admitting my lapse....

[Tony Prior]

After decades of dedicated study and practice, non stop, I am admitting that I have not touched my Emmons Legrande II D10 since March. It sits under cover waiting for me, Truth is I have musically changed direction. Don't get me wrong, I love the Steel and it ain't going anywhere. For the past several years I have been dedicated to my beloved Telecasters and B Benders which have always been an equal to playing the Steel. This past 12 months or so I have also been back to Mandolin study and attending both Old Time Fiddle Jams and Bluegrass Jams.

I do still get calls now and then for Steel gig duty but I always pass them on to a local Steel playing friend, I'm not going to accept a Steel gig knowing I haven't put the picks on for at least 8 months.

There, I feel better now !

[Larry Dering]

Tony, I'm just the opposite. My Telecasters sit on a stand covered and waiting while I have several steels out and ready. Mandolin hasn't been out of it's case for years. Different focus on music. I still love the acoustic guitar and mandolin but my hands are not in condition to play like I did years ago.

[Brett Day]

For six years, my Jackson Blackjack Custom stayed in its case because I'd played a jam session in 2018 where I had both the dobro and pedal steel out, then the steel was put back in the case, and the reason behind it was, at the time I was trying to figure out if there was any kind of steel guitar bar I could use that was easier for me to handle, and by 2021, I started mising my pedal steel because I was listening to my favorite nineties country records. I was playing jam sessions and in my church's band with the dobro on Sunday nights, so in 2021, I decided to leave my steel set up at home and play steel at my house while my dobro goes to church and jam sessions. So, in 2023, I was introduced to a steel guitar bar I didn't know about at the time, the polymer bar, and after playing a 1994 Emmons D-10 at Emmons Guitar Co. in Sevierville, Tennessee, I decided that a polymer bar would really help me on steel and dobro, so I now use polymer bars on dobro and steel-the one for dobro is 13/16 and the one for steel is Sneaky Pete size.

[Brett Crisp]

Tony, I rarely get on here these days but I had to chime in. I’ve been privileged to know you for quite a while now (we won’t go into exacts there ) and I have to say a few things.
I was thrilled to be able to take the stage with you a couple of times when we were both on steel. From what I remember, we played really good off of each other. Ever since, I’ve been the steel player while you’re on Tele. It’s been a pleasure to be able to work with you over the years and I hope we get to again when it warms up in a few months.

Working with you on guitar has been awesome. I think it works really good because you know what to expect from my end on steel. We make a good team if I do say so. You’re undoubtedly one of the much better guitar players in our area, and I truly mean that.

I remember the last time I heard you on steel down in Columbia. You still had the chops and the tone! Did I mention the tone?!? We can be our own worst critics as musicians and it’s hard to get past, I know.
Love you pal. I hate you haven’t touched the steel much lately, but there’s nothing wrong with going down a different route once in a while.

[Joe Bill Moad]

Tony Prior:

I have never heard of you nor heard you in my life. But I want to tell you that the BS stops with you! I have never heard a Talent like I hear in your recordings! I am wondering if you played all the instruments in your recordings? Man if you were here in Oklahoma we could light up the Western Sky! You have more talent in performing your instruments than a lot of pickers in Nashville can perform. You are the real deal and have been listening to your wix channel for over 1 1/2 hrs. Man the Cowboy Church circuit is big out here and you could own it I guarantee! What a Talent! That rendention of the Beatles you played would put George Harrison to paying attention! Don’t worry bout not playing your Emmons, I bet it enjoys a little rest now and then? You won’t miss a step on any of your instruments of what I have been listening to! Have a Merry Christmas!

Respectfully

Joe Bill Moad
Oklahoma

[Tony Prior]

Brett, my good buddy, you are too kind with the words. But I get it, when we play together ,( hope we do again soon instead of talking about it ) you make me play differently on the Tele. If I am playing better, it's your fault ! As players we all hope to play with others that 1) we get along with , and 2 , inspire us to reach and play outside of the box. You are both to me ! Reflecting back on Columbia, I still listen to us playing "At E's" its not only a great song to play on Steel, but its a great guitar song as well, it's well outside of the 1,4,5 box that we many times get locked into. That was big fun ! We will get together soon grasshopper. we missed 2024 but 2025 is right around the corner !



Joe Bill-- Wow - many thanks for those kind words. I don't know if all BS stops with me but I know "MY BS" stops with me ! LOL Yes, the instruments on the tracks are me. Oklahoma is a bit far to travel from NC to play together , but heck ya never know ! $50 and a piece of Pizza may entice me !

Stay well have a great Holiday and 2025 !

[Joe Bill Moad]

Tony you keep us posted in the Future! The World needs Lessons!

Respectfully:

Joe Bill Moad