ファゼイ・ペダルスチールギター・プロダクツは、このたび60年にわたる歴史に幕を下ろすこととなりました。これまで長きにわたり支えてくださった多くの皆様に、心より感謝と御礼を申し上げます。
私自身、Steel Guitar Player として「ジミー時田と Mountain Playboys」での活動から歩みを始め、その後メーカーとしての道を歩んでまいりました。1977年からは、Dewitt Scott 主宰の「International Steel Guitar Convention」に継続して参加し、Buddy Emmons、Jerry Byrd、Bill Stafford、Doug Jernigan、Sarah Jory、Joe Wright など、数え切れないほど多くの素晴らしい仲間や友人との出会いに恵まれました。
その交流を礎に、日本においても「Steel Guitar Convention Japan」を開催できたことは、今も大きな誇りです。
ダラスでの「Convention」では、メーカーとして多くのお客様とのご縁をいただきました。なかでも Steve Sanford には、言葉では尽くせないほどお世話になり、深く感謝しております。
また、ファゼイのもとで働いた東海林くんが独立し、今も情熱をもって歩み続けていることは、私にとって何よりの喜びであり、安心してこの会社を閉じることができる理由の一つです。
今後は、これまで十分に取ることのできなかった自分自身と家族のための時間を大切にしながら、大好きな Steel Guitar とともに穏やかな日々を過ごしていきたいと考えております。
これからも世界中で、Steel Guitarが多くの人に愛され、その美しい音色が奏で続けられていくことを、心より願っております。
60年間、本当にありがとうございました。
藤井三雄
After sixty remarkable years, Fuzzy Pedal Steel Guitar Products has come to a close.
This was not an easy decision, but it felt like the right time to bring this chapter to a thoughtful and grateful conclusion. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported Fuzzy over the decades―players, customers, friends, and fellow builders around the world. Your trust and encouragement meant more than I can ever fully express.
My journey began as a steel guitar player with "Jimmy Tokita and the Mountain Playboys", long before Fuzzy became a manufacturer. In 1977, I began attending the International Steel Guitar Convention founded by Dewitt Scott, and continued to do so for many years. Through those conventions, I was fortunate to form deep friendships with many extraordinary musicians, including Buddy Emmons, Jerry Byrd, Bill Stafford, Doug Jernigan, Sarah Jory, Joe Wright, and many others.
Those connections eventually led to the founding of the Steel Guitar Convention Japan, an experience I will always treasure.
As a builder, the Dallas conventions also brought me the privilege of meeting so many dedicated customers. I am especially thankful to Steve Sanford, whose generosity and friendship were truly invaluable to me and to Fuzzy.
I am also proud to see Shoji, who once worked at Fuzzy, continuing forward on his own path as an independent builder. Knowing that the craft and spirit carry on gives me great peace of mind as I close this chapter.
Looking ahead, I plan to slow down and spend more time with myself and my family―something that was often difficult during these many busy years. I am happy to share that I am doing well and remain healthy, still enjoying music as a part of everyday life.
It is my sincere hope that the steel guitar will continue to be loved around the world, and that its beautiful sound will live on for generations to come.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for these wonderful 60 years.
Mitsuo Fujii