The Steel Guitar Forum

My friend and boss, I'm sorry to say, passed away peacefully last night at home. Not only was Bobbe a great boss, but a good friend for many years. I will miss him tremendously. He was a well respected musician and taught me everything I know about repairing a steel guitar. Unfortunately, another huge loss to the steel guitar community. It's hard to express my true emotions right now. Bobbe gave me my first job after moving to Nashville in 2001. Working with Bobbe on a daily basis made understand the man he really was and like every other person, he was not 100% right all the time, but he did the best he could. He could be a very humorous person, but the next minute, a complete jerk! But all in all, Bobbe had a great heart. Bobbe's accomplishments speak for themselves. His passion for life, steel guitars and classic cars, I will always remember. I felt like you all should know that Bobbe is gone. The store will be closed at least Monday through Wednesday of next week, out of respect for Bobbe. Please try to limit phone calls to the store. I will be updating information as I receive it. We would like to thank all of Bobbe's customers for supporting Steel Guitar Nashville and we hope to continue and grow the same standards that Bobbe expected of us, for years to come.

What horrible news. My thoughts go out to his family and friends. Another great one has left us.

Sorry to hear that Vic. I only went into Bobbe's store today as you know and it was nice to see his Steel Guitar Hall Of Fame plaque on the wall. I'm glad I took a photo of it.

That is such tragic news, but Bobbe hasn't been the man he was for 2 or 3 years now. He always had an opinion on every subject, and I used to enjoy his tales (some tall) of the old days. I bet he is up there with his maker debating with Reece Anderson the merits of the push pull guitar.

At least we have lots of clips of Bobbe on YouTube to remind us of how he used to be.

Thanks Ken,I was aware of this tragedy when you were in this morning but was not at liberty to elaborate. That is why I encouraged you to take a picture of the plaque!

I'd hoped to get to chat with him a year ago when I was fortunate to visit the store there in Nashville with my good friend from D2F Covers Tom Palmer.

I'd followed his flying escapades closely, particularly his progress in the P-51.

Rest in Peace my friend.

Vic, it must have been a hard time for you and your colleague today, and I feel terrible that I was cheerfully reminiscing about Bobbe while you both had to put on brave faces.

Steel Guitar Nashville will always be synonymous with Bobbe, but it is in good hands with you at the helm. I hope you stay on and take the company to a new level.

I am stunned and so sorry to hear this sad news. I bought Bobbe's personal Super Pro back in 1984, wish I still had it. His contributions to the world of steel guitar will live on. RIP, Bobbe.

Sad to hear this news. I met Bobbe once at steel guitar nashville, he was very nice and gifted me some CDs, told me and my band a couple great road stories. RIP

Our thoughts and prayers to Bobbe's Family,
This is truly a sad loss for the steel guitar community .

Josh and Shannon.

What a shock! Stuart and I never got to meet Bobbe personally and that was our loss, but we did learn a lot from him through various media including the Forum. Bo and Stuart

I'm sure anyone who has ever gotten to hang out with Bobbe will have some special memories. I do, and they're precious to me! God Bless Bobbe! Rest in Peace..

Rest in peace Captain.... ....love you, and miss you my friend

RIP Bobbe.

This is shocking news, another friend has left us. Wish everyone a lot lot of strength.

Very sad news. I knew Bobbe had some health issues but didn't know it was that bad. I've known Bobbe for many years and first met him in 1971.

So sorry to hear
My sympathies to Uncle Doug and the Seymour family. Rest in peace, Bobbe.

I've known Bobbe since the early 80's. My heart is heavy

So sorry to hear this. My condolences go out to his family and friends.

I had been around Bobbe two or three times, and he was very kind to me every time.
He was indeed a very unique fella, I remember the first time I met him at his store he loaded me up and gave me every CD he had ever recorded. The man was a great player!!!
Rest in peace now Bobbe, God bless you.

Rest in peace Bobbe.

iremember talking to him on the phone about m.s.a guitars he help me alot. he called me "the m.s.a guy"
will be missed
R.I.P

P.W

I enjoyed going to his store and visiting. I will
pray for family.

I only ever spoke to him on the phone, but he made it feel like we were good friends.

The first time I ever called the store I knew nothing about Bobbe, hadn't yet been on the Forum or anything. One of the legs on my Sho-Bud had stripped threads and I asked if he could possibly sell me a replacement leg. I couldn't have been more surprised when he said "Sure, I've got one, I'll just send it to you. What's your address?"

The Forum was a livelier, more fun place when he was here regularly.

They don't make too many like him.

RIP Bobbe.