The Steel Guitar Forum

Some of you may or may not know, Bobby is my father. Not biologically speaking, but mine is gone, and he has tried to raise me right. He's also one of the finest players, builders, and steel mechanics on the planet, and he is THE man to see on push-pulls. I ain't just blowing smoke cuz I love him....I love my mother, but I wouldn't recommend she come near your steel with any tools....but he lives and breathes steel guitar, and has had a hand in the design of many. Anyway, just wanted to testify about Bobby, and give him a shout-out.

hi agree wholeheartedly. bobby probably doesn't remember, but about four-five years ago when i had just started out on the steel, i bought an excel d-10 that was on consignment over at herb remington's place in houston. i had just sold an old '50s fender 1000 (my first steel, which i found up in the attic of chicago music exchange in tucson) in order to learn on a 10 string (i still regret selling the 1000, however).

anyway, the problem with the excel was that my legs were just too long to fit underneath it, by yards! so herb told me that his buddy bobby could hook me up with some extentions. i met bobby across town in houston and he took me into his home to see about fittin the extentions. and man, i was blown away by bobby. he's such a generous guy, like so many steelers i've met. i was there for hours as he told me all these great stories, showed me his shop, and i was a young, new player, a guy that had no real knowledge or reference to a lot of what he was saying. but he took that opportunity to teach me some things and to make me feel welcome in the world of pedal steel.

i'll never forget, he said when i was leaving, "John!! if you EVER, EVER need anything, have any questions about the steel, just want to talk, you can call me ANYTIME day or night!! I don't even get to sleep till 2 sometimes so you can call REAL LATE!"

i loved that experience! i haven't spoken to bobby since a dallas convention or two, but he's a great guy, like so many others that i've met through this instrument.

thanks bobby!! i'm still trudgin through this thing, i set it aside for a year or two but i'm back in the thick of it, even playing out in austin and elsewhere...

Never underestimate Dr. Bowman's expertise as a steel guitar surgeon or a steel guitar player. Bobby and Toni Bowman. A class act.Jody