The Steel Guitar Forum

Don't get me wrong here,Jeff is a very loyal friend and supporter of steel guitar. I'll always think the world of him because I understand him but he can be a "loose cannon" at times. Sometimes it's funny and other times it hurts.But I still love him as a good friend as we all should. Maybe he'll get on here and let us know what he meant.
I still have faith in him, I think he's just talkin' afor he's a thinkin', (as if I haven't?).
I love steel guitar and I REALLY love America,Lets all get out and support both,One is NO good without the other! Right?------Love your fellow steel player.
Bobbe

Just try to buy from Peavey direct.

Maybe Jeff was misunderstood.........???

Support your local Music Stores, or we won't have any left.

Bobbe, I didn't know that you'ld put up a purchaser if they came to town, that's great, but I'll settle for you and me goin' over to Gabes and jammin' with that bunch when I finally get there. LOL.

C Ya

Jody Carver,you are a very experienced music person that I have learned to respect very much on this forum and I hope you NEVER go away. You are very intelligent but I guess it's the humor you put out that I love the most! You have given me pure hell at times and I desereved it I'm sure, but , we are all very lucky to have your wisdom and experience to "plug into". If these guys knew the great friends we are! Jeff and I are also,-----------
Kissyface Hardpickerousowski III

I'm with Bobbe all the way,from all I hear and understand he is the steel picker's #1
dealer.Sides that a dang good picker hisseff.
GO GET EM BOBBE!!!!!!!If I ever get to Nashburg I gone come by and see you,maybe you come to Saluda SC soon.

Bill Ford

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

Jeff Peterson and I are still in great shape as far as friendship goes, He is way to great a person for anyone to lose as a friend. And he's a good tech also as most of you know. I think all of you can see where I was coming from though, Jeff is like a dear brother to me,sometimes I want to shoot him but I would also take a bullit for him.Jeff is a brother to us all,sometimes we need to punch him out though,yea right! He's 200 lbs. of solid steel,hurts my hand every time I punch him.
well, all's well that ends well.
Bobbe

Jeff's post doesn't actually say that he ordered his new steel direct from Emmons. It just said that his order was in. He might very well have ordered it through a dealer. (Of course, since Bobbe doesn't seem to know about it, maybe he ordered it through Billy Cooper, or Scotty, or... oops! Never mind. I'll go away quietly now...

Not to add to a ruckus here but...There are thousands of Ford or Chevy dealers across this nation. They will all sell the same vehicle for basically the same price (regardless of what they advertise). The key to business is how you make the customer feel. I have done business with Bobbe Seymour in the past, intend to, and will do business with him in the future. Bobbe Seymour didn't know me fron Adam's housecat when I walked into his store. He treated me more than fair, and showed a genuine interest in my steel guitar needs. He also went WAY out of his way to make myself and my fiancee' feel welcome, and we have developed a friendship as a result of our visit to Nashville. That is the way to build loyalty. This should not be construed as a "slam" against Emmons Guitar Co. or Ron Lashley, as I have never done business with them. We ALL need to support each other in our steel guitar community regardless of whether we are players or manufacturers. If we don't, our beloved instrument (and us) will go the way of the dinosaur. In the light of America's heartache because of our recent tragedies, we need to remember our Country was founded on many small business and sole propreitorships. I for one, would prefer to deal with someone I know, and someone who will take an interest, support and encourage steel guitar on a one on one basis. God Bless America!!!<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Wendell Neal on 22 September 2001 at 08:28 PM.]</p></FONT><FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Wendell Neal on 22 September 2001 at 08:30 PM.]</p></FONT>

It's Officially, Emmons Guitars by Lashley, Inc. I have spoken to Ron Jr.

I'll also agree with Jeff P. that my new guitars may be the best ones I've had yet.

Do support your dealers because they are the ones setup to properly support you and have
the time and experience to answer your
questions.


Jerry http://www.slidestation.com <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Jerry Brightman on 26 September 2001 at 11:09 AM.]</p></FONT>

I bought my LeGrande II through a small dealer up my way. When I had a problem that he couldn't fix, I had to send the guitar back to the factory. A couple of weeks and a couple of hundred dollars later, I got the guitar back. The problem still existed. I sent it back again, couple of more weeks and another couple of hundred dollars later it came back again. The same problem STILL EXISTED !

They said that since I tune my 2nd string on my E9 neck by ear, which means it has no "beats" but is flat to their recommended tuning chart and Jeff Newman's, that it was impossible to drop that string down a whole step (C#) to match my 5th string with the 2nd pedal engaged.

I said "B.S." and told the dealer I bought it from to remove the damn Eb to E raise off the other knee lever (since I've never used that change anyway) and the damn thing jumped all the way down to C natural.

So much for the factory telling me it was impossible to drop that "ear tuned" Eb to C#, huh?

I figured at that point that they no longer had any employee's who could actually adjust or trouble shoot their guitars.

My next purchase was to be a SD-10 C6 with a pad. They said they never built one like that and it would take months extra and their quote was shy high.

Jerry Fessenden built the exact guitar for me in 3 or 4 weeks at about half the price they wanted and the guitar is easily as good as an Emmons.
http://www.fessendensteelguitars.com/HH.html

I'm not saying that I would never buy another Emmons (I bought another used one), but I'd much rather deal with a dealer or builder who can be responsible for the instrument.

Regards,
HH

P.S. RATHER THAN BE MISUNDERSTOOD, LET ME ADD THAT I LOVE MY TWO D-10 EMMONS. I PLAY MY LEGRANDE II ON ALL GIGS AND WILL SOON USE MY LGIII (WHEN I GET IT ADJUSTED).

I'M SURE THAT NOW THAT THE COMPANY IS BACK IN FAMILY HANDS, ALL PROBLEMS WILL BE CORRECTED AND EVERYTHING WILL BE BACK TO NORMAL. BEST OF LUCK TO RON JR. !!!<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Harry Hess on 23 September 2001 at 07:07 PM.]</p></FONT>

Wanted to post this in lieu of what has been said here. This may take a while Bobbe & Jim.

Years ago(everything was years ago with me)
I introduced Ron Lashley to Henry Manny Goldrich,,Henry is Mannys son and took over after Manny passed away.

I posted this back a few months ago in one of my long long Fender stories, Here is some of it again.

I introduced Ron to Henry Manny,,Ron was looking for a dealer in the New York area to represent Emmons guitars.

At the time a fellow Fender rep and friend of mine Luke Morris asked me to help Ron get started with a dealer in NYC,,,,I told most of this story and to me it's boring,,but this
is how I got my Emmons guitar.Luke Morris was the Fender rep in No Carolina .

I explained to Ron that the dealers in New York City and especially West 48th street in Manhattan are not promotor's of products,,,,they are good payers,,they have the money to stock most everything, but take little time to promote a product, I explained
that it was the "mom & pop " store that gave the customer the tour of the product and took
the time to sell the product and offer service as well. There were however two giant
stores on West 48th street that operated like a mom & pop store,,,WHY you ask??? because they were just that..Sam Ash & Mannyys were family owned and operated in the same manner expected of a "mom & pop" store.

Ron was hell bent on having his guitars in the most famous street in the music world West 48th street. I told him OK,,,I would help him get his foot in the door as I was doing much business with Mannys with Fender & in addition Henry and myself were friends.

If you want to look back on the entire story
and you have about an hour to read until "eye
strain" sets in I will post the link to that story. But I'll try to get to the point,,,Yes
Jody ,,,,lets get to the point,(you pain in the %$ss)

After much to do re Rons meeting Henry I told
Henry he would be getting "the best steel guitar" manufactured. Understand Mannys and very few if any, had anyone with a bit of knowledge to sell a pedal guitar,,,the strength of the big dealers are "their location" they have the financial resources & everyone wants to be in what they call the big leagues of the music retail business.

This is great,,but for a new product it can hurt the manufacturer as they just dont promote a "new product" let the little mom & pop dealers promote the product and break their backs,,,,,then in come the "big guns"
to take over the "beach head" & the mom & pop
stores are left in the dust.The exceptions were Sam Ash & Mannys both very large stores
but owned and operated by "family" The customer came first.

I explained this to Ron as best as I could,,but he wanted Emmoms guitars to be on West 48th street...

Ron with a little help from me was able to get Mannys to buy quite a few guitars. I agreed to help a few of Manny's sales people
get a bit of knowledge regarding the Emmons guitar. Sure it would sell itself in the long run,,,but the stores on 48th were looked upon as being big discounters etc,,,that was in some cases true,,but NOT all of them,,,

The price is always right on west 48th street
again,,,,,they have the location and the money and have every manufacturer trying to get into those stores,,,exposure location & the whole nine yards, (Is this getting too long????)

A few weeks later Manny received his shipment from Emmons,,,,he called me & asked me to come in to help his fellows get aqquainted with this weird looking thing with all those gas pedals and levers hangin off the bottom of the guitar".

I promised Ron I would do this,,but not to diclose my personal interest in his welfare re his business dealings with Mannys,,,,,I did have a job & I dont think the suits at Fender would appreciate my role in this scenario.

After Ron got started ,,,I told Ron I wanted
to buy an Emmons guitar,,,not a problem,,he told me Fred Trogden would personally build my guitar from the ground up, I thought" who's Fred Trogden???

I ordered the guitar,,,listen up please,,Ron
asked me to work the price out with Henry at Mannys,,,as he felt uncomfortable selling the
guitar "direct to me" as he had Mannys as his NY dealer,,,,,I could have said WHAT?????
are you kidding me?? after I got you started
you want me to buy through a dealer at retail??? I respected Ron for that,,I discussed this with Henry Goldrich,,,he was impressed with Ron's sincere way of doing business,,,,,hey we are talking about "loyalty" and respect here,,,That was
something you dont find everyday Is there any of this left in the year 2001???.

Ron called me and hoped that I would understand,,,I said Ron I respect you no end for this and Mannys does as well.

I received the guitar a couple of months later,,as for the price I paid,,,,,,these were Henry Goldrichs words....I have to charge you for the guitar,,I hate to but I will give it to you for my cost. I didnt want that,,I expected nothing in return from anyone,,,I was making a good living with Fender and Mannys was my biggest account,,I didnt care what it would cost me. I took out my checkbook to pay Mannys,,,Henry said,,,no checks accepted,,,,,,bring me cash next week when you come in.Take the guitar home.

Keep in mind that on my weekly sales call's to Mannys,,I would re-tune and sometimes replace a string or two or three and help them sell a guitar,,,,they knew next to nothing about pedal guitars and "couldnt care less" this was back in 1969.

The sales management at Fender became aware of my goodwill act with Emmons & Mannys and I was reported for doing something that he (the infomer) thought was a "conflict of interest.
It all boiled down to this person wanted my butt into hot water & possibly have my job as a Fender rep. I made Henry aware of this
he wanted to know who it was that wrote the letter to destroy me. I knew then who it was and to this day have never told anyone who that culprit was. I did confront him after I learned it was "he" who tried to do me in.

He was supposedly one of my friends with another company ,,,he always gave me the big hand shake,,,I didnt see the "knife" in his other hand,,,I dont look for the bad, I look for the good in people.

Fender had no problem with my personal relationship with Mannys or Ron Lashley & what I was doing in the scenario. Next week came around,,,I had the cash ready for Mannys
The guitar has 9 floor pedals and six knee
levers with case and volume pedal etc etc included two extra volume pots "Allen Bradley" & four extra sets of strings,

Took out the cash,,,,,Henry said,,,,your money is not accepted here,,,,he took me aside and said,,,,,Hey Jody ,,,dont tell Ron this,,,,but that guitar is Mannys gift to you
for all you have done,,,he then added,,,,,what could I do to show my appreciation give you a "Fender"????

I called ole Ron,,,he knew about this before
hand as he and Mannys discussed this,,,To set the record straight,,,,,Ron DID NOT GIVE
ME the guitar,,,,,Mannys bought and paid for it and gave it to me.

This should give you an idea of the credibility and high esteem I have always held for Ron Lashley,,,I beleive if any of Ron has rubbed off on Ron Jr,,,and I hope it has,,,there is no problem,,I know of no one else that would do that for me,,,,but as Ron and Henry replied,,,,we (Ron & Henry) know of no one else to do what you have done for both of us,,,,and as agree'd Mannys wants you to have that guitar. Bobbe,,,,,you still there???

My question is,,,,,,,how could I shorten my long stories????

My open comment to Ron Jr. Ron,,,,,,the dealer or dealers who are there for you should not be overlooked,,,If Bobbe Seymour
is "your man in Nashville" leave it be,,,,selling direct has its advantages I know,,,,but the biggest advantage is having
dealers like Bobbe "whats his name" I dont think you can go wrong,,,,,,direct selling is not always the "direct road to success.
If you have dealers who dont support your product,,,,refer them to those who do, Let your "infantry" invade the market,,,,,you are the General and run the factory,,,let the Bobbe's and Scotty's handle the retail end,,,,,and fellows,,,,this is THE END,,,I am going to write to Washington to see If I can write George W. Bush's speeches,,,be well
this will be available in "paper back this fall...look for it at your local bookstore & tell em I sent you,,,,,goodnight Oh I remember his name "Hardpickerousowski III,,,will there be a "FOURTH"???? here comes bOb......move this (if you can lift it bOb) to "long stories" or "mini series" uh oh
here comes my wife,,,,,Its 1 am do you know where your husband is??????????????????....
PS what ever happened to Tony Lashley Ron's other son??? PS GOOD NEWS IS,,,I will no longer particpate in the "Steel Guitar Forum"
Nothing personal,,,,but I myself am tired of my long stories, If you think reading them is difficult,,,,its much more difficult for me to post...I have had fun here "sometimes"
but Its time to leave,,,,,this time It will
stick...my very best to all of you,,,,I edited as my spelling is poor,
<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 22 September 2001 at 10:15 PM.]</p></FONT><FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 22 September 2001 at 10:22 PM.]</p></FONT><FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 22 September 2001 at 11:14 PM.]</p></FONT><FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 28 September 2001 at 11:33 AM.]</p></FONT>

Tony Lashley did live in Arizona at one time. I don't know if he still does.

I have been an Emmons dealer since 81. (Not nearly as long as Bobbe, but I'm not that old. )

Little Ron was, and most likely still is, worried about the guitars quality and sound. Hopefully this will remain the standard for years to come. He built the majority of the guitars for quite some time. I've known him since he was a little kid running around the steel guitar convention. I do think the reason the LLIII sounds as close to the push-pull is because of Ron Sr., Jack Strayhorn and Ron Jr.

Ron, Jr. (if you're reading this,): Good luck! I still stand (well, okay, sit) behind Emmons Guitars. I have played them since the mid 70's. I don't see that changing any time soon.

------------------
My best,
Ernie

The Official Buddy Emmons Website
www.buddyemmons.com

Way to go, Ron, I,ll call you soon. Ron's brother, Tony, is living in Gilbert, Arizona, and I last saw him at ROn Lashley Sr. Funeral in Burlington, N.C., in 1999 when I worked at Emmons.

Just as the "Dorito Commercial" ,,,bet you cant eat just one".

I had to return as much as I intended not to
as Iam not the proffesor nor the "marketing
genius" many profess to be.

Here are a few points that come to mind regarding "Dealer Direct" or selling to retail outlets.

First off,,,,the maunufacturer must consider
his capabilities with regards to how "strong" his finances are. How much product can he build and still maintain a high quality product,,what is the competition
offering in quality,features,and cost profit
etc.

The advantage of selling direct,,,,there is no accounts receive'ables to be concerned with,,most all direct sales are COD or certified check.This means a constant cash flow important to any business large or small.

There is no need to finance a dealer who stocks the product and does not pay for the merchandise in the required amount of time put forth by "terms and policy".

What endorsements are necessary "gratis" for the product to get exposure. Many companies have over extended themselves with "product endorsers,,,where does this end? How do you say Im sorry to a well know steel player who offers to endorse the product.

It seems that selling direct applies to manufacturers who have a limited production schedule. They are of the "majority" as most all steel guitar manufacturers are relatively specialized and
cannot build enough guitars to market through a dealer structure. They more than likely have no desire to do so.

Paul Bigsby manufactured one guitar per month
could he have manufactured more per month??
Was he satisfied producing limited amounts
of guitars a year?? Was John D'Angelico satisfied to sell direct? Would these people mentioned want to have been in a market to sell dealers rather than control their limited production to the consumer who buys direct.??
What constitutes the "definition" of an "authorized dealer"??....The questions are simple,,,,
Does the dealer stock a reasonable amount of
merchandise? does the dealer activly promote
the product? Does the dealer adhere to the
policy of paying his bill for the merchandise
on the floor? Does the dealer have the knowledge and desire to service the product.

There were and probably still "authorized" dealers who sell out of the catalogue,,,they do not stock the product,,,their investment in the product is "nill" they do not show support for the product they are "authorized" to sell,,,,that word authorized is misleading,,,,the dealer is "authorized" to pay his obligations on time,,,,,he is authorized to promote the product,,,service the product,,its not a one way street.

The other side of the coin which does not apply to steel guitar manufacturing,,is that the manufacturer calls the shots. The authorized dealer is obligated to purchase a
minimum amount of product,,many times much too much and disables the dealers finances.

The dealer is then in a corner,,,,has to "move the merchandise out the door" to meet his finacial obligation,,,this leads to excessive discounting,,,,,frowned upon by many manufacturers,,,they know it is done,but they turn their heads for the select few....like I dont see what you are doing,,dont let me catch you. If he is caught
using the practice of excessive discounts.,


He is then told ,,,that his excessive discount prices are in conflict with the company policies. I would often refer to this as "filling the dealer with more than he can chew and then tell him not to swallow.
Another of my favorite's is "filling the dealer with a gallon of water and "telling him not to "eliminate the water,,,the "can is off limits".
This is what leads to "transhipping" to unload a product to another non authorized dealer so that the credit terms can be met that the company puts forth.

When & if this is discovered by the manufacturer,,,the "authorized dealer is warned to cease selling to anyone other than a retail customer,,,or his so called "franchised agreement" with the company is in jeapordy and he will lose the right to sell the product, .

Price fixing has been Illegal in this country
but there are ways to get around this problem. I know of a few hard nosed companies
not music related that "police their dealers" and if it is found that the dealer discounts the product,,the company will "dry
the dealer up" shipments will be back ordered
orders not completed as ordered etc etc.

The dealer in many cases finds his inventory
shrinking and cannot replace the product. I
know this for a fact,,,I wear a well known
wrist watch that exercises that method of merchandising and the "elimination" of dealers without legal recourse by the dealer.

I also know that Carter guitars a well respected company sells to a well known "mega
dealer" Sam Ash who has at present 32 stores
nationwide. I have known the Ash family all of my life,,,I have dealt with them for years and years,,I have been to their families weddings,,,barmitzvah's graduations
and have been to the funerals of many of the Sam Ash family. I dont think that Carter guitar company could have found a better outlet for their product than Sam Ash. They are reliable,,trustworthy,,competant,amd most of all sincere in their dealing with the public.

They have many employees and it is difficult
to keep all those people up to the standards
set by The Ash Family,,,Richard,SammyJr David
and most of all Paul Ash & Jerry Ash.

What does Ron Lashley Jr do at this point,,??
he has a great product and a fine reputation
in the music industry?? I think no one should
interfere with his decision to take the best
road for his company.

To sell direct?? or not to sell direct.Is there a "middle of the road here"?? The ball
is in his court,,,,I pray that he does the right thing and Iam certain he will do just that. I am terribly sorry for this "sermon"
but since I have been on that side of the fence,,,I am aware of what is on the "other side" as well. I have always tried to meet
the happy medium,,and my business ethic's have always been "up and above board"

Music is beautiful,,,musicians are special people,,,manufacturers must keep this in mind
They are not selling "Alpo Dog Food" even though my dogs love "alpo",,,I know of two companies today who practice the art of selling a fine product,,,dealing above board
with dealers and retail customers,,,one of them is a company I worked for for many years
the other who is strong competition, one that makes a great amp that most of you use
these people make up for the others who are
"tunnel vision impaired" my speech is over I
wish Ron Jr the best of luck with whatever decision he makes.

There are many "facets" unknown to people not on the inside,,,I have been fortunate to have been with the best during my lifetime.

I also know that Meridian Mississippi is a great place to buy an amplifier. PS The expensive wrist watch I own,,,,,tells "lousy time" Im going back to a "Timex",,,Im outta here and you should all cheer and give me a
HIGH FIVE.........be well I think that is those companies that practice the "water overfill,,,,,should at the very least supply
the dealer with a "five gallon pail",,,,like that tune Pee for two and two for Pee,,Pee for me and Pee for you,,,,,Hey there's enough for everybody.......gotta get a drink
of "cool clear water" see you down the Chisolm trail, where women are women,,,,and Men are men & some are woman as well ...shhhhh here comes the Sherrif bOb..flashing his........."Badge"

<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 23 September 2001 at 12:05 PM.]</p></FONT>

Jody, You absolutly slay me. What WILL the Fourm do when you are not around anymore to tell us all this great info that you have scooped up over the years? I hope you are in Dallas this coming March so I can meet you.
I do belive that you are a walking encyclopedia. Stay cool,my friend

Unless I'm missing something here, I don't understand the "Bashing of Emmons Guitar Co" regarding the topic of direct sales. I believe most of the manufacturers do that don't they? As with any company, the owners are very respectful people and they, as any other company, will occassionally have a problem. I truly believe they will help in any way they can. I recently had a problem with an Amp manufacturer that I see everyone on here praise. After I looked back at the good experiences I've had I decided not to let this one event change my thoughts of the company. I don't believe Emmons was the target of your original message, was it Bobbe?

Howdy Boys

I gettin up a "posse" and headin for the "pass"

Sheriff bOb's "a comin" and he's after my
"a".. guitar.

Bobbe, there are 2 stores in the US that sell and repair Steel Guitars only----You and Blackie Taylor Music in Riverside, CA. Sell, repair and lessons on steel is all he does.

Jody:

Please DON'T stop the stories, I get a real kick out of reading them, and the"insider" info you provide.I can't imagine why anyone would send you ornery emails. My pals Smiley and Bobbe Seymour are also fonts of knowledge about the steel. I particularly enjoy the stories about Fender as I have been a long time owner of numerous Fender guitars and amplifiers, the last one left that I own, is a mint '64 candy red Fender Jazzmaster.

Best regards,
Bill

I had neglected to add that Sam Ash has always had people of expertise and knowledge
head up the various departments in his highly
sucessfull history.

He has always employed people of quality and
knowledge in his stores.

I did not mention that a fellow by the name of Barry Horowitz a fine steel player as well
as an active member of the PSGA is VP of sales and marketing at Sam Ash.

Barry's knowledge and know how certainly is a plus for Sam Ash and a big factor for the
sucess for Carter guitars in the Sam Ash network of stores. This is "not a paid political announcement" its just the facts
of life.

As for the post above,,,,I believe Bobbe is one of the minority who sells and promotes
steel guitar and is probably the most qualified as service and modifications and repairs. And that is "Not a Paid Political
announcement" either....just the facts "mam"

Thats my Joe Friday impression "Dragnet"

I used to use the name of Joe Friday as well
as Jack Webb ,,,I changed it to Joe Thursday as the name Joe Friday ruined my weekends.

I believe that the mix of a personal shop such as Bobbe's and the fact that he is a fine player with mucho know how,,is a difficult act to follow for anyone.

The best of both worlds is out there,,,the large super mega store and the highly specialized reputation that Bobbe Seymour is
known for. I dont beleive it gets any better
than that. The customer has a choice,,,,the specialized store such as Bobbe's and or the
large super mega store such as Sam Ash which
btw is still "family owned" and operated.

You can slice it any way you wish.....it spells "sucess for the steel guitar" & as Paul Harvey would say "That is The Rest Of The Story"

Thank you Jody,You are an intresting dude!Only wish I could meet you in person sometime.
Dave Diehl,No one is bashing the Emmons company.Some folks that bought direct from them have not gotten the personal attention they feel they deserved, but this is to be expected when you deal direct. If you want to be spoiled, deal with a dealer, we'll spoil you! The manufacturer isn't in the "spoiling" business. The Emmons company is the great company that all others are measured by, just like their guitars, the standard that all others are measured. I feel it will stay that way also.
Bobbe

Steve Knapper! Yes, I feel your right, Blackie Taylor is also. He has a great reputation and has devoted his life to steel guitar.He deserves some kind of an award for the work he has done for steel. He has done many things that most folks don't even know about, He's a great person.
Bobbe

Jody; I've seen you mention, many times about Leo Fender and a three legged guitar.
Now I don't have all of that story and it still sounds funny as all get outa here.

Now, one of my sources tells me that he saw a three legged cat at Bobbe's store. I can't quite put it all togeather yet but I will. The same source also told me that Merle Travis once gave Bobbe a special little kitty cat and that Bobbe called it;
TRAVIS !! The guy has got something inside of him and you can hear it in his music; it's called SOUL like in Soulful Steel !!

My world would not be the same if it didn't have the two of you in it !!!!!

Regards, Paul

Am I right in thinking Blackie Taylor's store is a small building on the outskirts of Riverside? if it's the one I'm thinking of, there was no-one there when I visited last October - seemed to be all closed up, and someone local passing by said he had never seen it open.
(I should be in Nashville this October, and hope to visit Mr Seymour - Sizemore? Sezmore? Hackensmackit III ? well, you know... Brandy's boss!)
(Not sure I'll have the funds to earn my free night in the Red Roof, though )
Nick

I think that there is a steel guitar store in Denver now.
Bobbe- I can hear your frustration over the fate of dealers in this strange economy. I can also understand the desire to sell direct by manufacturers. You can count all of the steel guitar specialty retailers on one maimed hand, that doesn't seem like a great way to reach potential customers. The BIG EXCEPTION is for a store like yours, where folks go because of the rare things of value that you offer them. You have vast knowledge, experience, inventory, service ability, jokes, and cats. Nothing beats a real store with a caring person in it. There just aren't many around for the steel guitar.
Perhaps a "middle way" would be for a manufacturer to sell direct AND establish a dealer relationship with the dealers who can help represent and advocate for their product, which wouldn't ammount to very many dealers. The exception to that is the Carter Starter/ Sam Ash relationship, which IMHO is a great accomplishment and a different kind of animal.
OK Bobbe- you can come chase me around with an e-ax now friend, I might even get used to it!
T. Sage Harmos
p.s. Jody, thanks for the rare glimpse "inside" the biz.