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  Buddy Emmons, Saturday night in Dallas (Page 1)

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Author Topic:   Buddy Emmons, Saturday night in Dallas
Bobby Bowman
Member

From: Cypress, Texas, USA

posted 15 March 2004 04:10 PM     profile     
There are several pickers I want to and will comment about at the Texas convention, but for now I'd just like to center on "The Cheeze".
First, let me comment on Friday nights' performance....I didn't think it could get any better than that. It was a magnificient performance. I have never seen or witnessed a performer and an audience so melded together as was that segment,,,,that is,,,, until Saturday night!
I haven't seen Buddy so excited about playing in years. It was pure electricity. I don't know what it was that promted him, but he was pulling licks, runs and majic off that I'm pretty sure surprised even him. Man was he having fun! AND,,,the entire standing room only crowd was just mezmerised(sp?). It, at least to me, was Buddy executing as only Buddy can do, except that he geared it up a few notches,,,no,,,a lot of notches.
I truely believe the 1500 or so of us were given "something that only happens" a time or two in any given life time.
To the "BIG E",,,man, your are way beyond good! You are the very best!
May God bless you, Cheeze. Myself and countless others are totally in love with you and your steel guitar majic.
BB

------------------
If you play 'em, play 'em good!
If you build 'em, build 'em good!

gene brown
Member

From: Bowie, Texas Montague

posted 15 March 2004 04:41 PM     profile     
Bobby you are so right.There were so many good players at the show this year.But the Big E was magic.The crowd felt it,and Buddy felt it.The high light for me was getting to talk to him,and getting a picture with him.One of the best steel shows.
autry andress
Member

From: Plano, Tx.

posted 15 March 2004 04:43 PM     profile     
Amen & Amen.
Yes Buddy Emmons has a special place in my heart. And Saturday night will be long remembered.
Buddy if your reading this please come again next year.
Thanks so much.
Steve Spitz
Member

From: New Orleans, LA, USA

posted 15 March 2004 04:57 PM     profile     
WOW!!!! By far the best show I`ve attended. All the heavyweights back to back. I had a blast. I felt all the guys kicked it up leading up to Buddy, and it may have brought out the best in him. Following Joe Wright,Doug Jernagin,Herby Wallace, and John Hughey !! If that wouldn`t get you motivated .... Hall Rugg was scheduled to be among that lineup, I hope he knows how much we all missed him in that room.
Paul King
Member

From: Gainesville, Texas, USA

posted 15 March 2004 06:42 PM     profile     
It had been way too long since I had seen Buddy play. I cannot get enough of his sound. It amazes me what he can get out of that steel and even the speed he has for someone who is 66 years of age. Buddy, please come back next year. He is a legend who puts on a great show. Behind every good man is a good woman and Peggy certainly was a real sweetheart when I talked with her Saturday night.
Buck Grantham
Member

From: Denham Springs, LA. USA

posted 15 March 2004 07:56 PM     profile     
I surely second all of that.
Jason Stillwell
Member

From: Soper, OK, USA

posted 16 March 2004 07:33 AM     profile     
Saturday night was my first time to watch the Big E perform, and I do mean perform. I had the pleasure of meeting him for the first time just a little while before his show. I told him afterward that that handshake must have really blessed him, because that beat anything I'd ever heard. I was only there for the Saturday evening session, but it was definitely worth the trip. (BTW, if it's after midnight, is it still considered evening?) Thanks to Buddy and all the performers and staff for a great night.
C Dixon
Member

From: Duluth, GA USA

posted 16 March 2004 07:59 AM     profile     

When most anyone hears Buddy they are amazed. But this can NOT compare with seeing him perform. He is absolute when it comes to the steel guitar. The instrument was made for him. Every movement; his fingers, his hands, his dancing feet, body language, that endearing grin, etc, etc are what MOST steel players would give anything to achieve. Just to watch him tune thrills many of us beyond words.

The highest honor goes to him alone. Truly THE greatest there has ever been. And the moment he quits playing, he resumes that quiet unassuming demeanor that just makes him exude even greater appeal as a player.

Ray Montee is said to be Jerry Byrd's greatest fan. He and I will have to go about behind a barn one day and slash that one out. But there is NO question who is BE's biggest fan.

There will never be anyone that can touch his awesome talents and achievments on the world's most beautiful instrument.

May jesus continue to nurture his blessings and may he bless all of you always.

carl

Dennis Detweiler
Member

From: Solon, Iowa, US

posted 16 March 2004 12:12 PM     profile     
I wasn't at the Dallas show, but it sounds like Buddy was on an all time musical high. The arthritis combined with senior years and a young family member loss can get you down. However, I'm sure there was a sprititual inspiration hanging around wanting grampa to kick it in the butt!
Dennis
Bob Snelgrove
Member

From: san jose, ca

posted 16 March 2004 05:57 PM     profile     
Hey Guys

What was Buddy's setup? Legrande and the Digitech Genesis still?

thx

bob

John Steele
Member

From: Renfrew, Ontario, Canada

posted 16 March 2004 06:13 PM     profile     
I was sitting on the floor about 15 feet in front of Buddy... I think you're right, Bob, although the guitar didn't say LeGrande on it. I looked at the endplate from underneath and didn't see the telltale big all-pull hole, but someone else said that's what it was. I can tell you with some certainty that it was brown.
I'd add that the two most pleasing tones I heard all weekend occured within an hour's span...
Buddy, and Bobby Bowman.
I'll tell you one thing, when Buddy kicked off Saturday night with "At E's", those big thick C6 strings had the sound men scrambling for a few seconds.
The band also did a great job. Drummer Paul Polish deserves an award for his sensitive handling of everyone's material.
Thanks for being there, Buddy. That was a blast.
-John
Joey Ace
Sysop

From: Southern Ontario, Canada

posted 16 March 2004 07:13 PM     profile     
Here's a picture I took Friday night in Dallas that shows the equipment pretty good.
Dave Burr
Member

From: Tyler, TX

posted 17 March 2004 05:21 AM     profile     
Isn't that "Brown Bart"?
C Dixon
Member

From: Duluth, GA USA

posted 17 March 2004 06:22 AM     profile     
I have looked and studied. And I am unable to say what it is. Except it is an Emmons. When I blow it up there is insuficient detail to make out the bellcranks. Some almost appear to be 4 hole. None look like P/P bell cranks. And I see none that appear to be 14 hole bellcranks.

Also, I don't see any return springs which is odd, since I don't believe it is a P/P. They may be there and the photo is just not clear enough (at least on my computer) for me to make out.

So I do not know what it is. It may be an early LeGrande of some kind. Just not sure.

carl

Buddy Emmons
Member

From: Hermitage, TN USA

posted 17 March 2004 08:28 AM     profile     
Carl,
It’s a Legrande (Brown Bart) around three years old. You don’t see any return springs because there aren’t any. I unhooked the linkage underneath and kept just enough parts showing to create the illusion of a pedal steel. I didn’t dare let anyone in Dallas know it was a non pedal guitar, as I would have had to answer questions nonstop from daylight to dawn regarding how I made it sound like one. I hope you understand.
Ron Page
Member

From: Cincinnati, OH USA

posted 17 March 2004 09:48 AM     profile     
While we all have our favorites, heaven knows there isn't factually a "biggest fan" any more than there is a "greatest player". I think those qualities are highly subjective and to a large extend immeasurable.

Suffice it to say that Buddy is among the greatest steel guitar players ever... and that Carl Dixon is the biggest Buddy Emmons fan that I know of.

Sorry I didn't make the Dallas show. Sounds like a great time from all the reports I've read.

------------------
HagFan

[This message was edited by Ron Page on 17 March 2004 at 09:51 AM.]

Don Walters
Member

From: Regina, SK, Canada

posted 17 March 2004 10:03 AM     profile     
Mr. Emmons, sir! If you ever decide to give up playing, please consider a career in writing!

ROFLMAO!

Jeff Coffell
Member

From: Killeen Texas

posted 17 March 2004 04:27 PM     profile     
Buddy Emmons, among the top steel players. Probably the biggest understatement I've heard latley.

HE IS THE ALL TIME GREATEST. Not only in my ears and eyes but just walk around a show and see who everyone is talking about and you'll see most everyone agree on this one thing. We as players and humans don't agree on a lot of things, but I think 99 percent of us agree that "E" without a doubt is, "THE GREATEST"

Just my opinion no disrespect intended.

Jeff

Ron Whitworth
Member

From: Yuma,Ariz. USA

posted 17 March 2004 04:58 PM     profile     
Very well said Jeff!!..Of the few conventions i have been able to make it to, you can tell when " Mr. E " take the stage as it gets real quiet & deservedly so..
There will NEVER be another IMHO so we all want to see & hear more of him now..Ron
C Dixon
Member

From: Duluth, GA USA

posted 17 March 2004 05:20 PM     profile     
I have the utmost respect for Ron Page. I have since early on in this forum.

But I will very sincerely and respectfully dissagree about "greatest". For what is the greatest? It is a term that is strictly a result of what MOST believe. Sure it is not an exact science, but in the case of such artists as Vladimir Horowitz, Yasha Heifitz, Enrico Caruso, Barbara Streisand, Ted Williams, Bette Davis, Johhny Unitas, etc, etc, etc they are definitely held in that term by MOST who refer to them.

Thus, in the case of Buddy Emmons, I simply cannot relegate him to "one of the greatest". Because that suggests that others are equal to him. And that ain't so!!

NO player who has ever lived can touch Buddy Emmons. NO, not one. Just like no hitter in the history of baseball could ever hit a ball like Ted Williams. Sports writers all over this nation will without hesitation say that. And this "greatest" title is given to only a select few down thru the history of man. "Joe Dimaggio is the greatest Center fielder to have ever played the position". "Gordy Howe" is the greatest Goalie ever in the history of Hockey!"

Now, if you take Buddy out of the equation, then of course I will agree with you 1000%. For then you get a myriad of feelings about all the other greats. But NOT with Buddy.

Buddy Emmons brought to the world of steel guitar what NO human had ever before and I believe ever will. As I stated, the instrument was made for him. While players like Sol Hoopii, Dick McEntire, Jerry Byrd, Juaquin Murphy, Curley Chalker, Doug Jernigan, Hal Rugg, the incredible Paul Franklin and Tom Brunley, etc, are truly among the greatest of all time, none of these can carry Buddy's case.

Buddy at 16 yrs old played more steel than others ever will. He brought to our instrument what NO player ever has. His Jazz album alone is unprecedented.

Songs like "Witches Brew" and "Night Life", not to mention "Once Upon a Time in the West", along with "Canon in D" by Pacalbel; as well as scores of original sounds like "Touch my Heart", "Half a Mind", etc, etc, have NO equal in the history of the instrument.

His black album has often been given the title "the best steel guitar album ever recorded."

His breadth and depth and pure mastery of the instrument, and it capabilities is unequalled any where on earth. Just to watch him tune makes many a player just sit and stare in amazement.

His "wider than the Mississsippi River" 3rd string; and his fatter than Fats Domino 9th and 10th strings on C6 causes EVEN the greats to wonder, "how does he get them to sound like that?" "Where does that sharp crack come from on those strings?"

He is a master NOT only of E9th, but equally a master at C6th. Curley was the chord king of all time on this neck, But EVEN Curley Chalker ON the stage of the ISGC said, "Buddy Emmons is the greatest!"

That should put the lid on the fryer. It is one thing for ole wannabees like me to revere him and brag endlessly about him, but when the likes of CC says it, one must conclude, "hey this is just not done. MUST be true".

Ray Price called him "the greatest". Ray Charles said, "Buddy Emmons gets into my brain when he plays". Imagine Ray saying that. That folks is an honor that only Buddy garners. Chet Atkins called him "the greatest". And on and on.

Players from all over the world, have said, "Buddy IS the greatest ever". While there are admiring fans of Paul Franklin and Lloyd Green, Doug Jernigan, CC and Tom Brumley etc, etc, ask these players who THEY feel is the greatest.

Gene O'Neal said, "Buddy Emmons is the greatest steel player there has ever been."
The late and great Mac Atcheson, said, "I would rather watch him tune his guitar than to listen to anyone else play it!"

From every conrner of the world you have Buddy Emmons held in the highest esteem of any player ever in its history. And when he plays, ALL eyes and ears are spellbound. Just looking into their faces says it all:

"He defies logic".

"NO player can do what he just did. EVEN him!"

"Those notes are NOT on my guitar"

"There is NO guitar in this world than get that sound".

"He makes me want to take a chainsaw to my axe".

"To watch him play is a humbling experience"

"He never paints himself into a corner"

"He always has one more note if he needs it"

And on and on and on.

Yes, without any hesitation I must repeat once again, "Buddy Emmons IS truly the greatest steel guitar player in the world; living OR dead!

And THAT includes those yet unborn!"

Still admire and luv ya Ron

May Our precious Savior continue to nurture Buddy's unprecedented talents, and may he richly bless all of you,

carl

Kevin Hatton
Member

From: Amherst, N.Y.

posted 17 March 2004 06:36 PM     profile     
I've got to agree with Mr. Dixon here. After researching and seeing most all of the great steel players, Buddy Emmons when taken in the full stride of his career is hands down the numero uno of the pedal steel guitar. I can see no other player that took the instrument in so many different directions when it was not popular to do so. If you look back at what he did, he broke ground on pedal steel like no one before him. This is besides the fact of his incredible touch, tone, and technical ability. Emmons is the Jimmy Hendrix, the Django Rheinhart, and the Chet Atkins of pedal steel guitar. He has blazed a path through the mountains that the rest of us will continue to follow for generations to come. It took alot of incredible inner courage to do what he did over his life time. As great as some of the other players are (and they are fabulous), in this case I have to say no one comes near him.

[This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 17 March 2004 at 06:37 PM.]

Paul King
Member

From: Gainesville, Texas, USA

posted 17 March 2004 07:47 PM     profile     
Buddy Emmons is sure the greatest in my books. That does not mean some others are not great steel players. He has done more for the steel guitar than any other player. He is equally qualified on both necks, can play slow and fast, even at 66 years of age, and has a great sound. I have always said he was made for the steel guitar. He has a charisma about him that no other has. I have watched at the shows how people come and go while the playing is going on, but I have noticed when Buddy takes the stage the room fills up and a lot of the talking ceases. Qualified as the greatest steel player but look at the man as a person. He has personality and will answer questions and has always acted humble. He does not have an arrogance about him that some do have. He smiles often when playing which I rarely see with other players. I have only met him 3 or 4 times and he always offered a handshake. He has a very teriffic wife in Peggy which is a big plus. I just love the talent he has and that Emmons sound just sends chills up and down my spine. I hope he is around playing for years to come. As the video he put out several years ago called "Triple Play" says, "Buddy Emmons, What A Player".
Jeff Coffell
Member

From: Killeen Texas

posted 17 March 2004 08:30 PM     profile     
Now this is more like it. Not one of the greatest, "THE GREATEST." As long as we never forget that, everything will be O K. Boy, got my bloodpressure up on this topic. When it comes to E, I'll fight for the truth.

JC

Ernie Renn
Member

From: Brainerd, Minnesota USA

posted 18 March 2004 03:49 AM     profile     
Where are you going with this, Carl? Get to the point... (Gotta love ya!)

It's a toss up as to who is Buddy's biggest fan.

Buddy from your reply about the return springs, I think you must be practicing on the pad a little too much.

------------------
My best,
Ernie

www.buddyemmons.com

Ron Page
Member

From: Cincinnati, OH USA

posted 18 March 2004 07:02 AM     profile     
Folks,

I wasn't trying to take anything away from Buddy Emmons or anyone's admiration of his music-- not in any way. I can't think of any player I admire more myself.

No matter how many people share our opinion, there is no critical mass beyond which that opinion is transformed into a fact. I know that's a tough distinction for some, but it's a fact, not just my opinion.

Carl, in my opinion you are indeed the biggest Buddy Emmons fan ever.

------------------
World's Biggest HagFan

[This message was edited by Ron Page on 18 March 2004 at 07:04 AM.]

Roger Rettig
Member

From: NAPLES, FL

posted 18 March 2004 08:04 AM     profile     
A 'toss up' won't work, Ernie - you'd need a three-sided coin.....

As I feared would happen, gigs got in the way of me going to Dallas - words can't express how much I wish I could have been there!

RR

David L. Donald
Member

From: Koh Samui Island, Thailand

posted 18 March 2004 02:09 PM     profile     
Buddy that is the Coolest thing I have heard since the invention of red wine in Bordeaux.

To go into a room of with many of the best steelers around, and play at such a high level that people are raving about it.
Most all of them very knowlegable steelers and steel fans.

And you fooled them all musically...
until a week or so later some one is wondering about return springs in the pictures
and you tell them you were playing lapsteel!!!

If there ever was da man...
you da man.

This set really should go on a CD, so we all can hear it,
for it's musical grace, and for this feat of soon to be legendary legerdamain.

Now I see why you weren't worried playing Reece's lapstteeel!

[This message was edited by David L. Donald on 18 March 2004 at 02:11 PM.]

David L. Donald
Member

From: Koh Samui Island, Thailand

posted 18 March 2004 02:17 PM     profile     
Buddy, before you retire... if ever,
please, please do an album with Tom Morrell.

You two trading licks, jaw-boning and having a fine old time would be a must have for all steelers.
And I bet a great time for you too.

Jelle Biel
Member

From: the netherlands

posted 18 March 2004 04:46 PM     profile     
I am WITH DAVID ""do an album with Tom Morrell"" plus CLINT STRONG on guitar and Bobby Flores Fiddle.


Jelle

Bob Snelgrove
Member

From: san jose, ca

posted 18 March 2004 05:20 PM     profile     
Buddy

What pickups do you use on your LG (Live, not studio)?

thx

bob

Buddy Emmons
Member

From: Hermitage, TN USA

posted 19 March 2004 01:36 PM     profile     
Bob,
The mahogany guitar I played in Dallas has Emmons humbucking pickups at around 20,000 ohms. The Black Legrande lll, my road guitar with the Everly Brothers, came with 20,000 ohm single coils but has no pickups in it at the present time. I'm hearing good things about the Wallace pickup and will be trying them out in the near future.

[This message was edited by Buddy Emmons on 19 March 2004 at 01:39 PM.]

David L. Donald
Member

From: Koh Samui Island, Thailand

posted 20 March 2004 01:51 AM     profile     
Buddy, do you think that the heavey weight of the mahagony gives this instrument a special tone vs other LeGrandes?
Don McClellan
Member

From: Kihei, Maui, Hawaii

posted 20 March 2004 03:50 AM     profile     
That show must have been wondrful. You lucky dogs. Did anybody record it? Keep up the good work, Buddy. Please add my nane to the fan list. Don McClellan
Buddy Emmons
Member

From: Hermitage, TN USA

posted 20 March 2004 07:00 AM     profile     
David,
The finish on my guitar is mahogany Formica, but it would be interesting to hear the difference a mahogany wood cabinet might have in the Legrande sound.
I may have played a mahogany Sho~Bud in the early years of the company, but all Sho~Buds were natural wood and they all sounded good to me. That was around forty eight years ago so all I can say about the old Sho~Bud sound today is taken from what I hear on recordings of that period, which isn’t too shabby.
I started on a six string Supro with a pearl finish we kindly refer to as “Mother of Plastic” so I guess I’m a sucker for phony finishes.
David L. Donald
Member

From: Koh Samui Island, Thailand

posted 20 March 2004 08:00 AM     profile     
Buddy thanks for the reply.
When you said mahagany I took you literally, since if anybody could get a mahagaany Legrande it's you.

Yes, I think it would be a very interesting sound from this very dense wood.

I still have my Supro 6 pearl "Mother of toiletseat" finish right near my Sho-Bud. Two very different sounds and I love both.

I think it might be cool if Ed Fulawka made a mahagany steel. I played one of his at ISGC and it felt real "Bud" to me.

[This message was edited by David L. Donald on 20 March 2004 at 01:20 PM.]

Stephen Gambrell
Member

From: Ware Shoals, South Carolina, USA

posted 20 March 2004 12:34 PM     profile     
"I guess I’m a sucker for phony finishes."
____________________________________________

ME TOO, BUDDY!!!! I think I'll marry a hooker next time!!!!

Willis Vanderberg
Member

From: Bradenton, FL, USA

posted 20 March 2004 05:22 PM     profile     
Carl D.
Gordie Howe is going to be surprised he was a goalie..LOL
C Dixon
Member

From: Duluth, GA USA

posted 20 March 2004 07:51 PM     profile     
Well that is how much I know about Hockey.
Don McClellan
Member

From: Kihei, Maui, Hawaii

posted 21 March 2004 03:01 PM     profile     
Buddy, I thought you were kidding about playing without pedals at the Dallas show. There is a discussion about this over in "no peddlers". What's the truth? I wasn't there. Thanks, Don
Buddy Emmons
Member

From: Hermitage, TN USA

posted 21 March 2004 03:20 PM     profile     
Don,
I told Carl a big fat lie.

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