The Steel Guitar Forum

Wow, it was so interesting I just couldn't put it down once I began reading!
Just finished reading Bruce Zumsteg's 'Hot-off-the-Press' autobiography,
“My Life and the Steel Guitar” and it is one heckuva great read.

Bruce begins with some background info on his childhood, early family life
and upbringing, just enough to 'set the scene' for the 'Rest of the Story'.

He talks about his days of playing rhythm guitar and singing in a band
during his teenage years, and explains how he was 'captured' by the
sound of the Steel Guitar and how he built his first Pedal Steel Guitar
with the minimum of materials and of tools.

Chapter by chapter (thirty, in all) he unfolds the story of how he transitioned
himself from being a design engineer in the corporate manufacturing world to
a dedicated, full-time Steel Guitar designer and builder: How he designed, built,
marketed and improved upon what became one of the most famous of Pedal
Steel Guitars, the Zumsteel.

Bruce interjects many humorous stories along the way, along with interesting
sidelines on many famous steel guitarists.
He gives in-depth explanations about his innovations to the Steel Guitar and
what his line-of-thinking is to many aspects related to the design of the steel.

The book includes lots of pictures from his personal collection
that relate to the various events depicted in his story.

If you thought Bruce is a great builder . . . if you thought
Bruce is a great player . . . ‘You ain't read nuthin’ yet’ !
~Russ

Just put payment in the mail. Thanks Russ

Yeah, everything Russ Wever says about Bruce's new book is true. I got a copy and couldn't put it down until I read all 186 pages. Lots of great pictures in the book too. Although I've known Bruce for 50 years, I've never realized how obsessed he was about developing the pedal steel guitar to new heights. The guy is an absolute perfectionist when it comes to building pedal steels, playing steel, wood carving, and now writing a book. It is a steel (pun intended) for a mere $15.00.

The check's in the mail!!

Check sent.

Thanks Russ, just ordered it!!!

Not much more can be said than what Russ and Roger said except, ditto, ditto. Very good!

Cool!

Checks in the mail. Can't wait.

A great read and a great guy. Top notch guy all the way. Glad Bruce is a friend and very happy to own 2 of his GREAT GUITARS. P.H.

what a blessing reading his book & having the plesure 0f playing music with him, I am proud to own the Zumsteel thanks Bruce for being a Friend. God Bless, Jerry & Dee Foster

Just finished the Book!!! WOW!!! Very interesting to say the least!!! Congrats Bruce, great job!!!!

I really enjoyed reading this book. Lots of behind the scene stories of events and people involved in the steel guitar community. Buy it!

A walk through the golden age of pedal steel guitar by the builder of one of the finest pedal steel guitars ever produced. A fascinating read! Kudos to my great friend Bruce for his efforts to document the creation of the Zumsteel. My endorsement won't help him sell any books, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It's a piece of the history of the instrument we love that needed to be written.

Thank you so much, Bruce!

Bruce's book brings back so many good memories, I was lucky enough to know so many of the people in his book, most was close friends, it is a very good book that most steel player can relate to, the world was such a smaller place 40 years ago, doing what Bruce did with his ability to build world class guitar was amazing. Thanks Bruce.

Read it in two settings. I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone who loves the steel guitar.

What a great read I set down and read it straight through. Bruce has led such a productive and envious life. Jacob started reading the book today and was so proud and humbled to see that Bruce had mentioned building his guitar I only wish there were more young people wanting to play Steel. The picture that Bruce produces through his words is one of pure steel guitar romance. Thank you Bruce for sharing your remarkable story with us all

A treasure indeed. He claims that Buddy Emmons is the greatest pedal steel player on the planet. I agree. But also Bruce is a gift to the steel guitar world in that he, with his insight and skills has come up with the most unique and refined instrument on the planet. In addition , he is a trusted, concerned, honest, reliable gentleman with whom it is a pleasure to do business. He needs to be in the steel guitar hall of fame along with Shot Jackson.

How many pages is this book?

Jeff there is 186 pages, lots of pictures.

I just received my copy in the mail, and I am looking forward to a great read. Bruce is one of my heroes in playing, building, carving, friendship and all around good guy. And Dorene is his constant encourager.....I have a wonderful Zumsteel and I am proud to call Bruce and Dorene friends...

Billy Easton

Received mine and have finished it....a great book!!

checks in the mail! Jeff

Checks in the mail. really excited about this, I'm so glad Bruce took the time to share this with us . I'd love to see it start a trend among builders as well as others in our community.

I received my copy of Bruce's book the other day. I can echo all the great comments stated by everyone else... This Book Is An Awesome Read !!

Reading about his passion for our instrument brought back memories of my own passion for the instrument. In speaking with Bruce many times over the years I knew about his extreme love for the instrument. I never quite knew just how deep that passion really was though. So many written lines and photos in the book have brought a huge smile to my face and a warm feeling to the heart.

I haven't quite finished it yet but am well into it.

I highly recommend this book by Bruce to everyone. I sure am proud to call him a friend of 35 years too.

Sincerely,
Chris "Tiny" Olson