My latest and probably Last Work

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 21 May 2004 6:53 pm

Well it's a great result but sad story. This Pro~II came to me from Jim Ives in L.A. and was a wreck..ah..ha....but Ray Walker did a total strip/sanding/staining Refinish on the body and I did the rest.
But the sad part is; I just can't do this tedious finger work anymore, as my hands are Fried and wrist/carpel tunnel/numbness and severe pain at night has caught up to me. I will do small jobs here and there for guys that are extreamly patient in the amount of time it takes me to work(30 minutes on then lay down and cry for an hour; then 30 minutes again and well you get the drift)....I do love doing this work more than life itself; but I can't hardly grab anything anymore with fingertip pressure; before it puts me down.
But take a look at this beauty...ha.

Farewell for just a while.
Ricky

Chuck Martin · Post by **Chuck Martin** » 21 May 2004 7:03 pm

Now come on Ricky, you expect us to believe that's not a brand new guitar. I heard that Gretsch might be selling Sho-Buds again.

C Dixon · Post by **C Dixon** » 21 May 2004 7:13 pm

As always Ricky,

Absolutely gorgeous. I could not brag on it enough. Dang you are good friend.

May our precious Lord bring you healing and comfort and richly bless you always,

carl

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 21 May 2004 7:25 pm

Thanks guys and I just re-read my posting and MY GOSH it sounds like I'm having a Huge Pity Party..ha...>sorry for the pathetic sympathy trip and I don't mean it that way.
I've received emails about Carpel tunnel for some time now; and I would certainly consider having it done if I had any Insurance or Money at all; but I don't...>so there I go again with my "Pity Party"..ha.....
Ricky

Al Marcus · Post by **Al Marcus** » 21 May 2004 8:49 pm

Hi Ricky-Just take a vacation break for awhile and rest up those hands. They will heal up and you will be raring to go again. At least you should try it for awhile. Good luck and best wishes.....al

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My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus/

Jerry Clardy · Post by **Jerry Clardy** » 21 May 2004 10:36 pm

Ricky - Please go to the Doctor or do whatever it takes to get this fixed. Your work is some of the best I've ever seen.

Chippy Wood · Post by **Chippy Wood** » 22 May 2004 12:17 am

Hi Ricky,
I do hope this is definately Not your last restoration work, I do so much enjoy looking at the other jobs you have done and have sat drooling over them for long enough.
I had always hoped to have a good classic for you to work your magic on.
Hurry up and get right again.
All the best.

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Ron (Chippy) Wood
Emmons D10

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 22 May 2004 12:20 am

Hi Ricky

as usual, you're surpassing yourself on the restorations
like the bros above say, Take it easy will ya' and get them hands treated
time to do the restoration on yourself !

All the Best Bro' !

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 22 May 2004 1:13 am

Yipes..Awesome..

Boy that Ray Walker..he's a rascal ain't he ?

Well Ricky..I would say that it's a pretty effective 30 minutes then !

t

Jackie Anderson · Post by **Jackie Anderson** » 22 May 2004 2:49 am

While you're saving up for a trip to the doctor, put on some of those drug store wrist/hand braces and take some Naproxin.

B.Jenkins · Post by **B.Jenkins** » 22 May 2004 3:55 am

Ricky, I went through the same thing myself awhile back, and it got to the point that the pain went to wrist and forearm, thren to my elbow, and at last to my shoulder, and my thumb and two fingers ached so bad, that I couldnt pick up a darn thing without the pain getting to me, so I went to the doctor, and he said that if I didnt have the surgery, that in time, I could be holding something, and all of a sudden I would lose my grip and drop what ever I was holding, and after awhile it will get to a point that even surgery wont cure the problem, and I was scared silly to have them cut on me, but when it was all said and done,It didnt amount to anything, the scar was so small, that you really couldnt see it, and today there isnt any scar at all. but NO MORE PAIN . I hope everything works out for you,
God Bless
Billy... Williams 400 SD- 10.. Evans SE200 amps..

Paul King · Post by **Paul King** » 22 May 2004 5:18 am

Ricky, You did an awesome job on that steel. Every picture I have seen of the work you did looks fantastic. I would tell you even though you have a superb talent for this kind of work, take care of yourself and family first. I am sure your heart is torn over this decision but your health should be your main concern. I completely understand your decision and I sure pray for your health and hope the docs can get you taken care of.

Drew Howard · Post by **Drew Howard** » 22 May 2004 5:33 am

Hey Ricky,

You're restoration work is most excellent!

Sorry to hear about your pain, here's hoping you get it licked soon!

Drew

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Drew's Website

Fred Martin · Post by **Fred Martin** » 22 May 2004 6:00 am

With all that pain Ricky that Sho-Bud will probably do a bang up job on those sad old songs and you'll be in even more demand.

Rest up and hope you get to feeling ok.

Peter Feller · Post by **Peter Feller** » 22 May 2004 6:37 am

Ricky,
Brilliant job on the guitar, man. Congratulations. As for the wrist and hand problems, you may well be able to help yourself. I have been through the injury/recovery cycle hundreds of times (ironwork, carpentry, ice hockey, taking out the garbage) and I have found that rest is the first best trial. If your problem isn't too far along, those wrist braces with the metal rib in them really do help. But you have to make up your mind to let it work. Most people get frustrated with the restriction in a day and take them off, especially if they are still trying to do the same things. I have used the wrist brace a few times in the last thirty years, and if I religiously keep it on all day, and through the night if I can, I will start to notice results in about three days or so. (Don't take it off too soon) It can be an annoyance because you can't reach into your pocket, among other things, but it's a cheap and easy test to do. Best of luck to you. Your posts are always a treat. Thanks.

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 22 May 2004 7:14 am

Thanks everyone for the encouraging words on healing; and I will Heal, but my problem is I have such a high tolerance for pain that I don't know when to quit.
I have had lots of great suggestions and will consider them all; and hopefully get on the backside of this, so I can do what I love to do.
Ricky

Terry Sneed · Post by **Terry Sneed** » 22 May 2004 9:46 am

WOW! what a beauty! Ricky, I've had CP surgery on my left hand, and will probly have to have it on the right also. I can't play 15 minutes before I can't even feel my fingers. so I feel your pain. and I know it's next to impossible to have surgery without insurance. but I hope somehow you can continue your beautiful work on steel guitars. that's about the pertiest thing I've ever seen.

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84 SKH Emmons Legrand D10
session 400'rd Steelin for my Lord.

Ray Montee · Post by **Ray Montee** » 22 May 2004 4:39 pm

What kind of market might there be for older guitars that have been recondition/cycled like those you've done and shared with us?
Beautiful craftmanship! What might the one shown, sell for BEFORE and/or AFTER your fine work?
I hate to see these abused instruments going on auction for such crummy prices when they could be turned into "better than new" condition by you and your pal.

Jud Thomas · Post by **Jud Thomas** » 22 May 2004 5:40 pm

Wow! You're work is so beautiful! I live in Austin and am new to this instrument. I'd heard about your work and I have a beat up Sho-Bud S10 that I would love to give your treatment to someday, so I really hope you heal and get back into this. Your restorations look absolutely stunning!!! Please keep us posted as to your possible return to restoration work!
God bless,
Jud Thomas
p.s. You rock with Redd!

chas smith · Post by **chas smith** » 22 May 2004 7:27 pm

DON'T get the surgery, stop doing this work for a while and there are exercises that will help. Meanwhile, your loss is our loss--chas

Gary Walker · Post by **Gary Walker** » 22 May 2004 9:35 pm

Now, that's one redhead that can turn my head and catch my eye anytime. Beautiful. Besides that, my wife Okays that type of ogling.

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 23 May 2004 9:31 am

Thanks everyone.
Ray; that Shobud probably around a grand before...and possibly a little over 2 grand now.
Jud; no worries pal....I can do your S-10 whenever you want.
Chas; I like your suggestion best..ah..ha..and I am doing just that.
My hands feel great to play Steel and play Golf and do most anything; but fingertip pressure that comes with working on these steels is the only prob....but taking a break from it is a good thing....but if someone needs a job done...well I can't resist; but will have to be on my schedule.
Ricky

Bob Watson · Post by **Bob Watson** » 23 May 2004 10:05 am

Ricky, I am sorry to hear about your carpel tunnel syndrome. I hope that you can figure out a way to get the medical attention that you need, remember, "necessity is the mother of invention". You do an incredible job fixing up those old Sho-Buds, maybe you could find someone interested in learning how to rebuild vintage steels and teach them all of your tricks. I am glad to hear it hasn't affected your playing or your golf game. Good Luck!

Steven Black · Post by **Steven Black** » 24 May 2004 2:56 am

Hey Ricky, I would not go to say it will be your last guitar, There will be one you will say I will have to do a restore, and it will be a guitar you will want for your self or to keep around the house because you fell in love with it, hope I am right, sorry to hear about your hands, I will pray for healing, Doctors can do wonders to correct it. steveb.

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 24 May 2004 7:07 am

WEll Steven your right..ha...I actually have two Steels I'm workin' on as I just can't quit just yet....>One is a Old 12-string Marlen Single on a Double; pull-release system; Honey Blonde and is/will be KILLER when I'm done...and I will have it for sale on here when I'm done. And the other is a Complete Secret and will be my new Pedal Steel that I'll own(seeing that I don't own a pedal steel myself..ha) yeeeehaaaa.
Ricky