Who works on ZB's anymore?

Robert Simms · Post by **Robert Simms** » 2 Jun 2015 4:43 pm

I recently bought a ZB custom D-10 that needs some work. The mechanics need some cleaning up and I'd like to get it changed from an 8x2 to an 8x4. I know the parts aren't made anymore, but is there anyone out there who still works on these things? I've contacted several people I've found online but haven't really found anyone who is willing to work on it. a lot of times guys have recommended others, only to for them to recommend someone else. Can anyone help?

Karol Wainscott · Post by **Karol Wainscott** » 2 Jun 2015 5:52 pm

Have you contacted Greg Jones ?? If not give him a try.

Larry Jamieson · Post by **Larry Jamieson** » 2 Jun 2015 5:56 pm

Have you talked with Billy Cooper in Orange, VA?

richard burton · Post by **richard burton** » 2 Jun 2015 9:05 pm

It's not essential to use only people known for pedal steel repair, I bet any town anywhere would have several competent engineers/mechanics (toolmakers, maintenance people etc), who would find fixing a ZB a walk in the park.

Tommy White · Post by **Tommy White** » 3 Jun 2015 5:30 am

Billy Knowles, owner of Steel Guitar East is an excellent pedal steel mechanic and an honest kind gentleman.
This is the 1970 ZB Custom rebuild he did for me last year.

Teddy Lloyd · Post by **Teddy Lloyd** » 3 Jun 2015 9:11 am

Billy Knowles by far

Damir Besic · Post by **Damir Besic** » 3 Jun 2015 9:41 am

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 3 Jun 2015 10:13 am

richard burton wrote:It's not essential to use only people known for pedal steel repair, I bet any town anywhere would have several competent engineers/mechanics (toolmakers, maintenance people etc), who would find fixing a ZB a walk in the park.

richard, just cause you are handy at the mechanical side of steels doesn't mean the guy at the corner machine shop is.
i would hope the uninitiated would shy away from any involvement short of duplicating a part.

steve takacs · Post by **steve takacs** » 3 Jun 2015 11:24 am

Paul Redmond, who is a member here, could also help with your ZB. He's a master who could work on a steel even if were made on Pluto. He transformed my ZB and also did great work on Kline Universal. Most of the undercarriage on the ZB was made from parts Paul made. Here is a link

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... ht=redmond

stevet

Ray Thomas · Post by **Ray Thomas** » 3 Jun 2015 11:38 am

Billy Knowles has did several jobs for me, he's the best

Tommy White · Post by **Tommy White** » 3 Jun 2015 1:12 pm

Here is the beautiful work Billy Knowles did while also keeping close to the integrity of it's original design. As the pics show, my ZB is loaded and plays great.

Mike Wilkerson · Post by **Mike Wilkerson** » 3 Jun 2015 4:22 pm

Beautiful ZB Tommy. Rolene Brumley was at the steel convention in Tulsa and someone showed up with one of Toms'D-11 was in immaculate condition

Mike Wilkerson · Post by **Mike Wilkerson** » 3 Jun 2015 4:24 pm

Here's Rolene and that ZB

Robert Simms · Post by **Robert Simms** » 4 Jun 2015 5:29 pm

I contacted Billy Knowles and he said he had way too many in the shop right now and couldn't take anymore.

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 4 Jun 2015 6:39 pm

Tommy White wrote:Here is the beautiful work Billy Knowles did while also keeping close to the integrity of it's original design. As the pics show, my ZB is loaded and plays great.

Tommy...

That is one sweet ZB. I have a question for you, or Billy. Several of the rods don't have the turbuckles, but have a hex thingie at the end of the rod. I assume it is to do the same as the turnbuckle. How exactly does that work? If it is a way to get rid of the turnbuckles, I am so impressed.

Billy Knowles · Post by **Billy Knowles** » 5 Jun 2015 5:36 am

Richard,
You are correct, that is simply putting the turnbuckle(the hex things are the turnbuckles but shorter as they don't need to be long like the old ones) behind the equalizers rather than all down in a pile at the changer, much easier to adjust and makes putting it all together simpler. That is very close to the way Tom was doing the ZBs when he last owned them in Texas.
Thanks
Billy

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 5 Jun 2015 2:09 pm

Thanks Billy. Adjusting the old turnbuckles was really a pain.

Johnny Cox · Post by **Johnny Cox** » 6 Jun 2015 11:25 am

Billy Knowles is the man. He did my 72 Emmons PP. And will be doing my 67 Sho-Bud Permanent. The nicest, most honest guy you will ever know.

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Who works on ZB's anymore?

Who works on ZB's anymore?

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