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
July 24, 1964
Hello Paul,
Well here I am answering late but I guess better late than never,. Things are really growing around here. Buddie is really getting a tremendous response out of the steel men across the country. Many have stated that it is the best looking steel that they have ever seen.
We are getting many orders now. As Buddie would say I think we really have a jewel.
I got the Fretts magazine and the article on Buddie. They did cut the part about the guitar out but we won’t worry about that. We were glad that they printed what they did. Thanks again. Oh, By [sic] the way, we are incorporated now.
“Emmons Guitar Company, Inc.”
The last article didn’t make it to “Country Song Roundup.” I needed it for the Country Music Who’s Who, the largest country music publication, so I let it go the same day that they requested it. Looks like we are going to have to make you cheif [sic] writer for
“Emmons Guitar Co.” haha.
That leaves two articles needed now. One for the “Country Gentleman” and “Country Song Roundup.” Oh, I have the pictures for the Country Song Roundup article. Buddie sent them today. Would it be asking too much for you to write a couple more articles [sic]. I suppose you have enough information. Also could you send me a copy of the last article. I’d like to keep a copy on file with the others. I had to send it to “Who’s Who” and didn’t have time to get it typed.
By the way, Buddie called this past week and said I’ve got a new one for Paul to write. Here it is. A new pedal on the E9th drops the Eb a whole tone and raises the Ab and E a half tone.
This is his first pedal now and used with the B pedal. It’s really another Emmons first new sound. Our first big shipment of strings are on the way via truck from Mich. We really appreciate your writing for us. I guess the least we can do is keep you in strings.
I’m sending the questionnaire to Donnie West tonight. I was out at Jimmy Day’s house about 3 weeks ago. He lives on Howard Ave, Madison, Tenn. I don’t remember the house number but can find out for you. He hasn’t lived there long.
Curly Chalker is picking in a club in Vagas [sic]. He is almost in out of the public scene.
Tom Brumley has been by a couple times he lives [sic] at 300 Horace Mann, Bakersfield, Calif.
Don West lives 4817 [sic] 4th Ave S.E. apt # 501, Oxen Hill, Md.
The pot used in Buddies pedal is ohmite two watt, type AB, taper type A clock, log. Cat no. CA-5041, ohms 0.5 meg.
I’ll close for now. I’ve about written enough
Your pal,
Ron
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