Good S-10 Backup Steel

Chris Harvey · Post by **Chris Harvey** » 25 Oct 2011 8:21 am

I'd like to have an S-10 backup if something goes wrong with my primary guitar. The expo model GFI looks to be a great guitar, but I wanted to check other options in the lower price range with good mechanics and 3X4.

Fred Glave · Post by **Fred Glave** » 25 Oct 2011 8:54 am

If you have a standard Emmons setup, the Stage One by Zum is probably your best bet if you want brand new. It has the smoothest pedals and levers I've ever played and it has a very solid sturdy feel and stays in tune. I've had mine for a few weeks now and cannot get over my joy. It comes with a very nice case and is SO light. All for under $1,000.00

Steve Lipsey · Post by **Steve Lipsey** » 25 Oct 2011 10:31 am

I had the same thought.....got a Rains SD-10 as main guitar, found a Carpsteel (now called a Legend), which weighs half as much, for practice, small gigs and backup....thinking it was made by the same guy and would have the same feel....actually feels totally different in two major ways.
First, the lightweight construction (not sure if it is the construction or just the weight itself? anybody know the answer?) means that it bounces around a lot, doesn't have the solid, precision feel of the bigger one. Not that it is bad, just really different.
Second, the pedals are way further over to the right than on the Rains. I think a lot of the smaller steels do this....and it is annoying. Extra annoying for me, because my little pedalboard won't fit under it (fits fine in the Rains).
Thinking about looking for a used S-10 pro model, more like the Rains but lighter, to recapture the same feel and layout....

Jim Pivarnik · Post by **Jim Pivarnik** » 25 Oct 2011 4:30 pm

DITTO on the Stage One... great steel... great case.... easy to transport. and Doug is one of the greatest guys to deal with.... a real class act!

Matthew Schwartz · Post by **Matthew Schwartz** » 25 Oct 2011 5:22 pm

I just got my brand new Stage One a few weeks ago and absolutely love it! Very light weight and very nice to play.

Michael Douchette · Post by **Michael Douchette** » 25 Oct 2011 5:36 pm

Stage One. 'nuff said.

Steve Lipsey · Post by **Steve Lipsey** » 26 Oct 2011 8:57 am

Chris-
check with Ken Pippus here on the forum....he might have the answer to your question,,,,,

Bryan Daste · Post by **Bryan Daste** » 26 Oct 2011 9:54 am

A used Dekley is really good for the money.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 26 Oct 2011 12:07 pm

The GFI Expo S-10 is a good choice, too. It comes stock with 3 and 4.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 26 Oct 2011 12:14 pm

You probably already know this, but several steel builders are now offering an S-10 pro model in a no frills, lightweight, compact economy pkg. Might check 'em out if you haven't already.

Mullen, BMI, Justice, etc.

Brett Day · Post by **Brett Day** » 26 Oct 2011 2:35 pm

The Jackson Steel Co. is building a Jackson BlackJack Custom and it's a light guitar-it can have a pad or no pad. It's got three pedals and four knees, and the sound, tone, playability is awesome! I play a BlackJack Custom and I think it's a wonderful guitar.

Brett

The Steel Guitar Forum

Good S-10 Backup Steel

Good S-10 Backup Steel

s-10