The Secrets Inside Tony Rice's Guitar Case

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Tony Rice's famous Martin guitar, also known as the "holy grail" Martin, once owned by Clarence White, is one of the most iconic acoustic guitars in contemporary music. As a guitarist, what we carry in our guitar case says a lot about our setup and approach to our instrument. I recently discovered a great photo of the inside of Tony Rice's guitar case from 1996 and I wanted to take a look at some of the different items he used to carry in his case including the guitar, strings, picks, strap and the case itself. During my research into this video, I discovered some interesting details about Tony Rice's setup that I didn't know before.
CHAPTERS:
00:26 The "Holy Grail" Martin Dreadnought Guitar
02:24 D'Aquisto Strings
04:30 Enlarged Soundhole
05:40 Guitar Strap
05:55 Case
06:42 Guitar Pick
07:17 Tuners
07:30 Stickers
** GEAR **
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Strings (Elixir Phosphor Bronze) ➜ amzn.to/2MBWYiK
Tuner (Peterson StroboClip Strobe Tuner) ➜ amzn.to/2Mept97
Guitar (Yairi WY1)
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Microphone (Blue Baby Bottle Condenser Mic) ➜ amzn.to/2MzSB7P

[@mtndon329]

I was one of the stage managers of a big Bluegrass Festival in California in the late 80's. I always let the various guitar players know that I could replace a broken string if needed. When Tony was there I told him that and he showed me the 2 guitars he had with him and where the strings were. I was on stage when the string went on 58957. I grabbed the Santa Cruz and told him give me a song or so and I'll have it back to him. First thing I noticed it was the lightest D sized I'd ever held and if you didn't hold on to the bridge pin of the string that broke it would fall right out of the hole and it also was the most played in guitar I ever touched, plus lots of wear marks . I put the new string on, holding the pin in while putting tension on it, stretched the string and checked the tuning (no tuners then). They were doing a song and I started playing along. The shape of the neck reminded me of a 70's Les Paul deluxe I had: small and round and felt like no relief in the neck. The action was very low and if you dug in to pull the tone out it would buzz and bottom out, you had to play with a very light hand. The tone was very even, but very different from the other 'bones I'd played. The song ended, I met Tony at the curtains edge, told him I stretched the string and it was in tune. We swapped guitars and that was it.

[@Flat_Stanley]

I have a very special d-28 with ebony pins that also fall out if not held in place. It makes me nervous that one might pop out and a string come ripping out. Was loose pins something you saw regularly?

[@mtndon329]

@@Flat_Stanley If the string and pin are in the right position and under tension, it probably won’t fall out. All bets are off if you break a string. You do not want to be on a dark stage and break a string. If it was me l would get new pins and fit them to a particular hole and don’t interchange them. I have jig ( a piece of wood with holes drilled into it) that’s numbered and when l the pins come out of the guitar into the jig they go.

[@garywhitt98]

I’ve read a few folks who played Tony Rice’s guitar only to reinforce the truth…it never was the guitar. It was Tony.

[@MaineGeezer]

Yep. Tony could have played a $19.95 plywood Gene Autry guitar and make it sound fantastic.

[@tribestribes2555]

Intresting video. This icon has really many years behind it and do think this in some way make the guitar exiting. Imagine just playing a guitar that belong to two master pickers like White and Rice. I wish I could be able to play it, but not in this life, perhaps.

[@Flat_Stanley]

Billy Strings played the bejesus out of it. It’s a great video!

[@bradleypuckett4046]

I had the pleasure of meeting Tony when I was about 10 or 11 years old. I'll never forget the blue velvet inside his case. I was so star struck, I could hardly speak a word.

[@jazzmandolin5004]

I went to a concert in 1980 in DC and I was allowed to go back stage to Tony's dressing room. I was nervous and shy and asked him if I could see Clarence's old guitar. Without hesitation he pulled it out of the case and put in my hands. I fumbled my way through Red Haired Boy and in that small room chatting was Ricky Skaggs, JD Crowe, Jerry Douglas and Tony and when I started to play all of them stopped and listened. Talk about being put on the spot but I got a musical memory I'll never forget.

[@closetpicker]

Mario Proulx here, and having built over 200 guitars with large soundholes, I can clarify some things a bit. All other things equal, a large soundhole reduces the bottom end of the guitar. It also slows down the air speed coming from the sound hole itself. Combined, these two factors make a guitar more mic friendly and especially less prone to "booming" the mic when hitting the low notes. The overall tone will be brighter, not because the top end is stronger, but because the low end is reduced. Similar effect that leaving the mid and treble untouched on your amp, while rolling off the bass a bit. It also makes the guitar much easier to work on.... :) The story of Clarence's opening of the soundhole, here, is that the spruce around the soundhole was chewed-up and broken, with chunks missing, so at some point, they just cut it back to clean wood at the first rosette ring.

[@BrandonJohnsonGuitar]

Thanks for that insight, Mario!

[@als4817]

Thank you for posting, really appreciate your thoughts and experieince !!

[@oldtimetinfoilhatwearer]

I was very much under the impression that when Roland bought it the sound hole was already very wide

[@j.c.h7127]

@@oldtimetinfoilhatwearer - as far as I know, nobody has ever found another example in the 30s, 40s, or 50s of an owner enlarging the soundhole of a pre-war Martin. You do see them with worn soundholes. As Tony Rice says, the guitar has a look, and it's likely not an accident. The repairman was very skilled for that timeframe. What is likely, the repairman and Clarence created the look. What does it look like? It looks like Moserite, the guitar one the most influential of Clarence's influencers played. Los Angeles, extra fret, blankish looking board, bound, extra fret, 1 5/16s nut. It's a Mosrite Martin.

[@2drsdan]

It would be very interesting to put a mirror inside and see if the braces have been modified to fine-tune the sound, IE, easier to work thru sound hole.

[@andrewlineberger7544]

I met Tony at a Festival at a Hotel in Greensboro in the 90s in a back room and he let me play his guitar..Of course I kinda froze up when he handed it to me . Boy was I nervous!!.But I met him a few times throughout the years and he was always super nice.. the sayin "never meet your heros" didnt apply with him

[@steveferry4922]

I remember an old Guitar Player interview where Tony Rice said the start of his use of nickel strings was when he accidently grabbed a pack of electric guitar strings, and put them on. He liked the tone and went from there.

[@martymcpeak4748]

I just saw a video of Billy Strings sitting beside Pamela Rice playing the "Antique" and grinning like a mule chewing Brian's. He was playing Tipper.

[@don911donny9]

I’m a big d-28 fan so any new insights regarding the history of this great guitar is just fab, thanks Brandon

[@Mrsournotes]

Interesting stuff. Thanks to Chief Noda also (I remember him from Flatpick-L).

[@TheoDahlemPickups]

To my ears the larger sound hole definitely opens up the sound of a guitar to a more airy less boomy sound. I've experienced it w. a couple of "Tony Rice" "clones" made by Martin and Santa Cruz. But then we all got different ears

[@78ramcharger53]

The road that guitar has traveled is something else I bet.

[@beatapt5]

The story I read/heard, was that the soundhole edges were very damaged when Clarence White got the guitar. Whether for cosmetic, or for structural reasons (who knows?), the hole was cut larger to do away with the damage. Can't remember where I got that story, but there it is.

[@garyphelps9123]

the sound hole was enlarged when clarence white bought the guitar from mcabes in santa monica ca.

[@lordofthemound3890]

In my experience, rosewood sided and backed guitars, including the D-28 tend to have a scooped mid, and more bass and treble. Mahogany sides and backs, like the D-18 have a more pronounced mid hump, and less bass and treble.

[@andrewlineberger7544]

I can agree to that..I have a Lowden D 12 and a man named Francois Vola scalloped the braces on it and it really brought out the mids..It has a dry tone that reminds me of a pre war 18

[@nathanpartin7197]

It's a really quiet guitar compared to other prewar guitars

[@KeefsCattys]

Fascinating to see. Thanks Brandon , Really enjoyed!

[@gerrost]

Enjoyed your video here. Not that it has anything to do with to do with anything, but the caution sticker actually states: Caution, X-ray in Use. I'm a veterinarian and have that sticker on our door. Thought it was kinda funny to see it used elsewhere.

[@gastonflatulenza1276]

As to the enlarged sound hole, I was in a music store that had a small sound hole Dupont (like Django played) and a large oval sound hole Dupont, side by side. I played them both. To me, the smaller sound hole looks cooler, but the large oval sound hole guitar sounded better to me. These were Duponts (or Macafarris or whatever) and not Martins, but I thought the comparison was interesting. I also think the enlarged sound hole OM guitars that Bourgeois makes sound better than their regular ones.

[@GilbertGryfud-mu3zi]

Due respect in your piece!

[@tomdaoust]

Good job. Thanks for sharing.

[@chumdm3]

I’ve been playing the Martin Monel TR nickel strings. They don’t don’t have the highs or highs mids like phosphor bronze has. Much more mellow tone. Chk em out.

[@als1023]

Agree I play them on my D 18

[@druchumley4571]

The Monel strings are amazing. I have them on a Guild OM, and the overtones are incredible.

[@leekotick5583]

Thanks for posting

[@johnnydogg746]

Most of his early stuff I believe he said he used a ovation....

[@als4817]

Great video Brandon, thanks for psoting !!

[@markthatcher6844]

Chief Noda was a good dude. RIP Chief. And Tony too , of course.

[@saoirsepaddy]

I still got 2 set of Tony Rice guitar strings 13 -57 by D'Aquisto I got them from Elderly Instruments in Lansing, Michigan 20 yrs ago I love the strings sadly I had to sell my Taylor 9/10ce & Dan Crary Model Taylor to pay the rent I'll never sell my instruments again. I got Crump 10 String Irish lll Cittern 10 yrs ago and Nyberg Irish Cittern a yr ago . These Tony Rice guitar strings to heavy on the low end for these Cittern Thumbs up Brandon on your video's

[@lordofthemound3890]

Makes sense, considering that a guitar builder in another comment said that an enlarged sound hole takes away bass.

[@larrywillard844]

thanks for discussing strings.... fretboard extension into the soundhole area here is due more to the number of frets.

[@crazylikeafox1000]

Interesting. I always use nickel steel on my electric guitars, but never thought about it for an acoustic. Seems to me the bronze would give a fatter warm wood tone. I’ll have to give it a try.

[@markdearborn1828]

Tony Rice Signature Vintage Monel strings by Martin.

[@jonhart-dj7fn]

very interesting.. yes wish I followed and learned all the blue grass standard fiddle tunes when I was real young .. but it's fun and lucky With you guys as well as youtube sharing cool lessons.. this was really interesting about the late Tony Rice amazing Clarence White was one of Tony's mentors/icons.. those nickle wounds not bad at all .. I have tried Martin Retro custom lights 11 MM11 NICKLE Monel strings ..like them but have to compare again on my 000-15M Martin.. right now using the silk and steel M130.. than i'm going to try again Daddario ej13 11s.. it's all about experiencing them all and it takes time to hear and feel the difference between different alloys .. TY Brandon for a cool bluegrass site too

[@billlybarrue5953]

Thanks. Went from one great to another.

[@davekguitars]

I only put Daddario Nickel on my Larrivees. Imo they let the tone woods speak

[@jkneathery]

Where is the guitar now?

[@Ziraffe2]

Thanx for this intriguing video. Next step will be a look inside the actual box. Guess somebody will do it sooner or later. Maybe to early now. The large soundholes typically make a pretty distinct difference. The sound gets boomier or very generous, perhaps a bit diffused even blurry. Still not to be out counted at all. . My 5 Yen ~ Hi

[@1964jazzbass]

That was cool, thanks

[@a.a486]

But wondering what is inside that little box

[@gimpyjwilliams]

Do you know what thickness Tony’s picks were?, thank you

[@mandoist]

Don't remember his gauge preferences, but seem to recall him saying between 1.2mm and 1.5mm with standard bevel on T-shell picks. Not 100% on that because we were both doing pick maintenance and yapping about all kinds of stuff. Tony taught me in the early 80's how to make -- and more importantly 'maintain' -- T-shell picks. Best life-lesson I ever had! And his recommendation of the "Quixx Acrylic Scratch Remover/Polish System" made it even easier. Made in Germany, but available in USA. I recommend using jeweler's paper for the finishing touches. As good as the leather strap Tony used, but a bit faster (easier) for that final removal of micro-grooves. Shiny, too!

[@kentkearney6623]

Should name his guitar Baby Moses.❤

[@j.c.h7127]

I think it is unlikely the guitar's original owner carved out the sound hole.

[@musicofanatic]

I had always heard it said the soundhole edge was chewed up from pick wear and a previous owner (original? Who knows?) cut it back to the inner purfling ring just to clean up the look

[@TMoody]

Where is this guitar at right now?

[@BlindTom61]

I know exactly where it is. It's on the wall of Karen and Mike's "Dead Fly Cafe." The put tips in the sound hole every day and empty it every night when they close. Karen said they want to put a light bulb inside and a sign saying, "tip me good. honey buns!"

[@Mandoslicer]

@@BlindTom61 Shhh. 😇

[@mandograssable]

@@BlindTom61 Why would it be there? Why didn't his wife keep it?

[@jamesakers1175]

It's my understanding that Billy Strings recently purchased it for a good sum of money.💰

[@mandograssable]

@@jamesakers1175 I don't think that is correct. He bought Tony's Santa Cruz but not the Martin. I did a google search and that is what people are saying. He was allowed to play the Martin for a short time. That Martin is going to bring big big money.

[@Steve-si8hx]

So strange there's no humidifier

[@keithclark486]

He used a handkerchief to wipe his sweat and at the end of the gig he'd throw it in his case. Probably had been talking out to wash.

[@Steve-si8hx]

@@keithclark486 😅

[@michaelmullins1290]

I think Brian Stephens made a iconic looking copy! He's also a great picker.

[@MBRMrblueroads]

👍👍

[@martymcpeak4748]

Tony loved the Relic but he said in the later years he only played it because people expect him to play it.

[@mandoist]

Tony told some of us he played the 1935 when his hands were in "good working order". He suffered pain for years without actually telling anyone what the issues were.

[@drakeshelburn]

NOT that old black diamond brand.

[@hepphepps8356]

The Bronze sound is the worst. All bling and no tone. Doesn’t surprise me one bit Tony used nickel strings. As should everyone!;-)

[@bluegrasshole]

Tony didn't fly.

[@crazycat1345]

Over rated dude.

[@sburton223]

Lol and who are you