The Last Fender Guitar

George Keoki Lake · Post by **George Keoki Lake** » 13 Dec 2007 8:17 pm

A little birdie whispered in my ear of a strong possibily that a great book titled: "The Last Fender Guitar" will become available soon. I cannot say exactly "when", but rest assured it will be soon ! When it does become available, you'll want to order your copy, (no matter the price), from the author. Three guesses who he is, and the first five won't count ! Suffice to say, I am NOT the author. Big hint: His middle name is "Tweed"

Andy Sandoval · Post by **Andy Sandoval** » 13 Dec 2007 10:13 pm

George, this is gonna be something to jump up and down about, and really long over due.

George Keoki Lake · Post by **George Keoki Lake** » 13 Dec 2007 10:33 pm

ANDY: CHORDS AND RIFFS, VERY EXCITING STEELER ! Gee, I wonder who that describes ?

Roger Shackelton · Post by **Roger Shackelton** » 14 Dec 2007 1:02 am

Andy & George, you guys are way too clever.

Andy Zynda · Post by **Andy Zynda** » 14 Dec 2007 6:48 am

Can only be the man with the Pants.
Man, I cant wait to read this book.
Woo Hoo!
-andy-

Andy Sandoval · Post by **Andy Sandoval** » 14 Dec 2007 7:19 am

Yep, this book's gonna be great. Jody's got so many interesting stories about people that he's met during his great career. I can't wait!

George Keoki Lake · Post by **George Keoki Lake** » 14 Dec 2007 9:54 am

"Who was that masked man, anyway ?"

Rick Collins · Post by **Rick Collins** » 14 Dec 2007 10:19 am

You can't fool me. It's obvious you are talking about Freddie Fender's son.

Hank Pell · Post by **Hank Pell** » 14 Dec 2007 10:56 am

Jody, Are you shure that book is ever going to get finished? Put some extra virgin olive oil on that project,& some hot peppers too .That usually works for me when i am working on something. Brocoli Rab is another good pusher also.

John Bechtel · Post by **John Bechtel** » 14 Dec 2007 12:59 pm

I've heard about this forthcoming book for a long time and now I think it's almost ready to share with everyone. Just a little more patience and we'll all have some very interesting reading to do! This story could only be told properly by one particular person! He's very particular and it requires some time to do it up right! It will have been quite worthwhile waiting for, I'm sure! I'm looking forward to my copy! I wonder if it will be Autographed!

George Keoki Lake · Post by **George Keoki Lake** » 14 Dec 2007 3:21 pm

The mysterious author, (whoever "Tweed" is....?) has informed me that for a very small nominal extra fee of only $3,000,00 (less senior's discount), he will be happy to personally autograph the book in my name ! Wow ! What a bargain for a real keepsake this book promises to be! I'm ordering two autographed copies !!!! (Divorce pending). I won't mind living in total poverty after receiving my copies ! Bring on da book! Bring on da book!

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 14 Dec 2007 4:19 pm

I would like to address those of you who have posted on my behalf and offered your friendship to me over the past years as a member of this Forum. As my years advance I find it difficult to recall much of what I have experienced since first I became a Fender Salesman, My memories of those early years have been dear to my heart and yet, I find at times as I read what I have composed to emotionally overcome me. Somewhat like a group of musicians who feed off of one
another to get the enthusiasm to work as a group and not as a soloist. I have been lax in my bringing the Last Fender Guitar to you on this Forum, where my stories have been long and sometimes boring, yet those of you who have supported our efforts are those for who I write this book. I have had many heartaches and fun times remembering my life over those years since the early 1950's, my life has been complete and I wanted to let you all know where this project stands at this juncture. I have been in close touch with the legal department In Scottsdale Arizona and have discussed the contents of my writings with Robyn Orsini who heads up the legal department at Fender. Robyn questioned the title and was wondering what it implied
As she asked me to describe the reason for the title as to avoid any misconception that The title was that of that last or finest of Fender guitars.I understood her concern and explained the story as to how I arrived at this title. Robyn then gave me the full run
to go on with The Last Fender Guitar and has asked me to send her the finished product and not having to have anyone at Fender to be concerned as to my in any way shape or form infringing on Fender's patent rights
We agreed, however there are other bridges to cross at this juncture,I have others to accept my stories which they are mentioned, that I know I can overcome as this is not a book of a technical nature but one of the human interest. I have long since given up on this project and crossed it off as something that could have been, It was my late wife Marilyn's desire to see this book finalized. I had to have help and lots of it. Some of you have offered your support,
Marilyn was God Rest her soul the driving force behind my insecurity had given to me her support to compose a book. I have I believe reached the pinnacle of the intentions of this of my memories and we will hopefully bring The Last Fender Guitar to it's conclusion by this March at the very latest. Thank you John Bechtel God Rest your soul, and to my friend Hank Pell, I thank him for being the friend that he has all through the years since 1947
Rick Collins, thank you for your comment which I found amusing

My good friend Andy Zynda a fine musician another who has been supportive to me in writing this book Andy Sandoval a creative musician and a sincere friend. Roger Shackelton, thank you as well.
. And to Dave Van Allen who has been a major part in support of The Hot Club Of America and to Mike Gross who took the Hot Club Of America from oblivion to where it is today and to my friend the late Rick Alexander who has honored me with an impressive to say the least website..It is those of you who have given to me your friendship and encouragement to do this.And for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart.The Last Fender Guitar has three Chapters to go and that will finalize my efforts ..I have two flash drives and I'm looking for a publisher we had one, but it didn't work out I will keep on trying Yes Sandy has helped me very much editing and adding to the chapters she is a good friend and always will be, however Sandy was not there in the early days, I Met Sandy in 1950 and we were friends until 1952 and then she went her way and I went mine
Sandy was with My Dad when I did the Perry Como first ever TV show and will always remember that, that was something I was very proud of, My mom and dad thought very much of Sandy. Then Sandy went to College and I pursued my life as an endorser for Fender and then a Fender Salesman. it was on March sixteenth 2005 that Sandy and Her husband Richard found me on the Steel Guitar Forum and to this very day we are the very best of friends.It was Sandy and Richard who took all those photos that are on the website as you see January28, 2006. thank you Sandy and Richard for all you're help and friendship this photo of Sandy and myself was ONCE UPON A TIME...and that is something I will never ever forget It will be there Forever
Sandy is the winner in Ms Senior California and that is really Wonderful she's Great Vocalist and I'm Proud of her and I Know Richard and all of her family and friends are....and still as pretty as she was back then..Sandy has helped me with this book and added I have said this many times, I couldn't have done this without her... Thank you Sandy and thank you Richard for helping both Sandy and myself...... you are my dearest friends and thank both of you Sandy and Richard for visiting my mom and Dad's resting place...thank you so very much...Cypress Hills Queens New York Thank You!!
Wait there is more, and thank you for this and having me at your home I had a wonderful time!!! And in Cancun I had a wonderful time with You guys and Janet these are memories what will always be in my heart FOREVER!!!! Sandy and thank you for sending Mr Randall a copy of your Great Sands Of a Time Gone By he loved it God Bless Mr.Randall and thank you so much his favorite song was ONCE UPON A TIME thank you..And when I arrived at Burbank how Richard and yourself and you guys had a sign covered with Tweed and it said Welcome Knight Of Fender Tweed, wow and the dinner at your home with Richard and yourself and Loni and Charlotte and Rudy and I saw Kathy for the first time and she said to me Hey Jody where the hell have you been for the last ninety years and the food was GREAT What a wonderful time I had I have many memories of those times.....I cant thank you enough...However Sandy helped me compose our book. more to come later!!!!! Jody- The Knight Of TRUTH

Jody- and don't you ever forget that!!! ever
Your Friend Always!

My Best to you, because you are the Best.

Jody.

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 14 Dec 2007 9:10 pm

Jody, I will never forget our conversation and when you told me about THE last Fender guitar.
Merry Christmas and best of health for the New Year.
Mike

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 16 Dec 2007 2:17 pm

George how can you lead people on....you have no chapters you have no flash drives I have all the Chapters what you're doing is like selling from an empty grocery store people cant buy that

.

Mike Thank you yes the last chapter is something I'll never forget, however George has nothing I have all the chapters we're looking for a publisher...

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 16 Dec 2007 4:18 pm

So glad to hear the book is finally becoming a reality, Jody!

Like Dorthy Parker alegedly said to a brand new mother, "I knew you had it in you!"

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 16 Dec 2007 4:34 pm

Hi Andy....you have done wonders with your books and I take my hat off to you for writing such wonderful books..I thought it would be a piece of cake and it's not. ..Thanks again. as for My Marilyn...I miss her more and more and more every day

Andy there will be no book..if so Sandy will work on this with me she was there....It wasn't the fault of Ron Middlebrook I have respect for him but I lost my respect for George Lake

Your friend

Jody

Ron Brennan · Post by **Ron Brennan** » 17 Dec 2007 12:16 pm

Last week I left the airplanes at EWR and had the great fortune to take Jody up on his invitation and visit with the Knight of Fender Tweed at his lovely home in PA.

What a treat and honour it was to spend the day, jam and reminisce with this accomplished person, Steel Guitar Hall of Fame icon and Fender Business man.

And what a life Jody Carver has had and continues to have. While retired, he is in relative good health and more importantly, still very, very young at heart.

Fender Instruments, its formation and success’s around the world of music is nothing short of spectacular and certainly changed the life of millions of musicians and music lovers, not just here, but around the world. Jody Carver not only lived it, but was an integral part of this First Class organization. Fender, through Leo Fender and Don Randall, were very lucky to have this brilliant and principled man in their employ. They knew talent when they saw it. His creative business mind, musical talent and personal integrity were just a few of the values Fender got from Jody and these were a major influence on the Fender success story.

Jody has so much to say and write it’s no wonder the book is taking time. This was the man’s life!! The wonderful thing is; he has total recall and memories of many major events, people, stars and fans of Fender Guitars and Electronics while it was a young company and beyond. Still, he was always a husband, father and a sincere friend first. Don’t get better than that.

I can tell you right now, this book will be a very, very captivating and a great read for all of us, young & old alike.

The Knight of Fender Tweed, for all his self deprecating humor, humbleness and sensitivity, is a very articulate individual and is making sure it is all as accurate as can be.

While the formation of the last three chapters is in his mind, Jody is putting excerpts of them through the editing filter and here’s where Sandy has been very helpful to him in this regard.

Oh yeah, his playing on that triple neck Fender Steel Guitar of his is simply STUNNING!! I have never seen a player do what he can do with 3 live necks and will use them all in one song!!!

Moreover, his musicality strength & creativity is colossally awesome. What would he have done with a PSG and its inherent versatility if it were around at the time is just a mind boggling thing to contemplate.

And by the way, he got on my PSG and ate that up too!! Gheesh!! Holy Pastrami!!

Mr. Carver, you are really something!!!!!! Thank you for your warm hospitality and for the sharing…….the pleasure was indeed, all mine!!! TX

Rgds,

Ron

Loni Specter · Post by **Loni Specter** » 17 Dec 2007 5:13 pm

Well well well. It's about time! Can't wait to read it!
Jody, you should put my name in the book somewhere. No special reason other than I just like to see my name in print!
Merry Christmas.

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 17 Dec 2007 6:20 pm

Thank you Ron..and for your email to me..all is well

Captain Brennan thank you for you're phone call.

Blue Skies ahead Captain Brennan

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 17 Dec 2007 6:32 pm

Loni..You Bet Loni all you have to do is tell Sandy, I'm for it and I'm sure she will be as well, Give my best to your mom and dad and remember that dinner we had at Sandy and Richards house that was fantabulous (new word) for me and if I had to eat there often I'd weigh 200 pounds GREAT food and a Great Cook and she sings Great as well and Sandy will be with me on our book George Lake was NOT there Sandy was...

Your friend

Jody-

Kevin Mincke · Post by **Kevin Mincke** » 17 Dec 2007 8:18 pm

Haven't heard from ol' Jody for awhile but kinda figured he'd be up to something creative. Thanks & loooking forward to it's release. Some real memorable Fender moments!

Hank Pell · Post by **Hank Pell** » 18 Dec 2007 7:27 am

Ive Known Jody Carver since 1947, And every thing Ron Brennan says about him is a fact. (Brimstone And Fire)

John Bechtel · Post by **John Bechtel** » 18 Dec 2007 9:17 am

I was so excited with the expectations of having a new book at my door to read, at any minute that I completely forgot to insert my two-cents last night. I was watching my mailbox and eventually fell asleep and only woke up now! I'll just keep watching and hoping and waiting!

Don Sulesky · Post by **Don Sulesky** » 18 Dec 2007 12:07 pm

I'm looking forward to reading Jody's book.
It's been a long time in the making and I'm sure it will be worth every penny.
It's not everyone who can write about their life and have it affected so many in doing so.
How many of us have purchased a Fender through the years that was put in those music stores because of Jody. I know I have from my emails with Jody in the past.
I'm glad to call him my friend.
Don

Andy Zynda · Post by **Andy Zynda** » 18 Dec 2007 2:15 pm

No such thing as a 'long and boring" story from Jody Carver. Incredible and fantastic, almost to the point of being unbeleivable, but never boring!

Congrats my friend, you have survived the ancient Chinese curse, "May you live in interesting times" and have become part of all of our "interesting times" in the process.

-andy z-

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