Bob Mechanik aka Bob Mekani ?

Jim Landers · From: Spokane, Wash.

Did you know, or know of Bob Mechanik?... There is a one paragraph write up and picture of him on page 101 of Lorene Ruymar's book, "The Hawaiian Steel Guitar". It don't tell very much about him though, other than he had a radio show in New York in the late 30s and played frequently at the Lexington Hotel in New York city.

The reason that I am curious about him is, I just became the proud second owner (not counting one or two antique dealers) of his 1937 Rickenbacher Bakelite. When it arrived and I opened the case it just about blew me away, this guitar is in nearly mint condition. I was pretty sure it was going to be a good one, but I did'nt expect it to be in almost new condition. Anyway, looking through the compartments in the case, among assorted finger picks and a couple of bars was his business card. So now knowing who the guitar belonged to, I would like to find out whatever I can about him and his music career.

Jim

Jody Carver · From: KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED

Jim,,,I have heard many good things about Bob
as I too worked at the Hotel Lexington's Hawaiian room.

Sam Makia the steel player was the last one at the Lexington,,,Sam had been there for years,,,,and I learned not long ago that sam too had passed on.

I had filled in for Sam many times at the Lexington,,,I do know a few old timers that may be able to give me some info on Bob M.

I will ask a few hawaiian musicians,,,but there are not many left,,,If I find anything out I will e mail you,,,,,,Jody. That guitar you have must have a lot of "soul" bet it sounds great.

Jim Landers · From: Spokane, Wash.

Thanks Jody, I'd appreciate it.

You said, "the guitar must have a lot of 'soul' and sound great". It sure sounds good to me! This is the first time that I've been up close and personal with one of the pre-war Ricks, and now I understand why everyone raves about how good they sound. Great guitars!

Jim

Jody Carver · From: KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED

Jim ,,,I called a few people today,,,according to one fellow age 85 years young and a filipino,,,he claims Bob had returned to hawaii years and years ago.

No word since then,,,there were two very popular hawaiian steel players back here in New York City,,,Sam Makia was one and Hal Aloma the other,,,great players,,,both have passed on,,Hal used to work at the Luau 400
on Madison Ave NYC,,,I used to pinch hit for him on occasion.

Ditto Sam Makia at the Lexington Hotel,he would call me often to sub for him,,,,they were both great players,,,another was a fellow by the name of George Menen a great hawaiian style player,,,I studied with him for a while ,,,helped me a lot ,,,gave me that Real 'vibrato technique: which I had to work on constantly...he is also gone.

I worked the Hawaii Kai on Broadway for about 5 years 6 nites a week,,,when I would get home at night (early morning) my wife would tell me she could still smell the hawaiian or polynesian cooking in my clothes.
Good luck with that guitar,,,Ill bet you can hear the trade winds blowing when you play it.

Think of this,,,imagine how many tunes and nights Bob played that guitar of yours at the Hotel Lexington,,,,that was the epitome of class as a Hawaiian gig,,,,,stay well and enjoy you guitar,,,any further info on Bob I will let you know,,,,I dont beleive he is still with us,,,but ya never know.....Jody

George Keoki Lake · From: Edmonton, AB., Canada

Jody, I am constantly fascinated by your career stories...6 nights a week for 5 years playing Hawaiian music, man those were the days! Keep those stories coming. I'm 73 and I grew up in the era when Hawaiian music reigned supreme on juke boxes, and in ballrooms, etc. By the way, did you ever meet Jack deToro who was the fine steel player with Johnny Pineapple ? What was he like ? He was one under-rated steel player who had such a beautiful touch and tone.

Jim Landers · From: Spokane, Wash.

Thanks again Jody, and I agree with George, keep those stories coming.

Jody Carver · From: KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED

Hi Jim & George....I do have many stories of those great times,,,but it's sad that they are "no more"

No I never met the steel player with Johnny Pineapple,,,the hawaiian musicians used to kid me and call me "ku kai" they said it was a great hawaiian name ,,,,till I found out what it meant.....not too dirty but that bOb guy may put on a "frown" and I dont want to cause him any undue stress,,,Aloha OIY When I was at the Lexington Arthur Godfrey used to come in often.....George you remember him,,,,lots of stories ,,but they are long winded as some on the Forum quote said,,,so if and when I write my Fender book
I will tell all,,,,spoke to Herb remington today,,,he a great man,,,he played spanish eyes on the phone for me,,,wanted me to hear
one of his new pedal steels,,,best to both of you,,,,George thanks for the lyrics on "The One Rose" hope Paul Graupp doesn't sing it,,,he tries to sound like Bing Crosby

boooba boooba bo,,,,,,,

Al Marcus · From: Cedar Springs,MI USA (deceased)

Yes, Jody, I am afraid you are right. "those days are gone" .

I remember when I was 15 years old in 1936 and played in the "Hawaiian Room" at fine club in Rochester ,New York. 6 nights a week for two weeks.

I played all the Hawaiian and the hula girl floor shows, plus pop.

The band was all Eastman School of Music Graduates, I was the dumb one. But I was the best Hawaiian steel 6 string player in town.

The union forced the band to let me go, as I was not Union yet. In those days, you had to be 16 to get in. How about that, compared to now?

But I loved that Hawaiian Music, and didn't know what a pedal guitar was in those days. There was NO such thing then!!!...al

Jody Carver · From: KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED

Al,,,,was Rochester NY your home when you were young??? Its a cold place in the winter
lots of snow,,,used to call on a music store in Rochester Duke Spinners Music ,then later
on "House of Guitars" in Henrietta a suburb of Rochester,,,glad to see all you hawaiians coming out for this ,,,,good health to you guys...

Bob Stone · From: Gainesville, FL, USA

While you folks are talking about Hawaiian music played in the Northeast I have to inquire: Does anyone know anything about Jimmy and Jack Kahanalopua? According to Ralph Kolsiana, Jimmy operated a Hawaiian music teaching studio in Philadelphia, PA in the 1930s. Jack was reputed to be a good steel player who gigged in the Northeast.

I'm trying to establish a possible connection to African-American "sacred steel" pioneer Troman Eason who, according to his surviving brother Willie, took lessons in Philly in the 1930s from a Hawaiian he remembers as "Jack."

Any info on the brothers K., or leads to someone who might know something, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Bob Stone

Adam · From: Seattle,WA

Rochester was where I grew up.It was too darn cold so I had to move out West.I bought my first guitar and amp at the House of Guitars.

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