Andy Rice
Andy Rice
My musical journey began when I took up the trumpet in my tiny rural school's band program. I can't recall why I chose trumpet but I was pretty good at it. Teen angst and an interest in sports drove me to quit in the 8th grade but shortly after that I started singing and bought a bass guitar in my freshman year. That's when I found my voice. I got into guitar and recording after that and was writing and recording my own music in my bedroom and playing in bands with my friends and at church. I attended gifted and talented classes at the local university and eventually went to music school and played, produced, and taught music professionally on a variety stages and studios and for most of my adult life before landing here at Sweetwater in 2012. What I bring to the table for my customers is real life experience of all sorts, a strong interest in problem solving, and a natural curiosity for things I don't know about. I'm an artist and gear geek and I'm here to help you out on this musical journey. My best days here at Sweetwater feels like I'm selling gear to my friends and I love that.
As your personal contact here at Sweetwater, please let me know anytime I can offer help or advice.
(800) 222-4700 ext 1305
E-mail Andy-
Education/Certifications:
BM in music performance, MM in jazz studies, Apple certified, Apogee certified, RedNet certified, Sweetwater University, SSL certified, Avid certified
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What was your occupation before coming to Sweetwater?
Musician, teacher, composer, occasional barista . . . I love coffee!
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Why did you first apply for a job at Sweetwater?
Because I love helping people, and I believe in the Sweetwater Difference. I find it very fulfilling to help people find solutions to their problems.
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Technical strengths:
Guitars, bass, amps, keyboards, drums, home recording
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Instruments you play:
Upright bass, electric bass, vocals, guitar, percussion, keyboard
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Personal motto:
“Our individuality is all, all, that we have. There are those who barter it for security, those who repress it for what they believe is the betterment of the whole society, but blessed in the twinkle of the morning star is the one who nurtures it and rides it in, in grace and love and wit, from peculiar station to peculiar station along life’s bittersweet route.”
— Tom Robbins, Jitterbug Perfume -
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Sweetwater team?
The wealth of experience and knowledge around me. I am confident that if I don’t know firsthand the answer to a customer’s question, I can quickly find the answer.
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Who are some of the notable artists you've worked with?
I have shared the stage with Tim Reynolds, Peter Rowan, the New York Voices, and Bob Mintzer, to name a few, and have studied with Roy Vogt, Bronek Suchanek, Ray Brown, Rufus Reid, Ben Street, Micah Jones, Don Glanden, and Kevin MacConnell, among others.
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Links to my music
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/andyrice/so-seriously-feat-ed-tupper/
https://2beforenoon.bandcamp.com/album/same-kind-of-weird
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3jHCwhlC4mEt8YhScYVmlC -
Random fact?
I bought my first bass at age 13 with money I earned picking potatoes on a farm in northern Maine.
Interview with Andy...
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Always have a great experience. Honestly Andy is so GREAT!!!! He always knows what I’m looking for & is on top of it. He explains the items thoroughly, then gets them shipped ASAP. Always a pleasure & never have had less than exceptional experience! Keep up the good work!
Carla from Bettendorf, IA
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From the moment I placed my order to the day I have received it, Andy was there making sure every transaction goes as smooth as possible. I am a first time customer and was referred to by a friend who was a long time customer of yours. Andy made sure that my friend was appreciated for his referral and even made sure that the credit was given to the right person since there are a lot of the same names as my friend in your data base. This alone, to me is a 5/5 star customer service rating. Looking forward to my next purchase experience with Sweetwater.
John
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I just wanted to show my appreciation towards Sweetwater and my amazing salesman Andy. Just got a call from him out of the blue just to make sure everything was still working (about a year after purchase). He was also interested in looking up some of my music online! It's a good feeling knowing that I'm working with someone who actually cares about the customer and shares an interest in music, opposed to someone who only wants a commission. Sweetwater is the place to go for equipment and Andy is definitely the guy to talk to! Thank you
Tony from Columbia Falls, MT
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Andy does a great job in evaluating buying options. One example is; I was looking for a light weight Telecaster Elite. We waited until a few arrived and he notified me and helped verify the weight of the one I selected. It is an incredible guitar and I thank Andy for working with me to acquire one of my dream guitars. Andy feels more like a partner who sincerely wants to help rather than a cold sales person simply looking to retire quota. For my most recent purchase, I provided my requirements and he promptly provided his recommendation which I selected. In closing, Andy provides a lot of value and I appreciate his support.
Merrill from Stevenson Ranch, Ca
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I have been a customer since I purchased a Gretsch Junior Jet II in 2016. I began that experience by ordering a Fender bass and it was immediately clear I'd made a mistake. It was huge for me. After guilty fluctustion I asked if I could teturn it. No worries! We're Sweetwater! The Gretsch I ordered after tgat was perfect. My customer connection has been Andy Rice, who is personable and efficient. I had to do another return, I now recall... similar no nonsense process. Awesome. Recently I bought a Squier 34" scale bass, feeling now ready, but asked for it to have the Plek process, just to have it as manageable as possible. The exchange of info with your staff about my playing style, attack, string preference etc. etc. was most reassuring. The bass is, yes, cliche, awesome. It has the best string-to- string balance and similarity of tone of any bass I have owned. It is a complete delight to hear and play, and I am having no trouble handling the big scale. Andy and Aaron were as I can expect your staff to be... just a thoroughly satisfying experience for me.
Andrew from Arlington, MA
