Dave Robbins - super steel-tech!!!

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 13 Jan 2008 7:00 am

A short time ago I got my Emmons LeGrande 111 back from Dave after he'd worked his magic on it.

I had this D10 new in late-2000, and it's has a hard life! It's been loved, but it's traveled a bunch of miles, spent weeks on end on open-air gigs and, worst of all, has had to put up with my inept attempts to change some of the 'pulls' around on the odd occasion. I figure it's played close to 2000 shows.

It was time for it to be 'gone through', and Dave undertook the task. He took it all apart, and he's reworked it, checkng all the ratios and attending to many tiny issues of which I've been unaware.

The guitar is now sparkling - it looks like new, and it plays better! It doesn't hurt that Dave is a fine player - he knows how a well-adjusted guitar should feel. He has a clean and well-equipped workshop just north of Nashville.

I enthusiastically endorse his work. Contact him by e-mail at:

DavesStlGtrShop@comcast.net

I couldn't be happier with my gorgeous 'new' black Emmons LeGrande!!!

Thanks, Dave...

RR

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 13 Jan 2008 11:37 am

Good for you Roger. Good to know Dave is a steel mechanic too. Fabulous picker as well

I miss seeing his posts here on the forum. I don't get to see the Opry anymore, so I always looked forward to his input and insight as to what was going on around there.

Johnny Jones · Post by **Johnny Jones** » 14 Jan 2008 5:49 pm

I miss Dave Robbins posts too,but he posts on the Christian Steel Guitar Forum.I like his posts about the Grand Ole Orpy,and other musicians.When you hear Dave play behind Jean Shepperd on the Orpy,he has one of the best tone's i have ever heard.When Jean sings Tennessee Waltz,Dave plays some of the most tasteful and full sounding back-up you will ever hear.He has that Classic Emmons sound.I have heard that he is a good Steel Tech also.
Johnny Jones

Dave Robbins · Post by **Dave Robbins** » 14 Jan 2008 9:39 pm

Roger

Thanks very much! You have a great guitar that was well worth the extra effort. Hope the new pickup arrangement is working well for you, too.

I seldom have the time to post here on the forum much anymore, but I do "peak in" occasionally. My repair shop business has really picked up, so if I'm not pickin' with Jean or playing an occasional session, I'm usually elbow deep in somebody's steel.

Thanks, guys, for the kind words.

Dave

robert kramer · Post by **robert kramer** » 15 Jan 2008 11:01 am

I am also a client of Dave Robbins' Steel Guitar Shop. I've learned over the years, it's an advantage to use a steel tech that is also a professional musician. Dave, as an Opry sideman, session player and live player, knows first hand all the situations the mechanism of steel guitar will be subjected to and he is expert at maintaining a steel guitar accordingly.

I’ve also picked up many very helpful tuning, playing and effects tips from just hanging around the shop while Dave changed a pickup or performed a tune-up. I play a Legrande III and Dave is especially adept and innovative at adjusting the counterforce on these guitars to your specific tuning, playing and pedal action requirements.

Finally, I can think right now of five players, here in town, who have been very happy with their steels after coming away from Dave’s shop.

You can contact Dave Robbins at his shop:

DavesStlGtrShop@comcast.net

Tyler Hall · Post by **Tyler Hall** » 15 Jan 2008 12:30 pm

I've been trying to get my LeGrande III to him, but I haven't had the time yet. I've heard he is the best Emmons doctor around. One of these days when they let me off the road long enough, I'm going to get him to fix 'er up.

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 15 Jan 2008 1:13 pm

I've been playing it all day today, and getting to appreciate Dave's work all the more!

Robert: Tuning tips?

Dave has persuaded me to sharpen up those G#s so I'm more in tune with the real world - I fought that misconception for years, but he's absolutely right, and now my jaded old ears are really enjoying it!

He sorted out MY Counterforce, too. He's a real treasure all right!

RR

Dave Robbins · Post by **Dave Robbins** » 15 Jan 2008 9:36 pm

Thanks again everyone. Ya'll know that my door is always open and the welcome mat is always out.

Tyler
Just give me a call when you're ready.

Dave

Loren Nelson · Post by **Loren Nelson** » 17 Jan 2008 1:13 am

I only have one Steel and Tracy Lawrence works 11 months a year. Dave has saved the day for me so many times! He does terrific work. I've got an original short key head LeGrande (79' or 80') and Dave has rebuilt and restored this guitar to perfection! Thanks Dave!

Loren Nelson · Post by **Loren Nelson** » 17 Jan 2008 1:13 am

I only have one Steel and Tracy Lawrence works 11 months a year. Dave has saved the day for me so many times! He does terrific work. I've got an original short key head LeGrande (79' or 80') and Dave has rebuilt and restored this guitar to perfection! Thanks Dave!