A new product: Strings by Mr. Smooth

Roy Ayres · Post by **Roy Ayres** » 27 Aug 2003 1:16 pm

As some of you may recall from previous posts, I have been wrestling with the question of the proper string gauges for my steel –- especially since I use a non-standard tuning on my front neck. At the Mobile Steel Guitar Show a few weeks ago, I heard Bill Stafford’s set and was really impressed me with the smoothness of his playing and the timbre of his guitar. He was playing a white Excel S14. I explained my dilemma and asked his advice on string gauges. He said, “Email me your tuning and I’ll make some recommendations.” I emailed him when I returned home, and in short order he emailed me a list of gauges he recommended – then followed up with an actual set of strings that arrived shortly in the mail. I installed the strings on my front neck, and was so pleased with them that I ordered a set for my C6 neck. I learned that, with the help of his brother, a chemical engineer, they had developed a new alloy that is being used in a new type of strings Bill is marketing. Mitsuo Fujii uses them exclusively on Excel steels.

I want to publicly acknowledge the help Bill gave me and let you guys know that he is a prince of a guy and about the smoothest steel player I have heard in years. Although I have no financial interest in his product, I can highly recommend his strings. Whatever the new alloy is, it yields a rich timbre that is obviously not lacking in harmonic content. If you want to inquire about his strings, his email address is schiefsan@aol.com

Billy Easton · Post by **Billy Easton** » 27 Aug 2003 1:43 pm

You are absolutely right!! Bill turned me on to those strings a couple of years ago, and they are super!! I am sure they will be available at his table at the ISGC!! Stop by and see Bill and get all the information!!
He is one fine southern gentleman, and I am proud to call him friend.

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Billy Easton
Casa Grande, AZ
Southwestern Steel Guitar Association

Gary Walker · Post by **Gary Walker** » 27 Aug 2003 3:51 pm

What about the poor shut-ins that aren't going to the show? Where do you get these new miracle strings? I think so many of us need all the help we can get. Is there a web site to obtain them or do you get them from Bill direct? That's a lot questions, thanks for the answers, GW.

Billy Easton · Post by **Billy Easton** » 27 Aug 2003 5:25 pm

Gary MY Friend....
I always get them directly from Bill at the shows. I don't think he has a website. Use his email:

SChiefsan@aol.com

Or if you want me to pick some up from him, let me know, and I will send them to you.

Stay well, my friend.

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Billy Easton
Casa Grande, AZ
Southwestern Steel Guitar Association

Roy Ayres · Post by **Roy Ayres** » 27 Aug 2003 5:27 pm

Gary:

You can get them directly from Bill. Email him at schiefsan@aol.com and I'm sure he will give you ordering instructions.

Roy Ayres · Post by **Roy Ayres** » 27 Aug 2003 5:28 pm

Sorry -- double post. (My fingers are just too fast for this computer)<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Roy Ayres on 27 August 2003 at 06:29 PM.]</p></FONT>

Al Marcus · Post by **Al Marcus** » 27 Aug 2003 5:41 pm

Roy- You said it about Bill. He is a super kind of guy, and a very advanced player.Mr. Smooth............al

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My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus/

Gary Walker · Post by **Gary Walker** » 28 Aug 2003 8:23 am

Roy, I wish my fingers were too fast for my steel, thanks for the info.
Billy, you may already be gone to the convention when you read this but I will try Bill's strings. Sounds like our instrument is being elevated a little higher into the space age technology with the new alloys. Have a fine time in St Looey and I don't want to hear about it, haha, GW.

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 29 Aug 2003 6:10 am

I've been using Bill's strings for about 2 1/2 years and they make an old guitar sound better than new. I haven't been able to find anything in the music stores that come close and they retain their tone much longer, especially in high humidity areas.

Bill got this formula from his brother who is an engineer and has these strings made to this specification. The string companies probably could match them but doing that would reduce their sales by about 50%. Its all about money, nothing more.

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John

Hal Higgins · Post by **Hal Higgins** » 30 Aug 2003 2:40 pm

I, too have used Bill's strings, and have to tell you thqt they last a pretty good while for a guy who plays as much as I do. I highly reccomend them....and Billy's right about contacting Bill by e-mail to order them....great prices and from a great gentleman.......HAL

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Be Blessed........HAL
'85 Emmons LeGrande D-10, Rack w/Evans, Lexicon MPX100 (2)1501-4 BW's IN PRO Cabs, & a Sound Tech PL500 Power Amp.

C Dixon · Post by **C Dixon** » 31 Aug 2003 5:52 am

Bill's smooth playing is exceeded ONLY by his demeanor. He epitomizes the phrase,

"True southern gentleman"

A nicer man, one would never find. May our God bless you always precious friend,

carl

Lawrence Blanscet · Post by **Lawrence Blanscet** » 31 Aug 2003 7:29 am

Carl
you spoke of the man and his playing ability.
With your vast knowledge what is your thoughts on his Strings?
May the Lord continue to Bless you
LFB

C Dixon · Post by **C Dixon** » 31 Aug 2003 9:05 am

Lawrence,

I did not know until reading this thread that BS had his own strings. The next time I change strings I will try them.

It will be a long time, since I would rather walk thru fire than to change them

carl