The Steel Guitar Forum

Maybe it is just me but the site never loads correctly. Do other have this problem?

Someone started work on the new site and it has not been completed, therefor it doesn't load right.

In the mean time, in cooperation with Rains Steel Guitars I have put together a myspace with a few pictures, a list of players and some info. More to be added soon.

www.myspace.com/rainspedalsteelguitars

JW

Jim, can you shed a little light on what has happened at Rains. Previously there was a network of dealers happening, Billy Carr, Fred Justice, Jerry Roller etc, and now these gentleman dont even play a Rains let alone sell them. I have heard a rumour that Bobby Rains is no longer involved. I am sure the Steel community would appreciate an accurate update.

Gary Carpenter from Ft. Worth,Tx. is the man in charge of Rains guitars.He builds some of the best sounding guitars I have ever heard. Thats why I got one. Bill Simmons who is a rep. for Gary is also a forum member and I think he is the one working on there website. There is a big demand for the Rains as Gary and others work long days to keep up with the orders. Here is Bill's e-mail and phone# simmonslw@aol.com or call 817.929.8063

I'm a dealer for Fessenden, Performance, Magnum & Carter Starters. I'm also a dealer for George L, GHS & Frenchy's Steel Mill strings. I'm also president of the newly formed Mississippi Steel Players Club here in Mississippi. All of the above is operated thru my steel shop, Carr's Steel Guitar Shop. I do have another dealership I'd like to add to my list but it's not a steel dealership. I just hadn't time to call and check on it yet. It has to do with amps. What's listed here is all I'm involved with presently. Thanks.

Ivan Posa wrote:Jim, can you shed a little light on what has happened at Rains. Previously there was a network of dealers happening, Billy Carr, Fred Justice, Jerry Roller etc, and now these gentleman dont even play a Rains let alone sell them. I have heard a rumour that Bobby Rains is no longer involved. I am sure the Steel community would appreciate an accurate update.

For some reason, your post reminds me of Nancy Grace.


Ivan, I play a 2006 Rains, built by Carp. The last I had heard, Bob was having some health issues. Generally speaking, most steel makers sell direct. All three of the retailers you mention were singing the praises of the Rains and playing them until recently. I don't know the specifics, but I do know that a dealer will push the brands they carry. It is not in their financial interest to play a guitar they don't sell.

Bill Simmons and Gary Carpenter are nice guys. Gary is building a very nice steel that compares with anything on the market.

I am a dealer for Emmons Guitars, Magnum and Carter Starter Guitars. I am not associated with any other brand PSG at this time.
Jerry Roller

Steve, I also have a SD 10 Rains with a ToneAligner p/up which I am very happy with. When I bought the Steel from Randy Carson a year or so ago, I was in contact with initially Bob Rains and later on with Gary Carpenter. In fact Gary Carpenter did the set up for me before the guitar was shipped to me. I was just interested to know why there were some Rains dealers who now dont sell Rains anymore. Anyway, I have had several private e-mails which have explained what has happened and why.

Cool Ivan,
I'm going over to Garys house in the morning. I'll tell him you like your steel!

Hi everyone...I apologize for being tardy in updating the Rains website. Frankly, I've been sidetracked with several family members going through some serious health issues -- my father-in-law with cancer and my 10 year old grandson needing to go the Mayo Clinic for extensive tests etc, etc.

Sales of the Rains are going very well with Gary Carpenter and Corky Owens (Gene Watson's steel player) going almost non-stop building guitars so they have absolutely no time to cover for me on the website.

In any case, I will do my best to get the website corrected this week. It will have some incredible Rains steel pictures to give you an idea of these great playing steels. In the meantime, if I can be of further help, simply email me or call 817.929.8063.

Thanks for your patience and understanding at this challenging time.
-----------------------------------------------------
Bill Simmons
Rains Factory Direct Rep
817.929.8063
simmonslw@aol.com

As far as I know, Gary Carpenter has been involved with the Rains from the get go. He did the machining of the parts in Fort Worth. As was previously stated, Bob has had some joint problems for some time. This plus the logistics problem with getting stuff back and forth between Abilene and Fort Worth resulted in the present arrangement. Recent e-mails from Rains included a James Carpenter. I have an idea this might be Gary's son, but I'm not sure.
I just acquired a custom Rains with a cabinet made by Mark Giles and it is one the finest guitars I have in my stable. This is my 3rd Rains and definitely a keeper!

As I mentioned in my last post, it is my fault for the tardiness in completing the Rains webite.

I'd also like to acknowledge Bobby Rains for designing and building the Rains back in 2002 with the assistance of James Foster, a retired Lockheed machinist and an accomplished steel guitarist. Without Bobby's vision and years of hard work, there'd be no Rains today!

Bobby Rains is not only a wonderful player, but one of the nicest people you will meet. Mr. Rains helped me get into my first Rains several years ago which I will also appreciate. When I shared the idea of adding the Gospel model -- "The Spirit" -- Bobby agreed and made it happen.

Gary Carpenter has been a great asset in building the Rains in recent years and recently purchased the Rains Steel Guitar company which is located in Ft. Worth, TX. James Carpenter is Gary's nephew and an excellent machinist who now does the machining.

By the way Erv, that is one beautiful and super sounding Rains! I told my buddy Charlie Tyron he will miss that incredible steel...are you listening Charlie? HA HA
-----------------------------------------------------
Rains Factory Direct Rep
817.929.8063
simmonslw@aol.com

Erv, That is a beautiful Rains. I hope someday to have an S/D 10 like it.

Bill, I most sincerely pray for your family and hope all turns out well.

I believe Bob had a tiger by the tail.
When I talked to him about my 1st Rains, he told me that if he would be content with building one or two guitars a year. However, at that time, he said that he needed to turn out one or two guitars a week.
I think this just put too much strain on this fine gentleman.

Erv, you are right, Bob did have a tiger by the tail and that mainly was significant health issues. He told me recently that he is doing much better and I certainly hope so because he is a true gentleman and a great person.
Jerry