Carter Starter vs. Maverick 3&2

Thomas Webb · Post by **Thomas Webb** » 25 Feb 2015 5:23 pm

Hello all

A friend of mine is interested in getting a entry steel guitar and has an opportunity to buy a 65 or 66 Maverick with 3 pedals and 2 knees or a carter starter in great shape with an upgraded George Ls pickup. Both are around the same price point. Any thoughts on what would be a superior guitar?

Thanks

Tom

John Booth · Post by **John Booth** » 25 Feb 2015 5:58 pm

I'd go for the carter

Jerome Hawkes · Post by **Jerome Hawkes** » 25 Feb 2015 6:26 pm

if its the wood body maverick, go for that one. condition considering - you can sink a lot of $$ into a 40 old shobud getting it playable
if its the more common later wallpaper covered one, id go for the carter, esp if its in A+ playable condition
i don't think they made the maverick in 65/66 - more likely from 70's

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 26 Feb 2015 3:48 am

I think Jerome is right.
The George L might make the difference in the Starter,
as tempting as it would be to own a 'Sho Bud' with only 2 levers.

James Wolf · Post by **James Wolf** » 26 Feb 2015 6:22 am

I spent my first 4 years as a pedal steel guitar player on a carter starter. I tried out a maverick once during that time and had such a hard time with it that I ran home and hugged my starter. My vote is for the carter starter if those are your only two choices.

Dan Auldridge · Post by **Dan Auldridge** » 26 Feb 2015 1:50 pm

I think if I was starting up I would go wiyh a stage one. 3+4 and new for about the same cost

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 26 Feb 2015 3:09 pm

Mavs can be good...or bad, but the CS, if nothing else, is consistent. Either one should keep a beginner going for a couple of years.

Dean Holman · Post by **Dean Holman** » 26 Feb 2015 10:01 pm

I may be a little prejudiced in saying this being that here recently I've been helping Doug Earnest with the Stage One and Encore guitars. All I have to say is you will be pulling your hair out with a Maverick and Carter Starter. PLEASE, spend what little extra it might cost to get the Stage One. I know firsthand the Quality that goes into these guitars and they come with 3 pedals and 4 knees and the tone of these guitars are incredible.