Jerry Byrd: Rich Tone

Butch Foster · From: Pisgah, Alabama, USA

One of my favorites is Jerry Byrd. I cannot discuss the topic from a professional background, as all of you can, but from listening to steel for many years, it seems to me that Jerry has exceptional tone. What are your views on his style, and your favorite instrumentals that he has recorded. I would also enjoy hearing your experiences from your association with him. Thanks.

C Dixon · From: Duluth, GA USA

Jerry Byrd IS truly the master of touch and tone. No other lap steeler on earth has ever done as much for non pedal steel guitar.

He is the epitome of greatness. IF his chosen instrument had been the violin or piano, etc he would have been acclaimed worldwide.

His playing is truly from his heart and THEN to his hands. He has played flawlessly and kept his fans spell bound for over 60 yrs! And he has backed so many, the list is endless.

ONLY one other player in the history of the steel guitar has done as much; and that of course is Buddy Emmons.

These two maestros: JB on lap steel and BE on pedal steel are truly unique and there will never ever be anyone, living or dead (or yet unborn) that will be as great.

God bless these two incredibly awesome players,

carl

Ray Montee · From: Portland, Oregon (deceased)

JERRY BYRD...........there are at least two JB's but several other "voices" of this man do exist and can be found on thousands of recordings since the late 1930's.
His musical TONE on the old Rickenbacher back in the early days of his career, Ernest Tubb and Red Foley, Danny Kuhanna (sp?) in my opinion were excellent examples of his top drawer sounds/tone. His later switch to other guitar brands changed his tone substantially, and altho' the quality of the man's playing continued to excel.....those earliest recordings had a tone NO ONE HAS EVER come close to matching.
JERRY BYRD and his Rickenbacher steel guitar were the finest sounds EVER recorded on steel guitar! IMHO, that is. In the event you haven't heard any of those early day recordings, you should do yourself a real favor and not go another day in your life without listening to them.

Dave Robbins · From: Cottontown, Tnn. USA (deceased)

"Jerry Bird" was a precedent set long ago.

Many of us today still strive to reach that "level of proficiency."

By the way, Merriam Webster defines "proficiency" as (1.)the "advancement in knowledge or skill: progress." (2.)"The quality or state of being proficient."

I wonder, how many of us today live up to that definition?

To me, Merriam Webster's definition of proficiency and Jerry Bird are synoymous.

Dave

[This message was edited by Dave Robbins on 22 June 2003 at 10:47 PM.]

C Dixon · From: Duluth, GA USA

I forgot to list what I believe is Jerry's finest album. It is "HI FI Guitar" made in the 50's. A must for any JB fan. My all time favorite piece by Jerry is "LaGolendrina". It is on this album.

His double harmonics on this tune is the best I have ever heard. Also, his incredible ability to block notes a mircrosecond before the next one (as he sustains) is exemplified in LaGolendrina.

By the way for those of you who live in Rio Linda, it is NOT La Golden dreena!

carl

Jesse Pearson · From: San Diego , CA

Ray, what Ernest Tubb, Red Foley and Danny Kuhanna albums/songs should we be on the look out for? Thanks...

Ray Montee · From: Portland, Oregon (deceased)

Carl Dixon's comments about the "Hi Fi" album is correct and yet: SOME OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES in my vast record collection OF JERRY BYRD'S FANTABULOUS PLAYING..........
are on records of popular and unknown vocalists. Not only was his back-up work
exceptional then and to this day.......his
instrumental contribution was even more unimaginable........TONE, TOUCH, STYLING and
TECHNIQUE! THE man has long been an over-looked GEM. JERRY's unequalled playing is not limited just to his own albums/singles.
Examples of his genius can be found in many, many places. The man is simply the greatest!
Besides being a wonderful, caring and sincere individual, his musical genius cannot even be appreciated by many who have heard him and enjoy his musical contributions

Paul Graupp · From: Macon Ga USA

Butch: My experience with Jerry Byrd is one that will live in infamy. I was writing for the Fender/Fretts magazine in the 60s and I made a comment about how unfortunate we were that Jerry had not taken up pedal steel guitar.

That, IMHO, may have hurt Jerry and such was the last thing I would ever have done. I was only toying with the idea of what his expertise on a steel guitar would have been if he had selected pedals. There have been posts on this Forum lately about famous pedal guitarists who were also using the non-pedal slant skills to take us to new musical heights. If this would interest you, their names are Lloyd Green and Buddy Charleton

Jerry wrote an article in Fretts, the following issue and I was not aware that it was coming. At the time I was in Europe. When I read it, I was was very ashamed of what I had said and carried that guilt for almost 40 years.

I had saved all my old issues of Fretts and I recently sent them to a well known collector in Texas. That it is all except the issue that had his picture on the cover. That I sent to Jerry with my apologies but in a very touching letter, he hand wrote back to me, he told me the rest of the story and I was glad that he did so. You can become very humbled in his presence because he is as much a genuine person as he is a master of steel guitar.

His perfection has set a path for all to follow. He is dedicated to teaching the young new comers and as such will be a legacy for all steel guitarists to enjoy.

If I write much more, I'll have to get a magazine to cover it for me. In closing let me just say that I think you have excellent taste in music and have found the Master of Touch and Tone. Keep listening, there is a lot more to hear....

Regards, Paul

Ron Whitfield · From: Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA

Nice story Paul, and full of truths. Glad you both were around 40 yrs. later to set it straight.

------------------

John Bechtel · From: Nashville, Tennessee, R.I.P.

I must agree with Carl Dixon! When you mention Jerry Byrd and Buddy Emmons, you've said it all! They have always been my two most favorite among many greats! But, at least that's a #1 in each catagorie!

------------------
“Big John” wknsg®
Franklin, D–10 w/9 & 8
Peavey, Classic 50 – 212
Enhancer, E–LG
Ibanez, AD–9 http://community.webtv.net/KeoniNui/BigJohnBechtels

George Keoki Lake · From: Edmonton, AB., Canada

I am sure I am but one amongst many who have had the joy to sit on the same stage with the Master as he performed for HSGA members. It was very difficult for me to concentrate on what I was doing while this man was dazzling everyone with his fantastic sound. I also recall at one of the conventions, a chap approached Jerry with his guitar stating it was almost impossible to get a decent harmonic from his instrument. Jerry wasted little time in producing gorgeous harmonics from that "impossible" guitar. Some may wonder why he never went to pedals. Had that happened, just think of what we would have missed!

Paul Graupp · From: Macon Ga USA

George: You've reminded me of a story I heard about Tom Brumley. He was playing a lap steel; at one of Scotty's shows I think; and Jerry came out during his number and sat a chair right along side of Tom who must have been surprized to say the least. I've always wondered what was going through Tom's head as that transpired.....

Regards, Paul

Ron Whitfield · From: Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA

As a staunch supporter of JB and his non pedal preference, I sometimes wish he had taken the time to explore the pedal steel. He may have been the best at it too.

------------------

George Keoki Lake · From: Edmonton, AB., Canada

I doubt there is any question, Jerry would have brought out the BEST in the pedal guitar. He would have probably produced musical images which have yet to be discovered.

I guess everyone has heard the story of Barney and Jerry...(the late) Barney Isaacs, whom I considered to be probably one of Hawai'i's greatest for pure nahi-nahi Island style, (over 25 years on Hawai'i Calls) was performing at Jerry's Ho'laule'a as one of the many top featured guests. He played beautifully...so beautiful in fact, Jerry in mock jealousy took wire cutters and cut all the strings on Barney's guitar after he had finished! I wish I had been there to see it.
Barney seldom changed strings and of course Jerry gave him new sets.

Jerry often comes on stage and will sit or stand beside someone who is sweating it out.

He will go through the motions of pretending to untune the poor victim's guitar as he/she is playing. His comical gesture usually relaxes the performer.

[This message was edited by George Keoki Lake on 26 June 2003 at 08:13 AM.]

Ray Montee · From: Portland, Oregon (deceased)

Talking about JERRY BYRD and his fabulous TONE! I've been chasing it from the first moment I heard the first note of his song MOONLAND way back in the early 1950's; followed of course, by dozens of other, equally beautiful tunes.
I've always prided myself in having top of the line good equipment; Peavy Session 400, LA 400; Fender tw-12-reverb, etc., etc.
I had a fine little early 1940's Rick 10 inch amp that was great with my old Bakelites but, of course, it was stolen with one of the guitars by the Princess of Darkness.
Two of our Forumite friends also involved in a lifetime pursuit of Jerry's TONE.....finally/recently acquired old VOLU-TONE amps like Jerry originally started and recorded with. Both appear to be destined for a back shelf as neither are in healthy condition at this time, as I understand it.
I noted a recent photo on eBay from a couple of months back, it was a VOLU-TONE amp from way back when. It displayed great detail of the rear speaker/tube area. After talking this over with a great friend of mine now living down in Irving, Texas, and after having one of those MIDNIGHT Dreams about guitars and amps, I today, set out on a journey with no real destination.
I chanced to find a fairly well preserved little tu-tone brown and cream colored 1940's model HARMONY Amp., 10 Watt output, 6 tubes (no reverb, of course). It apppeared to be the same tube setup that the VOLU-TONE had from eBay and it was definitely the same 8 inch speaker.
I just got it home and I'm AMAZED!!! It has that same "indescribable SOMETHING" that one could never really put their finger on.
It makes the "moan" of the old Bakelites really come to the forefront. I'm now the happiest guy in the universe.
After having just played the dozens of Jerry Byrd riff/intro's....and turn arounds JB has put on record, I can say without compromise........this little amp, coupled to my Bakelites HAS THE TRUE JERRY BYRD sound.
I never dreamed I'd ever find during this lifetime.
Thanks to each of you that have, over the years, kept encouraging me not to give up and to keep on searching.
I am most happy to say, this date, that I have finally found "THAT SOUND"!!! This is NOT TO IMPLY, that I can play anything like JERRY BYRD, not in the least. BUT, now have "THAT SOUND" in my house and at the end of my hands and finger tips. HAPPY DAYS!
THANX for letting me share my happy good news with everyone!

chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

carl...i agree about jb and be......but now i've got to respond about your other comment. i laughed out loud reading your rio linda cut. i play in rio linda every weekend that i can't play somewhere that pays better.
at the el rio tavern...named for being on the border of elverta and rio linda. rush limbaugh likes to cut rio linda also, and i certainly don't have a problem with it. what most people don't know, though, is that some of the finest pickers and singers strangely show up in rio linda regularly...and i would put some of the incredible country soul emitting from the local dives up against any in the world......i can't explain it, don't get it, but can't dispute it.
thanx for the laugh. we back up a young singer named warren dorrel, who, if the world could hear him, would be a real contender. drop by next time you're in rio linda!

C Dixon · From: Duluth, GA USA

oh Chris,

Thank you sooooo much. I never knew where Rio Linda was. And as you say Rush Limbaugh uses it all the time in jesting. So I chose to also.

Now I know it is not just a mythical place like "Lake Wobeegon" on the Garrison Keillor show on PBS.

Seriously, be suprised how many people call La Golendrina, La Golden Dreena.

Anyway thanks for enligthening me.

carl

Bill Stafford · From: Gulfport,Ms. USA

Great comments. Thanks to all for the wonderful words about the Master of Touch and Tone.
IMHO all of Jerry's great talents arise from his three "H 's" -Heart, Head and Hands.
In proof here is one instance: During one of the Joliet shows, Jerry borrowed a Fender eight string steel guitar and asked if he could plug into my amp as I had just completed my slot on their program. Jerry had brought his vol. pedal, bar and picks and his three "H 's". As soon as I plugged his guitar into my amp, and the first note he played in order to tune this guitar with those old strings, you heard "Jerry Byrd" coming out of my amp. I had made no tone changes what-so-ever to my amp. Just plugged him in, and there IT was - the pure tone of the Master of Touch and Tone. And the bar had yet to touch the strings. So, if anyone else in this world could caress those strings the way Jerry does, a lot of us would then know where the "tone" comes from. Good basic equipment would suffice if we could input the amp system per JB. Brand names make no difference in your personal "tone". Just get the best equipment you can afford and then if you could ever "caress" your strings as Jerry does, the hunt would be over. That is why we know about Jerry Byrd. Again, IMHO. Thanks to Jerry for all the music he has given to us and the world. None better and there never will be!!

Bill Stafford

Ron Whitfield · From: Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA

Bill, you are correct sir! As long as the equipment is decent and you bring along the 3 H's(or in my case, when the stars all align) the tone will be there.

And Ray, glad to hear of your success finding a replacement for your Ricky amp. I'll assume you will be using the Harmony at Manny's next session? Those little old class A amps are some of the best tone monters around. My VT won't be on the back shelf for long, as dead as it is, it shows so much promise that I gotta hear it soon.

Bob Hempker · From: Goodlettsville, TN.

Jerry was my very first inspiration, and I still could listen to him play forever without stopping. Like Dave said, He is the measuring stick for steel players. His new book is a must have, also. I couldn't put mine down after I started reading it until it was finished. Jerry truly is the "ultimate."

------------------

Rick Collins · From: Claremont , CA USA

When I was six years old my family took me to see a magician. This is the first time, amazingly to me, that I saw a magician pull rabbits form a hat.

I think of this every time I hear Jerry or Buddy playing a steel guitar.

Rick

Forum Index > Steel Players		Next oldest topic :: Next newest topic