May God bless Don Fulmer

[C Dixon]

In the late 70's, I saw a man play an unusual Pedal Steel guitar at Scotty's. So interested in this guitar I walked up to him after his set and enquired about it. The guitar raised from one end and lowered from the other end; meaning of course there was a changer at each end.

This event began a lifelong friendship with Don and I. From time to time I have had the distinct pleasure of being with Don in various places around the country. And each time we talk "steel" non-stop for hours.

He loves to fool around with "copedents" as I do, so this friendship was made to order. Over the years we have become very close. And I look forward to seeing him whenever possible. Since we live a long way apart, we usually only see each other at conventions.

But last week, Don called me and said he was going to Florda (he lives in Richmond) and was going thru Atlanta and wanted to stop by.

Well a day stay turned into almost 3 days. As we talked "steel" almost non stop! He had 3 Emmons Legrandes and one Carter 12 string. Plus a Sierra 12 string lap steel that is so gorgeous it is to die for.

With my LeGrande, Excel and Rickenbacher 7 string you can imagine what this meant. Don plays beautifully. And has an ear to die for. He showed me sooooo many things that just put me on top of the world.

He also brought along a "drum" machine that he bought at "Billy Cooper's" place. Wow, what an incredible device. It looked intimidating at first, but once he showed some of the simple programming; was I ever impressed.

I had heard drum machines before, But NEVER like this one. It does it all and it sounds JUST like the real thing. NO fake sounds at ALL! I could kick my self but I forgot to right down the model number of this Boss machine. He simply called it "Doc".

I can only say it was out of this world. As Don (mostly) and I used it to play tunes to. I say mostly since the good Lord KNOWS I can't play. But Don CAN; and did he ever. He played "Midnight in old Amarillo" and just totally intrigued me with his tasteful playing. Then he followed it with "Secret Love", with a mixture of LG and Don's own style with his gorgeous ad-libbed licks so good I had to hear it several more times over the 3 days we rellished doing our thing.

If you have not seen one of these drum machines, you owe it to yourself to check it out. It is my understanding Billy preprograms many "patterns" in it to make it work better for steel players. I find this a trmendous aid. And if you are looking for a rythym/drum machine, DO look into it. You will be pleased I believe.

I can't begin to tell you what a pleasant time I had visiting with Don. He is a gentleman and very fine steel guitar player.

May Jesus richly bless this dear man, and all of you,

carl

[Reggie Duncan]

One of these? http://www.samedaymusic.com/browse--Boss-Drum-Machines--2963 <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Reggie Duncan on 10 January 2004 at 09:15 AM.]</p></FONT>

[C Dixon]

Yes Reggie,

That is it precisely. It was the DR770. As I stated, the machine does not offer a lot for the average steel player, BUT when Billy Cooper programs it with so many patterns specific to steel guitar, it is a dream. Thank you posting that Reggie.
Course, I would be remiss if I did not say; all the drum machines and even live drummers in the world could never come close to giving a player the feeling you put in your playing. You are endowed with an awesome gift.

Take care dear friend,

carl