OnLine Memorial Service for John Fabian (CarterSteelGuitars)

Obituaries and remembrances
of steel guitarists, their friends and families

Moderators: Donna Dodd, Lori Lee Smith

Post Reply
James Pennebaker
Posts: 358
Joined: 15 Dec 1998 1:01 am
Location: Mt. Juliet, TN

Post by James Pennebaker »

Shock doesn't begin to describe how I feel. I've not visited the Forum in quite some time, logged on just now and this is the first thing I see. It took my breath away. I had no idea that he had been ill. I've been playing a Carter guitar since around 2004 and have spoken to John on the phone a few times. I finally got to meet him personally at a NAMM show a few years back. As Ann's post says, service to others was of the utmost importance to John and I can testify to that. My prayers and condolences go out to Ann and the rest of the Fabian family.

James Pennebaker
Last edited by James Pennebaker on 30 Jan 2010 12:38 pm, edited 2 times in total.
User avatar
Buck Grantham
Posts: 3155
Joined: 30 Sep 1999 12:01 am
Location: Denham Springs, LA. USA

John

Post by Buck Grantham »

John was always friendly to us and very helpfull . we are very saddened by his passing and our condolances go out to Ann and the family. Love, Buck & Mitzi .
Music to light up your life
Rob Parker
Posts: 1771
Joined: 17 Apr 2000 12:01 am
Location: Paducah, Kentucky, R.I.P.

Post by Rob Parker »

Miss Ann,
My heart and my prayers go out to you and the family. Mr John was a good friend for over 35 years. This is a shock, and very sad news..
My thoughts, and prayers ..
RP...'come on in'...
User avatar
Eddie D.Bollinger
Posts: 602
Joined: 6 Aug 1998 12:01 am
Location: Calhoun City, Mississippi

Post by Eddie D.Bollinger »

I have to recall John's dry wit. When I was researching my Carter, I would call him and ask how this color top would look with "this" color apron.
Finally, John told me that all my combinations would
be added to their "bizarre" file.

He was a true genius. I pray for Ms. Ann and his
family. He will be missed by them and all of us who
called upon his expertise from year to year.

Eddie
Steve Alcott
Posts: 1625
Joined: 6 Sep 2002 12:01 am
Location: New York, New York, USA

Post by Steve Alcott »

My deepest sympathy to Ann and all at Carter. I always enjoyed my conversations with John at TSGA.
Jeff Coffell
Posts: 1360
Joined: 20 Jan 2000 1:01 am
Location: Killeen Texas

Post by Jeff Coffell »

A shock to say the least. I didn't own a Carter guitar but have talked to Ann and John through the years and looked forward to seeing them in the Carter Room at the TSGA Jamboree.

Our prayers go up for Ann and the family.

God will bless our souls.

Jeff & Regina Coffell
User avatar
Chet Force
Posts: 117
Joined: 8 Sep 1999 12:01 am
Location: Florida, Sun City Center

Post by Chet Force »

This is quite a shock. Mine and Arlene's sincere condolences go out to Ann and the family. ...

Chet & Arlene
Scott Truax
Posts: 500
Joined: 11 Jan 1999 1:01 am
Location: Florida

Post by Scott Truax »

As is everyone, I, too, am shocked to learn of
John's passing.
He was as "World Class" as Carter guitars.
And will be missed by many in the steel guitar community.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Ann.

Scott
User avatar
Nick Reed
Posts: 4746
Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
Location: Russellville, KY USA

Post by Nick Reed »

Our deepest sympathy to you Ann and your family in this time of sorrow.




Nick & Linda
User avatar
Jim Lindsey (Louisiana)
Posts: 1118
Joined: 27 Oct 1998 1:01 am
Location: Greenwell Springs, Louisiana (deceased)

Post by Jim Lindsey (Louisiana) »

The words "shocked" and "saddened" cannot begin to describe what I'm feeling now. My heart goes out to you and your family, Ann, along with my deepest & sincerest condolences and most earnest prayers.

John will be sorely missed, and always remembered.
1986 Mullen D-10 with 8 & 7 (Dual Bill Lawrence 705 pickups each neck)
Two Peavey Nashville 400 Amps (with a Session 500 in reserve) - Yamaha SPX-90 II
Peavey ProFex II - Yamaha R-1000 Digital Reverb - Ross Time Machine Digital Delay - BBE Sonic Maximizer 422A
ProCo RAT R2DU Dual Distortion - Korg DT-1 Pro Tuner (Rack Mounted) - Furman PL-8 Power Bay
Goodrich Match-Bro by Buddy Emmons - BJS Steel Bar (Dunlop Finger Picks / Golden Gate Thumb Picks)
User avatar
Bob Blair
Posts: 2623
Joined: 15 Jul 1999 12:01 am
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Post by Bob Blair »

I have been remembering some very special times at the Carter booths in Dallas and St. Louis. John and Ann were very generous to all of us in making those times possible. Thanks for the memories.
User avatar
Brian Folks
Posts: 412
Joined: 15 Feb 2007 8:07 am
Location: N. Padre Island, Tx.

Post by Brian Folks »

I was very SHOCKED to hear of John's passing...i had met John in late 1998 and had drove to Mesquite to order a new Carter at that time...that was right when they were coming out with the new BCT in early 1999 that i had received my new Carter...John was always very honest and helpful with everyone he sold a Carter to...He will be "Missed" by all who knew him...My condolence goes out to Ann Fabian and all the Family...God Bless

Brian & Carolyn Folks
User avatar
Ken Fox
Posts: 9620
Joined: 20 Apr 2001 12:01 am
Location: Nashville GA USA

Post by Ken Fox »

Ruth and I wish to extend our condolences. John was a truly great asset to the steel guitar comunity, he will be missed by so many! He leaves a great legacy behind, the world class Carter Steel guitars.

May he rest in eternal peace. Our hearts go out to Ann in her time of mourning.
Don Walters
Posts: 1355
Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
Location: Saskatchewan Canada

Post by Don Walters »

It's difficult to know what to say. John will surely be missed.

Sincere condolences to Anne, and all family members
Larry Waisner
Posts: 254
Joined: 20 Jan 2009 10:00 am

What a loss

Post by Larry Waisner »

What a great loss of a truly Great man. John you were the one that convinced me in buying my first Carter.
My prayers to you Ann and family.
Regards,
Larry Waisner
User avatar
Paddy Long
Posts: 5462
Joined: 19 Aug 2003 12:01 am
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand

Post by Paddy Long »

I'm still flabbergasted with the news ..it's almost beyond comprehension that John has left us.
One of the things I always looked forward to upon arrival at the Dallas show was the wonderful welcome John and Ann always had for me ... they always made me feel like I was family!
I never knew he had been ill, or for so long, I guess that's a reflection of the dignity of the man ...I will miss his wonderfully intelligent mind and the generous way he would always make time to stop and talk ...despite being the busiest man in the place.
My sincerest condolences to Ann and family.
14'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
08'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
94' Franklin Stereo D10 9+8
Telonics, Peterson, Steelers Choice, Benado, Lexicon, Red Dirt Cases.
User avatar
Tony Davis
Posts: 5127
Joined: 6 Feb 1999 1:01 am
Location: Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Post by Tony Davis »

I am in Shock !! I liked John
My thoughts are with you Ann
Tony
Evelyn Whitney
Posts: 903
Joined: 7 Aug 1998 12:01 am
Location: Muskegon, MI 49441 USA

Post by Evelyn Whitney »

So very sorry to hear this sad news.
Hard to believe.
LT Zinn
User avatar
Mike Ester
Posts: 635
Joined: 29 Sep 2005 12:01 am
Location: New Braunfels, Texas, USA
Contact:

Post by Mike Ester »

Ann, I am so sorry to hear about this. Please accept my condolences for your loss.
User avatar
T. C. Furlong
Posts: 1195
Joined: 24 Oct 2002 12:01 am
Location: Lake County, Illinois, USA
Contact:

Post by T. C. Furlong »

I join the steel guitar community in offering my deepest condolences. John has always been so friendly and professional. He will be missed.
TC
Jonathan Cullifer
Posts: 1132
Joined: 30 Sep 1998 12:01 am
Location: Gallatin, TN

Post by Jonathan Cullifer »

I'm shocked and saddened to hear this. I have played a Carter for nearly twelve years now, and John was always very helpful if I had a question. I enjoyed talking to him an the phone and seeing him at steel shows. He will be missed.
User avatar
Mike Neer
Posts: 10990
Joined: 9 Dec 2002 1:01 am
Location: NJ
Contact:

Post by Mike Neer »

My sincere condolences. I think it says a lot about John the fact that he battled so long with his illness and how many of his friends didn't even know it. He must have been like a rock.
Louie Hallford
Posts: 994
Joined: 28 Jan 1999 1:01 am
Location: denison tx

Post by Louie Hallford »

Ann,like so many others,I was totally shocked and unaware of John's long illness and found out about his passing away today, when when I received a phone call from a friend asking me if I knew.

My mind immediately goes back ,remembering the many pleasant times when I stopped by the shop to visit he and Bud, going out to lunch with them, and watching them build guitars. I pray God's goodness for you and for the continued success of the company.

Hope to see you in Dallas
User avatar
Richard Sinkler
Posts: 17067
Joined: 15 Aug 1998 12:01 am
Location: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

Post by Richard Sinkler »

Damn! :cry: I don't know what to say. What a terrible blow to the steel guitar community. My prayers and best wishes go out to Ann and the family. I will truly miss John.
Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, NV400, NV112 . Playing for 53 years and still counting.
Spencer Scott
Posts: 109
Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
Location: England (deceased)

Post by Spencer Scott »

I read this yesterday,but found it very upsetting to post till now.John was one of a kind,the big thing I will always remember was his big welcome smile that said it all.My condolences to Ann and all the family.
Spencer Scott.UK.
Post Reply