INSTRUCTION STRINGS CDs & TAPES LINKS MAGAZINES

  The Steel Guitar Forum
  Steel Players
  Roy Thomas hangs em up

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
your profile | join | preferences | help | search

next newest topic | next oldest topic
Author Topic:   Roy Thomas hangs em up
Robert Cook
Member

From: Tennessee, USA

posted 06 October 2005 09:34 AM     profile   send email     edit
I always check the Pedalmaster website from time to time to see what the builder of my steel is up to. Today I saw Mr. Roy Thomas' notification that due to recurring health problems that he is selling out his business. He writes a beautiful piece detailing his years in the service and how he got involved with the steel guitar.

It's not often you get to meet the person who crafted your instrument or stand in the presence of a truly wonderful human being. Roy Thomas has all that going on and more. Unfortunately for all of us he is hanging up his wood and strings and will pass the mantle to hopefully someone with the same zeal for life and music.

I was pleased to make his acquaintance last year and have stayed in touch. You can tell that Roy Thomas, not unlike Bobbe Seymour, lives the dream called steel guitar.

Happy re-retirement Roy, you have earned our gratitude and high praise for your superior efforts in our little domain called steel guitar. Let us all pray for improvements in Roy's health and wish him and his family much joy.

Hey Roy...now how do I get that crying sound again?

Best wishes
Bob Cook
Collierville, TN

Bobby Lee
Sysop

From: Cloverdale, North California, USA

posted 06 October 2005 11:17 AM     profile   send email     edit
Roy has built some marvelous instruments in his shop. The workmanship on Pedalmaster guitars has always been a wonder to behold.

Here's the link

Best wishes in your retirement, Roy!

------------------
Bobby Lee (a.k.a. b0b) - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs, Open Hearts
Williams D-12 E9, C6add9, Sierra Olympic S-12 (F Diatonic)
Sierra Laptop S-8 (E6add9), Fender Stringmaster D-8 (E13, C6 or A6)   My Blog

Joseph Carlson
Member

From: Sacramento, California, USA

posted 06 October 2005 11:39 AM     profile   send email     edit
Man! Roy sure could build a nice guitar. Plus he took the time to help out a nobody beginner who bought his guitar used from somebody else! And he sent me the parts for FREE! Best of luck in your retirement.
I plan on keeping my Pedalmaster for the long haul.
Regards,
Joe
billy tam
Member

From: baton rouge, louisiana

posted 06 October 2005 12:54 PM     profile   send email     edit
I just read Roy's post on his website, was not surprised but saddened that his health no longer allows him to do what he loves to do. Roy has been a friend of mine for about 16 years and has provided me with guitars during that time both new and used, including my current Emmons. I'm proud to call him my friend and in all my years I have never met anyone who has more love for the steel guitar.
Thanks Roy for everything you have done for me and anyone I was able to refer to you.

Billy Tam

Hal Higgins
Member

From: Denham Springs, LA

posted 06 October 2005 03:15 PM     profile   send email     edit
I, too have had the pleasure of meeting and talking to Mr. Thomas on several occasions. When I was driving a "big-rig" hauling oil-field equipment, on numerous occasions it would take me to Maurice, LA and right by Roy's place.....and when I would see any of his vehicles in the yard, I would stop, most of the time, just to say "hello" and drool over his great guitars wishing that I could buy one. Alas, I never did....my loss, I suppose. Mr. Roy Thomas....a true craftsman, and a great gentleman, to say the least. I hope whoever takes over making the PedalMaster will put as much heart into them as Roy has. God bless you Roy, and my hope and prayers are for the very best of everything to you. God bless........HAL HIGGINS

------------------
Be Blessed........HAL
'85 Emmons LeGrande D-10,(8 & 5) Hilton Vol. Pedal, BJS Birthstone bar, Rack w/Evans Pre-amp, Lexicon MPX500; (2)1501-4 BW's in custom built cabs by T.A. Gibson, & Sound Tech PL802 Digital Power Amp.

Bob Strum
Member

From: Seneca, SC

posted 08 October 2005 05:58 AM     profile   send email     edit
Roy is truly a gentleman. His kindness and willingness to help is his trademark. My Pedalmaster fits all I could ask for. He built his guitars with tone and longevity. God bless this friend and may he feel our love for him as time passes.
Sincerely, Bob Strum
Al Marcus
Member

From: Cedar Springs,MI USA

posted 08 October 2005 08:35 AM     profile   send email     edit
I have the deepest respect for Roy thomas, for the man he is and for what he has accomplished over his lifetime.....al

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

Buck Grantham
Member

From: Denham Springs, LA. USA

posted 08 October 2005 02:02 PM     profile   send email     edit
Roy Thomas is one of the nicest people I know. It saddens me to hear that he's not building guitars any more because I know he loves every thing about it . I remember when Roy built the first steel. It was a single neck and very good looking instrument. He had a Fender 2000 for sale and I went to his home and bought the Fender. That's the first time i'd had met him. We have been friends ever since. I treasure his friendship very much.
Reece Anderson
Member

From: Keller Texas USA

posted 09 October 2005 03:07 AM     profile     edit
Roy....I most sincerely hope you always remember with pride that you not only made a significant contribution to steel guitar, you touched the lives of many in a very positive way.

I appreciate your contribution, and I admire you for being true to your principlas and convictions. I'm honored to be your friend.

....Well done my dear friend....well done!

Doug Childress
Member

From: Orange, Texas

posted 10 October 2005 08:58 AM     profile   send email     edit
I was surprised to see that Roy is retiring from steel guitar building. I have one of his guitars and believe he is a superb craftsman of the pedal steel. He always has time to stop what he is doing and discuss everything from designing to playing. I'll miss going to his shop and seeing his work in progress. Best of luck Roy and I'll give you a call to check on you.
Sam Lewis
Member

From: Conway, Arkansas, USA

posted 11 October 2005 04:44 AM     profile   send email     edit
Roy, if I could echo all of the great things my fellow stel players have said in this post, it still would not be enough to say thanks and wish you all the best. I hope that your son will keep the Pedalmaster alive - it's a fine guitar. I'll be playing mine (the "Green Lady" as you called it) for as long as I can.

Sam Lewis

Mike Brown
Member

From: Meridian, Mississippi USA

posted 11 October 2005 11:17 AM     profile   send email     edit
I've met Mr. Thomas on many occasions at the St. Louis and Texas shows and he has always been a very nice gentleman. I wish him well and hope that he stays in touch with the steel community.

Mike Brown
Peavey Electronics Corporation

Jody Sanders
Member

From: Magnolia,Texas

posted 11 October 2005 09:07 PM     profile   send email     edit
Sam Lewis, The "Green Lady" is an extra special guitar. There is not another one like it. Great tone and playability. I have been playing Pedalmaster guitars for quite a while, and I love them and the builder my dear friend Roy Thomas. At present I am playing "Rosey". A beautiful D10 Pedalmaster. Jody.
Jerry Roller
Member

From: Van Buren, Arkansas USA

posted 11 October 2005 10:16 PM     profile   send email     edit
Roy, I wish you the very best. You are a true gentleman and one of the nicest people I have ever met associated with the steel guitar business. You were eager to help me anytime I ever called on you even though you knew I played another brand. I have watched the Pedalmaster go full circle from the inception of the brand name in a little shop one block from me to your fine design and I sure hope someone keeps the Pedalmaster going. You have been and will remain a great friend.
Jerry
Sam Lewis
Member

From: Conway, Arkansas, USA

posted 12 October 2005 11:10 AM     profile   send email     edit
Thanks, Jody. You are right- she (the Green Lady) is a special guitar. If it just did'nt cost so much for an extra big casket, I'd have her buried with me so that I could play with the greats that have gone on to be with the Lord. I'd like to sit with one of my favorites, Bobby Garrett, and let him show me how to play "Rose City Chimes"

Sam Lewis

All times are Pacific (US)

next newest topic | next oldest topic

Administrative Options: Close Topic | Archive/Move | Delete Topic
Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Hop to:

Contact Us | Catalog of Pedal Steel Music Products

Note: Messages not explicitly copyrighted are in the Public Domain.


Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.46

Please review our
Forum Rules and Policies

Our mailing address is:
The Steel Guitar Forum
148 South Cloverdale Blvd.
Cloverdale, CA 95425 USA

Support the Forum

HTTP