegar in the mayo and the slight abrasiveness of the ashes will definitely do the trick. it also works in removing sweat stains. carl hopkinsville, ky - Sunday, January 12, 2003 at 21:29:04 (GMT) hi Tony its Jeff Nauss from Canada i was just wandering what your action on the fretboard of your guitar if you want you can e*mail me at JeffGuitarPicker@hotmail.com Jeff Nauss Bridgewater area, ca - Sunday, January 12, 2003 at 13:01:24 (GMT) I see that Tony is going to be in Live Oak, Fl. in March for the Suwannee Music Festival along with The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band,Earl Scruggs and Family, Rohnda Vincent, and others, but it doesn't show up on his tour schedule. Can anyone verify whether he will be there or not? I am going anyway but, it would be a lot better if he were there. Thanks. Sleepy Franks New Port Richey, fL - Saturday, January 11, 2003 at 19:48:09 (GMT) Tony, Doc, Rowan, will be on Mountain Stage radio program this week. Here's the schedule. http://www.mountainstage.org/msprograms2.htm Also please visit my TR tab page for lots of good never before tabbed TR solos. http://home.columbus.rr.com/corn55/Rice.html wes zville, oh - Friday, January 10, 2003 at 17:31:58 (GMT) Thanks for the info Kathi. :) Unfortunately, Asheville is too far for me to drive due to time constraints with pharmacy school rotations. I'll keep checking Pollstar and this site and see if I can catch a show next time. John John Creech Buies Creek, NC - Friday, January 10, 2003 at 02:24:06 (GMT) John, the shows we have been informed about are all listed on the Tour Dates page. Like I've said before, the communication in this business is truly lacking at times. Tony and I are working on attempting to make it better. What about the show in Asheville on February 22nd? The only way I'll make it is if the weather doesn't serve us up with ice and snow. Good luck! Kathi Fox Reidsville, NC - Friday, January 10, 2003 at 02:19:06 (GMT) Just to let everyone know... the Chapel Hill show is sold out. I guess I'm gonna miss out on this one too. The first mention I heard of it was the post about "don't forget..." Does anyone know of any other shows coming up around the Raleigh area or anywhere in NC so that I have a chance at getting a ticket? :) John Creech Buies Creek, NC - Thursday, January 09, 2003 at 14:31:28 (GMT) Don't forget about the show in Chapel Hill on the 11th. Performing with Tony will be his brother, Wyatt, and Ronnie and Rickie Simpkins. I understand it is a small venue with only seating for 100 but that the sound is the best around. I look forward to meeting some of you at the show. Peace always, Kathi Fox Reidsville, NC - Tuesday, January 07, 2003 at 19:09:42 (GMT) Tony, I recently saw and met you (again) at the Birchmere in Virginia. Again I was humbled and speechless when we met. All I could get out was that we originally met in Ohio, where I'm from, and that I enjoyed your show. You are my idol and inspiration as a musician, and you are the standard that I try to achieve every time I pick up my guitar. Thanks, Ed Griffin Edward Griffin Salisbury, MD - Tuesday, January 07, 2003 at 17:30:53 (GMT) Been a huge fan for years. Alot of good memories on this site! Mike Adams from Morning Harvest Taylor, MI - Tuesday, January 07, 2003 at 02:26:21 (GMT) Sheesh you can't get me offa here today. i have a question for Tony regarding guitar repair. Since his antique was under water i figured he may have faced the same situation. My Martin has a cloudy wsater stain on the top finish (result of an unfortunate Winterhawk a few years ago). Is there a way to get rid of this that he knows of? Can he point me to someone I could ask? Thanks in advance and again, come up to the northeast sometime soon! Pat Mullaly albany, ny - Monday, January 06, 2003 at 14:48:03 (GMT) Oops -- I meant "I Just Think I'll Stay Around." Pat Mullaly albany, ny - Monday, January 06, 2003 at 14:22:38 (GMT) Oops -- I meant "I Just Thnik I'll Stay Around." Pat Mullaly albany, ny - Monday, January 06, 2003 at 14:22:21 (GMT) Pamela - I thought you guys might get a kick out of this: my daughter, Molly, is 2yrs 4mos old and I play a lot of music for her in the car and tell her all about it. the other day we were listening to a local bluegrass radio show and "Tonight I Think I'll stay Around" by Ricky Skaggs was playing. On this cut (which I'd never heard before) Ricky sings lead on the verses and Tony sings lead on the choruses. When the first chorus came around and Tony started singing, she turned to me and said "Daddy, that's Tony Rice!" So Tony has the distinction of being the first musician whose voice she recognized and mentioned by name. Patrick Mullaly Albany, NY - Monday, January 06, 2003 at 13:18:38 (GMT) you da man daniel cook bakersville, nc - Sunday, January 05, 2003 at 19:51:50 (GMT) Here's the story on the Burlington. I spoke with the promoter, Milton Harkey, and he says that the show is not canceled but POSTPONED until further notice. There's been some sort of contracting problem, so he's still planning to do it at some point; they're just unable to do it within the time limits they're dealing with right now. He's also the promoter for the upcoming show in Asheville on February 22nd and he says that one has been finalized and confirmed. Gerry, I got the same e-mail from the FloydFest folks so I assume that is what's going to happen. Tony came on stage with Dawg numerous times in 2002 during the JamGrass Tour, and it was SO much fun to see and hear them together again. The last time prior to that was also on the Acoustic Stage in Hickory, NC in December of 2000. That is an excellent venue, by the way. So, that's it for Paramount in Burlington until we're informed otherwise. Sorry about that, folks, as I was truly looking forward to meeting so many of you. Until it happens! Kathi Fox Reidsville, NC - Sunday, January 05, 2003 at 02:12:52 (GMT) Here's a tasty nugget for you - I received an e-mail for the promoters of Floydfest saying they have the Original DGQ with Tony booked for their festival which is the weekend of 8/15. Kathi, is this going to happen? If it is, will this be one of only a few shows or will DGQ be doing a number of shows w/ Tony this year. I had the chance to see Tony with Mike Marshall, Darrell Angor, and Todd Phillips at the Acoustic Stage a few years back and it was undoubtably one of the best performances I've seen out of Tony. Gerry S. Christiansburg, Va - Saturday, January 04, 2003 at 15:02:13 (GMT) Gerry: I spoke with the management at the Paramount in Burlington today and discovered that the problem lies with the promoter. I have tried to reach him; however, his message service did not work in order to leave a message, so I must retry until I get a person to answer. I am hoping that the situation can be remedied so that the show won't have to be cancelled, but it will be fully up to his response. Please, keep your fingers crossed. I am hoping that this show will go on as scheduled. Also, it would be nice to meet you since I missed you at MerleFest. Give me a call sometime soon. Kathi Fox Reidsville, NC - Saturday, January 04, 2003 at 05:44:35 (GMT) I called the Paramount in Burlington NC about the Tony Rice concertscheduled for this month. According to the woman answering the phone, they reluctantly cancelled the show. She told me that Tony's management had not returned their phone calls to specify more details. I suppose that there can always be miscommunication in business transactions, but it is really a shame that this show couldn't take place. I've never had the chance to see Tony display his amazing talents in an indoor theater, and this would have been a great opportunity for many of his fans to see him.I hope to have the chance to see him again. Is there any more information on this Burlington, NC show? Gerry O'Neill Four Oaks, NC - Saturday, January 04, 2003 at 05:28:35 (GMT) Brian Sutton is playing with Hot Rize now, saw them at the Ryman in July and it was a very moving and wonderful show. Saw Pete Wernick at IBMA and he mentioned if i knew any promoters who were interested so were they. Robert M. Fairleigh IV Hopkinsville, KY - Friday, January 03, 2003 at 04:57:50 (GMT) Thank you Wes. this is what I thought it was, a local program just like "Venture North" up here on the north shore of Gitche Gummi. Beginning to wish I was in VA Scott Havlick Two Harbors, MN - Friday, January 03, 2003 at 03:53:33 (GMT) http://www.wbra.org/html/local/local.html wes zville, oh - Friday, January 03, 2003 at 02:55:03 (GMT) One more note (high G), I looked at the Grey Fox fest and saw no Tony on there either, but I did see Hot Rize. And then a quick thought ran thru my mind thinking, "could TR be playing for the late great Charlie Sawtelle?" which immediately was followed by the thought,"Who IS playing then?" Scott Havlick Two Harbors, MN - Friday, January 03, 2003 at 01:20:50 (GMT) I looked all over the PBS site and found nothing on"open mic" or anything on Tony Rice. Is there such a show out there? And a belated Happy New Year everyone...Scott Scott Havlick Two Harbors, MN - Friday, January 03, 2003 at 01:10:41 (GMT) Well, I called the Paramount again today to see if I could get someone else to check and see if the concert was still on... they still say it's cancelled... guess we'll have to wait and see... John John Creech Buies Creek, NC - Thursday, January 02, 2003 at 22:29:34 (GMT) The Birchmere show was a blast! I've heard Tony play Shenandoah many times and the performance he gave was undeniably a tear-summoning masterpiece (right Rickie?). Tony offered fleeting glimpses of other significant themes from his past woven into the tune with the skill of his genius. All of the performers gave inspired performances. Hats off to Jeff Parker for nailing the lead vocals and keeping up with the runaway train on Sally Goodin. Sammy Shelor! Ronnie Simpkins worked feverishly in the background and was awesome. Rickie Simpkins reminded me of how fluent and creative he truly is. Time and money very well spent. Let's do it again! Steve Johnson Herndon, VA - Thursday, January 02, 2003 at 22:23:56 (GMT) What's the deal with Tony not being on the list of performers at this years Grey Fox in New York. His schedule sure says otherwise. Who's right here. Lloyd florenzo New Britain , CT - Thursday, January 02, 2003 at 21:24:42 (GMT) A fellow Tony fan told me about it. She said that she saw a commercial about it on her local PBS channel earlier this week. I don't know why the PBS website doesn't give more details, but I'm really looking forward to seeing the program! Nelly VA - Thursday, January 02, 2003 at 18:22:20 (GMT) nelly, thanks for the heads up. But where did you find this info? I couldn't find anything on the pbs website. ben rosenberg new york, ny - Thursday, January 02, 2003 at 17:46:51 (GMT) Hey everybody, check your local listings for the PBS show "Open Mic". It's a 30 min program and Tony and Peter are playing on there. It's being aired in portions of VA this Friday and Sunday. It must be coming on PBS networks everywhere eventually, so keep an eye out! Nelly VA - Thursday, January 02, 2003 at 17:06:51 (GMT) hey Tom, Ginseng sullivan lyrics can be found in the Norman Blake songbook. it's a big brown book and it was just released within the past two years. I think steve kaufman does the transcribing for it but i forget what company released it. Get it, if you can find one--it's a treasure chest. for a lot less money though, maybe this will help: About three miles from the battel yard at the reverse curve on down...(according to oxford a battel yard would probably be a place where rations are handed out). good luck and happy new year. ben rosenberg new york, ny - Thursday, January 02, 2003 at 16:36:10 (GMT) Some interesting guitar playing. Keep Picking Scotty Moore Jackson, TN - Thursday, January 02, 2003 at 03:59:01 (GMT) Yes, buy the CD and write them down! Benny Roscoe Newland, NC - Thursday, January 02, 2003 at 03:57:50 (GMT) Looking for lyrics to Ginseng Sullivan. Any suggestions? Tom Battle Winston-Salem, NC - Thursday, January 02, 2003 at 03:01:08 (GMT) From what I've been told the Ovation was used on the Skaggs/Rice album and the Manzanita album. The Tony Rice Tab Page, http://home.columbus.rr.com/corn55/Rice.html Wes Archer Zville, OH - Wednesday, January 01, 2003 at 16:05:33 (GMT) Ok sticking my neck out here. was the Ovation cut on Church Street Blues???? ( any Old Time) fingers crossed____Angel Angel Garcia San Fran, - Wednesday, January 01, 2003 at 13:30:37 (GMT) hey tony,have been listening to your music for 30+ years.have loved every minute.do you plan to return to tampa fl at any time? many thanks mike niles mike niles seffner, fl - Wednesday, January 01, 2003 at 11:52:23 (GMT) Just spoke with Tony about the question concerning the show in Burlington, NC. He said to tell you all that as far as he knows, it has not been cancelled; but we will confirm either way as soon as we can get in touch with Keith Case. (Office closed for New Year's.) I also spoke with Rickie Simpkins at the FANTASTIC Birchmere TRU show last night, and he said he was looking forward to that show, so... We'll get the info to you as soon as possible. Kathi Fox Reidsville, NC - Wednesday, January 01, 2003 at 00:30:13 (GMT)