The Steel Guitar Forum

SFPA (severe f-in psoriatic arthritis lol) here.

Every joint, severe hand deformity. This year some eye sight complications because, it's an inflammatory everywhere condition. I am hoping i don't lose it because, I plan on geting a pilot's license.

Steel guitar saved me from never playing an instrument again. In addition to becoming a film composer, steel saved my life.
I have adapted every one of my guitars including the nylon string. I get up on stage like every other musician I work with. I may be slower, there's a dog at my side (that gets applause) but, I am still an entertaining musician. My first order of business was making sure every genre I did on guitar carried over to steel. Everything from flamenco and tango to progressive rock and jazz. My toughest getting there but, most beneficial lesson learned, we are who we see and make ourselves. Good or bad.

Rick, I know it's tough, I can totally relate but, you keep getting up because, you decide one day that failure or quitting is not an option and life is best lived and loved as an active albeit as a slower / challenged participant. Especially, if one has kids you are making a huge impression on them by persevering in the face of adversity.


Thanks for the site Andy!

Thanks you guys. You are very sweet to say such nice things. Amazing I am not. Hard headed, stubborn, tenacious, determined, just don't have enough sense to know any better, among other things, is more like it. lol

One thing I know for sure, Andy is right about most steel players. I have never in my life met a more friendly, caring, helpful group of folks. The TSGA is my family. The Jamboree we just had, is my family reunion. So many folks, so much help, support, encouragement...it's overwhelming sometimes. I don't hang out here much, just check in from time to time. These instruments...the music...the people...changed my life. Just want to give a little of that encouragement back. BTW, nice to meet you Chris. If you can swing it, come on over next year to the TSGA Jamboree. It's a blast.

Jana has the most beautiful Carroll Benoit resophonic guitar, with inlaid butterflies on the sides. I played it for a while trying to narrow down a buzz that she heard but couldn't get anyone else to hear. (I hope Carroll fixed it for you, Jana!) I wish we had gotten you out and into the jam session.
I spoke with and played with a couple of people at the TSGA Jamboree who had missing fingers on their left hand and had come up with creative ways of holding the bar. One guy had hose clamps attached to the top of a grooved bar; one had a ring attached to the top of a bullet bar.
Whatever works for you is just fine with me. I'm glad that people can get the music in them out!

Thanks Brad. Mr. Benoit and Howard narrowed down the problem. Mr. Benoit took it home with him to fix the issue. See you next year, and as for sitting in on a jam...that's a goal of mine. It's just those nervous jitters and the shaking... lolYou'd think not being able to see...that wouldn't be an issue. lol I wish, and you'd think by now I'd be over that. lol

that's....Howard Parker


Not all handicaps are physical.....I can't seem to get the music out of me or wrap my head around it...

From Django Reinhardt to George Shearing.....where there's a will, there's a way.....(there's also always a relative when there's a will).....

Jana, it's always wonderful to see you and James each year and witness your enthusiasm and determination....I was watching you play and you were spot on.....you have pretty good ear & hand placement coordination....I was impressed.....

About 2 or 3 rears ago, we lost a wonderful and amazing person, Chuck Fisher, who participated on the forum and was severly handicapped.....

I copied this post written by Reece Anderson in 2004...


"Inspiration is an indescribable experience which comes from within, lifts the human spirit and provides each of us the ability to succeed, excel, and most importantly, has the potential to be life altering. The source of inspiration can come from anyone, and has the potential to help everyone.
I believe some of Gods greatest inspirational gifts comes from those who have overcome physical obstacles, and who share their positive spirit with others, all of which equates into inspiration for many.

I would like to share with you the positive inspiration which comes from a steel guitar player whom I've never met, other than by phone and email, and over the past few months he has lifted my spirits, strengthened my resolve, and enriched my life. I hope that my sharing his brief story will become an inspirational blessing for you as well.

I would like to tell you about Chuck Fisher who, 22 years ago was shot in the neck while being robbed. At the time he was an upcoming musician, but all that ended within seconds. He has been there, experienced the darkness into light, and allowed to return, for what I believe to be the intended purpose of providing inspiration for others such as myself.

For years he had to endure numerous operations, the end result of which has left him confined to a wheelchair with a multitude of physical restrictions.

Now for the best part of this story....he has transcended his physical limitations through his faith, and he understands there is purpose to life, and everyone has a place and purpose in His plan.

The physical limitations are clear when seeing his position in the wheelchair.

His positive spirit also touched a dear friend of mine named Carroll Benoit. Carroll worked long and diligently with him while designing a special resonator steel guitar which would conform to his physical limitations and restrictions, the result of which produced a beautiful one of a kind instrument. (Carroll builds the Benoit resonator steel guitar)
.
Chuck Fisher refers to himself as "Ol' Crippled Charles". (OCC) He has accepted His will, and because of his faith, determination, persistence, enthusiasm and attitude, OCC has become a blessing to many.

Since I met OCC I think about him when I sit behind my steel guitar, lay my hands on the strings, push a pedal or knee lever, or encounter a difficult execution or musical situation which I am trying to achieve. His inspiration will be ever present in my spirit.

Chuck Fisher is truly one of the fortunate because he recognizes the gift of giving and the possibility of providing positive inspiration for others. He does not acknowledge the fact that he provides inspiration, but I believe that to be the way He would want him to feel. Gods work is never done, and it is carried out by means which we can't even imagine.

There are many ways which we can give of ourselves even when confined for life in a wheelchair unable to attain even a sitting position. Chuck is a perfect example of the enduring spirit of the human soul and the ability to overcome all things with faith.

My most sincere hope is that my sharing his brief story will provide inspiration inspired by him which will help you attain your life's dreams and aspirations."

Chris, I got your messages, as well as the emails with your arrangements. Thanks for all the information and suggestions. I'm looking forward to working on this with my friend!

Wow, such a response from folks here. Music & the pursuit of it holds so much passion for people! I'm not surprised at the amount of folks with a story, & I'm sure there are many more lurkers out there who don't have the words to tell us about it. The feeling shown has moved me, I can tell you. It's nice to be able to encourage each other along the way. Sincere heartfelt regards to all of you wrestling with the challenges of making music.
Chris

Ditto to what Chris said.

...and thank you Howard.

When I first saw these posts, I almost didn't take another look. Glad I did !

I have a very bad back and have developed neuropathy in both feet and legs to where I can no longer play my old 6 string 6 pedal Multi-Kord Hawaiian pedal steel guitar. I'm no purist at anything, as I have never met a person that I could not learn something from.

This thread is a BIG inspiration to me, and I'm so glad for the opportunity to comment and be a part of it. My good friend Rick Aiello's comback attitude is a great inspiration as well.

I think the trials of life are a gift from God in order to build character in every one of us.

So I bought a 1953 Fender Dual Pro. non pedal and I'm learning to play an 8 string double neck steel guitar now. It is quite a challenge for me.

There used to be a sign in Joe's Pizza Parler in North Vernon Indiana where I used to do some jammin, that said---

"Music is much too important to leave entirely in the hands of professionals."

May God richly bless you all,
Danny

Another innovative solution.

http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2 ... ut-limits/

O.K., that's just too cool. Thanks, Andy.

Here is a new website that was originated recently by Troy Brenningmeyer. It is designed for those that had to adapt to their physical limitations in order to make music. It will give those that have the opportunity to help others. I hope you visit and help make this a success. Kudo's to Troy for starting this. http://www.adaptivemusician.com/