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Topic: Sierra Steel Guitars |
Doug Earnest
From:
Branson, MO USA
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Posted 28 Aug 2024 7:38 am |
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Ross, you haven't been in the steel guitar business all that long but you have left a very big mark! Congratulations on a job well done. I would like to wish you a long and happy retirement.
_________________
Doug Earnest
Manufacturer of Stage One & Encore pedal steel guitars
http://www.stageonesteelguitars.com
"Teach Your Children Well" |
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Ross Shafer
From:
Petaluma, California
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Posted 28 Aug 2024 11:03 am
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Wow, thanks so much Doug, your comment means a lot to me. Honestly, I wish I'd had the wherewithal to dive in much earlier.
Even though I've held a fascination for pedal steel ever since seeing Poco play at my high school...making them never came onto my radar until I started messing with the mechanics on my MSA when I first started (trying) to learn how to play. I've since given up on the playing part, dang things are easier to design and build!
thank you again! |
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David Wright
From:
Pilot Point ,Tx USA.
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Posted 3 Sep 2024 4:37 am
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| Sad news fosure, had a talk with Ross the other day and understand Ross's reasons for retirement..it was somewhat of a suprise Ed will close up the shop... My Dad created Sierra in 1960... and Wright Custom in 1947. making Wright/Sierra the oldest guitar company out there... Ross did a GREAT job on creating the New Sierra... .. |
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John McClung
From:
Olympia WA, USA
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Posted 3 Sep 2024 3:10 pm
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This is a big loss to the pedal steel guitar community, but I completely understand your revamping priorities, Ross. Enjoy your "retirement"; I know you'll be busier than ever doing things for your own enjoyment/amusement!
_________________
E9 INSTRUCTION
▪️ If you want to have an ongoing discussion, please email me, don't use the Forum messaging which I detest! steelguitarlessons@earthlink.net |
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Don R Brown
From:
Rochester, New York, USA
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Posted 3 Sep 2024 4:04 pm
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I don't suppose there is a line of craftsmen waiting to take the company over. Any chance of finding even one?
_________________
Many play better than I do. Nobody has more fun. |
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Bill Fisher
From:
Oklahoma, USA
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Posted 3 Sep 2024 5:35 pm
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He had someone, awhile back. Wonder what happened to him?
Bill |
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Ross Shafer
From:
Petaluma, California
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Posted 4 Sep 2024 8:27 am
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The plan was originally to pass the building on to an incredibly talented young man, Seven. Plans change.
The good news is that Seven now shares my shop and lives here on the farm in a little apartment we have. He's proceeding at full speed into a career of 6 string guitar building. |
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Ian Worley
From:
Sacramento, CA
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Posted 23 Sep 2024 9:28 am
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I somehow missed your retirement announcement Ross. I wish you the very best for a long and productive retirement, taking your time, and just making the things you want to make, for yourself. You are an extremely talented guy and I know that as long as you're breathin', that creative juice will never cease to flow in your veins! I'd still love to pay a visit to your shop sometime if the invite still stands. You can put me to work to help avoid any possible delays in your retirement! 
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All lies and jest, still a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest - Paul Simon |
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Ross Shafer
From:
Petaluma, California
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Posted 23 Sep 2024 9:53 am
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| Thanks so much Ian, of course the invite still stands, would love to have a visit from you! your offer to help is awesome, thank you! Might just take you up on it! |
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Jim Pitman
From:
Waterbury Ctr. VT 05677 USA
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Posted 25 Sep 2024 6:51 am
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Congrats Ross. Thanks for advancing the steel guitar tech so well as you have, and thanks for your input on my peg winder design.
I'm facing the same career/retirement choices but without your rigorous schedule so far now I'm continuing to go to work 40hrs a week.
For me the question is, can I afford retirement. My simultaneous musician and electrical engineer careers have bifurcated my effort to the point that I've never become fully invested in one or the other and now it shows itself financially. So.io..io..it's off to work I go. |
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Cody Johnson
From:
Cleveland, TN
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Posted 25 Sep 2024 4:12 pm
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| Will the Sierra site remain? |
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Ross Shafer
From:
Petaluma, California
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Posted 26 Sep 2024 8:01 am
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| Cody Johnson wrote: |
| Will the Sierra site remain? |
From Sierra's owner Ed Littlefield: The Sierra website will be deactivated when Sierra closes. Content such as lessons and "My Steel Guitar Life" interviews will be redirected to an accessible website location. |
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Cody Johnson
From:
Cleveland, TN
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Posted 26 Sep 2024 10:55 am
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| Ross, Thank you for the quick response. Glad to see that the interviews and lessons will still be available elsewhere. Enjoy your retirement! |
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