Overconfidence - A Seasonal Problem

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 6 Nov 2008 12:47 am

"Little" Roy Wiggins told me in 1985 that he didn't know where his first "Dobro" guitar came from,"It just showed up." The rest of the story is well known among steel guitarists. Quite often, musical instruments are found under the Christmas Tree after Santa makes his rounds. Many family members have a son or dad who enjoys plunking on a Spanish guitar. What should a "plunker" do with a shiny new steel guitar, that is gift wrapped for him on Christmas Day?

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 6 Nov 2008 2:27 am

There's always Ebay or Craigslist..

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 6 Nov 2008 5:24 am

Tony,

A dozen or so booklets printed for instructional purposes should always be included in the Christmas package.

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 6 Nov 2008 6:12 am

I fully agree, the only real issue here is this and it is common with any musical Instrument, is the gift really somthing someone wants and has the desire to persue ?

Years back I was a travelling around town Guitar teacher , most of the students were in the 12 to 15 category at the time, most had no ambition to play , there were way too many other things more important going on there life.Most just Wanted to hear me PLAY and hang out!

A Steel Guitar under the Christmas tree would be great if the one receiveing it was already in the MODE !

And yes a dozen or more learning/listening things along with it is a necessity..

Jeff Garden · Post by **Jeff Garden** » 6 Nov 2008 6:21 am

Here's your chance to clone the new "plunker", Bill. Rip off the shiny new standard fretboards on the steel that Santa brought and attach your patented vertical ones.

Barry Blackwood · Post by **Barry Blackwood** » 6 Nov 2008 7:09 am

the only real issue here is this and it is common with any musical Instrument, is the gift really something someone wants and has the desire to pursue ?

This is so true, Tony. It is a question every well- intentioned "giver" has to ask themselves before bestowing "the gift of music" upon someone else.

Jeff Garden · Post by **Jeff Garden** » 6 Nov 2008 7:46 am

I agree with Tony and Barry. Maybe best to start with a "loaner" steel if possible and a few introductory lessons - then reward the new player with his/her own steel if there's a genuine interest there and that's what they want. I can remember several of my classmates growing up who were "forced" into taking accordion lessons (seemed to be a popular instrument at the time especially in the local Italian community). Virtually all of them let us know at school they would rather be learning electric guitar or electric piano (or not playing any instrument!) but that wasn't encouraged at home.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 6 Nov 2008 7:52 am

Tony,

Every steel guitar should come with a friendly warning label,that reads: "Not for the 'Jack' of all trades."

Al Udeen · Post by **Al Udeen** » 6 Nov 2008 8:08 am

Hi again Bill: As you may recall, I bought the 3rd Sho-Bud at Shots garage in 1957, In 63 I sold it to a friend in Denver, then my son, who is a Nashville player bought it back from the same guy & when he was home for Christmas about 10 yrs ago, It was under the Christmas tree! P.S. I have fond memories of meeting you at the Sho-Bud Seminar I did in Pittsfield, Ma. in 1975 Your longtime friend! Al Udeen

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 6 Nov 2008 8:54 am

i don't get it! what's the 'overconfidence' bit?

Ray Montee (RIP) · Post by **Ray Montee (RIP)** » 6 Nov 2008 9:03 am

Sounds to me like another of those 'vague' listings or postings, what say you?

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 6 Nov 2008 9:20 am

Al,

You put on a great show that evening in Pittsfield, Ma. John Graboff played lead guitar and Sue Winters Recchia Dimanch, (deceased) did the camera work for Channel 2 television. The uptempo instrumental, called Jonesy, that you played, was popular at that time in 1975. Thanks for the great friendship. Enjoy the Holiday Season and keep finding the joys of living. I enjoyed learning more about the round trip of the original Sho-Bud.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 6 Nov 2008 9:46 am

Chris,

Face it, picture yourself as a nonplayer of the steel, staring at your new present. You study it, and then you would be either "OVERWHELMED", or entirely appreciative of the giver who is standing next to you awaiting a response. Her doubts and "OVERCONFIDENCE" will most certainly wane if there is a trace of reduced exhilaration that is so very obvious to a lady's intuition. If the recipient happens to be a nonplayer, confidence will remain the issue for the years of practice that will follow.

Bo Legg · Post by **Bo Legg** » 6 Nov 2008 10:08 am

A lot of us are overconfident and insignificant and it’s not seasonal.

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 6 Nov 2008 11:25 am

sorry, bill! this still doesn't compute in a normal way to me. no offense, but the way you communicate on the forum seems very strange...approaching 'nuts' to me!

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 6 Nov 2008 12:34 pm

Chris,

I once read that destructive criticism may be turned into profitable criticism.

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 6 Nov 2008 1:17 pm

that wasn't intended to be destructive...just honest! if you profit from it, feel free to send me my cut!

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 6 Nov 2008 2:17 pm

Chris,

Before you put your shovel away, let me offer you some advice. If the snow gets too deep, or cumulative droppings in your bullpen pile up , play it safe, and don't overtax your system. In other words, don't become overconfident. That's good advice from this easterner.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 6 Nov 2008 2:22 pm

.
I have nothing to add.

Bo Legg · Post by **Bo Legg** » 6 Nov 2008 4:55 pm

I could save a lot of money and time at Christmas if I just sent all the grand kids a Christmas card and write inside it.

"I was going to get you a PSG for Christmas but I don't want to appear overconfident regarding your abilities"
Love Grand Pa.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 7 Nov 2008 6:30 am

Jeff Garden,

I didn't miss your pitch to further the learning processes involved in becoming a presentable on stage steel guitarist. Here in New England, as you know, the warmth of the summer days are past for 2008. Steel players are more apt to seek out the comfort of artificial heat provided by gas and oil companies. Overconfidence in making the best choices in obtaining fuels for heating the homes has triggered a thing called "locked in". I don't want know what that is all about, except that it promises to save money over the winter months. Just suppose that we had "locked in" gasoline prices at $4.50 per gallon. With potatoes and oranges selling at roughly $1.50 each, who needs the disparities of super markets and fuel suppliers controlling the necessities of life? For years, businessmen have been aware of heavy taxation. The figures taken from wage earners is a form of overconfidence. Those seated at computers scrutinizing incomes, and computing their share, is no doubt one of the underlying causes of a growing problem in middle class American families. Overconfidence in misjudging one's own ability to repay credit card debts has become more common in recent times. It has become a huge problem, and it's opening the doors to those who quickly find legal pathways to earnings. Living is part of a system of incurring debts. If you just stand in one spot and do nothing, it wouldn't take long for some agency to bill you for living. Most moms love to present gifts. Overconfidence of repaying after December is worth consideration. Music is one of the best methods of warding off those who overindulge in the "push and shove" department. When the pushy get pushier, climb behind your steel and let your steel do the talking.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 7 Nov 2008 10:00 am

Bo Legg,

I get nervous when people abuse glass, rusty nails left in boards, and street workers ignoring potholes. Oh, yeah! And the list is a mile long, but as they say,"It does no good to complain".

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 7 Nov 2008 11:35 am

my shovel is in the garage, my system is nowhere near being overtaxed, and i would be amazed if i would get good advice from you and your cumulative bullpen droppings!

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 7 Nov 2008 1:59 pm

Chris,

What's your problem? Have you ever been this irrational with other members on the forum? I wouldn't know you if I was staring you in the face. I really don't think people who have never met, should carry on in such a way as to belittle one another over small matters. I must admit that a bit of joking is fun, that may create a bit of laughter. I'm definitely not interested in vicious replies that can be disturbing coming from fellow steel guitarists. I would rather look for other interests that are musically related.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 8 Nov 2008 4:34 am

Jim C.,

Did you fall from 6 rungs? If not, I have a question for you, if you would be so kind. I can't find Eagle's Mere, Pennsylvania on the map. Are you familiar with such a place? Thanks...

The Steel Guitar Forum

Overconfidence - A Seasonal Problem

Overconfidence - A Seasonal Problem

Ref: Under the Christmas Tree

Uhmmmmmmmm?