Tommy Emmanuel
www.tommyemmanuel.com/

First, I have to say that Tommy does not own or play one of my
instruments (yet?). I mention Tommy because I am a huge fan
and recently attended one of his concerts in Seattle where he
graciously took one of my "000" guitars for a test drive. Not only
did he try the guitar out but he subsequently gave his permission
to post a YouTube video of him playing it and his comments. I can
not tell you what a thrill that was for me.  Please, check out the
video if you have time, here is the link;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbH5NGhsJPY  

Cheers,
TJW

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Sam Roberts
http://samrobertsband.com

Hey Tom,
hope all is well. We just got back from tour in the U.S. and I'm
looking forward to re-igniting the fire.... Adios for now amigo,
stay well. Sam

"When Tom Wray builds a guitar it is a labour of love. I had
played a few of his acoustic guitars (or rather they played me)
and was deeply impressed by the sound, the feel and the detailed craftsmanship of the instruments. But when he makes your guitar, the journey begins further back, with just the raw materials and the
man's vision, pieces of lumber still looking for a shape. Tom had me
knocking on all different types of wood, listening for things I didn't
even know one could or should listen for, we planned out the size
and shape from scratch and worked all the way down to the smallest
detail. And now I have the "Gamma Wray,"  - at least that's what I
call her, and she's MINE so why shouldn't I!!!"
_______________________________________________________

James Anthony Pecchia
http://www.jamesanthony.ca/

000-cc (custom contour) with personalized floating pick guard in
Indian Rosewood 

Sat 11/15/2008 11:11 AM
Awesome work Tom!  Terry just dropped it off.  Its a piece of art...
Even tone and so comfortable. I'm giving it a go today at my matinee. 
Terry is filming me playing today for YouTube.  Can't wait. Thanks so
much again.
James

Sun 11/16/2008 1:37 AM
It’s around 1:30 a.m. and I'm still playing it.  I can't put it down...I 
played it today at my gig and it was wonderful.  Thanks again.  

Put it through an acoustic amp and the PA.  We filmed the show and
I think you will hear some good picking.  People went nuts over it 
too ...everybody was coming up and looking at it! 
Cheers and talk soon James

(Hear James play his new 000-cc on YouTube, click one of the
links below:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N7Nhq36i0I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_ZQNC47wKw 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOJGueFpACw

_______________________________________________________

Thomas Maness, PhD.
Professor
Dept. of Forest Resources Management
University of British Columbia
---------------------------------------- 
Senior Policy Analyst (until Sept. 2008)
US Forest Service R&D
Washington, DC

Several years ago I ordered a custom guitar from Tom Wray at
Wray Guitars.  I wanted a finger style guitar that looked great and
sounded awesome.  Tom came over with some pictures and design
ideas and he asked me a lot of questions.  We decided on curly
maple with a spruce top. Some time later he sent me a cad drawing
I really liked, and then he went to work.  He sent me pictures of the
guitar in production from time to time, and then eventually he
delivered up a guitar that was simply amazing.  The bass is warm,
the treble bright and the sound is balanced.  The guitar is a dream
to play.  And it looks awesome. I also own a Larrivee L-03 and Santa
Cruz Vintage Jumbo so I am used to playing awesome guitars.  But
the guitar that Tom built for me is completely off the charts for the
money I paid.  The materials are top of the line, and the finish work
is perfect.  With the polished ebony fret board, headstock and trim the
guitar stands out in a crowd.  Everywhere I go people ask me about
the guitar and ask to play it.  I could not be happier with the result. 
Tom has also given me great service the last few years.  He has fine
tuned the action for me and added awesome sounding on board
electronics.  He added a button for my strap at no charge a year after
I bought it, and returned the guitar polished.  (And gave me a lecture
about polishing it – but who has time for that?). Having known Tom for
over 10 years I can also say a bit about the man.  This man loves
guitars and knows guitars.  He could get a real job that pays a decent
living, but he chooses to build guitars instead. He is also a nit-picking
perfectionist, which can and will drive you nuts sometimes, but then
he’s just the sort of guy you want building your axe. 

_______________________________________________________

Rez Abbasi
New York, NY
www.reztone.com

“Over the years, I’ve had a special relationship with steel string
acoustic guitars. Trying them everywhere I would see them. Rarely,
I would get the urge to throw down the cash to buy one, especially
if it was a serious purchase. The day I arrived at the Mission Folk 
Festival, I did what I usually do when I see a guitar booth, try all the
guitars. This time, however, to my surprise, I found myself stuck to
the seat playing for 30 minutes. In a nut shell, I was so impressed
with Tom Wray’s guitars, that I did something that is rare for me,
purchase one on the spot. More significant is that two weeks prior,
I had just bought a new acoustic but somehow, knew I had to have
this Wray. His designs are unique, the woods are top quality and the
neck and feel are incredible. I look forward to discovering the many
tonal possibilities my Wray has to offer.”

_______________________________________________________

Mr. Dale Shipley 
Warsaw, Missouri

Hi Tom, I checked out the guitar and it is magnificent.  I'm really
impressed by your skill. Everything fits together like it was born
rather than made.  I haven't played it for very long yet, but I have
a few observations.  First, the precision work is quite impressive,
especially considering all of the odd curves and shapes.  The fret
work is better than I expected.  Very smooth and playable.  I don't
think you can get that fret work with a factory made guitar, except
perhaps on some of the boutique manufacturers. The sound is very
appealing.  It will probably develop quite a bit so it is hard to fully
assess on an instrument so new, but it is quite promising.  A nice
deep ringing tone, yet somehow delicate.  The notes are well separ-
ated and a very long sustain.  On a pick strum style the bass notes
really last and come through.  At this stage in its life I think the guitar
would be exceptional for vocal accompaniment, as it just seems to
match a voice well and not be overpowering, but present and interesting.
Appealing is probably the best word.  I'm a big fan of Gibson guitars
and they are also well suited to accompanying a voice, so this guitar
has that in common, but the tone is not like a Gibson.  Very unique
which make it very appealing to me.  Lastly I'd mention that the inton-
ation is excellent and the guitar is very playable.  Perhaps I should
have added electronics, and that may happen at some point. I'll forward
on some photos to the guy who sold us the Madagascar and follow up
with you in perhaps a month or two to let you know how its getting along. 
I'm just very pleased because only a hand made guitar could be like this
and it is just what I had in mind, after I made up my mind.  I would
highly recommend you to anyone looking for an exceptionally unique
instrument.  I'll take good care of it.

Best Wishes, 
Dale Shipley

_______________________________________________________

From: trent olver [mailto:hickwisdom@msn.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2010 10:01 PM
To: Thomas Wray
Subject: RE: Trents' Beautiful Guitar

Tom,
I am a chronic procrastinator. I also have difficulty committing to
words if I am not feeling passionate. The past few years have not
been passionate. I have something now to say about your/my guitar.
You can quote me and maybe someday soon that will matter. 

"I just played my Thomas Wray 000 custom contour at its first show.
It felt fantastic, looked sexy and more importantly it sounded amazing.
In my hands and through the system it was perfect. Every player in the
room commented on how good it looked, how great it was to play and
how balanced and warm it sounded, unplugged and through the system. 
It was like being out with your best girl/guy, and knowing everybody
wants them, but you smile because they are coming home with you.
This is what I thought after that show...Many more to come but now I
feel armed...and privileged. Thanks Tom... will be in touch in the fall
for "seasonal adjustments" and idle chatter. 
Be well,
Trent