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johnny guitar · October 8th, 2009, 05:25 PM

I have owned lots of Fender Teles, lots of G&L ASATs, and plenty of teles by other custom makers. But my favorites of all are Rice Custom Guitars teles. I tend to rotate my gear pretty often so I can keep on getting new ones, but I always come back to the Rich and Chris (and now Matt with Rice pickups) Rice offerings. Rice guitars always make me feel like I bought something from a master craftsman in old world Austria or something like that. These guitars have serious TIME put into their creation. Rich and Chris Rice spend countless hours on the necks, the nuts, electronics, finishes, everything. But it is not just time of course. These guys are both accomplished tele players, and KNOW what a tele is and what they want it to sound like. If you want a vintage sounding tele, man oh man, look no further. My latest Rice is just an awesome guitar. It has finally satisifed my frequent longings for a strat, while playing a tele. This one is a one-piece ash body with Lolllar strat pups, and a gotoh bridge and saddles. It has the famous Rich Rice-shaped fat neck, which are the greatest necks for teles I have ever felt or played. It is such a tremendous instrument. Anyway, the Rices deserve a club here, so pitch in with your pix and comments!

XKnight · October 8th, 2009, 10:49 PM

Great guitars! Here's #42. I stupidly traded it away and miss it dearly. Maybe it will make its way back to me one day.

Wild Rice Chris · October 8th, 2009, 11:09 PM

That guitar was #42 in tribute to Douglas Adams.
I wouldn't mind having her come back to me either! Still love that top.

I'm playing #107 a bunch lately:

#065 (my wife was heavily involved in this one, she brought the body to life from a deceased Fender):

#001 (yes, the very first guitar I built with my dad in '98):

Wild Rice Chris · October 8th, 2009, 11:09 PM

#098 (technically, this is half mine and half my wife's, she designed and co-built it):

#013 (I've been playing this one for a long time):

and #063 (not quite finished, I still haven't put the backplates on):

I have another in the works; a 24 fret, trem-laden, MIDI-equipped Tulip in Lake Placid Blue.
Oh, for some time to actually complete my guitars in less than a year!

jwl325 · October 9th, 2009, 09:29 AM

Here's #125. Esquire-ish, but with an SD Quarter Pounder under the pickguard, about midway to the neck.

Built in Apr '09 (I think), but I just got the guitar last month, purchased from another TDPRI member.

straightface · October 9th, 2009, 10:49 AM

Not technically a Rice, but they did put a custom neck on my partcaster that is by far the best neck I've ever played. Maybe I could be the club mascot?

jwl325 · October 9th, 2009, 02:35 PM

Don't short-change yourself SF--I think the neck says more about the guitar than the rest of the parts put together.

Beautiful guitar you have there!

Bill

johnny guitar · October 9th, 2009, 03:34 PM

that pink Esquire is so sweet looking. I really want to hear that one.

Wild Rice Chris · October 9th, 2009, 06:00 PM

I shot one video of it back in April:
http://ricecustomguitars.com/mid.html?rcg125
The middle pickup is located in the same place as #122:

johnny guitar · October 9th, 2009, 06:21 PM

Couldn't resist taking advantage of the October sale for a second Rice guitar, so I bought this one, #145, this week. I never thought of myself buying a somewhat "exotic" looking dark-colored tele like this, but it has everything going for it. It is semi-hollow mahogany, and this works so well, because the guitar is light (about 6.5 pounds) but doesn't feel like a feather. The mahogany gives it s substantial feel. The mahogany wood and neck seem to bring out the best in these Fralins Blues Specials. This is another guitar that is just blow away sweet to play and feel in person. I always have two guitars, and I have never had a pair that so completely met my needs and wants like these two Rices.

jwl325 · October 9th, 2009, 09:01 PM

JG--from the site, here ya go:

Congrats on your new Rice--I was looking *really* hard at that same guitar but thought I should wait just a bit after this purchase....good on ya for moving on it!!

Bill

TeamShakenBake · October 12th, 2009, 12:19 AM

Johnny Guitar, I had the opportunity to fiddle with a number of the rice guitars and I have to say 145 is a fine example of rice craftsmanship and is part of the reason I bought #147

OaklandA · October 27th, 2009, 04:03 PM

I am lucky enough to own #029:

Wild Rice Chris · November 2nd, 2009, 07:43 AM

For anyone interested:
http://www.tdpri.com/forum/telecaste...way-prize.html

Rich Rice · February 12th, 2010, 04:33 PM

Thanks again to everyone who has helped us along the way!

-Rich

Mr Wright · May 9th, 2010, 01:54 PM

http://www.ricecustomguitars.com/ins...ages/040_1.JPG This is mine more of a parts guitar they did. very nice. I love it.

pompeii0 · May 17th, 2010, 01:35 PM

I own #052 and all I have to say is: WOW! WOW! WOW! It looks a lot like Springsteen's guitar, so I call it "The Boss"!

Wild Rice Chris · May 21st, 2010, 12:01 AM

I had #105 out the other night, great success!
I need to get some real pictures before I beat the crap out of this guitar...

Wild Rice Chris · May 23rd, 2010, 11:48 AM

Wild Rice Chris · May 26th, 2010, 11:17 PM

Facebook page here:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php...21011341247961
Join the group and post your guitar!

Rich Rice · February 12th, 2011, 07:40 PM

Lots of new pics and a couple of new models on our site! Take a minute, follow the link in my sig line, and have a look- We're constantly building different stuff!

Kevyn · February 25th, 2011, 03:02 AM

http://www.ricecustomguitars.com/index2.html

Rich Rice · February 25th, 2011, 06:31 AM

Here's the right link to your guitar Kevyn

Great to "see" you again! Hope you are still enjoying the Esquire.

Kevyn · February 27th, 2011, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich Rice

Here's the right link to your guitar Kevyn

Great to "see" you again! Hope you are still enjoying the Esquire.

Hey Rich, thanks for straightening out the link!

I'm alive & playin'

Had a jag off into reso world with traditional 'Delta' blues & slide.

Circlin' back to electric land & all the Esquire goodness. Just stumbled into a sweet Fender 50's Classic Esquire and re-ignited all the love

The bad part is I wake up dumber than the day before and wonder why I haven't learned that lesson before

Rich Rice · May 29th, 2011, 04:28 PM

I'm tripping on the whole reso thing lately too.. It's such a cool sound, even when played by a mediocre player such as myself. I guess if I can manage to continue to play one, eventually I'll be pretty good at it. The biggest drawbacks I have are the fingerpicks/thumbpick thing (although I am finally getting used to them), and the lack of speed- sometimes I really like what I'm playing, but would like to be able to play it twice as fast as I can.

Rich Rice · May 29th, 2011, 04:35 PM

This is exciting news for us, the John Mayall tour kicks off next month, and his bassist (Greg Rzab) will be touring with Rice Custom bass #169. He's one hell of a bass player with a very impressive history. Definitely somebody to check out.

He gave us a copy of Mayall's latest album (I think it's the 57th album Mayall has done), and it is a good album. Amazing when one considers how long this fellow has been playing, but then again perhaps that is how he can manage to keep up such a busy touring schedule.

MR Pickups · June 16th, 2011, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich Rice

This is exciting news for us, the John Mayall tour kicks off next month, and his bassist (Greg Rzab) will be touring with Rice Custom bass #169. He's one hell of a bass player with a very impressive history. Definitely somebody to check out.

He gave us a copy of Mayall's latest album (I think it's the 57th album Mayall has done), and it is a good album. Amazing when one considers how long this fellow has been playing, but then again perhaps that is how he can manage to keep up such a busy touring schedule.

Here's a link to the stats page...

http://ricecustomguitars.com/mid.html?rcg169

... and here she is in action!

Rich Rice · July 1st, 2011, 12:25 PM

He must be getting more comfortable with the bass- Holy Cow!

October 8th, 2009, 05:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
johnny guitar Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Chicago NW burb Age: 49 Posts: 245	Rice Custom Guitars Owners' Club I have owned lots of Fender Teles, lots of G&L ASATs, and plenty of teles by other custom makers. But my favorites of all are Rice Custom Guitars teles. I tend to rotate my gear pretty often so I can keep on getting new ones, but I always come back to the Rich and Chris (and now Matt with Rice pickups) Rice offerings. Rice guitars always make me feel like I bought something from a master craftsman in old world Austria or something like that. These guitars have serious TIME put into their creation. Rich and Chris Rice spend countless hours on the necks, the nuts, electronics, finishes, everything. But it is not just time of course. These guys are both accomplished tele players, and KNOW what a tele is and what they want it to sound like. If you want a vintage sounding tele, man oh man, look no further. My latest Rice is just an awesome guitar. It has finally satisifed my frequent longings for a strat, while playing a tele. This one is a one-piece ash body with Lolllar strat pups, and a gotoh bridge and saddles. It has the famous Rich Rice-shaped fat neck, which are the greatest necks for teles I have ever felt or played. It is such a tremendous instrument. Anyway, the Rices deserve a club here, so pitch in with your pix and comments! __________________ Enjoy it while you have it.... Last edited by johnny guitar; October 8th, 2009 at 07:19 PM.

October 8th, 2009, 11:09 PM	#3 (permalink)
Wild Rice Chris Friend of Leo's Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Rice Custom Dungeon Posts: 3,456 27 Photos	That guitar was #42 in tribute to Douglas Adams. I wouldn't mind having her come back to me either! Still love that top. I'm playing #107 a bunch lately: #065 (my wife was heavily involved in this one, she brought the body to life from a deceased Fender): #001 (yes, the very first guitar I built with my dad in '98): __________________ Hello, My Name Is Chris Rice "The children need to learn how to build their own environment and make their own music that is inspired by their roots."--Eugene Hütz

October 8th, 2009, 11:09 PM	#4 (permalink)
Wild Rice Chris Friend of Leo's Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Rice Custom Dungeon Posts: 3,456 27 Photos	#098 (technically, this is half mine and half my wife's, she designed and co-built it): #013 (I've been playing this one for a long time): and #063 (not quite finished, I still haven't put the backplates on): I have another in the works; a 24 fret, trem-laden, MIDI-equipped Tulip in Lake Placid Blue. Oh, for some time to actually complete my guitars in less than a year! __________________ Hello, My Name Is Chris Rice "The children need to learn how to build their own environment and make their own music that is inspired by their roots."--Eugene Hütz

October 9th, 2009, 03:34 PM	#8 (permalink)
johnny guitar Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Chicago NW burb Age: 49 Posts: 245	that pink Esquire is so sweet looking. I really want to hear that one. __________________ Enjoy it while you have it....

October 9th, 2009, 06:00 PM	#9 (permalink)
Wild Rice Chris Friend of Leo's Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Rice Custom Dungeon Posts: 3,456 27 Photos	I shot one video of it back in April: http://ricecustomguitars.com/mid.html?rcg125 The middle pickup is located in the same place as #122: __________________ Hello, My Name Is Chris Rice "The children need to learn how to build their own environment and make their own music that is inspired by their roots."--Eugene Hütz

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October 8th, 2009, 10:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
XKnight Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Republic of Texas Posts: 1,660	Great guitars! Here's #42. I stupidly traded it away and miss it dearly. Maybe it will make its way back to me one day.

October 9th, 2009, 09:29 AM	#5 (permalink)
jwl325 Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Gulf Coast Posts: 316	Here's #125. Esquire-ish, but with an SD Quarter Pounder under the pickguard, about midway to the neck. Built in Apr '09 (I think), but I just got the guitar last month, purchased from another TDPRI member.

October 9th, 2009, 10:49 AM	#6 (permalink)
straightface Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: MA Posts: 1,751	Not technically a Rice, but they did put a custom neck on my partcaster that is by far the best neck I've ever played. Maybe I could be the club mascot?

October 9th, 2009, 02:35 PM	#7 (permalink)
jwl325 Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Gulf Coast Posts: 316	Don't short-change yourself SF--I think the neck says more about the guitar than the rest of the parts put together. Beautiful guitar you have there! Bill

October 9th, 2009, 06:21 PM	#10 (permalink)
johnny guitar Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Chicago NW burb Age: 49 Posts: 245	Couldn't resist taking advantage of the October sale for a second Rice guitar, so I bought this one, #145, this week. I never thought of myself buying a somewhat "exotic" looking dark-colored tele like this, but it has everything going for it. It is semi-hollow mahogany, and this works so well, because the guitar is light (about 6.5 pounds) but doesn't feel like a feather. The mahogany gives it s substantial feel. The mahogany wood and neck seem to bring out the best in these Fralins Blues Specials. This is another guitar that is just blow away sweet to play and feel in person. I always have two guitars, and I have never had a pair that so completely met my needs and wants like these two Rices. __________________ Enjoy it while you have it....

October 9th, 2009, 09:01 PM	#11 (permalink)
jwl325 Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Gulf Coast Posts: 316	JG--from the site, here ya go: Congrats on your new Rice--I was looking really hard at that same guitar but thought I should wait just a bit after this purchase....good on ya for moving on it!! Bill

October 12th, 2009, 12:19 AM	#12 (permalink)
TeamShakenBake NEW MEMBER! Join Date: May 2009 Location: Gilberts Illinois Age: 24 Posts: 5	Johnny Guitar, I had the opportunity to fiddle with a number of the rice guitars and I have to say 145 is a fine example of rice craftsmanship and is part of the reason I bought #147

October 27th, 2009, 04:03 PM	#13 (permalink)
OaklandA Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Arizona Age: 54 Posts: 2,297 28 Photos	I am lucky enough to own #029: __________________ ______________________

November 2nd, 2009, 07:43 AM	#14 (permalink)
Wild Rice Chris Friend of Leo's Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Rice Custom Dungeon Posts: 3,456 27 Photos	For anyone interested: http://www.tdpri.com/forum/telecaste...way-prize.html __________________ Hello, My Name Is Chris Rice "The children need to learn how to build their own environment and make their own music that is inspired by their roots."--Eugene Hütz

February 25th, 2011, 03:02 AM	#22 (permalink)
Kevyn TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: sales & marketing Posts: 49	http://www.ricecustomguitars.com/index2.html __________________ Everybody dies, not everyone lives

February 12th, 2010, 04:33 PM	#15 (permalink)
Rich Rice Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: In a dream world.. Just ask my wife. Age: 57 Posts: 3,004 11 Photos	Thanks again to everyone who has helped us along the way! -Rich __________________ If you are driven to play, you will find a way.

May 9th, 2010, 01:54 PM	#16 (permalink)
Mr Wright TDPRI Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Kingwood Tx Age: 56 Posts: 60 5 Photos	http://www.ricecustomguitars.com/ins...ages/040_1.JPG This is mine more of a parts guitar they did. very nice. I love it.

May 17th, 2010, 01:35 PM	#17 (permalink)
pompeii0 Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada Age: 32 Posts: 216	I own #052 and all I have to say is: WOW! WOW! WOW! It looks a lot like Springsteen's guitar, so I call it "The Boss"! __________________ If you love these blues, play 'em as you please! - Mike Bloomfield

May 21st, 2010, 12:01 AM	#18 (permalink)
Wild Rice Chris Friend of Leo's Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Rice Custom Dungeon Posts: 3,456 27 Photos	I had #105 out the other night, great success! I need to get some real pictures before I beat the crap out of this guitar... __________________ Hello, My Name Is Chris Rice "The children need to learn how to build their own environment and make their own music that is inspired by their roots."--Eugene Hütz

May 23rd, 2010, 11:48 AM	#19 (permalink)
Wild Rice Chris Friend of Leo's Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Rice Custom Dungeon Posts: 3,456 27 Photos	__________________ Hello, My Name Is Chris Rice "The children need to learn how to build their own environment and make their own music that is inspired by their roots."--Eugene Hütz

May 26th, 2010, 11:17 PM	#20 (permalink)
Wild Rice Chris Friend of Leo's Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Rice Custom Dungeon Posts: 3,456 27 Photos	Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php...21011341247961 Join the group and post your guitar! __________________ Hello, My Name Is Chris Rice "The children need to learn how to build their own environment and make their own music that is inspired by their roots."--Eugene Hütz

February 12th, 2011, 07:40 PM	#21 (permalink)
Rich Rice Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: In a dream world.. Just ask my wife. Age: 57 Posts: 3,004 11 Photos	Lots of new pics and a couple of new models on our site! Take a minute, follow the link in my sig line, and have a look- We're constantly building different stuff! __________________ If you are driven to play, you will find a way.

February 25th, 2011, 06:31 AM	#23 (permalink)
Rich Rice Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: In a dream world.. Just ask my wife. Age: 57 Posts: 3,004 11 Photos	Here's the right link to your guitar Kevyn Great to "see" you again! Hope you are still enjoying the Esquire. __________________ If you are driven to play, you will find a way.

May 29th, 2011, 04:28 PM	#25 (permalink)
Rich Rice Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: In a dream world.. Just ask my wife. Age: 57 Posts: 3,004 11 Photos	I'm tripping on the whole reso thing lately too.. It's such a cool sound, even when played by a mediocre player such as myself. I guess if I can manage to continue to play one, eventually I'll be pretty good at it. The biggest drawbacks I have are the fingerpicks/thumbpick thing (although I am finally getting used to them), and the lack of speed- sometimes I really like what I'm playing, but would like to be able to play it twice as fast as I can. __________________ If you are driven to play, you will find a way.

May 29th, 2011, 04:35 PM	#26 (permalink)
Rich Rice Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: In a dream world.. Just ask my wife. Age: 57 Posts: 3,004 11 Photos	John Mayall World Tour This is exciting news for us, the John Mayall tour kicks off next month, and his bassist (Greg Rzab) will be touring with Rice Custom bass #169. He's one hell of a bass player with a very impressive history. Definitely somebody to check out. He gave us a copy of Mayall's latest album (I think it's the 57th album Mayall has done), and it is a good album. Amazing when one considers how long this fellow has been playing, but then again perhaps that is how he can manage to keep up such a busy touring schedule. __________________ If you are driven to play, you will find a way.

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July 1st, 2011, 12:25 PM	#28 (permalink)
Rich Rice Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: In a dream world.. Just ask my wife. Age: 57 Posts: 3,004 11 Photos	New footage- Rzab+Rice=WOW!!! He must be getting more comfortable with the bass- Holy Cow! __________________ If you are driven to play, you will find a way.