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Author	Topic: The Jerry Byrd Fender
HowardR Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.	posted 04 May 2006 08:21 PM profile send email edit Since the PSGA Show this past November, I've had more than several emails requesting a thread to this one of a kind guitar that was built by Leo Fender specifically for Jerry byrd, according to his specifications. Wow! That's one long sentence. My uncle also had a long sentence....but that's another story. Here are some photos..... [This message was edited by HowardR on 04 May 2006 at 08:23 PM.]
HowardR Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.	posted 04 May 2006 08:26 PM profile send email edit [This message was edited by HowardR on 04 May 2006 at 08:27 PM.]
HowardR Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.	posted 04 May 2006 08:29 PM profile send email edit [This message was edited by HowardR on 04 May 2006 at 08:29 PM.]
Billy Wilson Member From: El Cerrito, California, USA	posted 04 May 2006 09:37 PM profile send email edit All guitars on this website are over 18 years of age.
Mark Eaton Member From: Windsor, Sonoma County, CA	posted 04 May 2006 09:49 PM profile send email edit Yeah, Billy-you hit that one on the head! Howard, how did you ever procure this gem? ------------------ Mark
basilh Member From: United Kingdom	posted 05 May 2006 01:56 AM profile send email edit How DID he procure it.. well one can speculate !! quote: My uncle also had a long sentence....but that's another story. I notice the use of the 800/2000 tuning pan just drilled out for eight strings, presumably to facilitate better angles on string 1 and 8 .. ------------------ quote: Steel players do it without fretting [This message was edited by basilh on 05 May 2006 at 01:58 AM.]
basilh Member From: United Kingdom	posted 05 May 2006 02:19 AM profile send email edit Howard, who's cooking is this ? [This message was edited by basilh on 05 May 2006 at 02:20 AM.]
Gerald Ross Member From: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA	posted 05 May 2006 05:39 AM profile send email edit Baz, What type of British Isles delicacy is that? Bangers and Mash? Bubble and Squeak? Clotted Cream? Groaty Dick Pudding? Oxtail Brawn? Singing Hinnies? Toad-In-The-Hole? Must be Spotted Dick!
Rick Garrett Member From: Tyler, Texas	posted 05 May 2006 06:18 AM profile send email edit Looks like someone cooked their workboots. Baz, tell me there's hawg in there somewhere. Rick
Ron Simpson Member From: Darien, Illinois, USA	posted 05 May 2006 06:28 AM profile send email edit Aloha Howard, Mahalo for sharing the photos of this unique instrument. Do the strings anchor on the bridge plate as on a Stringmaster, or from the back, or from the back as on a Telecaster? What is the scale length on this beauty? Mahalo, Ron
HowardR Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.	posted 05 May 2006 06:59 AM profile send email edit Ah, the smoker brings back memories.....and heartburn. But those ribs (there be hawg) & chicken were worth it. It may not look like much, but there wasn't anything left after my buzzard friends came over for a BBQ & beer. The JB Fender has a scale of 22 1/2 with 3/8" string spacing. It's a string through design. The strings go into the bridgeplate and through the body. There's a plate on the bottom of the guitar where the ball ends nestle. JB did everything his way. [This message was edited by HowardR on 05 May 2006 at 07:01 AM.]
Roy Thomson Member From: Wolfville, Nova Scotia,Canada	posted 05 May 2006 08:06 AM profile edit Seems to me I recall that this is the Steel Jerry used for "Memories of Maria", a melody written by Roy Obitson and which turned out to be one of JB's greatest hits commerially speaking? If that be the case one wonders why he would decide to let it go? Anyway congratulations Howard on your catch. I envy you my friend and thanks for bringing forth this thread. ------------------ http://www.clictab.com/RoyT/Roy_Thomson_Steel_Courses.htm
Roger Shackelton Member From: Everett, Wa.	posted 05 May 2006 08:43 AM profile send email edit The long tuning pan on this guitar appears to be one that was used on a Fender 10 string PSG. I wonder if this was per Jerry Byrd's request?
Ray Montee Member From: Portland, OR, USA	posted 05 May 2006 08:50 AM profile send email edit 'cuse my ignorance but........... How much modification has been done to this guitar? What all has been done to change its cosmetic appearance?
HowardR Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.	posted 05 May 2006 11:57 AM profile send email edit http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum2/HTML/001268.html http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum2/HTML/002323.html http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum2/HTML/002797.html
Wayne Cox Member From: Chatham, Louisiana, USA	posted 05 May 2006 01:17 PM profile send email edit I hope this opinon is taken in the most respectful manner possible. It appears to me that Fender took an 800 body w/hardware and a late model 400 pickup,a 800 keyhead pan (drilled for only 8 keys) threw away the metal frame,installed fender stringmaster leg sockets & legs and custom built a nut and bridge. I really can't fault Fender for using what they had on hand, if it works! But,in the hands of Jerry Byrd, how could it not sound good. ~~W.C.~~
HowardR Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.	posted 05 May 2006 03:02 PM profile send email edit Hey Wayne, no problem here. I love speculation, and after all, in the end, we're talking about a piece of wood. What I would question is the scale length of an 800. Did you compare the length and the width both guitars? I ask this of Wayne because I emailed him all of the specs some time ago. BTW, I retrieved my multi meter so maybe I can check the pick up.
Wayne Cox Member From: Chatham, Louisiana, USA	posted 06 May 2006 03:46 PM profile send email edit HOWARD, the Fender 800 (I used to own one)had a 23" scale. Exact body width...I'm not sure. I always wondered why Fender went to a 23" scale for the 800 instead of one of their other standard scale lengths,e.g. 22.5/24.5,etc. The fender 800 I had was a metallic blue (factory finish). I'd wager there aren't many of those around either. ~~W.C.~~
Doug Beaumier Member From: Northampton, MA	posted 06 May 2006 04:39 PM profile send email edit Yes, the top of this guitar looks a lot like a Fender pedal steel, more so than a stringmaster. It's a one-off made for the greatest steel guitarist of all time. As I stated in the five year old post linked above, Jerry used this guitar on his classic album Satin Strings of Steel. This album is loaded onto my IPOD and I've listened to it hundreds of times! I read somewhere that Jerry used this Fender and his Rick on that record, and I often try to figure out which guitar was played on which song. Howard, when you're ready to sell it... call me! [This message was edited by Doug Beaumier on 06 May 2006 at 05:06 PM.]
Doug Beaumier Member From: Northampton, MA	posted 06 May 2006 05:23 PM profile send email edit Speaking of this album... with this guitar on the cover ---> click ------------------ My Site \| My SteelTab
Andy Sandoval Member From: Bakersfield, California, USA	posted 06 May 2006 09:30 PM profile send email edit Howard, what an awesome guitar to own. What year did Fender build it for Jerry?
Doug Beaumier Member From: Northampton, MA	posted 07 May 2006 12:06 AM profile send email edit Howard may know the exact date... but if I may speculate... "Satin Strings of Steel" was released on the Monument label in 1965. This guitar appears on the cover. This body style (Fender 800) was introduced in 1965, according to George Gruhn. As mentiobned above, this guitar looks like a factory modified 800 body w/modified 800 tuner pan. "Satin Stings of Steel" was a reissue of a 1962 Byrd album called "Memories of Maria". Same songs, new title, new cover in 1965. The best steel guitar music ever recorded IMHO [This message was edited by Doug Beaumier on 07 May 2006 at 12:23 AM.]
HowardR Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.	posted 07 May 2006 05:17 AM profile send email edit The JB Fender was (I believe) built in 1964. Very smart on Leo's part to use an 800 body & tuner pan, if that's what he indeed did. If you notice the legs, they were also set up to JB's specs. The legs in the front are closer to each other as compared to the back legs. Four total. This is an extremely stable guitar. I like the matte satin finish also. I think that Fender would have had a huge hit for a JB model had Jerry endorsed it and Fender marketed it.
Wayne Cox Member From: Chatham, Louisiana, USA	posted 07 May 2006 02:20 PM profile send email edit I would have to say that the photographer and album cover designer outdid themselves on the "Satin Strings" album also. That album cover has class,just like the album. ~~W.C.~~
Larry W. Jones Member From: Kingwood, Texas, 77339 The Liveable Forest	posted 08 May 2006 02:14 AM profile send email edit This is off the subject of the Fender guitar but it IS Jerry Byrd. At the Renfro Valley Barn Dance.
Larry W. Jones Member From: Kingwood, Texas, 77339 The Liveable Forest	posted 08 May 2006 02:17 AM profile send email edit In this one, Jerry is 3rd from right, back row.
HowardR Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.	posted 08 May 2006 08:26 AM profile send email edit I just looked at some photos of a 2000 on the Instruments For Sale section, and it appears that this is probably what the JB Fender is from. http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum9/HTML/002906.html What a great idea. As I mentioned before, it would have been a nice model for the consumer. [This message was edited by HowardR on 08 May 2006 at 08:27 AM.]
Gerald Ross Member From: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA	posted 08 May 2006 08:39 AM profile send email edit Howard, would you consider bringing The Jerry Byrd Fender to Joliet this year? ------------------ Gerald Ross 'Northwest Ann Arbor, Michigan's King Of The Hawaiian Steel Guitar' CEO, CIO, CFO - UkeTone Records Gerald's Fingerstyle Guitar Website Board of Directors Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association
Doug Beaumier Member From: Northampton, MA	posted 08 May 2006 09:19 AM profile send email edit Howard, would you consider bringing The Jerry Byrd Fender to my house and leaving it with me for a while? The Fender 2000 is a D-10, and the 800 is a S-10. Does the guitar below look familiar? It's a Fender 800 PSG. Take off the metal frame, make a few mods, and - voil�! - the Jerry Byrd Fender! FENDER PSG MODELS: 400 - single 8 800 - single 10 1000 - double 8 2000 - double 10 [This message was edited by Doug Beaumier on 08 May 2006 at 09:39 AM.]
HowardR Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.	posted 08 May 2006 09:54 AM profile send email edit It looks like either neck of the 2000, but not the 800 as you're showing which is different by the volume & tone controls.
HowardR Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.	posted 08 May 2006 09:57 AM profile send email edit Gerald, now that's an idea! I can do that. I'm sure everyone would love to see The JB Fender at Joliet. It went over well at the PSGA show. Perhaps somone could even play it onstage?
Gerald Ross Member From: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA	posted 08 May 2006 10:00 AM profile send email edit Howard, I'm sure if you brought the guitar to HSGA Joliet 2006 you'd have no problem finding players to demo it. I'm sure a lot of people would just like to inspect the thing up close. ------------------ Gerald Ross 'Northwest Ann Arbor, Michigan's King Of The Hawaiian Steel Guitar' CEO, CIO, CFO - UkeTone Records Gerald's Fingerstyle Guitar Website Board of Directors Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association
Jody Carver Member From: The Knight Of Fender Tweed. Dodger Blue Forever	posted 08 May 2006 10:20 AM profile edit Howard and Gerald, I have never attended the steel show in Peoria. I played a set with Jerry Byrd's unique guitar which I am proud to say I played a role in along with Leo Fender and Forrest white, would it be possible for me to play Jerry's guitar at the show? Please let me know. It would be an honor for me . PS No one can play like JB but I will do my very best. Thank both of you. It's a GREAT guitar. Why? because it's a one of a kind FENDER of course jOdy [This message was edited by Jody Carver on 08 May 2006 at 10:28 AM.]
HowardR Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.	posted 08 May 2006 10:27 AM profile send email edit Jody, wow! That's a great idea. That would be an honor for us all if you were to attend and play The JB Fender. If it sits well with the HSGA, I'm all for it.
Gerald Ross Member From: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA	posted 08 May 2006 10:30 AM profile send email edit Jody... I don't know about the show in Peoria (I'm sure you meant Joliet), but we'd love to have you attend and play at the HSGA convention this upcoming October. quote: If it sits well with the HSGA, I'm all for it. IT SITS WELL!! We'd be honored! Come on folks.... let's encourage Jody! ------------------ Gerald Ross 'Northwest Ann Arbor, Michigan's King Of The Hawaiian Steel Guitar' CEO, CIO, CFO - UkeTone Records Gerald's Fingerstyle Guitar Website Board of Directors Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association [This message was edited by Gerald Ross on 08 May 2006 at 10:31 AM.]
Jody Carver Member From: The Knight Of Fender Tweed. Dodger Blue Forever	posted 08 May 2006 10:30 AM profile edit Thank you and maybe you can put my request in Extended Family so members can pray that I can play this guitar. Pray, Pray, Pray. The Knight Of Fender Tweed.
Jody Carver Member From: The Knight Of Fender Tweed. Dodger Blue Forever	posted 08 May 2006 10:32 AM profile edit Gerald I'm sorry that's the show I meant haha I'm getting a bit old and sometimes closer to the "frets of life" But It will be my honor to do so. Do I have to wear a Hawaiian shirt? advise please.
Gerald Ross Member From: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA	posted 08 May 2006 10:34 AM profile send email edit Wear whatever you want. Perform naked if you'd like! Just be there! ------------------ Gerald Ross 'Northwest Ann Arbor, Michigan's King Of The Hawaiian Steel Guitar' CEO, CIO, CFO - UkeTone Records Gerald's Fingerstyle Guitar Website Board of Directors Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association
Jody Carver Member From: The Knight Of Fender Tweed. Dodger Blue Forever	posted 08 May 2006 10:35 AM profile edit Yes the HSGA show. JOLIET I need my road map, I'm on the road again. I will be there. [This message was edited by Jody Carver on 08 May 2006 at 11:36 AM.]
Jody Carver Member From: The Knight Of Fender Tweed. Dodger Blue Forever	posted 08 May 2006 12:00 PM profile edit Howard and Gerald You may remember how I lost my jeans at X mart a few years back, well I never got them back. It's amazing because last month I left my short shorts in Southern California, only 25 miles from the Fender factory where Jerry's guitar was born. Tony Benett left his heart in San Francisco and I left my short, shorts in the San Fernando Valley. Will the chick who has my shorts, please return them? This will be a reunion my shorts and Jerry's steel guitar Yippeee. I feel a draft HELP HELP ME I'm cold... dammed chick takin my shorts. [This message was edited by Jody Carver on 08 May 2006 at 12:07 PM.]

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