Strick is from Virginia and has been in the Tidewater area all along.  He began earnestly playing guitar in 1980 as a result of his friendship with various musicians from the Virginia mountains.  One of his biggest idols would have to be Red Smiley of the well known bluegrass duo Reno & Smiley.  While Strick is humble in regards to his craft,  there is no question of the talent in his guitar leads and their presence in the distinct sound of the band. Strick plays an HD 28 Herringbone Martin Guitar.