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Hank,
My TR does indeed sound amazing. It is IRW with Sitka. Voiced by Richard and Jeff Traugott in 8/90. I did buy it new from Mandolin Bros. on Staten Is. Played several while there including a couple of Braz. ones. Not in my budget at the time. It replaced a 1983 HD-28 (150th anniv. yr.) that had been a 10th wedding anniversary gift from my wife. The Martin was stolen during a burglary at our home. Heartbreaking event. Sitting next to my HD was an early ’70s D-28s that I was performing repair work on for a friend. Fortunately they left that one. Fortunate because it had belonged to his father who was a well know bluegrass musician, Ted Lundy.
I like to alternate between Martin Monel (TR signature series) and SCGC medium tension. They are a bit tonally different, but I leave them on for months to enjoy the tone as the strings mature. The other key is that I use a Blue Chip TP 1R-50. It becomes “tacky” after it warms up making it easy to maintain a grip. I prefer the BC because it creates very little pick noise, instead, just brings out the sound of the wood reacting to the string tension, etc. AHHH, so sweet.
Red Breast single pot still is my go to Irish. The Irish brought whiskey to the colonies, just changed the mash to a corn based one. All good.
Hank, your collection is amazing. One that I can only dream about. Has to be super gratifying to be able to pick up any of those instruments and enjoy the unique output that each one produces.
My faulty reference to your “armada” was a brain slip related to your sailing experiences!
All the best,
Walter
Oh Man, gotta love auto correct or lack of proof reading…. just noticed I said armada, obviously should have read ramuda!
humbly re-submitted,
Walter
I prefer Blanton’s bourbon, however, when sipping Irish I really enjoy Red Breast. It’s merely a barley/corn dilemma.
I also don’t have to “agonize” over which steed to cut out of the armada and play, as I only have one SCG, my beloved ’90 TR.
All in jest, of course. I actually look forward to your submissions about each of your collections. Carry on! Enjoy your sippin’ and stay safe.
Walter
Beautifully stated Richard. Hard to put in any better words the impact that Tony had on many generations of pickers and listeners over multiple genres of music.
Hoping that many of you watched the Bryan Sutton tribute on Sunday..”Me and His Guitar”. Almost 3 hrs. It was a wonderful tribute.
Walter
PS; good to see you here again Peter! I strung up a set of Tony Monels on my ’90TR, in his honor.
David Anthony Rice 1951-2020 Rest in Peace, our brother. Thoughts and prayers to Pam and their family and to Tony’s brothers and their families.
My Tony Rice was built in August of ’90. Top signed by Otis B. Rodeo (Richard) and Jeff Traugott. I installed Waverly tuners with ivoroid buttons, a dalmation pickguard and fossil walrus bridgepins.
I would like to post some pics but haven’t figured out how. Any help please!
Walter
Neil,
No apologies for your playing which is as articulate, sweetly sensitive and beautifully played as is your wonderful story documenting your Santa Cruz acquisition. Treasure each day as you watch your beautiful children grow and learn to appreciate the gifts of music and the love for them that you are embracing.
Peace,
Walter
I always measure the neck width at the junction of the nut and fretboard using calipers. I also agree that it only matters to the individual player, as there are so many variables that determine comfort and playability.
My ’90 Tony Rice is spec’d at 1-11/32, however it measures 1-23/32 with calipers. It is comfortable to play, but much more so when I capo on the second fret as I do have a bit larger hands. It’s all about ergonomics.
Walter
