The Steel Guitar Forum

Has anyone been playing Emmons Guitars longer than me?
I have beenplaying Emmons exclusivly since 1967 and did a 3 and a half hour gig last nite.I have had Push Pulls, Le Grandes, and II, and III. I am presently playing a a single neck double body that has parts on it that I made when I was doing parts for Ron Jr.

Buddy

Although this discussion seems perfect for Facebook topic, I'm gonna comment here in Forumland!!

To Chris T.: Buddy started playing the Emmons in 1964, and he passed away in 2015. But in those 51 years, he didn't play the Emmons guitar exclusively nor continuously. So, sorry Buddy ol' pal, but you're out.

My thoughts of who would qualify went first to my friend Neil Flanz, who bought one of the very first PPs in 1964 and still plays one. But then I remembered he went to Sho~Bud for a brief period of time in the early 70's. So Neil is disqualified as well.

Tom Vollmer has played the Emmons guitar for 54 contiguous years, longer than there has actually been an Emmons guitar. Until new information turns up, I have to agree that Tom should be the first recipient of the Emmons Longevity Award, should there ever be one.

Here's a shot of Tom Vollmer in his pre-Emmons days... I hope you don't mind me posting it.

congrats Tom!

fun topic.

Congrats Tom! Post some pics of your guitars if you can. JK

That pic was right before getting my first Emmons. I was at a show and Stu Basore was playing, I think it was Kitty Wells and talking to Stu he made me aware of the Emmons as I was set to buy a Sho Bud.Bare with me on my memory but It was a Wrap Around number2030, no D, my second was bolt on 1045 D. Too be honest myself and the bands I played at the time worked some very rough gigs and our equiptment too a hell of a beating.As I just about wore the guitars down I would get another . Luckly I just stored the first and second and years later sold them to Tom Hannum who had them both restored. I also might add that at my age I did in my lifetime get to see so many Great shows as Buddy working With E. T. and Ray Price, also Jimmy Day,Weldon , Hal Rugg Tom Brumly etc memories I treasure. In those days you could talk to Buddy, Jimmy etc on break. Also you could talk to Ray, ET, Faron, Marty,Any way just some memories of an old Steeler.I will try to post some pics.

To put it simply and clearly...Tom Vollmer is the man!

Cheers Tommy! JW

i saw J D Maness with buck owens playing an emmons in 69. i think he has been playing them continuously since them. i don't know how long before though.