Show Pro vs Williams

Ronald Sikes · Post by **Ronald Sikes** » 19 Apr 2016 8:27 am

I love my Show Pro guitars , however I've never played a Williams. But it seems it will be easy for you to decide since Damir has a Williams for you to try and Jeff is just outside of Nashville as well. Best of luck in your decision.

Mark van Allen · Post by **Mark van Allen** » 19 Apr 2016 8:29 am

Yes, the weightier guitar feels substantial... again, what I would call 'classic" build. The Williams is much lighter although doesn't "walk" or feel insubstantial when played. The pedals on the Williams are aluminum channel stock, and feel/ look somewhat cheap to me, but they play perfectly, and the undercarriage stops are solid and tight. Apples and oranges of a kind. The topside finish on my guitar rivals any laquer job I've seen. Again, it would be great to be able to play several individual guitars of each brand to see what really rings your bell.

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 19 Apr 2016 10:45 am

David Friedlander wrote: The weight also gives the Showpro a more solid ( and expensive) feel.

in that respect, i've had several 'expensive' feeling
guitars.

that's kinda funny in an era that has put so much emphasis on lightwejght guitars.

Andrew Keenan · Post by **Andrew Keenan** » 20 Apr 2016 6:26 am

Thanks for all the replies! I wound up buying Damir's Williams 700 S-10. Looking forward to taking it out on the road this weekend for a test drive!

Damir Besic · Post by **Damir Besic** » 20 Apr 2016 10:21 am

Andrew, I really enjoyed talking to you... this is a great sounding, and playing, light weight guitar... and on top of that comes with a wheeled case... I am sure you will be very pleased with this instrument...

your pal

damir

ps

donation to the forum going out shortly...

David Friedlander · Post by **David Friedlander** » 20 Apr 2016 11:18 am

Sweet looking axe!!

Congrats, I'll bet you'll be back with a rave review next week

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 20 Apr 2016 11:34 am

Terrific and unique Williams there. I might have considered it if it were keyless.

I've no experience with Show-Pro guitars, but I let a really nice lacquer keyless Williams 400 get away. It was a fine playing and sounding instrument with a friendly footprint and a tote factor that wouldn't break your back. Wish I still had it.

John Palumbo · Post by **John Palumbo** » 22 Apr 2016 11:27 am

That is a beauty, love the finish.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 22 Apr 2016 11:58 am

Mike Perlowin wrote:Andrew, human nature being what it is, everybody is going to tell you that the brand they play is the beat.

Not everybody, Mike!

As you've already said, they're all pretty good, now. Pick one you like, Andrew, and start playing.

Ron Shalita · Post by **Ron Shalita** » 22 Jun 2018 10:38 am

I have a Williams 12 string that I bought here on the forum, and have to say that it is a really nice guitar I love the changer ... never breaks strings, and it is a breeze to change them, never a fight to get them to stay in the changer like my Emmons... the sound is kind of dark compared to the Emmons... maybe wood instead of metal neck makes the difference... my thoughts are you can get use to any sound you have if you play it enough...

Ron Shalita · Post by **Ron Shalita** » 22 Jun 2018 2:33 pm

I have a Williams 12 string that I bought here on the forum, and have to say that it is a really nice guitar I love the changer ... never breaks strings, and it is a breeze to change them, never a fight to get them to stay in the changer like my Emmons... the sound is kind of dark compared to the Emmons... maybe wood instead of metal neck makes the difference... my thoughts are you can get use to any sound you have if you play it enough...

Jim Bob Sedgwick · Post by **Jim Bob Sedgwick** » 22 Jun 2018 3:44 pm

Ron Shalita wrote:I have a Williams 12 string that I bought here on the forum, and have to say that it is a really nice guitar I love the changer ... never breaks strings, and it is a breeze to change them, never a fight to get them to stay in the changer like my Emmons... the sound is kind of dark compared to the Emmons... maybe wood instead of metal neck makes the difference... my thoughts are you can get use to any sound you have if you play it enough...

Having both Williams.Keyless wood single neck. Williams D-10 8x7 keyless, metal neck. I have AB'd them side by side. There's not 2 cents difference in sound, The only difference I see is the wood neck stays in tune better if you are outside in the heat. Difference is negligible, and I have played Williams for 32 years. Both single neck and double neck are great guitars. Hopo this helps someone

Billy Carr · Post by **Billy Carr** » 22 Jun 2018 9:55 pm

Cross shafts are round on the ShowPro guitars which is why I didn't buy one 6 or 7 years ago. Great guitars. You'll find the Williams with square cross shafts are much easier to make changes with also. Check the Williams website, as they have weight info and everything else listed. Good luck.

John McClung · Post by **John McClung** » 23 Jun 2018 10:13 am

Don't overlook the Desert Rose Vintage Pro, which I believe comes stock with 2 pickups and a blend switch, for great tonal variety. Chuck Back is a great builder and guy to deal with. He also makes 12-strings, uni or extended E9. For sound, check videos of Gary Morse and Dan Tyack.

Wayne Baker · Post by **Wayne Baker** » 30 Jun 2018 2:27 am

Billy Carr wrote:Cross shafts are round on the ShowPro guitars...

Show Pro cross shafts are round, however there is no slip whatsoever. I own purple Show Pro #164 and have a D10 being built right now.

Wayne Baker · Post by **Wayne Baker** » 30 Jun 2018 2:43 am

Lovin my Show Pro...

Billy Carr · Post by **Billy Carr** » 30 Jun 2018 5:30 am

I really like the purple lacquer guitar. Nice. Thanks.

Wayne Baker · Post by **Wayne Baker** » 30 Jun 2018 5:44 am

My new one will be two tone purple and natural. 9&7.

Joe Cook · Post by **Joe Cook** » 30 Jun 2018 5:38 pm

John McClung wrote:Don't overlook the Desert Rose Vintage Pro, which I believe comes stock with 2 pickups and a blend switch, for great tonal variety. Chuck Back is a great builder and guy to deal with. He also makes 12-strings, uni or extended E9. For sound, check videos of Gary Morse and Dan Tyack.

John is right. You should check out the Desert Rose. I feel they are worth way more than Chuck Back charges! Light weight, very tidy undercarriage, beautiful lacquer finish,stays in tune, can't go wrong!

Craig A Davidson · Post by **Craig A Davidson** » 1 Jul 2018 5:57 am

So how did this thread drift? It's about the comparison between Show- Pro and Williams guitars. Nothing was said about Desert Rose.

Joe Cook · Post by **Joe Cook** » 1 Jul 2018 8:22 am

Andrew Keenan wrote:Thanks for the reply Mike. I have tried out a handful of other steels over the years. I wish I could try them all! I have played GFI for many years and it has served me very well. I've decided that it's time try something new. Based on some friends' recommendations and some sounds I've heard I had narrowed down my search to these two. I'd certainly be interested in hearing other people's favorites and what they like about them!

-Andy

OP said he was interested. Sorry if I offended anyone.

Lee Baucum · Post by **Lee Baucum** » 1 Jul 2018 9:25 am

Andrew's post was from 2 years ago.

Looks like he purchased a Williams from Damir.

Jeremy Threlfall · Post by **Jeremy Threlfall** » 1 Jul 2018 7:48 pm

Billy Carr wrote:Cross shafts are round on the ShowPro guitars which is why I didn't buy one 6 or 7 years ago.

Mr Gary Rittenberry went from hex shafts to round for his new Prestige model a few years ago. For tonal reasons, I gather. Food for thought

Billy Carr · Post by **Billy Carr** » 3 Jul 2018 2:19 am

Gary Rittenberry builds a great guitar, as Show Pro, Williams and several others do. I've owned two RB's. Currently I'm playing a Williams. The purple SP on this section is a beautiful guitar ! Thanks.

Ron Hogan · Post by **Ron Hogan** » 3 Jul 2018 6:53 am

After 20 years with my Zum steel, I ordered a D10 Williams that I should take delivery of this month (6 month wait).

I plan on doing a video review which currently there is nothing on YouTube about.

Still will keep my ZUM which I love. Tried a couple Williams' here in Nashville and they are excellent.

Ron

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