Ever lost a "GIG" because of Steel Brand???

Ed Naylor · From: portsmouth.ohio usa, R.I.P.

There are so many post about this guitar being good-and this guitar being Trash-have you ever lost a gig because you had a Maverick?? Or because you had brand X with 27 pedals and 14 knees?? It all comes down to one thing -either you can, or you can't play. Ed Naylor Steel Guitar Works

Jerry Hayes · From: Virginia Beach, Va.

Hey Ed, I never lost a gig for the brand of steel but I did lose one once for the type of steel I played. Back when I was playing full time I got a call from a guy to do some shows. I'd been recommended by a friend of mine so when the guy called he asked about my equipment so I told him what I had and he said he'd get back to me. I never did hear back from him so I asked my friend about it and it seems he hired this other player who I know didn't play as well as I did. What happened was he thought I couldn't play as I played a S-12 and not a D-10. That was one of the first times I experienced a bias against a Universal player. Another band I was in where I played lead guitar I was playing a large Gretsch hollow body and the rhythm player had a Telecaster. The owner of the club liked to come on stage and introduce the band on occasion and he'd always introduce me as the rhythm player and the rhythm player as the lead player I guess from the instruments we played and not what we played on our instruments.....JH

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Livin' in the Past and Future with a 12 string Mooney Universal tuning.

Jim Smith · From: Midlothian, TX, USA

When I first set up my Dekley or my Fessenden with a new band, sometimes I get some strange looks from the customers, and even the band members, because they're not familiar with the brand name. After the first set they're fine. In similar circumstances with my Emmons, their comments are that I must be good because I'm playing an Emmons.

I'll have to admit, I sometimes get the same feelings when I see a guitar or bass player with an unknown brand of axe.

Farris Currie · From: Ona, Florida, USA, R.I.P.

yes,i didn't get the job,i played a practice with the group with a 6string multichord.we had a great practice,but i didn't have the chromatics and stuff they were wanting in 1968.they did all the late stuff,and multichord didn't fill the bill.
in 1970 i bought a new sho-bud professional,then couldn't be in enough places at one time.too many jobs.
farris

Webb Kline · From: Orangeville, PA

Someone told me that they were forbidden from playing in church because they had a sho-bud and they thought that it represented gambling.

I'm a preacher, but it didn't happen in my church. Why would I not want someone in my pchurch praising God with a 10 stringed instrument regardless of what name is on it? It's biblical!

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MCI D10 8+5, ZB 11/10 8+3 Early 30s Dobro, Harmony Lap Steel, ad infinitum

Guest · Posted 26 Jan 2005 8:41 am

Yes I did get fired because I brought an old Sho-Bud "The Professional" to a smoky old gig. The bandleader called me the next day and asked "Are you going to bring your red Emmons tonight?" I said "no" and the next week got fired! Funny 'cause when I used an MSA one time before at a packing house gig he never even noticed the difference! We play some pretty rough venues here in FL (like rodeos) and I don't like to bring my fablulous red lacquer '75 Emmons D-10 everywhere.

Ed Naylor · From: portsmouth.ohio usa, R.I.P.

Rev. Kline-I live here in the "Bible Belt" and many players and most churches object to the SHO-BUD fretboards and logo.Over years I have changed many fretboards and covered the fronts with decals etc.At one time Sho-Bud made TEXAS STAR FB that was popular.There are probably some churches that don't even allow a Steel Guitar.Ed

Bob Carlucci · From: Candor, New York, USA

Ed... Any player or church that would object to a Bud fretboard is closed minded to the max IMHO.. Do they actually believe that they are worshipping GOD falsely because the steel has diamonds,spades and hearts on the fret board??.. puh-leeze !!!..in any case there are LOTS of card games that invlove NO gambling. I love the LORD, and worship HIM,and I love HIS people,but every once in a while I hear about a Christian brother that needs to be slapped into reality..bob

Farris Currie · From: Ona, Florida, USA, R.I.P.

Funny,we played a Baptist church,close to home here.after doing 2 songs,quiet,our band leader was our pastor from another church,he said,we understand,lots of folks dont believe in making noise,they just show their expressions with throwing in money!!after that you never heard so much clapping in your life!!!hahaha people can be so foolish over the little things!!! farris

Joey Gaskins · From: New Bern, North Carolina, USA

I think those who don't care for a deck of cards needs to read this story. During the North African Campaign, a bunch of soldier boys had been on a long hike. They arrived in a little town called Casino. The next morning being Sunday, several of the boys went to church. A sergeant commanded the boys in church.

After the Chaplain read the prayer, the text was taken up next. Those of the boys that had a prayer book took them out. One boy had only a deck of cards, and he spread them out. The sergeant saw the cards and said, "Soldier, put away those cards." After the service was over, the soldier was taken prisoner and brought before the Provost Marshal.

The Marshal said, "Sergeant, why have you brought this man here?"

"For playing cards in church, Sir," was the response.

The Marshal asked the soldier, "And what have you to say for yourself, son?"

"Much, Sir," replied the soldier.

The Marshal stated, "I hope so, for if not I will punish you more than any man was ever punished."

The soldier said, "Sir, I have been on the march for about six months. I have neither bible nor a prayer book, but I hope to satisfy you, sir, with the purity of my intentions." And with that, the boy started his story ...

"You see, sir, when I look at the Ace, it reminds me that there is but one God.
And the deuce reminds me that the bible is divided into two parts: the Old and the New Testaments.
When I see the trey, I think of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
And when I see the four, I think of the four evangelists who preached the Gospel: there was Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
And when I see the five, it reminds me of the five wise virgins who trimmed their lamps; there were ten of them: five were wise and were saved, five were foolish and were shut out.
When I see the six, it reminds me that in six days God made this heaven and earth.
And when I see the seven, it reminds me that on the seventh day, God rested from his great work.
And when I see the eight, I think of the eight righteous persons that God saved when he destroyed the earth: there was Noah, his wife, their sons and their wives.
And when I see the nine, I think of the lepers our saviour cleansed, and that nine of the ten didn't even thank him.
When I see the ten, I think of the ten commandments that God handed down to Moses on a tablet of stone.
When I see the King, it reminds me that there is but one King of Heaven, God Almighty.
And when I see the Queen, I think of the blessed Virgin Mary who is the Queen of Heaven.
And the Jack or Knave is the Devil.

When I count the number of spots in a deck of cards, I find 365, the number of days in a year.
There are 52 cards, the number of weeks in a year.
There are four suits, the number of weeks in a month.
There are twelve picture cards, the number of months in a year.
There are thirteen tricks, the number of weeks in a quarter.

So you see, Sir, my deck of cards serves me as a bible, an almanac and a prayer book."

Lem Smith · From: Long Beach, MS

I don't know if Webb is referring to me or not, but I have mentioned before that very thing happened to me.

I was playing for a Gospel group at the time, and was setting my Sho~Bud up in a Church, and was told that it wouldn't be allowed since it had the card symbols on it. I had to sit that one out.

Also, another time I wasn't allowed to play was because it was a steel guitar, and they said that it wasn't a Gospel instrument, but it was a honkytonk instrument. Close minded, indeed!!!

Anyway, think about that last part. What do most every Church have in them? A piano. Piano was THE ORIGINAL honkytonk instrument!!! Sheesh!

Lem

Farris Currie · From: Ona, Florida, USA, R.I.P.

praise the Lord with 10 string instaments,but 12 strings not allowed.YES i'm laughing!!!! farris

Larry Bell · From: Englewood, Florida

I have played in a BUNCH of bands over the past 30 years and never once has anyone even MENTIONED what brand of steel I play at gigs.

I've played MSA, ZumSteel, Emmons, and Fessenden and don't recall anyone saying anything other than perhaps complimenting my playing. I've never played a bad sounding guitar, but I think most guitars made today sound ok anyway.

I don't tell the drummer or the guitar player what brand to play and I expect the same from them. Most never knew or noticed (or CARED) WHAT brand I played.

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Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps

John De Maille · From: On a Mountain in Upstate Halcottsville, N.Y.

Geez,
I wonder if that church, that banned the Sho-Bud, would allow it, if it had "Bingo Markers" on the fretboard instead?

Kevin Hatton · From: Buffalo, N.Y.

Well there you have it Ed. Lots of stories here about guys gett'n the boot for having the wrong guitar. Next subject.

There once was a guy named Ed
Who had a Maverick that was colored
bright red
He painted it blue
Used paper clips and goo
And now Ed's maverick resides at Club Med

Tom Diemer · From: Defiance, Ohio USA

I was told I couldn't play in church because the guitar I brought had been used in bars. (not in a very long time)I told them "so had the player" and walked out.

Years later I tried it again, bought a new Dean acoustic to play in church. Still feel very strange about playing in church. Like all eyes are on me.

Webb Kline · From: Orangeville, PA

Lem, that must have been you. I couldn't remember where I saw it, but I forgot about the deal with the piano. That's just too off the wall for my theology.

Farris, now you have me worried. I play in quite few churches and I'm thinking I better not take my ZB 11/10 along or I may have a problem down the road somewhere. Of course, I read somewhere that Zane got the gladiator fretmarker idea from a pack of Trojan condoms, so I guess it'll get me in trouble one way or another.

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MCI D10 8+5, ZB 11/10 8+3 Early 30s Dobro, Harmony Lap Steel, ad infinitum

Webb Kline · From: Orangeville, PA

Joey, thanks for the card story. I'll have to use that one.

Tom, I would have done the same thing. What is sad though, is that now you can't walk into church and praise the Lord with your guitar without having a guilt trip about it. What is tragic is that you're far from alone.

In some churches, you are saved by grace until you walk through their doors; then it's judgement day. All I can say is that it is a good thing that God is more tolerant than some of his people are.

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MCI D10 8+5, ZB 11/10 8+3 Early 30s Dobro, Harmony Lap Steel, ad infinitum

Jerry Hayes · From: Virginia Beach, Va.

If anyone would like to hear the recording of the recesitation Joey posted it was first recorded by the late great T. Texas Tyler (the man with a million friends) and was the best version although a later recording by Wink Martindale sold more copies. You can still find it on some oldie compilations at times. A lot of thought went into those lyrics...JH

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Livin' in the Past and Future with a 12 string Mooney Universal tuning.

[This message was edited by Jerry Hayes on 27 January 2005 at 04:17 AM.]

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

All I can say is only an idiot would judge someone by their equipment!

Still, I recognize there are "gearheads" who think more of what a guy plays than how he plays. Pity. Chet Atkins always sounded like Chet, whether he was playing a Gretsch, an Epiphone, or a D'Angelico. The same goes for Buddy Emmons...he always sounds like Buddy! Most always, the limitations (those that really matter) are in the player, not his equipment.

I'm a prime example of a guy who's got some really great equipment, and still doesn't play that great.

Brands don't impress me, pickin' do!

[This message was edited by Donny Hinson on 27 January 2005 at 08:37 AM.]

[This message was edited by Donny Hinson on 31 January 2005 at 04:15 PM.]

James Pennebaker · From: Mt. Juliet, TN

This is not really related to this topic but it is a funny story, and true. I got hired several years ago to play fiddle for a "showcase" gig by a major label for one of their new artist. The band was a "put together" group by the label. The steel player was a BIG name guy (I won't mention his name but he is a Hall Of Fame member!) and I was totally in awe to get to work a job with him. We rehearsed for several hours that afternoon. There was a female backup vocalist who was positioned standing behind this famous steel player all day. When we took a break between the rehearsal and the gig, she asked him "Why to you have two sets of strings on your guitar? You only seem to use the top one. Why don't you ever play the bottom one?" With out any hesitation he said, "Oh, these days you can't ever play the bottom one. THAT'S THE TWO WEEK NOTICE NECK!" I about fell over on the floor.

JP

[This message was edited by James Pennebaker on 27 January 2005 at 09:00 AM.]

[This message was edited by James Pennebaker on 27 January 2005 at 09:14 AM.]

Dan Tyack · From: Olympia, WA USA

I tried playing an Emmons in Berkeley California once, but the city wouldn't let me, because it's a Nuclear Free zone.

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www.tyack.com

Ernie Pollock · From: Mt Savage, Md USA

Boy, I remember my first steel guitar, it was a Shobud crossover model, it had the cards on the front. I wanted to buy a new MSA D-10 and had to sell it to get the new one, the fellow that bought it was a preacher in the Nazarene chruch, I think, his mother came along when he was to buy the shobud, and she threw a fit about those cards, but I reminded her of that ol song about the Deck of cards, can't recall much about the song now, but the club, hearts & spades each represented something else. So I told the nice ol Lady that maybe it was more the person than it was the guitar fretboard & front apron, they bought the guitar. But that was a close one!! Never lost a gig over a shobud though.

Ernie Pollock

http://www.hereintown.net/~shobud75/stock.htm

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

Jim Smith and James Pennebaker- I got a good laugh out of your posts.Thanks.

Jim, I remember in 1972 when I brought my D10 Emmons in to playe for the governors's Ball in Phoenix, Az.

We had to back up Tex Williams doing "Smoke,Smoke that cigarette" and his recitation of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" , I played the background music for him.

Anyway, when I came in and set up up, a young guy came up to the bandstand and says, "Boy, an Emmons", you must be really good.. But I wasn't really a good E9 player.
So the Mystique is there with Emmons.

James-About the bottom neck. You are right, I always played C6 instead of E9 whenever I could. The bottom neck was a NO NO.

You can beat them with a S12 Universal though, then thay can't tell when you are on the "Bottom" neck.....Lol.............al

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My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus/

Bill Beall · From: Branson, MO. USA

I'm with you, Webb. As a preacher, I'm about as conservative as it gets when it comes to church and such. I'm more conservative than a lot of Apostolic preachers I know but to keep someone from bringing a 'Bud into a service to play for the Glory of God just because it has the card symbols on it? Some people strain at a gnat and swallow the camel.

Tex Ritter had a good rendition of the Deck of Cards, too. In fact, that's the one I remember.

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