New Adventure

[Donny Johnston]

The time has arrived for me to stop playing pedal steel guitar, it’s not a decision I have made in a rush, it’s probably taken at least a year for me to convince myself that my playing was going downhill, I came up with many different excuses, I wasn’t getting enough seat time, I was too tired, I was hurting too much. The reality is, I wasn’t getting enough seat time, I was too tired, I was hurting too much. I’m sure most of us on this site have been through this, let’s face it there’s not a lot of spring lambs on here. For me it started with my D10 the Blanton, I know it’s a really heavy guitar but I can remember running along the platform of Carlisle station with the Blanton in one hand and a Fender Twin in the other, and Frank Yonco trying to keep up. I still have that guitar, but I know longer have the Twin. I bought the Williams after speaking to my good friend Bob Adams, and also Uncle Roy, I was just looking for a lighter guitar which in itself is the start of the downhill slide. I could not buy my guitar of choice, just one I could lift. The Williams fitted the bill admirably, it’s a lovely wee guitar which I’ve had for a few years now, but even that jumped up and bit me in the arse, I can’t lift it anymore so it’s also gone. I had bought a Steel King but had to let that go . That’s enough grumping and groaning, on the up side, after a conversation with Basil I bought a Fender Acoustasonic 150 amp, it only weighs 22.5 lbs. and it sounds great. On the guitar side I have bought a Deusenberg Fairytale lap steel. It’s a new challenge, a steep learning curve which I hope to take head on. Thank you to all my friends on this site who sent messages after my hospital visits, and just for keeping in touch. A new adventure awaits. Regards Donny.

[nevada150]

Hi Donny.
Sorry you've had to give up on the PSG, you are a damned fine player. I'm sure you'll be equally as good on your new Lap Steel.
Keith.

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

Donny that is not the news we wanted, take the adventure, play the plank but keep your pedal guitar even if you only play it at home for your own amazement...people part with guitars but the bug comes back if it's paid for and it doesn't eat anything then hang on to it as long as you can......please.

[Uncle Roy]

Wow Donny, that was a difficult decision to make I am sure , but.your health has to come first that we all know but what JD says makes a lot of sense. If you can afford to keep the PSG and play it home when you get that urge which I am sure will happen again knowing you. The new adventure can still continue which I am sure you will master as well as the pedal steel. I do hope that I get to hear you playing the guitar somewhere along the line. Best of luck my friend and please send my regards to Barbara.

[Mcneilwaeasteel]

Donny, sorry to read this post and I agree with JD and Uncle Roy but reading it again I think the Williams has gone, if not stick it somewhere safe and hang onto it, I kept my pedal steel in a cupboard for six years and eventually sold it and I'm regretting it now even although I know deep down I'm not fit to play it ( in more way's than one )
The "fairy tale" is about to start and a new challenge is on the horizon and I wish you good luck on your journey, six strings wth a couple of handles on the ends of 2 of them will still be enough to bite your ar*e but in a more pleasant way!
Looking forward to seeing you stroll into this month's meeting with an amp in one hand and a plank under your arm, "Gott und Himmel" enjoy going back in time and reliving your "youth", best wishes on your new venture,
cheers Robert

[Donny Johnston]

Thanks for the kind words lads, I still have the Blanton at home if I want to play pedal steel that's why I let the Williams go. Donny.

[Gretschnut]

Sorry that you are scaling down on the PSG Donny. Unfortunately Father Time will claim us all one day and JD will have to move to a bigger house. Hope you enjoy your new venture and keep well. Regards, Harry.

[Danny Mitchell]

Donny, I'm looking forward to hearing your new rig
I'm predicting it's gonna be tasty

[bob adams]

Donny I've just come across your original lever (left it when I took it back out I guess) new one now made, I believe this will crack it! can't do Sunday but I'm around Sat / Mon if you want to fit it!

[derek evans 15]

Donny , i,m gutted to here your decision about the steel guitar.You are a class player ,and having met you
Quite a few times at meetings ,hopefully a good friend. I,bet you will be as good on a lap steel knowing you .
Hope we meet again at the nesgf at the Buck inn.Regards Derek