Rice S Style Guitars ?

[ryhlick]

I am thinking about getting a new S style guitar. I have a Rice Tele that is out of this world and I am thinking about one of their S styles next. I am wondering for those of you who have played / own them can you share you thoughts with me.
Thanks, Brad

[johnnyqb]

Well, here is a review I wrote of Rice #76, which is the nicest strat I have ever owned. It is the same quality level as their teles, which is very high. These guitars are a great value too.

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Perhaps Rich Rice can come up with a new name for strat, since the word has kind of a "He whose name must not be mentioned" aura about it with him. But man, he (and Chris) sure put some love into this one, which I just bought. I had borrowed it for a few days, gave it back (because I needed to sell two other guitars to raise cash), and then the house just didn't feel right without it, so having sold the guitars, I just bought it. It is unbelievable. It has a fat neck with a compound radius, with an artful distress, that is so well done, it reminds me of a perfect leather chair, that doesn't seem quite brand new, but you wouldn't make it brand new either, because it is perfect, but also has a new feel in that is just sweet and without imperfections.

Part of the magic of Rice guitars is, I think, due to the obsessive nature by which Rich fits the neck into the body. I have held Rice guitars where you can swing the guitar around, without the neck plate attached, and there is no movement at all. They are TIGHT. This creates a transfer of vibration through the body that is like fine bubbly champagne, and this guitar produces a breathtaking sustain. You combine this with Lollar Blackface pups, and a blocked bridge, and you just have something out of this world. Oh, it is beautiful; it makes the tribulations of life more bearable.....

[monte]

Hey, I wonder where you got that great Rice tele from Haha, I am glad you like it so much that you are considering another Rice instrument. Now you know why I had sellers remorse right after I shipped it. I miss it so much that I had searched for another and was luck enough to just close a deal for a one piece pine body one tonight. I bought #103. Johnnyqb was kind enough to turn me on to the seller.

As for the other "S" style version, well...I own #76, thank you again Johnny, and it is the best strat I have owned or played. It immediately took the number 1 spot in my rotation. It is so easy and comfortable to play and sounds fantastic. I won't make the mistake of letting this one go. I don't like heavily relic'd "new" guitars. This one was done just right. Not over board or unrealistic.

You will not go wrong with another Rice guitar.

Right now, they are building me a replica of the Jackson strat that Richie Sambora played in the 90s. It is black with a maple reverse headstock neck, one humbucker, floyd rose and all black hardware.

Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Monte

[adjeff2706]

I have CSS #024 - amazing guitar. Easily one of the best s-style guitars I have ever owned, and I have owned many boutique s-type guitars. My guitar plays great and sounds even better. Plus, Rich and Chris are great guys to deal with as their customer service is first rate. I hope to one day have them build another s-type for me. I agree with Monte - you can't go wrong with another Rice.

[ryhlick]

Thanks for everyones imput, I am sold. John (monte) thanks for the wonderful tele, and you are responsible for this. :BEER Now for the hard part to pick a color, do I go alder or ash, maple or rosewood? I talked to Rich and what a great guy to chat with. Thanks!
Brad

[monte]

Brad
Chris and Rich are great to speak with and they also respond to each email very promptly. Plus, they are very caring and honest guys. They will help you along and steer you in the right direction.

[dharmafool]

I had Rice #73 built for me in 2007. I enjoyed working with Rich and Chris on the specs. The guitar is a real gem. It has helped me mature as a player. I get a lot of joy from the instrument and play it daily.

I agree with the comment that Rice guitars are a good value. When finances allow, I will return to them for a Tele/Paul build.

[johnnyqb]

wow, dharma, I had never listened to the clips of Rice #73 at their site before. That is the kind of tone that dreams are made of...

[dharmafool]

Well, Johnny, Rich Rice told me he loved that guitar, "and I hate Strats," he said.

Here's a link to the review I posted for #73:

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/sho...ht=Rice+Custom

[Rich Rice]

That's true. I generally don't like Strats- but once in a while...

[ryhlick]

Thanks for the input, now all I have to do is decide on a color.

[Thazy]

I own #76 now and since I got it, I have not played any of my other Strats much at all. It's a great Strat. I had it set up by Chris before I got it and he did a great job. Rich played it and told me he really liked it too. Thanks so much guys.