Tony Rice Bourgeois auction starts today

rice_bourgeoisBack in October we posted about the custom Dana Bourgeois guitar being built to honor and benefit Tony Rice. It was designed and built as a Bourgeois interpretation of Tony’s priceless 1935 D-28, often called the Clarence While guitar, as it spent time in Clarence’s custody before Tony obtained it.

At the time Bourgeois was upfront about his reasons: the guitar was made to be auctioned, with proceeds to be donated for Tony’s support. As we have reported repeatedly, Rice is suffering from advanced arthritis, leaving him unable to perform on the guitar, and his many fans worldwide have come together to provide financial support while he seeks medical treatment.

Dana Bourgeois counts himself among those fans, and will keep only $3000 to cover expenses following a successful auction. A reserve bid of $11,500 has been established and the bidding begins today. The auction will run through December 14, and bidders must register by December 12 to participate in the auction.

Someone will obtain a rare and special instrument, while knowing that they are providing support to perhaps the most distinctive and influential flatpick guitarist in the history of bluegrass and acoustic music.

Punch Brothers guitarist and Rice aficionado Chris Eldridge prepared this video to help introduce the guitar, and share his love for Tony’s music.

 

Detailed specifications are listed on the Bourgeois web site:

  • Special Select Brazilian Rosewood Back and Sides
  • Special Select Adirondack Aged Tone Top
  • Aged Tone Adirondack Top Bracing, Period correct pattern and shape
  • Aged Tone Finish
  • Bound Fretboard without position markers
  • Large Soundhole with replica rosette
  • Tor-tis pickguard
  • Oval button Waverly tuners
  • Bourgeois Neck Joint
  • Adjustable Truss Rod
  • Nut width 1 23/32″
  • Scale 25.5″
  • Bridge Spacing 2.2″
  • 21 Frets
  • Special interior plaque dedication

The winning bidder will also receive a coffee table photo book filled with images of the guitar, signed by Dana Bourgeois.

Additional images can be seen online.

For more details on Tony’s condition, and ways you can contribute to his support, you can read our previous posts:

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.