Guitarist and Vocalist Rick Wapinsky is originally from Cressona, PA in Schuylkill County. Rick initially wanted to learn drums, but was
persuaded by his dad to play a "quieter" instrument. He began guitar lessons at age seven. Rick was in his first band at age twelve and played in several Pottsville, PA area bands until graduation from high school. While attending college in Williamsport he became the guitarist for the immensely popular "V.I.P.'S" fronted by Tony Caschera. Rick stayed in the band from late 1979 until his relocation to Bakersfield, California in early 1987.

While living in Bakersfield  Rick began attending "open mike nights" at several honky-tonks and developed an appreciation for Western Swing and traditional country music. He later spent some time playing in a house band.  In 1998 Rick moved back to Williamsport and again joined forces with Tony. After a few more years of occasional gigs The "V.I.P.'S" name was retired. Rick and Tony started Top Shelf in 2005.

Favorite guitarists include Stevie Ray Vaughn, George Benson, Brian Setzer, Robben Ford, Gary Moore, Neal Schon, Danny Gatton, Eric Johnson, Jeff Beck and  Junior Brown. Rick was fortunate enough to have seen SRV, Benson, Setzer, Beck and Brown live in concert.

Rick's main guitar is a Paul Reed Smith Custom 22 Special, modified with Lindy Fralin pickups. Other guitars include a PRS Custom 24 Hardtail and a self-built Big Dog Custom Guitars Strat with EMG pickups. Rick prefers 50-watt tube amps and is currently using a Dr. Z EZG-50 head with a Dr. Z 2X12 "Z Best" cabinet loaded with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers. His pedalboard features effects from Fulltone, Xotic, TC Electronic and Voodoo Labs and a Line6 X2 digital wireless system.

Rick resides in Loyalsock Township with wife Keri, their lovely daughter, and " Eli " the Goldendoodle band mascot.

Special thanks to Ken Wittman for his great work on my instruments!