The Steel Guitar Forum

Folks,
Does anyone have any info on BeJay steel guitars, built by Ben Jack? A google search turned up that a factory fire in 1963 ended production. I did a search on this forum and could not find any posts from Ben Jack after 2003 or so. Is he still with us?
I just looked at a double-nine (S.N. 1307)in a store and couldn't help but notice the similarities to Sho-Buds, and was wondering if any of the parts are actually Sho-Bud parts. The headstocks, tuners, necks, pickups, etc. looks like an early Sho-Bud, even sounds like one. It's a great lookin' little museum piece; birds eye maple body and red necks, aluminum end plates with kitchen handles. Someone should do a little history write up on them.
Thanks in advance for any info.
Brett

Brett,
Can't give you specific info on Ben's guitar factory, but you might contact Terry Anderson at the Guitar Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas---Terry Anderson was Ben Jack's partner for many years and may still be to some degree--not sure. The last I heard, Ben was working at his music store in Fayettville, Arkansas. Jerry Roller, who is a well-known steel/dobro player in Fort Smith, could probably shed some light on this subject. Do a search for Jerry on this forum and you could email him for possible info... Carl<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Carl Williams on 25 February 2006 at 06:41 PM.]</p></FONT>