The Steel Guitar Forum

I was down at Billy's store today getting Billy to help me out with my guitars. I would like to compliment Billy on his, IMO, great workmanship. I am always happy doing business with Wanda and Billy; just wonderful folks all way 'round, IMO.

Oustanding steel guitar shop.

I haven't been to Billy Cooper's Music Store yet, but I'm wanting to go to it. I'm in touch with Wanda through e-mail and I've heard there are three showrooms full of steel guitars. Billy and Wanda have a great Website too. I wonder if Billy ever had a Zumsteel at the shop. Brett, Emmons S-10, Morrell lapsteel, GFI Ultra D-10

When I was there I happened to see Sho-Buds, Emmons (pp and all pull), GFI, and probably Derbys although I didn't look at all the inventory. They have amps, sound equipment, accessories, CDs, six-string guitars; I'm sure that I'm not doing their inventory justice. I did a little picking on a GFI, S-10 while Billy was working. Seems to be real easy to plug any in and try them out. The building, IMO, is large. I don't get down there too often as my arthritis is a trip in itself. Also, I saw a real nice Carter, D10, come to think of it.

Fortunately I live about 40 miles from Billy's shop and have been dealing with him and Wanda for nearly 20 yrs. They are always helpful, friendly and competent. There business is well organized, efficient and always reasonably priced. Billy is extremely flexible and has done emergency adjustments if needed, before a gig. Billy is both a competent steel player and machinist as well. I have taken a number of lessons from him over the years and the last time I dropped in Buddy Charleton was giving lessons out of the shop. He has hosted numerous workshops over the years which have helped my learning process with the steel..their inventory is huge...I purchased a D-10Derby and a Peavey 1000 from him about 6 yrs ago and have not had a bit of trouble from either one...Billy has also worked on my '66 Emmons when I was playing that guitar...after 5 minutes on the Derby, the Emmons has remained in its case. Great people and a great business.

Charles, I love Emmons, Sho-Bud, Carter, and Derby guitars. My first steel, which I still have, was a 1974 student model Emmons push-pull. I'm looking forward to visiting Billy Cooper's Music. I was on their Website and I thought I saw a Mullen in the picture, too. Brett, Emmons S-10, Morrell lapsteel, GFI Ultra D-10

I talked with Wanda just today. She is helping me out with a problem I had with a piece of gear. It wasn't their responsibility, but she took care of it anyway. A wonderful couple and a great store. God Bless them.

One other important area I failed to mention, that has been important to me and I'm sure others, is their large inventory, IMO, of tutorial courses and tablature of different teachers and musicians. I mention this as perhaps others are not aware of the availability of the help here. The other day when I was there I didn't get to see Buddy Charleton; maybe next time.

...Craig, I feel bad about that old '66 Emmons just collecting dust in the case...in fact, I've started a home for castoff and unwanted pushpulls. Could I drive down and pick that one up, and bring him up here where he can live out his days amongst his own kind? It's the right thing to do, and you could get a tax writeoff, too!...

While you're there, have Billy show you some of the priceless steels he has hanging on the walls. I believe he has Emmons serial # 1 up on the wall (or is it #4? I can't remember).

#4? Wasn't that Buddy Cage's guitar?

I believe it's #001 with the volume control wheel on the side of the inside neck, if I remember correctly, but later it was changed to the center of the guitar. Better check with Billy. I'm going to ask him about those others on the wall when I go back.