In the early 1980's, Joe Turner built a recording studio that is called "SouthStarr Sound Studio".  Where he recorded many Country,  Gospel,  and some Rock groups.  The studio is located in Starr, South Carolina.
    Joe continued this until late 2000 when he decided to close the studio to most of the public and started recording Steel Guitar Play-Along Tracks, also know as soundtracks that he sells at the steel guitar conventions where he plays steel.
     The tracks consist of drum machine,  keyboard tracks and fills,  lead and rhythm guitar,  and bass.  Most people agree,  the finished product has an almost "Live" feel to it

    Joe started playing electric lead guitar at the age of 13.  He played in church and in local country bands around the area.  He was always interested in steel guitar from an early age.  Joe had an uncle who lived with the family that loved steel guitar.  His uncle would buy steel guitar instrumental albums of artist such as Jerry Byrd,  Don Helms,  Jimmy Day,  Lloyd Green,  Buddy Emmons.  So Joe was exposed to a lot of great steel music.  Joe and Don Helms have been best friends for over 38 years and did a CD together in late 2005.
     In 1973 he bought his first steel guitar.  It was a single 12,  Speedy West Custom,  built by Marlen (Leonard Stadler).  He played it for about a year and then bought a Cherokee Double 10 built by Clyde Mattocks and Claro Daughety.
                          
 And played this guitar for about 12 years.
                         
     In 1986 Joe rebuilt a single 12 Marlen that he is currently playing.
                          
It is tuned to what he calls an extended E9th.  He loved the lows that was found in this tuning and is still playing basically the same tuning today.  It has a lot of the C6th chords and sounds.

    In the late 70's and 80's, Joe played in the staff band at a place called the "Powdersville Opry House" just south of Greenville, South Carolina  There he backed up the  locals,  as well as many Nashville acts,  such as Nat Stuckey,  OB McClinton,  Bill Phillips,  Michael Twitty,  Marty Haggard, and the list goes on.  This continued until the late 80's.
  
    Joe is currently playing his old Marlen at steel guitar conventions all over the country,  and every 3 months at the Saluda Steel Show in Saluda, South Carolina run by Charles Reece.