Mark Giles/TSGA

John Macy · Post by **John Macy** » 11 Mar 2007 8:57 am

While there are always awards given out at the Texas show from the TSGA to many deserving people, I just have to shout out how happy I was to see Mark Giles get the Texas Steel Player of the Year Award. Even if you don't know Mark or who he is, you have definitely seen his fine craftmanship in the many, many fabulous lacquer inlaid cabinets that he has built for several builders, including the blue Fessenden I play. Those that do know him know is is just a wonderful, laid-back and humble
human being that makes you proud to be a Texan

. I feel very lucky to call Mark and Carla good friends, and wanted to put up a little post to let y'all know, too.

.

(PS--did y'all see the Alamo-inlaid guitar that is being built for Dr. Wayne Yakes? Very awesome--I see bluebonnets in my future...

)

Ron Whitworth · Post by **Ron Whitworth** » 11 Mar 2007 11:15 am

CONGRATULATIONS MARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A nicer man i don't believe i have EVER met.
His picture should be in the dictionary next to the word humble.So glad to see him getting some recognition for everyone to see.He does great at everything he does especially building guitar cabinets for many different manufacturers & now playing also.
Well done Mark - my compliments to you..Ron

Kyle Bennett · Post by **Kyle Bennett** » 11 Mar 2007 11:53 am

Congratulation brother! You are very deserving of this award. It’s a pleasure to work with you and to call you my friend. (Is that what you wanted me to say?)

Kyle

Jeff Bradshaw · Post by **Jeff Bradshaw** » 11 Mar 2007 4:33 pm

Congratulations Mark on your award...it was a real pleasure meeting you and your wife over the weekend. Best regards. ..jeff bradshaw

PS...Did my eyes deceive me or did I see Jerry Fessenden paying you money to get his picture taken with the award?

Gregg Thacker · Post by **Gregg Thacker** » 11 Mar 2007 5:06 pm

Mark..I was just wondering who got that award. I was preoccupied and I just wanted to say congradulations to YOU

! It couldn't have happened to a better and nicer guy!

Gregg

Fred Shannon · Post by **Fred Shannon** » 11 Mar 2007 5:12 pm

Well deserved I might add. He's one super individual with time for everyone.

Phred

Johnny Cox · Post by **Johnny Cox** » 11 Mar 2007 5:43 pm

Mark, you da man. Joan and I were so happy to see Mark get this much deserved award.

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 11 Mar 2007 7:30 pm

Mark
I gave you my congratulations face to face, and now I repeat them publicly! You're an artist well deserving of this honor. I was proud to have voted for you, as was all of those who did as well, I'm sure. You are THE MAN today! And you've got a great family behind you as well.
Your pal, Herbster

Hook Moore · Post by **Hook Moore** » 12 Mar 2007 5:38 am

Congradulations Mark
Hook

Bill Simmons · Post by **Bill Simmons** » 12 Mar 2007 6:48 am

I was thrilled that you received the award Mark! Congratulations and continued success in all you do...

T. C. Furlong · Post by **T. C. Furlong** » 12 Mar 2007 7:02 am

My Congratulations as well to you Mark. If they gave out awards for fantastic steel guitar cabinets, you would win hands down. WOW!

TC

Bob Hoffnar · Post by **Bob Hoffnar** » 12 Mar 2007 8:45 am

Congrats Mark !
here is some more of his work:

Darvin Willhoite · Post by **Darvin Willhoite** » 12 Mar 2007 12:21 pm

Double WOW, I love Mark's work, but what is that guitar in the background? It looks like an old Mosrite, but Semie was long gone before Sugarland arrived.

EDIT: OOPS, this doesn't say Sugarland, it says Sutherland. OK, so I'm getting old.

Jeff Bradshaw · Post by **Jeff Bradshaw** » 12 Mar 2007 12:22 pm

Mark's workmanship is second to none!!! That Rains guitar is beautiful and the guitar body with the "Alamo" dedication is stunning. Regards. ..jeff

Dave Burr · Post by **Dave Burr** » 12 Mar 2007 12:38 pm

Darvin, I think that says "Sutherland".

Jerry Lee Newberry · Post by **Jerry Lee Newberry** » 12 Mar 2007 3:56 pm

Congrats to Mark. Well deserved i'm sure.

Donna

Bill Simmons · Post by **Bill Simmons** » 12 Mar 2007 5:08 pm

Hey Darvin...KEN THOMPSON is the proud owner of the Mosrite and the beautiful RAINS! I believe Ken just ordered another Rains...lucky man!!!

Bob Hoffnar · Post by **Bob Hoffnar** » 12 Mar 2007 6:35 pm

That would be Ken Sutherland and the guitar is a Mosrite knockoff that cvan be found here:

http://www.bobsyouruncle.net/TNM_Guitars/tnmpage1.htm

Jim Walker · Post by **Jim Walker** » 12 Mar 2007 6:46 pm

Congrats Mark! It was so nice to visit with you again too. I can hardly wait till next year!

God Bless Texas!

Joe Naylor · Post by **Joe Naylor** » 12 Mar 2007 7:11 pm

As others have said - It could not have been given to a nicer guy. I am happy to know you and was very happy you got the award.

See ya buddy

Ronnie Miller · Post by **Ronnie Miller** » 13 Mar 2007 4:37 am

Way to go Mark...Sorry I missed it..My best to
Carla..lovyaman...Ronnie

Reece Anderson · Post by **Reece Anderson** » 13 Mar 2007 5:15 am

Mark G....Congratulations on your well deserved honor of recognition. It was great to hear you play, and be with you and Carla.

MARK GILES · Post by **MARK GILES** » 13 Mar 2007 8:17 pm

Kyle, That was it, verbatim. (Especially the friend part.)
Jeff B., 20 bucks. Is that a great friend or what?

Thanks to all of you guys for the kind words, and to all who voted for me. It was an honor and a surprise. I am greatful for all of the many friends I have made in the steel guitar community over the years. It's a great place to be.

I'm working on some new and different things. Look me up in St.Louis, if not before.

Mark

Dave Horner · Post by **Dave Horner** » 14 Mar 2007 6:18 am

Mark,

Congratulations on a well deserved award! We appreciate you.

Dave

David Wright · Post by **David Wright** » 14 Mar 2007 7:29 am

Great job!! Congratulations