Tom Reaves

Welcome to the Official Site of the Tone Doctor

I always try to keep in mind what my father told me growing up around music – "If you can't feel it, you can't make the people feel it."

My Background

I was surrounded by music from a very early age, whether I was home with my family or at local quartet rehearsals in my hometown of Prince George, Virginia. I was a quick study, learning from my father who was a self-taught guitarist who played for several gospel groups. That influence has stuck with me to this day. It’s where I get my soulful sound and musical inspiration. In fact, my personal quest for that soulful sound and inspiration is where I got my nickname, The Tone Doctor.

I love everything about being a musician – and singing, too. It’s cool if I’m just singing at church, or playing and singing for friends and family in a small gathering, or performing on stage for 10,000 people. I love the late nights gigging or in the studio, the traveling (even the bus trips), the sound checks, the hurry up and wait routines. It’s all good. It’s just a blessing every time you get a chance to lift your voice or play your instrument.

And at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about – reaching people and communicating a feeling or series of emotions. I always try to keep in mind what my father told me growing up around music – “If you can’t feel it you can’t make the people feel it.” Because of this I always try to connect emotionally, at least to some degree with the music that I’m working on at the moment.

I think one of the greatest things about being a guitarist is that it’s an ongoing challenge every time I get to play. The instrument and various playing situations always present a challenge to improve my abilities and bring something new, fresh, or innovative to each recording or performance.

Music motivates me. Inspires me. It’s my passion.

My Collaborations

Over the years, I’ve been blessed to play, share the stage and/or study with the following artists:

Product Development and Testing with EMG pickups, Evidence Audio, and Sound Sculpture: I have ongoing relationships with both Sound Sculpture and Evidence Audio and continue to be an avid user of their products.

I’m also fortunate to have been befriended by the aforementioned as well as several other manufacturers of great music products, such as Lindy Fralin of Fralin pickups, Mario Marino of Axess electronics, and Bob Sweet of Sweetsound effects. Tones are great tools with which to help one evoke the emotions, moods, or settings desired in a musical performance.

Currently working on music production with Lamont "Hit La" Fleming and Musician/Producer Marcus Bellringer, and also guitarist for the band "The Krewe"

My Inspirations