Dallas show

[Ken Byng]

Met up with a few of the lads yesterday in Dallas. We all agreed that it could be the best Dallas show ever.

Immigration controls in the USA are a real bummer - it is tiring enough on the plane let alone another hour or so queuing up in immigration. Still, it will be nice to see old friends and make new ones.

The price of entry will be worth it just to see Steve Palousek and Mike Johnson alone, besides everyone else.

Just off to grab a couple of hours sleep before breakfast.

[Malcolm]

Ken is right, great show and a strong UK presence, Ken, Spence, Peter,Mike- England, Ted , Ivor- NI. Billy Murdoch, Billy McKillop, Ian, Alan, Derek and me- Scotland not forgetting our "tame Kiwi" honary Brit Ivan, and despite some of them being in a freeway crash a great time was had by all.Mike Johnson was superb and a fantastic guy to speak to.Lots of new toys now back in UK from those with stacks of big bucks, I could only manage a pick up and set of picks, wouldn't say I was jealous but I hate them all (just kidding ) hope they all enjoy them.

[Ken Byng]

Well, that was a wonderful weekend. Highlights for me were Mike Johnson (featured below), Steve Palousek, Paul Franklin (Saturday night), Reece Anderson, Doug Jernigan and Junior Knight. I thought that Mike Johnson's tone was just exquisite.

Low-light for me was the completely tasteless and non musical playing of Zane King on the main stage.

Great products on sale, and the atmosphere was excellent. There were bargains to be had, and some negotiations for good deals. I came away with some nice bits and pieces, plus an order for a D10 Show Pro.

[Zumbilly(Murdoch)]

I agree completely with Ken,Mike Johnson is the man for Me,I have now seen Him at Dallas three times and His playing and personality is first class,His Wife is a great singer and lovely person too.Fiddle player Hank Singer is the best I have seen and heard He is absolutely stunning.
It was great to spend time with so many nice people.The down of course was our bump on the freeway,I was driving and the young guy behind was travelling far too fast for the wet conditions,He skidded all over the place before hitting Me offside rear sending Me into a three rev,. spin ending up with us facing the oncoming traffic.There were no injuries and there was definately someone watching over us that day.
I got some nice toys too.
Billy

[Dave Nutt]

Good to hear that you guys enjoyed the show, it must a steelies dream trip.

Ken- another baby on the way then? what ya gonna do with em all? never seen a sho pro up close but what Ive heard they are some steel guitar.

Billy, the incident sounds scary, only pleased that you and all with you are safe. my wife and myself had a scary moment in Colorado two years ago, so so close, guy coming the other way fell asleep, we where within seconds/feet of a head on, it shakes you up a little hey mate.
What goodies did you get?

[Zumbilly(Murdoch)]

Dave
My best buy was a Telonics Pre 1000 preamp,I have just been trying it out at home and it sounds superb,I got a few beers too but they are long gone,
Best regards
Billy

[Ken Byng]

Billy, when I was sitting with you and Bill in the airport waiting for the return flight, I thought how silly some of the little Chinese /Asian girls looked with their masks over their faces. However, I was really sick on the plane, and have been since I got home. Haven't been able to go back to work yet. So those masks may have some merit after all.

You boys were very lucky to come out of your prang unscathed. How did Ann take the news when you told her?

Dave
I will have to offload at least one of my guitars to make space I was torn between buying an MSA Legend and a Show Pro. Both are really well put together, but tonally there was only ever one winner. I have the big decision now of laying out a spec for the colour and the copedant. The latter is simple, along with various compensators and splits. But the colour options are limitless.

[Dave Nutt]

Billy- does it work out a lot cheaper buying the Telonics over there?

Ken- I feel sorry for you, having to arrange a copedent and colour scheme for a custom built steel sure it will be a cracker.
How long is delivery time ? aint even gonna ask about cost

[Ken Byng]

Dave
Buying Telonics gear at the show is way cheaper than buying it over here.

Re the Show Pro - if you go on their web site you will see a massive selection of lacquer colours. Delivery time is about 6 - 9 months, but there is no rush as I will go to the USA to pick it up next year, either to Dallas 2013 or straight to Nashville in April 2013.

Prices are set on the Show Pro web site, and are about the going rate for a modern guitar. I went to Jeff Surratt's place in Mount Juliet last April, and saw his workshop at first hand. I met his woodworker, and altogether the whole thing was a great experience. This is a guitar that Tommy White described to me as a 'custom shop' instrument.

[Malcolm]

Ken, sounds as if you caught what I had when I arrived, I put it down to Denny's chicken meal, but could be some viral thing, hope you are feeling better now.