Harry Guffee - Steel Guitar Country catalog

Frank Freniere · Post by **Frank Freniere** » 20 Dec 2017 8:21 am

Some of youse guys that grew up in the Northeast might remember Harry Guffee's steel shop in Connecticut. If not, think Jim Palenscar and his establishment: in other words, a great steel hang.

I heard Jeff Newman in concert one afternoon there and I was never quite the same ... Anyway, the catalog is a little hard to read but some of the prices will make your head spin.

Larry Bell · Post by **Larry Bell** » 20 Dec 2017 8:54 am

Harry was a great resource and a great guy. 1980 was a good year for steel guitar.

One curious thing about the catalog, however, that caught my eye:
The Emmons LeGrande models show a SINGLE 12 LEGRANDE
I've been a 12 string player since the mid-70's and have only seen Emmons push-pull 12s

I assume that this is a misprint

Anybody know? Ever seen a S-12 LeGrande?

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 20 Dec 2017 9:30 am

Harry and I were good friends way back when ,we hung out a lot, even played gigs together. He was not just a good Steel player, he was also a fine songwriter, bass player and vocalist as well. A very talented guy.

Harry started the Ct Steel Guitar association and we had monthly meetings in Meridan Ct. I don't know how I got sucked into it but I was doing the monthly Newsletters !.

Harry also sponsored some very huge Steel guitar shows including bringing Buddy up to Meridan Ct just before the famous '77 St Louis show. Everyone who attended will agree, that afternoon was ICONIC !

All around good guy, did a ton for the Steel guitar community. Several years back I located him somewhere out West , he was still involved in music production and writing.

Those of us in that NE area at that time, we sure had some good times.

Thx Harry, wherever you are. It wouldn't have happened without you.

John De Maille · Post by **John De Maille** » 20 Dec 2017 9:40 am

I bought my Sho-Bud packaseat from Harry back in the late 70's.
I also remember going to the show, where, Buddy Charlton played.
Harry did a lot to promote steel guitar. I hope he's doing OK today.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 20 Dec 2017 9:51 am

https://youtu.be/jV0rDfb3aMg

Jack Stanton · Post by **Jack Stanton** » 20 Dec 2017 4:47 pm

Great guy, great shop.

Chris Templeton · Post by **Chris Templeton** » 20 Dec 2017 5:45 pm

What a catalogue! What an inventory!

Daniel McKee · Post by **Daniel McKee** » 21 Dec 2017 11:19 am

Very cool! Kinda interesting that the store was available 24 hours a day for at least phone calls according to the ad.

Kenneth Kotsay · Post by **Kenneth Kotsay** » 21 Dec 2017 11:49 am

Purchased a new Emmons D-10 Push Pull back in 1982, his store was located in Yonkers, N.Y. at the time.

The Emmons might be going up for sale in the very near future.

Ken

Bob Miano · Post by **Bob Miano** » 31 Dec 2017 8:51 am

I was at the shop when it was in Yonkers as well.

Bought a Blonde Sho-Bud Super Pro D-10 from Harry, along with lots of other stuff.

Super nice guy and it was great to have a Pedal Steel shop less than an hour away.

Good memories !!

Bob Miano
New Jersey

Chris Templeton · Post by **Chris Templeton** » 31 Dec 2017 3:12 pm

Where is Harry now?

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 31 Dec 2017 3:35 pm

Chris Templeton wrote:Where is Harry now?

See my post above...

Chris Templeton · Post by **Chris Templeton** » 31 Dec 2017 3:40 pm

A teacher in Connecticut.

Jack Strayhorn · Post by **Jack Strayhorn** » 3 Jan 2018 12:48 pm

There were never any 12 string LeGrande's built, however Ron Lashley Sr. would have considered adding them if enough people showed interest. It never received enough inquiries to give it consideration.