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Author
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Topic: Sierra ??
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James Quackenbush
Member From: Pomona, New York, USA
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posted 13 November 2003 08:15 AM
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Does anybody know what the deal is with Sierra? I know they're out of business, but is there any mention of them being bought out by anyone else ?...It really is too good a steel to go under, and not resurface !!.. I surely do hope for a speedy recovery !!...Jim |
Ray Montee
Member From: Portland, OR, USA
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posted 13 November 2003 10:30 AM
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A sign is now posted in front of the delapidated looking warehouse structure saying "Space For Lease".All you Sierra 'lovers' should get together, and instead of merely wringing your hands and questioning the situation, establish a legitimate "SIERRA" Co-op. You could buy the guy out; and then decide whether to make new models or merely manufacturer and sell parts. It's worth some consideration. Sorta like an employee owned airline.
Who best to promote and sell this fine guitar than the very folks that play them and tout their many merits. Anybody got some room in their garage? That's where Paul A. Bigsby started out and didn't do so bad. |
Al Marcus
Member From: Cedar Springs,MI USA
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posted 13 November 2003 11:33 AM
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That's a good idea , Ray. If I was them, I would save all the good things about it, and dump all the extra weight, streamline the operation and start building again. Any one can do it....al  ------------------
My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus/ |
Tom Campbell
Member From: Houston, Texas, USA
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posted 13 November 2003 02:14 PM
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The nightmare is that no one buys them out, so the bankruptcy trustee sells the parts, etc. for scrap...at X dollars per lb. The co-op idea would be great if Sierra owners weren't spread out across the US and other places. We (Sierra owners) aren't even privy to ANY information regarding the curent status of the situation/case...so this scenario might not be far from reality.Sierra Session U12, Lap-8 |
Jody Carver
Member From: The Knight Of Fender Tweed~ Dodger Blue Forever
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posted 13 November 2003 02:24 PM
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Watch Fender make a move just before the end. |
Jim Eaton
Member From: Santa Susana, Ca
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posted 13 November 2003 02:43 PM
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Fender better get a move on then, I have 100% correct information that the whole ball of wax is going on the auction block in the next few days.
JE:-)> |
Brian Edwards
Member From: Downers Grove, Illinois, USA
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posted 13 November 2003 02:43 PM
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Actually, the analogy to Fender is not too far off. In the mid 1980s Fender was pretty much dead, but was then purchased by an group of employees and other parties who were able to bring it back to life (maybe too much life). So why can't a group of Sierra employees and other interested parties do the same?[This message was edited by Brian Edwards on 13 November 2003 at 02:44 PM.] |
Jody Carver
Member From: The Knight Of Fender Tweed~ Dodger Blue Forever
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posted 13 November 2003 02:57 PM
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Fender better get a move on then, I have 100% correct information that the whole ball of wax is going on the auction block in the next few days.,,thats when they will make their move,,,my gut feeling, i may be wrong but ????? |
Jody Carver
Member From: The Knight Of Fender Tweed~ Dodger Blue Forever
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posted 13 November 2003 03:03 PM
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maybe too much life). i like your comment.
right on...my lights are out and im typing in the dark one finger and a flashlight on my laptop...too much life,,,yes.  |
Eric West
Member From: Portland, Oregon, USA
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posted 13 November 2003 03:03 PM
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quote:
I would save all the good things about it,
Boy there's one I wouldn't touch with a ten foot matchbox...Was just talking to a Local guy of note, Johnny Del Ray, while I was down setting up, who's been wondering the same thing about getting parts etc. for his. I didn't check, but will give him the Wrights' email or maybe Pete's. If they're just awaiting reorganization, and not buried in unpaid bills it probably wouldn't be that hard to get something going. Unless of course, premature release of information caused too many thousands of dollars in bills to be unpaid... Hard saying' not knowin'. I sure hope Sho~Bud doesn't "bite the dust". EJL [This message was edited by Eric West on 13 November 2003 at 03:07 PM.]
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Brian Edwards
Member From: Downers Grove, Illinois, USA
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posted 13 November 2003 03:14 PM
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How much would it really take? You purchase the rights to use the name, any patents, designs, and other intangibles, tooling, and an inventory of completed guitars and parts. I am not sure how existing debts and other liabilities would factor in.To the extent that there was a need to streamline the line and modify the guitars, then those changes would be made afterwards. But you also have to keep in mind that it is a relatively small market. How many steels does Carter make and sell in a year? And if they are the largest maker, then everyone else is smaller. So the question is ultimately how profitable such an endeavor would be. Just some idle speculation on my part.[This message was edited by Brian Edwards on 13 November 2003 at 03:16 PM.] |
Dr. Hugh Jeffreys
Member From: Southaven, MS, USA
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posted 13 November 2003 03:22 PM
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In answer to several eM's,etc., I would have beenexcited about such a steel guitar venture 10 years ago, but since I've "retired?"--there does'nt seem to be a spare moment in a day. Nevertheless, I remain a devoted Sierra man. HJ |
Richard Sinkler
Member From: Fremont, California
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posted 13 November 2003 05:43 PM
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quote:
So the question is ultimately how profitable such an endeavor would be.
It probably wouldn't in today's market. Isn't that the reason they went under? Although Sierra is a great guitar (although I never personally cared for them), I think they are gone unless someone like Peavey, Fender, Gibson or some company with lot's of capital would buy them. Now this is just me personally, but I would not buy from a company (or coop as was suggested) that took over a defunct company until I could see a good track record to show me they will be around. i wish the old owners and any prospective new owners the best of luck. It really hurts when companies that are so much a part of the history of the steel guitar die. |
Ray Montee
Member From: Portland, OR, USA
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posted 13 November 2003 07:24 PM
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At 10:00 AM, Tuesday, November 18, 2003, there will be a PUBLIC AUCTION at the Sierra Guitar Co., former plant. (THIS, according to a newly posted sign propped in the window)
About "employees"????
"HE" is gone.
Making about one rig per month in one's own garage might very well be a means for keeping the guitar in service and possibly on a profit making basis.
Fifty "believing Sierra Guitar" players, investing perhaps $1,000 each in a legitimate busy transaction, as share-owners,
might make a solid, working platform on which to build a bigger and more profitable
business. Find some "RISK CAPITAL" and a DRIVEN SIERRA GUITAR PLAYER/BUSINESSMAN...and you'd have a winning combination.
I've never played a Sierra but are there 49 of you out there, willing to work with me on this project? I live just 15 blocks south of the store on the opposite side of the street. I don't want to be boss, but I could serve to coordinate for the remaining 49 of you. SUCCESS is measured to the same degree as the RISK undertaken. (Somebody famous!) |
Bobby Lee
Sysop From: Cloverdale, North California, USA
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posted 13 November 2003 08:43 PM
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I don't want to own the company, but I'll order the first guitar if Sierra rises from the ashes!
I was actually planning to order a new one at ISGC this year. Their demise took me by surprise.------------------
 Bobby Lee - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs, Open Hearts
Sierra Session 12 (E9), Williams 400X (Emaj9, D6), Sierra Olympic 12 (C6add9),
Sierra Laptop 8 (D13), Fender Stringmaster (E13, A6),
Roland Handsonic, Line 6 Variax[This message was edited by Bobby Lee on 13 November 2003 at 08:44 PM.] |
Eric West
Member From: Portland, Oregon, USA
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posted 14 November 2003 11:47 AM
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Hmm. If I remember right the only things they had there of any real interest was the case of accessories, an Strobe Tuner, and a bunch of furniture.Now, there's a whole shop full of machines, and I suppose I'd like a vertical Mill.. We'll see. I wouldn't be surprised to se DC himself there bidding on them. I'm sure he's getting bored in his retirement.. EJL[This message was edited by Eric West on 14 November 2003 at 12:05 PM.] |
DroopyPawn
Member From: Fox, OK, USA
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posted 14 November 2003 08:33 PM
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Is anyone going to the auction? I would like to try to get a new changer and any other extra parts to put on my burned up Sierra Session 12. I would pay for the parts and for the effort of the person(s) involved.------------------
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Dave Burton
Member From: Richland,Wa. USA
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posted 14 November 2003 09:19 PM
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Hi Ray and all Sierra owners.I live about 175 miles from the Sierra factory and 4 1/2 years ago I bought a new U12.This was my first Sierra having played MSA's for over 24 years I have been extremely happy with the guitar.I feel that this is a big blow to the Steel Guitar world even if you don't play a Sierra.Was it the price,management,economy?I have a business background and have been a parts manager for many years.I'm not saying i'm ready to right a check but it seems to me to be a doable thing.I don't know why more players don't play a Sierra. Can some of you other owners chime in?
Lets talk about the future and be realistic about it.Not to compare but how did Maurice do it?
David what are your thoughts, if you would like to comment.
Let's talk but it may be to late because the aution in just days away!I would love to see Sierra live on as I believe it is one of the best Steels made! Dave Burton |
Eric West
Member From: Portland, Oregon, USA
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posted 15 November 2003 01:29 AM
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I have my "History" My clipboard, and will just have to put it back unless some John Wayne ponies up and supplies "their version"..You have One business day. Starting Right Now.[This message was edited by Eric West on 18 November 2003 at 06:03 PM.] |
DroopyPawn
Member From: Fox, OK, USA
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posted 15 November 2003 09:50 AM
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Eric, please give me a call (collect if you like) about the Sierra auction. I'd like to "hire" you for some part getting from that Sierra auction. My number is 580-673-2625. I can send you a PayPal payment in advance. I'd like to get lots of parts. Cross shafts, pull rods, bellcranks, maybe a new changer, nylong bushings for pull rods, just lots of things. Basically, I'll take whatever you can find plus some. If you'll give me a call, I'd like to discuss it with you. ------------------
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KENNY KRUPNICK
Member From: Grove City,Ohio
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posted 15 November 2003 10:45 AM
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It would be great to see Sierra resuface. I own one. If at all possible,it would be to the utmost that a parts shop be available for all Sierra owners. |
Eric West
Member From: Portland, Oregon, USA
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posted 15 November 2003 11:13 AM
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DP. I'll be at my mobile today and tomorrow, 503-209-9012, and It is easier to print out email formats and send them with. It's been raised that there might be a "package bid" on loose parts, but I'm convinced that it would be a good investment from the number of emails I've gotten. If it doesn't get up to more than a grand or so for a "batch" if that's the way they go, "we'll" be in the running.EJL [This message was edited by Eric West on 19 November 2003 at 02:44 AM.] |
Ray Minich
Member From: Limestone, New York, USA
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posted 15 November 2003 11:19 AM
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Hopefully somebody will preserve the filing cabinets and drawing documents (intellectual property) that must exist somewhere so that, down the road, spare parts can continue to be made. Reverse engineering is a pain in the @$$. Milling machines and lathes are easier to come by that design documents. I've seen this same scenario played out many times. In my hometown 3 brothers owned 3 grocery stores. When it came time to retire they couldn't sell the businesses 'cause the stores business levels could'nt support debt service. They just closed the stores down & auctioned off the furnishings. |
Eric West
Member From: Portland, Oregon, USA
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posted 18 November 2003 06:20 PM
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It was brought to my attention at the auction by a suprisingly alert and attentive ( see what 5 bucks buys Don..), Donovan Christianson, that the Primitive History from a redneck bush league sho~budder was partially inaccurate.Inasmuch as I might have made him look like a pillaging blue eyed viking, I apologize, at least until there is no visible effort to "get the real story out". I am going to give him ( or you, if you are indeed he) a chance to provide ALL of the people here with an Accurate Historical Version. I will be glad to post any pictures, briefs, flow charts, with pictures and arrows, and paragraphs on the back that accompany such a timeline. My email server can handle a meg or two, and MS Word docs are fine. I will only edit out outrageous self aggrandizement, or slights toward my humble self, deserved or otherwise ( as a posting charge.) Likewise, a "cross posting" to see what else comes up in the 'net'. Ther will of course be a reasonable amount of time allowed, considering the length of time that must be mentally travelled. There is a remarkable lack of participation in this, and hopefully it is not to let process servers track down previous contributors... It's not like we're sitting around a campfire banging on rocks here ..... Somebody? Don? Ray? HELLO... EJL PS, as people were reminded today I think Don and I are long time buddies, so they need not pile on either of us without ending up feeling silly in the end. |
Pete Burak
Member From: Portland, OR USA
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posted 18 November 2003 06:37 PM
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Eric,
I noticed that the "noose" went with Lot 164.
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Eric West
Member From: Portland, Oregon, USA
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posted 19 November 2003 02:42 AM
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I know. I couldn't make out if that was blood or barbeque sauce that had dried on it..Also there seemed to be a name.... Had a great time with Dave Borisoff, the owner of Hipshot Acessories from NY. Went out to Jubitz and saw Wes Bakken with Neil's band. I know he's going back to NY with a feeling of the PSG community in Portland's friendliness and hospitality. Incidentally, he lives in the small town of Romulus NY where I was born some 50 years ago. Small world, though I'd hate to have to paint or wash it.. Now..
Back to being at each others throats..
JUST KIDDING.. EJL[This message was edited by Eric West on 19 November 2003 at 03:00 AM.] |
Roy Ayres
Member From: Starke, Florida, USA
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posted 19 November 2003 05:49 AM
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Glad to hear this great news. I love my Sierra and would hate to have to eventually give it up due to lack of parts availability.
Go, Sierra!
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Pete Burak
Member From: Portland, OR USA
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posted 19 November 2003 09:04 AM
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Eric,
I missed you guys last night.
I was running a little earlier than expected, out there from about 7:45-8:30. Short but sweet.
Good band!
Glad you got to show the HipShot owner a bit o' PDX.Now could someone post a picture of that WB cartoon where the Sheep Dog and the Coyote are punching-in at the morning time clock?!
(a sound clip of Speedy's intro would be nice, too) |
Eric West
Member From: Portland, Oregon, USA
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posted 19 November 2003 01:45 PM
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Or the Far Side one where the guy is whistling while pushing a wheelbarrow full of coal into the fires of Heck.... Wes is great, though it's really hard to get the highs out in that place for sure.. See you out in the pasture. Check out the front page article on Harley James in the Living Section. Like it says "He's a Monster". Back to the herd... EJL |
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