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Topic: Slim Yamagouchi |
Steve English
From:
Baja, Arizona
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Posted 29 Dec 2010 11:53 pm |
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I was fortunate to be able to spend some time with Slim before and after the Mark Chesnutt show in Tucson tonight. And what a great guy! It was a real pleasure talking with him and seeing one of the coolest Excel steel guitars I've ever seen.
The guitar he was playing was custom sized for practicing while traveling on the bus. It was probably about two feet tall to the top of the strings. The body was just barely wide enough to allow for standard Excel string spacing, with the changer being slightly wider on both sides than the width of the body. The case looked like a pool cue case! He said it weights 28lbs in the case. The key head was so small he can't use a string winder because the keys are so close to each other. Beautiful full sound with each string clear as a bell. He played through a Pod straight into the board and used a "More Me" interface to drive his in-the-ear monitors. Very impressive.
And of course it was the precision build that the Excels are noted for....no shortcuts on the quality! I got to sit down at it before they went on and it really was a very comfortable feeling setup. He's about the same size as me, and with a standard height chair, the guitar felt great.
Anybody out there have a picture of this guitar? I didn't have a camera with me and was kicking myself all night for not remembering to take one.
Really an interesting build.
Slim is just as nice a guy as you'd ever want to meet, and an absolute pleasure to be around....not to mention a great steel guitar player. Mark told me Slim's been with him for over twenty years now. If you get a chance to see Slim with Mark Chesnutt, go for it....it's as country as it gets!! |
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Dave Grothusen
From:
Scott City, Ks
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Posted 30 Dec 2010 4:57 am
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| Slim is a great person and very fine steel guitar player. He will share his knowledge too. Years ago I set in a motel room with him and he showed me all kinds of licks. Even let me tape record. |
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Ben Lawson
From:
Brooksville Florida
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Posted 30 Dec 2010 5:08 am
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I met Slim when we both lived near Orlando. I got to hear him play in a club shortly before he went with Mark.
If I remember correctly he had a midi and was playing piano parts. We also went to one of Larry Self's steel shows with Doug Stock. Both great steelers and nice guys. |
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Mickey Adams
From:
Bandera Texas
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Posted 30 Dec 2010 5:25 am Slim
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Slim and I played together on the road for about 6 months back in the late 80s. He lives here in Dallas, but we rarely hear from him....always a gentleman, and a fine fine player,
I rekindled our friendship about 3 years ago when they played a casino right down the street from me in Vegas. Mark always puts on a great show...real country. Slims been with him purt near 20 years now...I could never pronounce his real first name.. 
I don't think there were too many japanese cowboys!!  
_________________
ARTIST RELATIONS: MSA GUITARS
2017 MSA LEGEND XL D10, S10, Studio Pro S12 EXE9
Mullen G2, Rittenberry S10, Infinity D10, Zumsteel 8+9
Anderson, Buscarino, Fender, Roman Guitars, Sarno Octal, Revelation Preamps, BJS BARS, Lots of Blackface Fenders! |
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Dave Grothusen
From:
Scott City, Ks
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Posted 30 Dec 2010 7:01 am
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| Mickey it was in Garden City, KS that he showed me those licks. I do not believe you were with the band that was playing at the Widow McGees. However you will remember me last March in Dallas mentioning Cliff Bone to you. Yep that red quitar with your name on it........ |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 30 Dec 2010 7:34 am
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| i opened for them many years ago and what i remember also is slim playing the piano parts on steel. |
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Mickey Adams
From:
Bandera Texas
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Posted 30 Dec 2010 8:28 am
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Buck never played Widows without me....I was playing guitar in the band!!
_________________
ARTIST RELATIONS: MSA GUITARS
2017 MSA LEGEND XL D10, S10, Studio Pro S12 EXE9
Mullen G2, Rittenberry S10, Infinity D10, Zumsteel 8+9
Anderson, Buscarino, Fender, Roman Guitars, Sarno Octal, Revelation Preamps, BJS BARS, Lots of Blackface Fenders! |
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Steve English
From:
Baja, Arizona
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Posted 30 Dec 2010 11:06 am
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Mickey,
Have you ever seen the 3/4 size guitar Slim has? If so, I'd love to hear your take on it.
The size and build blew me away! |
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Mickey Adams
From:
Bandera Texas
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Posted 30 Dec 2010 7:47 pm
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I have not...but I need to call him anyway...I may have to go visit!
_________________
ARTIST RELATIONS: MSA GUITARS
2017 MSA LEGEND XL D10, S10, Studio Pro S12 EXE9
Mullen G2, Rittenberry S10, Infinity D10, Zumsteel 8+9
Anderson, Buscarino, Fender, Roman Guitars, Sarno Octal, Revelation Preamps, BJS BARS, Lots of Blackface Fenders! |
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Ross Shafer
From:
Petaluma, California
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Posted 31 Dec 2010 8:56 am
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Mickey,
When you talk to him, ask Slim if he'll supply a pic of his little Excel, I'm intrigued!
Happy New Year to all ya'll! |
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Joe Rogers
From:
Lake Charles, LA USA
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Posted 31 Dec 2010 3:54 pm
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I would love it if someone could post a pic of this guitar on the forum. I wouldn't mind having one to take out here in the Gulf of Mexico to practice on....
Thanks!!!
Joe Rogers |
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