What Billy Strings Did With Tony Rice's Guitar

[@LessonsWithMarcel]

As a few commenters have pointed out there are two editing errors in this video. I want to take a second to apologize for them. 1. The brief obituary shown for Clarence White is for the wrong Clarence. If anyone can find a clipping online from back then I'll gladly link to it here. Thank you. 2. During the Lucas interview I show the wrong Snuffy. Apologies again, this is another bluegrass musician with the same name. To see Lucas, with his Grandfather, Snuffy Smith (second from the right), and Stevie Barr click here: lessonswithmarcel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_20230504_202054.jpg Thanks for understanding. I'll fact check more carefully in the future.

[@YouAreGreatDude]

Bro as Tucker Carlson might say, "That is mighty white of you to acknowledge that you made a mistake," The fact you owned to making a mistake means you are a HONEST person. I am subscribing and turning on notifications. Honestly, no pun intended, you won me over. Have a Bluegrass Day!

[@christopherneil988]

@@YouAreGreatDude I second that. You did the right thing.

[@YouAreGreatDude]

@@christopherneil988 Thanks man.

[@bluegoose6913]

You left out the fact (and an important one) that when Tony picked up the guitar from Joe Miller he took it directly to Randy Wood, The Master Luthier that now resides in Bloomingdale’s Ga. If anyone knows the condition it was in at that time it would be Randy Wood. When Tony flew back from California he flew to Nashville. Where the next morning he was waiting in Randy’s parking lot waiting for him to open his Music store. Randy said he would get to it as soon as he could. Tony said he needed to play in Louisville Ky that night.Randy got right on it He replaced the finger board and glue on a new bridge, He also reset the neck. After he strung it and reset the action, he put another clamp on the bridge and sent Tony on his 4 hour ride to Louisville. Tony Played at 9:00 on stage with it for the first time that Night. I am a personal friend of Randy. He told me this story many years ago. So I called him tonight and he told me the story again. He can be reached at Randy Wood Guitars in Bloomingdale’s Ga.

[@jamescrawford8121]

Like so many others I'm sure, I thought I would never get a chance to hear that guitar play again after Tony's passing. When I saw Billy walking out with it, I said to my friend that guitar looks familiar and as he got closer I started to realize what was happening and then I couldn't see anything for the tears in my eyes. I was lucky enough to be 20 feet away or I wouldn't have got to hear it well because of the mic problem. I just stood there eyes closed and just trying to hear every little bit I could. It was a very unexpected treat on a very special night. Big thanks to Doc and Billy for giving me a reason to be there and a big thanks to Tony's family for letting this happen. I rode a hour back home that night by myself listening to Tony's music and tearing up from time to time, made it home only to realize I had to be at work in a couple hours, what a great night.

[@JohnJones22856]

You’re ok now though, right? 🙄

[@brianflynn7598]

glad to hear im not the only grown man crying lol

[@skydog6653]

That guitar is not special, as far as D28’s go. The fact that most recordings featuring it were made by Clarence White and Tony Rice have a lot to do with its notoriety.

[@dougmackenzie5976]

I was fortunate enough to get to play the Clarence White/Tony Rice D-28. Tony was having a fret job done at Hoffman Stringed Instruments, in Raleigh, NC, where I was teaching guitar, at the time. As I came in for my afternoon lessons, I saw Craig Hoffman (the owner and luthier) stick his head out of the shop door. He saw me, and a big grin spread across his face. "Come on in here for a minute", he said, and I walked into the shop. I knew what it was the instant he held it up. Nobody else knew the guitar was there. He showed me the work he'd done (a spectacular fret job), and asked if I wanted to play it. I whipped off my belt, to keep from damaging the guitar, and he handed it to me. It's light as a feather, for a dread'. And the instant I fretted a chord, I could feel the power of the projection of the instrument. I played a few short things on it and gently handed it back to Craig. This was back in '92, before cell phones had cameras. Hell, it was just about the beginning of cell phones. So, I don't have a photo. But, I'll treasure the memory forever.

[@banjoist123]

I read that at one point Tony had it set up like a Telecaster, light strings, super low action. Was it that way then?

[@dougmackenzie5976]

@@banjoist123; it definitely had extra lights on it. It was silky smooth to play and had amazing volume for such light strings.

[@darrells1806]

I also was able to hold and look closely at Tony’s D28 guitar. I happen to take my Mandolin to Snuffy Smith for some minor work outside of Winston Salem, NC. While there Snuffy said come here and we walked to the back of his shop and into a vault that was underground and come out with Tony’s guitar and hand it to me. Wow, was that a once in a lifetime experience.

[@adamgarrett4758]

This is a beautiful story. Thanks Marcel.

[@jameslifetimelearner]

I was riveted during this story and filled with inspiration and teary eyes

[@michaelmullins1290]

I remember Lucas. Ive wondered where he got off to. This is a great story. I was blessed to have a few Tony events. My favorite was sitting backstage at my local fair. Tony had showed up with the Seldom Scene. Tony, John Duffy came and sat on some bleachers and told me to sit still. I was very obedient and thankful for the stories i got to hear. Thanks Marcel.

[@bryanmabe9081]

Well I heard myself say my name at the beginning of that video! That was pretty cool. It was also pretty damn cool to be in that room❤ and thanks to Lucas for dragging me along!! Great video

[@EarDamageHardcore]

We all know Tony was watching down and smiling that day Billy played his guitar. Thank you for sharing this story man 🙏🏻

[@55TeleMark]

Tears. What an amazing story.

[@SoulofAlice]

Tony was a master. I cut my teeth listening to Bluegrass and old Classic Country...yet until I was in attendance at a Bluegrass Festival in Lexington KY, where I saw J.D.Crow n New South, and Tony Rice as a part of them, did I truly begin to have true appreciation of the genre. As I grew older, I learned to truly love, and have absolute respect for what a true, bone -borne talent Tony was. His picking and signature licks were as smooth and soulful enough to bring tears to the eyes!

[@TNTMan93]

Great documentary and research, loved it. And dang, that remix at 1:53 slaps bro!

[@Garspawnish]

Great people creating a great story. I love that the community passes along songs, traditions, and instruments. Billy is so respectful to the past players and traditions; a treasure in a long line of musician treasures. Kudos to all involved in keeping this historic guitar in American musical hands. What a great piece of history.

[@theaustonlee96]

Lucas White and Marcel thank you. Such a cool story, great synchronicity!!! Much appreciated👌🙏💙✨️🎁🎶

[@ryanbrandt6589]

So cool, thank you for the wonderful story! I am fortunate to have been on the floor during the performance!

[@TheRealJ_Hizzy]

Thank you for another awesome history vid!! Its so cool to see how your channel continues to grow! keep it up man, we need ya!!

[@hisdudeness6523]

Fantastic thanks and Tony's legacy should be safe for any that can hear and likes bluegrass. Awesome player and a fine gentlemen. He will be missed for eternity.

[@Amodeviveros]

This means a lot to me, there's nothing like tony playing guitar, and now i know why that guitar. Thank you so so much for making this video and for sharing this story, and to hear someone that knew tony like this, you carry such a blessed energy with you, thank you for sharing. how that guitar was always there for tony, tony is always there for me, many of us. eternally thankful much love, ale

[@thomaslemon3971]

The crazy thing about this guitar is that there wasn't THAT much magic to it. I don't mean this as an insult to the beautiful guitar, but as a compliment to the late Mr. Rice. It really was his skilled hands that made it sound the way it did. In the hands of a lesser player, it would simply sound like a perfectly broken in old dreadnought. The strong picking of his right hand with his arm wrapped around the tail end of the body, the way that left hand danced around the fretboard...that is the real magic. RIP Tony Rice, my number one guitar hero.

[@jscordoba3]

It's always interesting at the end of "The Pizza Tapes" hearing Jerry Garcia play that guitar. It's almost unrecognizable as the same guitar.

[@thomaslemon3971]

@@jscordoba3 You just blew my mind with that. I must have not noticed or just forgotten about it. I'll have to re-listen!

[@lakelinam5318]

He was My guitar hero to

[@superbroadcaster]

I'm pretty sure that was Clarence White's D-35 before Tony got it, so yes it is a special boy. Even on its own it's a 60's D-35, great player

[@thomaslemon3971]

@@lakelinam5318 Heck yeah. I’m actually more into country than bluegrass, but Rice is just so damn good that I can’t help but be inspired. He has such perfect form that it was almost like a classical violinist.

[@barry1705]

So cool, to see Billy playing Tony Rices guitar. Thank you for the great history time line of the guitar.

[@KendallRaleigh]

Thank you so much for this story. I paid to stream the show, mainly just to hear the guitar again. The way that Billy carried the guitar on stage with such reverence and care was moving. One knew he was serious when he told the crowd to “ shut the f__k up” There was trouble with the instrument mic, but was still worth every second. I am a bluegrass geek like yourself, and knew there was a really cool back story, thank you for sharing.

[@zanerkohl]

Marcel at it again with a stellar video! A piece of art, a piece of history, a piece of entertainment, just wow. Best content creator. Couldn't put my phone down.

[@davewoelkers6189]

My favorite bluegrass channel by far. I appreciate the passion and effort in every thing you do brother thanks.

[@TheViralWizard]

Your videos are always so clear and informative!!! Thanks marcel!

[@banjoyBoy]

This is most excellent!! Thank you Marcel for taking time and caring enough to put this together.

[@DannyGussman]

Lucas is a killer player, glad to see him here! I hear him usually see him at the Bluegrass Heritage Festival, or at Winfield. What a talent!

[@erikhall7389]

I was in the pit, 2 people back from the stage at that show. Billy with TR's guitar is a memory I will never forget. So happy to have witnessed it.

[@jamesbell4011]

Enjoyed Lucas’ interview. He is an outstanding young man as well as a great player. He treats all pickers the same, professionals as well as those who just bought their first guitar. Props to Lucas.

[@haztutaki2433]

What a awesome story Tony Rice was my favourite singer and guitarist I would play his stuff over and over so sad to see him depart but he is in a better place now. Letting Billy play it live would of been something special to watch as I think Billy is a clone of Tony Rice musically. Condolences to the Rice Family and close friends of his. RIP

[@Iowaclass65]

TR is greatly still missed! Thanks for this video!!

[@austenrobinson2747]

This guitar is priceless. The best to ever hold a pick have had the honor and privilege to play it. It would be neat to have some of the best flat pickers do an album or a video each playing it to honor Tony and Clarence. What a marvelous box and it should be protected

[@gingerbeer914]

Martin reissued this guitar as the D-28 Clarence White model, with the wider soundhole. I tried a used one at my luthier's, but I bought a The Mamas and the Papas Ltd. Ed. because of the Madagascar rosewood and the rarity (only 100 made). I had no idea how many they made of the Clarence White model. This is a demo from 10 years ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/imjOq5V8YsqtmpY

[@3340steve]

This is so cool, thanks for making this video, Tony RICE is so important to our music world.

[@chrisk8376]

Excellent presentation Marcel, you filled in a lot of blanks, that guitar certainly has survived a lot of tragedy. Maybe someday you'll be in the right place at the right time and get to play it too. It's obvious how much you loved and admired Tony I hope that plays out for you one day.

[@guitarsword1]

Great story. Nice young man. Crazy history on Tony’s D28.

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

Now That was an interesting video,Tony's music has brought me much joy over the years,Thanks For Sharing

[@kennyborek.satsopcityboy..1090]

Cool story ... ❤️ Billy is coming through Seattle here in a couple Months , might be able to see that , I sure would like to see this old guitar . 👍

[@CambriaCandiceMaria]

Billy Strings must have been in heaven to play this legend's guitar. I'm sure Billy held Tony Rice in high esteem.

[@ShockwaveZero]

beautiful video man. i can tell you poured your heart and soul into it. cheers

[@georgeorgeo]

Thanks Marcel, your channel is a gem.

[@vonarndt111]

Fascinating, touching, and just plain entertaining. Thanks Marcel

[@als1023]

Same thoughts, very happy to hear this story through Marcel !! Best Wishes !!

[@eddiegalyean]

Thank you! So many questions answered.

[@davekochanski]

This was such a great story and answered a lot of questions. Thanks so much!

[@britlitemail]

Great vidya. Lucas seems like a real nice guy. Always good to hear The Antique's story again, too.

[@tinmannamerhs]

Great story, cool guitar. Tony is the man. RIP to a legend.

[@Dabebo-xk2bt]

Love Billy Strings magic on any guitar, awesome story.

[@bornmuser215]

look at my guy Marcel with 300k+ views on this vid as of this writing. this channel has come such a long way, super stoked to see it grow like this. consistently high quality.

[@jasonh.8362]

Really enjoyed this whole thing man! Great job to all involved.

[@chiprenner]

Tony Rice was an amazing musician.miss his smooth playing.

[@stephen_jc]

Beautiful video

[@janprimus]

That is a great story Marcel! Nice work brother! ❤💪🔥

[@anguspearson1]

What a charming and fascinating story!

[@waylonfingers]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@TyeeHox]

Wow, powerful story thanks. I'm getting old and sentimental, had me teared up all the way through. I sure miss my '48 D28, my biggest instrument mistake was to sell it. My '51 D18 is why, before I knew you could have more than one and of course now I have 15.

[@jacksonbradford8845]

I was fortunate enough to see billy in Winston-Salem when he played that guitar. I’m young and didn’t ever get to see Tony play live, but you could feel his spirit in the arena. It was one of the single best 15 minutes of music I’ve ever witnessed

[@glenguldbeckmusic3410]

What a great story, Marcel. Thanks, man!!

[@jayheinz4624]

Marcel, I really enjoyed this! and I appreciate that you got the facts straight from the source!👍🙏 Tony Rices guitar-playing highly influenced my bluegrass playing. 🐦I also love guitars and love the history of them!🎸🎶

[@ChrisPlaysBluegrass]

Awesome video, Marcel! I met Lucas at the Texas State flatpicking championships a couple of years ago.

[@GaryBombard-k1x]

What a great story. Thanks for posting this.

[@Tom_the_great]

Thanks for sharing Marcel. ✌🏼

[@steveg.3022]

Awesome! Thanks for researching this and posting it.

[@jethrom8702]

Bluegrass/Guitar/Music/Apostol/Rice history buff GOLD. Thank you Marcel for bringing so much knowledge!

[@jvjv8715]

blessed to be front row for this performance :)

[@skoffco]

I got to know Snuffy Smith well. On one occasion I was having my mandolin worked on at his shop, before I left, he said here I’m going to show you something. He goes back into what looked like an underground safe and takes out Tony Rice‘s guitar and handed it to me. I’ll never forget that day as long as I live.

[@tedd8055]

What an awesome story!

[@ws8061]

I know it's not easy compiling all this information, really appreciate it

[@bobc1836]

Thanks Marcel for making this video.

[@georgeshaw8925]

Great story Lucas, thanks for the interview and passing on all the love by Tony Rice deserves.

[@joshporter08]

Such a great video! Thanks for sharing the real story

[@billtaylor4897]

Fantastic story !

[@f5mando]

Great video. Thanks to Marcel and Lucas.

[@awakeandhungry4334]

Loved this! Thank you!

[@RonDuligi]

Another great video. This channel just keeps getting better haha!

[@LuckyInCards]

Marcel, you are a great story teller ❤

[@dougpotosky4102]

Thanks Billy! For keeping it real. And the others who know who they are!

[@modelcitizen1977]

That editing groove was really sick.

[@QuantumMech_88]

The story gets better and better.

[@okeefe60]

Great story thanks. The recording session Tony Rice played on with his just purchased CW guitar with Grisman was a McGarrigle Sisters album. Thanks again.

[@LessonsWithMarcel]

That's interesting, I've heard that but I've also heard the James Taylor story? I think the James Taylor story is even in the TR book. Do you have a source for the McGarrigle version of the story?

[@musicofanatic]

@@LessonsWithMarcel I thought the McGarrigle story was in the book. Gonna hafta figure out who I last loaned that book to and have a look!

[@MichaelMarkGuitar]

Oh wait, the McGarrigle sisters were in that studio at the same time Gorilla was being recorded. He probably just mentioned JT as the reason for David being there and played on the McGarrigle album. "Buying the legendary herringbone proved easier than playing it, at least at first. “It had action like a Dobro,” Rice laughs. “Although, I did a session the day I got it. It was just a coincidence. [David] Grisman was in L.A. doing a session, playing on James Taylor’s Gorilla album, on the day when I got the guitar. So Grisman came to the airport and got me and took me over to the studio. I had just picked the guitar up an hour ago! I opened the case and started fooling around with it, even though the action was like that,” Rice says, spreading his thumb and forefinger a half an inch apart. “And Kate and Anna McGarrigle were there, doing this album for Warner Bros. I was out in the hall of the studio, tinkering around, just diggin’ on the tone. But Grisman and the producer came out to hear me tinkerin’ around with it, and said, ‘Hey, man, we’ve got to have you on this stuff! We’ve got to have you play on a couple of these tracks!’ And I thought, ‘Well, OK, but this is the only instrument I’ve got.’ Then Grisman chimed in, ‘Hey, man, it worked for Clarence. Get in there and do it!’”

[@LessonsWithMarcel]

Excellent work! Mystery solved.

[@m.c.master4622]

@@MichaelMarkGuitar , I know the book this quote is from, but I think it would be nice if you mentioned it here.

[@rsmangrum73]

Great story. Thanks for posting!

[@5150show]

Incredible

[@0066keith]

Good to see that clip of Tony with Mountain Heart, playing along side local native Aaron Ramsey. Recorded at our local fester, Red, White, and Bluegrass in Morganton N.C.

[@CncObsession]

Great interview and share.

[@alimac1469]

Fascinating! Thank you

[@drender19]

Very interesting story - thanks for doing this!

[@jazzmandolin5004]

TR let me play that guitar with no hesitation at the Grass of 80 in DC. Nice guitar and TR was a gentlemen

[@stevenqirkle]

I missed the news the Tony passed, so just learning about this now. I’m listening to Church Street Blues right now, with tear in my eye.

[@6trak]

Thanks for this Marcel.

[@Riffsnruckus]

I was at that show Billy played it at. I have the uncut foil it’s my favorite from all the shows because of the meaning behind it with Tony Rice guitar and Doc’s 100th birthday it’s right over my desk as a focal point of how much that show meant. Wish it would let me post a pic of it on here

[@kosemkamtsan]

Nice to hear the guitar is accounted for. But Where's Tony's final resting place? I Can't be the only one who wants to visit T, say thanks and shed some tears.

[@jscordoba3]

Tony was really generous letting people play that guitar. A highschool friend went to college with one of Tonys protégés. I wont say who, but its probably not hard to figure out. They were at a bluegrass festival in ohio that Tony was playing, and Tony hung out with them in their hotel room for several hours. They all got to play the guitar and they took pleanty of pictures. Was happy for my friend, but mightily jealous

[@southtexashombre847]

Chris Eldridge by chance?

[@jscordoba3]

@@southtexashombre847 ...Maybe 😁

[@azcharlie2009]

Great, great video, Marcel.... Wow!

[@danahicks9479]

Thats an interesting story. I am Larry Goshorns brother in law, and this story means alot. I have Larrys Taylor guitar and this piece sounds so good, I'll never get rid of it

[@jaystrausser]

Awesome vid man.. Thanks!

[@9ramthebuffs9]

If nothing else its cool to hear someone with a very different style play one of the most famous guitars in the world.

[@riceflatpicking4954]

Jerry Garcia plays it on the full pizza Tapes release where they include all the talking in between songs

[@dylanmcleod6106]

Arguably my favorite part of the cd…

[@tomabbot7324]

No other guitar like it in the world.

[@samsaxetaller]

Thank you so much for this

[@alteans]

Cool history 😊 Thnx dude

[@AcousticWisdom]

Thank you! 🙏

[@edwardrichard2561]

Bro it’s 80 bucks for both days. You can’t beat that price. I can’t make it this year but for sure next. Thanks for the info.

[@chasescott6673]

I was there! So awesome

[@aksuli1]

Wow this was great.

[@allenhughes60]

Please release a full version of the remix at the beginning.

[@IsaiahKeiser]

100%. That was fucking sick

[@zefarmer]

Yes, please, that was awesome!

[@LessonsWithMarcel]

Here's the old Tony Rice remixes to hold you over: kzbin.info/aero/PLbc213p6S24POnd9ZPZ10FTY1YPL9UXn8

[@allenhughes60]

@@LessonsWithMarcel 👌