A Tribute to a Craftsman

Sam Lewis · Post by **Sam Lewis** » 27 Jul 2023 11:39 pm

Some time ago I bought a D-10 just to have something to tinker with, thinking to do a restoration. The guitar does not have a "brand" name but the name Bowman is on the fret board. I assume that the guitar was built by the great steel player, Bobby Bowman. After cleaning and tuning it up I played it a few hours. Well, the tone was good and the pedals and levers worked as they should, but that isn't why I am writing. The construction of the guitar is outstanding. In my 70+ years of playing the different steel's I have owned, I have never seen one that (IMO) was built with such loving care as this guitar
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Joe Krumel · Post by **Joe Krumel** » 28 Jul 2023 4:27 am

When a craftsman builds a project you just can't hide it. I'll bet it's a beauty!

Sam Lewis · Post by **Sam Lewis** » 28 Jul 2023 8:19 am

Yes, Joe, you are absolutely right. I did not know Mr. Bowman, but from what I can gather, and from what some have said on the forum, he was a master of the pedal steel guitar. After having spent several good hours with the one have, I believe he earned the right to be call "Doctor"

Only one problem, it is too heavy for this 93 year old to carry very far. However, it does have legs so maybe I can teach it to walk.

Joe Krumel · Post by **Joe Krumel** » 28 Jul 2023 8:42 am

Good idea! I owned an old Sho Bud double neck that needed to learn how to walk! Too heavy for this old guy .

Bobby D. Jones · Post by **Bobby D. Jones** » 30 Jul 2023 11:08 am

It is a joy to work on something that was built by a craftsman. There is no improvements you can make, Just replace worn or broken parts, Make an adjustment or two and it is back original.

Sam Lewis · Post by **Sam Lewis** » 30 Jul 2023 2:40 pm

Bobby, you sure hit the nail on the head - It's beginning to get boring when all have to do is polish, polish and more polish. I love it.

Mitch Ellis · Post by **Mitch Ellis** » 30 Jul 2023 6:08 pm

Bobby D. Jones wrote:It is a joy to work on something that was built by a craftsman.

That statement makes me think of my Zum. I've never seen a Bowman steel but would sure like to. Mr. Sam, Would you happen to have some photos that you could show us?

Mitch

Sam Lewis · Post by **Sam Lewis** » 31 Jul 2023 4:29 am

Sam Lewis · Post by **Sam Lewis** » 17 Sep 2023 9:12 pm

Well, I've played the guitar for a few weeks and I can say for sure that I have never played a better one. Someday soon I hope to shake Mr. Bowman's hand and thank him. There just might be some room in the Glory Bound train baggage car that I can take it with me

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A Tribute to a Craftsman

A Tribute to a Craftsman

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Bowman guitar.