Zum Stage One or GFI Student Model?

Jim Williams · Post by **Jim Williams** » 2 Dec 2013 9:31 am

Well, I have about come to the conclusion that my old Market Rite project guitar is just not going to cut the mustard.

I am looking at buying either a Zum Stage One, if I can locate a used one, or a new GFI student model guitar to learn on.

I have located a GFI 3 pedal 2 lever new for about a thousand dollars. I understand additional knee levers can be added easily and relatively affordably.

From what I've seen and read on here, the Zum may be the better guitar, but I don't currently have a lead on an available one. I'm sorry but I'm not the most patient person in the world and really don't want to wait several months for one to be built. The GFI attracts me to some extent because they are still very actively in business therefore I'm assuming parts would not be a problem if needed.

Any opinions or reviews from current owners would be appreciated.

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 2 Dec 2013 9:42 am

if ou're going to spend $1000 anyway i'd wait for a used pro model carter or sho-bud or something to turn up.

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 2 Dec 2013 9:44 am

On grounds of both build quality and lever count, Advantage; Stage 1.
Try posting in the WTB forum, or talk to Doug.
A new Stage One costs 1049 plus shipping.
As to your impatience, may I point out that's how you got a Mark 1?
I really think you'll get a decent guitar if you put something in the WTB

Jason Putnam · Post by **Jason Putnam** » 2 Dec 2013 11:28 am

I have nothing against the GFI student model. Heck I've never even played one. It may be the best thing since sliced bread. But I definitely wouldn't pay a grand for one and then have to add knees to it costing even more. I think the stage one or maybe a justice 3 x 4 would be your best bet. I think the justice is a little more money but by the time you add 2 knees to the GFI you will spend more anyway. I own a stage one and it's great for the price!!!

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 2 Dec 2013 12:50 pm

Here's one just a bit above your ceiling, but a fine guitar, and available now.
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=256349

Wesley Medlen · Post by **Wesley Medlen** » 2 Dec 2013 2:23 pm

You can find some very good used at reasonable prices. I found 2 SD10 BMI's with 3 and five for less than $3000 and they are very easy to set up to your liking.

Jim Williams · Post by **Jim Williams** » 2 Dec 2013 2:35 pm

Thanks all, I have a couple of good prospects lined up at this point, hopefully one of them will work out.

Karen Sarkisian · Post by **Karen Sarkisian** » 2 Dec 2013 6:10 pm

Stage One

Jim Williams · Post by **Jim Williams** » 2 Dec 2013 8:52 pm

Lane Gray wrote: As to your impatience, may I point out that's how you got a Mark 1?

Point taken Lane

Curt Trisko · Post by **Curt Trisko** » 2 Dec 2013 9:07 pm

I got a stage one for my first steel almost two years ago. I have no complaints. If I had to do it again, with the foresight of knowing what I know now, I think I may have tempted to get a used S-12 instead. That'll probably be my next steel.

Daniel Policarpo · Post by **Daniel Policarpo** » 3 Dec 2013 2:52 am

Purchased a Stage One to learn on 15 months ago and it sounds better and better, the better I get. Imagine that! Amplification and technique really infuse the pedal steel with the sound you ultimately are looking to achieve. It's taken me a while, but I can get that metal on metal sounding bend that I like from early Owens-era Brumley, and more and more, I can get in the ballpark where I can imagine that sweet cry from Hughey, for example. I thought getting a "better" instrument might be needed to get those sounds, but it's just me. Not having to worry about mechanical upkeep and having more money for better amplification and instruction have made the Stage One one of the smarter purchases I have made.

Lynn Gray · Post by **Lynn Gray** » 3 Dec 2013 8:53 am

StageOne all the way....craftsmanship, tone, ease of pack and play, affordability, Doug's accessibility for any questions, staying in tune....just a fine guitar all the way around! Without a doubt, the most bang for the buck!

Jim Williams · Post by **Jim Williams** » 3 Dec 2013 1:14 pm

Seems that Stage One is the winner...now just to find a used one! If I can't locate one soon, I may just go ahead and put an order in with Doug and wait till Feb. or March.

James Taylor · Post by **James Taylor** » 3 Dec 2013 1:53 pm

JIM ,I reckon you will be well pleased with the stage one.James Taylor

Jim Williams · Post by **Jim Williams** » 4 Dec 2013 10:28 am

I'm nearing closing a deal for a used Stage One

Jim Williams · Post by **Jim Williams** » 6 Dec 2013 5:11 pm

Well, that one fell through, but I'm proud to say I am about to be the owner of a very nice BMI S10.

Daniel Policarpo · Post by **Daniel Policarpo** » 6 Dec 2013 8:25 pm

that'll work.