Larry Petree

About Steel Guitarists and their Music

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steinar
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Larry Petree

Post by steinar »

While visiting Bakersfield last weekend, I had the opportunity to get lessons from Larry and also invaluable help in getting an old ZB fixed in time for a gig.
Larry plays B6 in addition to E9, and it was a delight listening to his smooth, classic style of playing.
He has - amongst others - backed Hank Thompson, been Red Simpson`s steel player for years, he was even Buck Owens`steel player for a while in 1961 - before
they were named the Buckaroos, and he`s even had the Hag as bass player in one of his bands!
Larry used to jam with Tom Brumley and Don Rich in Tom`s garage in Bakersfield, and it was so very enjoyable listening to him reminisce about those good ole days.
And when Tom`s wife Rolene Brumley joined, sitting listening to the two of them sharing memories of Bakersfield musicians from the sixties, brought yours truly to Shangri-la and beyond!
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Mark Carlisle
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Post by Mark Carlisle »

Larry is fantastic. He helped me get this MCI #1003 back on the stage. He was the original owner. He also inspired this player to get back into steel after several years away. I enjoy every minute spent with Larry. BTW I think that is a A6maj7 tuning on the back neck-he changed the MCI over to it for me.
Larry is the best!
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Steven Finley
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Post by Steven Finley »

Larry,is a great steel player, a fine gentleman and
one of the all time nice guy musicians, Its been a honor to know Larry for maney years,he is always their to help out other steel players,oh and buy the way, Larry has more Class then anyone I have knowin in years from Bakersfield,lets just say he is a prince of a gentleman,keep pickin Larry.
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Joel Martin
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Post by Joel Martin »

Larry is THE BEST! Such a class act and great player!
1968 ZB D11
1965 Vibrolux Reverb
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DALE WHITENER
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Post by DALE WHITENER »

I bought an Emmons from Larry a few years back and he went out of his way to get it setup as I wanted. He called me numerous times to make sure he got it just right. The setup was awesome and still is. He's the best!
Dale
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Post by Ron Page »

I don't recall what year, but I met Larry at Scotty's when he and Norm Hamlet came there together. We became fast friends, talking about Hag and all, and have stayed in touch here and on e-mail over the years. Larry's a retired fireman. So he knows about laying it on the line. It's no surprise he's helped so many fellow players.
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Larry Behm
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Post by Larry Behm »

I am going to stop by for lunch when I pass through Bakersfield in Nov. Larry has been a great friend.

Larry Behm
'70 D10 Black fatback Emmons PP, Hilton VP, BJS 3 1/2” long bar, Boss GE-7 for Dobro effect, Zoom MS50G, Quilter Toneblock 202 and Quilter TT 15 cab with JBL K130, Joyo Ebow.

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Post by Randall Palmore »

Larry is a great guy and player.. I meet him at the Dallas show years ago. I grew up in Oildale and needless to say, we hit off pretty good! Larry hope your doing well! Sure enjoyed the night at Trout's a few years back! Take care. Randall
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Re: Larry Petree - Bakersfield, CA

Post by Billy Woo »

Well add me to the list of friends and admirers of Larry, He sold me my last Miss Emmons Le Grandia II, a unique Black with Grey marble countertop also he fixed it to my personal copedant, Thanks Larry you are a special man in my world of pedal steel guitars.

Billy Woo aka
Bronco Billy :D :D
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Duane Dunard
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Post by Duane Dunard »

I agree with all these previous comments about Larry. He is an absolute 1st.class gentleman!
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Hook Moore
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Post by Hook Moore »

Duane Dunard wrote:I agree with all these previous comments about Larry. He is an absolute 1st.class gentleman!

I totally agree !
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Andy Sandoval
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Post by Andy Sandoval »

Larry's got lots of friends on and off the Forum but it's no surprise to anyone that knows him. I'm proud to call Larry a friend too. We're hookin up in October for the Vince Gill and Paul Franklin concert here in Bakersfield.
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John Walden
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A Fine Gentleman

Post by John Walden »

I took my first few lessons from Larry a number of years ago. Well worth the long drive from Camarillo. A great steel player, and a fine gentleman, indeed ! His wonderful wife is a great artist, as well !

All the best Larry,

J. W.
http://www.myspace.com/johnmwalden


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Larry Petree
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Many thanks

Post by Larry Petree »

Many thanks to all for your kind words and compliments. I am very grateful to be a part of the brotherhood of pedal steel guitar players.
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Post by Gary Walker »

Larry retired from the Fire Dept where everything is spic and span and Larry is that way with his life. A visit to his workshop, gives the impression that it's just for looks and appears no work is ever done. Not so, He never leaves a mess after a job and you could almost eat off of the floor. (If you are so inclined)
He's a real talent and gentleman and it's been way too long since I visted him. (My loss, after all, it takes over two hours to drive there)
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Herb Steiner
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Post by Herb Steiner »

It's a pleasure to read a thread honoring a good friend! :)
My rig: Infinity and Telonics.

Son, we live in a world with walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with steel guitars. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg?
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Mike DiAlesandro
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Post by Mike DiAlesandro »

I received this Zumsteel from Larry Petree. Boy, did he ever do a great job refurbishing and setting up this guitar for me.

It looks basically brand new, and plays like butter, and sounds even better. Thanks, Larry for all your hard work to get this just right.

Larry is the definition of a class act!

Mike D


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Steven Bowen
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Larry petree

Post by Steven Bowen »

Larry petree is a great guy and fine pedal steeler.i met larry while working a pipeline job in Bakersfield. Use to sit in at Troits when Larry and Red played there on Monday nights.
Bought a BMI s10 from larry.was going to take lessons the next week but was transferred. Never got my lesson. I emailed larry 10 years later and he remembered me. Great guy. Honest and straight shooter
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Fred Treece
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Post by Fred Treece »

I didn’t know Larry from Adam 3 years ago, but I found myself playing guitar next to him in a band that was cobbled together for the memorial of a former band mate of mine. Needless to say, I was floored by his playing. I had to ask my drummer friend about him and he gave me as much of the story as he knew, which was plenty but probably only a drop in the bucket. Mr. Petree, it was an honor and privilege to meet and play alongside you.
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Post by Larry King »

He's my other Brother !!!!!!
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Stu Schulman
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Post by Stu Schulman »

A few years ago when I was living in Anchorage Alaska,I bought a little Dekley S-10 from Larry,It showed up just perfect and has since wound up with young guns Aaron Benolkin,and now in the hands of Leo Storm Ash...I met Larry on a shuttle from the airport to the hotel in Mesa years ago just for a moment,An absolute gem of a person!
Steeltronics Z-pickup,Desert Rose S-10 4+5,Desert Rose Keyless S-10 3+5... Mullen G2 S-10 3+5,Telonics 206 pickups,Telonics volume pedal.,Blanton SD -10,Emmons GS_10...Zirctone bar,Bill Groner Bar...any amp that isn't broken.Steel Seat.Com seats...Licking paint chips off of Chinese Toys since 1952.