Wright Steel

Todd Meyer · Post by **Todd Meyer** » 29 Oct 2011 8:19 am

Would like any info on this guitar. 14 string single with 3 knee levers and 8 pedals. Thanks. Todd

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 29 Oct 2011 9:28 am

Chuck Wright is a treasure because he is one of the two surviving members of the first generation modern pedal steel builders, those guys who were the contemporaries and competitors of Paul Bigsby. The man needs to be seriously interviewed.

I believe Chuck Wright and his designs from the early 60's were one of the bridges between the Bigsby-type guitar and the modern steel as we know it today.

Billy Tonnesen · Post by **Billy Tonnesen** » 29 Oct 2011 12:15 pm

One of the great things about Chuck Wright was that when I had ordered a 4-neck, 9-Pedal Steel from him, it was ready to be picked up within a couple of months. This was back around 1957. If you wanted a Bigsby you were on a three to four year waiting list.
Also his prices enabled you to afford one.

Roger Shackelton · Post by **Roger Shackelton** » 29 Oct 2011 2:22 pm

The way the legs attach to the end plate of this guitar, reminds me of the "Earthwood Guitar" that Chuck made while working for Ernie Ball in 1973.

Todd Meyer · Post by **Todd Meyer** » 29 Oct 2011 3:56 pm

Thanks guys. This has been fun. I don't play steel but do play guitar. This was my dads and since he passed a few months ago I have been looking into this for my mom. Any idea what it may be worth?

Ray Montee · Post by **Ray Montee** » 30 Oct 2011 2:52 pm

WHY....did the Wright pedal bar and pedals look so Bigsby-ish; same with the volume/tone knobs? and neck selectors? and end plate handles?

David Wright · Post by **David Wright** » 31 Oct 2011 4:17 am

After talking to my Dad, he can't remember this guitar, he didn't build a lot of 14 string, but did build Julian first ... then other builders went on to build him 14 stringers... This guitar was built here in Dallas, or in Ca with Ball...

Ray. Got to start some where, he may have had the same look in some areas, but, did go on and designed the modern steel as we know it today..... Whats you point here????

Herb.....Thank you for the nice comments...

Todd Meyer · Post by **Todd Meyer** » 31 Oct 2011 4:46 pm

David. Would there be any numbers on this somewhere I am not seeing. Like a serial number or date?

Todd Clinesmith · Post by **Todd Clinesmith** » 31 Oct 2011 8:36 pm

Yes Herb, well put.... Chuck Wright should be interviewed. If I was the interview type, I would have been on the phone with him long ago. He is a big part of steel guitar history and the steel guitar as we know today.

Todd...... there sometimes are a stamped serial numbers on the underside of the steel guitar ... on the wood platforms. Tho not all of them I have seen have serial numbers on there. If one is not easily seen , it probably does not have one. I would think the guitars is worth $1000 +, but there really is not base prices on these instruments, kinda just up to the seller and probable buyer.
Todd

David Wright · Post by **David Wright** » 1 Nov 2011 3:47 am

There should be a # on it.. he always put one on them..

John Russell · Post by **John Russell** » 1 Nov 2011 9:36 pm

Interesting to look at that vintage Wright guitar. I just bought a late '70s Sierra SD-12 and it's an amazing instrument--also designed by Chuck Wright. I can see the evolution of the folding legs. The man must be a genius with skills both as a musician and industrial designer. The parts are meticulously designed and manufactured. The guitar sounds and plays great. Thanks Chuck.

Deke Dickerson · Post by **Deke Dickerson** » 1 Nov 2011 9:59 pm

I was going to interview Chuck when I went up through the Northwest earlier this year, but the tour got cancelled. Next time I am heading up that way I hope to spend some time with him. Such an interesting guy with a TON of steel guitar history in his instruments.

On a similar note, David you'll be happy to hear that last weekend I did a festival here in Los Angeles and there were not one but TWO Wright Custom/Sierras on stage that night. Lee Jeffriess and Mikiya Matsuda both were playing early 60's Wright instruments, and both sounded absolutely amazing!

Also, David, if you're reading this, I'm sorry I dropped the ball on interviewing Chuck, but it's on my to do list for sure, and I'm not going to put it off!

Deke

David Wright · Post by **David Wright** » 2 Nov 2011 2:14 am

John,
Thank's for the kind words on my Dad, He spent a very big part of his life building & designing steel guitars..it's a shame his name isn't in any Hall of fame...

Deke,
Wondered what happen to you, my Dad was very ill in May, and in July went to live with my sister in Helena Montana..he's doing pretty good , and has great care now, he is 84 and lived by himself and just needed to have some body close ...He has read the forum now and then, my Sister shows him the topics I send her.. sure wish you would have do your interview...

Todd Meyer · Post by **Todd Meyer** » 2 Nov 2011 5:29 pm

David. I can only find one four digit number. The underside is a felt so no number there. The number 0610 is stamped on the bottom of the back plate right behind the back left leg. Any thoughts?

Todd Meyer · Post by **Todd Meyer** » 2 Nov 2011 5:32 pm

Todd. Thanks for your estimate on its possible worth. I understand what you mean by what the buyer is willing to spend.

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 2 Nov 2011 10:07 pm

John,
Thank's for the kind words on my Dad, He spent a very big part of his life building & designing steel guitars..it's a shame his name isn't in any Hall of fame...

Not to disagree with you David, but it is a crime and a sin that he is not in any Hall of Fame. I can't understand why he isn't.

David Wright · Post by **David Wright** » 3 Nov 2011 2:55 am

Richard,
I don't get it either....Maybe after he's gone, who knows, $:\$

Bill Ford · Post by **Bill Ford** » 7 Nov 2011 4:04 pm

David Wright wrote:Richard,
I don't get it either....Maybe after he's gone, who knows, $:\$

David,
It would be really nice for him to bask in the fact that his work, and forward thinking is appreciated.

Basking is not gloating...It is like the warm feeling you get when someone says thank you, and you know they really mean it..

Bill

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 8 Nov 2011 12:32 am

Off-topic, but---FORD! MY MAN!! I'm planning on going to Saluda to see Russ--you gonna be there, you old coot?
Note---I love Bill Ford.

Ray Montee · Post by **Ray Montee** » 14 Nov 2011 8:08 pm

The pedals on some of the Wrights appeared to be identical to the BIGSBY pedals/pedal bar.

I was merely curious if Paul A. actually sold parts or pieces to enterprising guitar builders (which I found hard to believe) or if it was merely an optical illusion?

Tony Glassman · Post by **Tony Glassman** » 15 Nov 2011 12:45 am

Richard Sinkler wrote:
....but it is a crime and a sin that he is not in any Hall of Fame. I can't understand why he isn't.
Yep!.....shoulda been in there in the first couple of rounds. He needs to be inducted into the SG HOF at the next St Louis convention.

Eugene Cole · Post by **Eugene Cole** » 15 Nov 2011 5:58 pm

OK; whom among us is going to take the time and make the effort to nominate the good Mr. Wright to the Hall of fame?

The Steel Guitar Hall Of Fame nomination process is here: http://www.scottysmusic.com/abouthof.htm

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 15 Nov 2011 7:00 pm

OK; whom among us is going to take the time and make the effort to nominate the good Mr. Wright to the Hall of fame?

I find it hard to believe that this hasn't already been done. And there are times when that nominating process is a bunch of crap. Every one on the HOF committee is well aware of Chuck's contributions, history etc... It doesn't need to have an encyclopedia written for them to read.

I was shocked last this year when Russ Hicks got inducted. I love Russ' playing but don't feel he should have been inducted before players like Sonny Garrish, Tommy White and a few more. He didn't do anything earth shattering in PSG history that I know of, other than playing great. Of course, that can probably be said of Tommy and Sonny too. Chuck Wright should be there for his numerous contributions to the evolution of steel guitar mechanics. I don't know if Bud Carter and Ron Lashley Sr. are in there, but they should be.

Todd Meyer · Post by **Todd Meyer** » 16 Nov 2011 6:35 pm

Who votes for inductee's?

Todd Meyer · Post by **Todd Meyer** » 16 Nov 2011 6:40 pm

OK, got it. Just had to read a little. Thanks for the web site Eugene.

The Steel Guitar Forum

Wright Steel

Wright Steel

I've always been curious............

Todd's S-14

THE POINT WAS..............not to irritate you...........