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Topic: Bud Tutmarc, Audiovox, and inventing the electric instrument |
Tab Tabscott
From:
Somewhere between Vashon Island and The mainland.
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Posted 1 Jul 2001 10:02 am |
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In the museum of History and Industry in Seattle, there is a a lap steel bearing the Audiovox label that was built by Bud Tutmarc.
It has the Charlie Christian pickup in it. I have heard for years that the "real inventor" of the electric guitar was Bud, and not Les Paul, as popular history says. Bud was a real estate man in Seattle who was also a fine player and builder of lap steels. From time to time you can still find these instruments in music stores and pawn shops around the Seattle area. I understand his son is still playing in the area.
I had the good fortune to find one of these instruments: walnut, with and 8 string peghead, a 7 string nut and saddle, and a six string Charlie Christian horseshoe pickup. It has an Audiovox label on the headstock.
Anybody know anything about Bud, Audiovox, Charlie Christian pickups, or anything pertinent to this discussion? I'd be all ears (eyes).
Thanks
Tab Tabscott www.oakoustic.com |
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Maurie Junod
From:
Oak Forest, Illinois, USA
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B. Greg Jones
From:
Middleport, Ohio USA
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Posted 1 Jul 2001 8:07 pm
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Wow!! I am in the process of refinishing a 6-string Audio-Vox steel. One of our patrons here at Renfro Valley, GAVE it to me. The pick-up is odd looking but sounds really nice. The body wood appears to be alder. I'm curious to see some more info on these guitars too!!!
Greg |
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Adam
From:
Seattle,WA
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Posted 2 Jul 2001 9:20 am
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| There is a great display at the Experience Music Project Museum in Seattle of Tutmarc's Audiovox stuff with steels,amps and an electric bass guitar from the 30's(predating the Fender Bass by many years).I've got a little lunchbox-sized Audiovox amplifier that someone sold me for $10.Cool stuff! |
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George Keoki Lake
From:
Edmonton, AB., Canada
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Posted 10 Jul 2001 8:07 pm
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| Just an aside...As many of you may recall, our friend Bud suffered not only a heart attack, but also a stroke at the same time last year. His lovely wife Opal has informed me Bud has made some improvement in his health, however he is still unable to play the steel guitar. He is attending the Winchester Indianna AIHSGC Convention where, I am sure all of his friends will be there to greet him with words of encouragement for this fine musician. We're pulling for your recovery, Bud! |
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