Glenn Rinsky
From:
Alabama, USA
|
Posted 12 Mar 2009 3:59 am |
|
I have been meaning to do this for some time, but only now have a chance. I wanted to brag about, inform and invite those of you who do not know Bob Simmons to do so.
I began looking at taking pedal steel lessons about a year or so ago. I live in Birmingham Al. and so I contacted the pedal steel gang here in Al. They directed me to Bob Simmons who lives just outside Warrior Al. Now you have to understand that I have never played an instrument before in my life. I played around with a six string acoustic guitar, but I am too big a baby and the strings hurt my fingers!!! So after contacting Bob I arranged to meet him and begin taking lessons from him. I also was in need of a guitar. As many of you are aware, Bob builds pedal steels and has been doing so for over 40 years.
Bob has had quite a challenge in me, and the work is far from over!! However, what I have learned from him in the last year has been nothing short of amazing. From basic music theory, to the Nashville number system to how to play what many of my musical friends call “the hardest $@%$#ing instrument ever.” Bob treats me as though I will have the ability to step into the position of studio musician one day. Although, he is being optomistic to a fault, the way he guides my learning shows his great ability as a teacher. Bob is unbelievably knowledgeable, unbelievably patient, and one of the most talented individuals I have ever come to know. I don’t know what I like more in my weekly lesson that sometimes goes for over 2 hours at a time…who would offer someone like me that kind of time?? The fantastic complete understanding of music that he (very modestly) possesses, or the great stories of his career with the likes of Ferlin Huskey, Wynn Stewart, Wayne Kemp, Liz and Lynn Anderson, Billy Jo Spears and Warner Mack. From the time he auditioned for Wilma Burgess’s band in the basement of Patsy Clines house to the date he filled in for Charlie Pride’s road steel player, without any rehearsal. That is a true musician.
My lessons are always an incredible learning experience, both musically as well as having a ring side seat into the Golden age of Country music. His reverence for our greats such as Jimmy Day, Buddy Emmons, “The Great” John Hughey, and Loyd Green, show in his teaching and in the intense love of our instrument.
And speaking of instruments; I of course own and play on a Simmons “Genesis” his basic model. I don’t know any thing, but my instrument stays in tune like no other, is strong, well made and I know the pride and craftsmanship that went into my steel is the standard Bob delivers to all his instruments. Any one who has ever wanted to play steel or does play steel should certainly put Bob’s hand built guitar on their list of quality instruments to consider. I see his workshop each and every week and I know that his attention to detail is not matched by any of the big names in guitars. When I become accomplished enough and my playing warrants it, I will most definitely have Bob build me his professional line. I know that I will have an instrument that will last me a life time!!
Well I will end this, but I want to say I know how lucky I am to have found someone who can guide me and offer me what they know and is concerned that I actually become a steeler like him and love the instrument the way he does. |
|
Doc Rickles
From:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
|
Posted 12 Mar 2009 7:07 pm Bob Simmons
|
|
Bob is one of the nicest people you will ever be around. He plays beautiful and makes some of the finest steels anywhere.After owning about every kind you can name, I still remember the steel Bob built for me. It was one of the best I have ever played. Wish I had kept it.
It probably played smoother and and stayed in tune better than most that I owned. A master repairman also, I'll bet the Genesis is a fine little steel.
Thanks Bob for all you have been to the steel guitar world.
Blessings
Doc Rickles
_________________
GFI Red and Black SD 10 3/4 Keyless, Fender Jazzmaster Head, Special Jensen 12" Speaker Cab, New Hilton Pedal, Epiphone ES 295,60th Aniv 52 Custom Shop Tele,Tacoma Chief CKK9C Koa Wood
Wonderful Wife who loves all this stuff.
"Steel Away and Pray Everyday." |
|
