This letter is one of many letters written detailing the development of the pedal guitar, and the birth of the Emmons Guitar. It also includes standardization of the tuning and copedent, as well as historical commentary.
The letters were written from Ron Lashely Sr. to Mr. Paul J. Graupp, the editor for "Pushin Pedals", the pedal guitar section of Fretts magazine, which was published by Fender Sales.
Scroll down for the complete transcription of this letter. The spelling and grammar shown below is exaclty how it was written by Ron Lashley Sr.
TRANSCRIPTION
Jan 9, 1964
Hello Paul,
Long time no hear and was very glad. I have just returned from Christmas holidays and much water has run over the dam. First let me say that My present address is Faculty apt #300 ASTC but please send all other correspondence to my Graham, N.C. address because I resigned my teaching job here at the college to devote full time to the Emmons Stereo and my music store. As soon as they find a replacement for me I will leave and probably will be this weekend.
More news which may not be pleasing but you need to know that Buddy isn’t coming to Europe but I suppose Jimmy Day will because last week Buddy went with George Jones and Day back with Ray Price. I’m sure that Jimmy Day can entertain well.
I’m very sorry about the satisfaction of your new guitar but you understand that I’m in no position to make any comments. I “will” stick my neck out and make one comment in your confidence. I pulled out from Lenard (although we are still friends) for the same reason that Buddy pulled out from Shot. I know how it feels to be dissatisfied with anything so I can sympathize with you. Of course, we want to sell as many of ours as possible but I wouldn’t want anyone to buy on my word alone although with modesty I can say it is superior to anything on the market. I wouldn’t want to influence you as to what guitar to want but I’m sure you know that it is wise to give them all a try “whenever possible”. I also realize the problem you have living in Germany.
As a friend to a friend I would like for you to put in a good word for our guitar whenever you get a chance because we are just putting it on the market and the word is not out to the public yet. I’ll send to you a map shot as soon as I return home.
Buddie tried the new Fender Steel out at the D.J. convention and said the 10 strings is good but it is steal(sp) the same old Fender (tone) and (pedal action) wise.
I’m sorry about the tone of your Standel. Buddy is using a custom and you couldn’t buy it for any price. I used one occasionally that I had in stock and liked it tremendously. I suppose that maybe something was overlooked at the factory in the wiring. It’s hard to say what the trouble is.
One big advantage to our guitar is that with any two channel amp, the highs can go in one channel while the lows can go through the other and you can have separate tone and volume control over each channel. It can be played monophonic or stereophonic.
It seems that I’m the only one around with a copy of Buddies jazz album and no more are available until another pressing takes place. If you want, I can send you a tape of his album and a copy of the liner notes from the back of his album. There are 3 good jazz men close to me who are capable of reviewing and if you would like I’ll get a few notes from them to send you which could supplement your ideas. Of course you could put them all together into your review. Also maybe you could mention the Stereo in the review.
I’ve got to pull out now and go teach a class of Physics and it might be my last class to. Will be looking forward to hearing from you. Excuse the messy writing. I have to do everything in a hurry unless quality doesn’t allow. Don’t forget to answer to the Graham, N.C. Hanford Rd, Graham, N.C.
Your friend,
Ron
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