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Topic: Zum, Mullen or Sho Pro? |
Mark Jackson
From:
Tennessee, USA
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Posted 5 Aug 2016 6:49 am |
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Hello,
I've been playing a few years now so still have a long way to go, but I am considering selling my GFI Ultra and picking up a Zum, Sho Pro or Mullen guitar. I like the GFI but it does not have the tone I want (I like the thicker/warmer, more classic country tone but I do not want a vintage instrument).
It seems that late model Zums are really hard to come by (I want a single neck E9), so I am not sure how realistic it is to even hope to find one.
If anyone can speak to the mechanical integrity, tonal qualities and/or feel of these three instruments I would be much obliged. I know opinions will vary, but I'm hoping to buy something I can hang on to for a good while. Lastly, I am hoping to find something under $3,500. Thanks!
MJ |
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Jeff Triplett
From:
Virginia Beach, VA
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Posted 5 Aug 2016 7:06 am
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Mark,
I had a GFI D-10 Ultra and had some of the same concerns. Mechanically it is as good as anything out there but didn't have quite the sound I wanted. I did drop in a couple of Wallace TrueTones in it and that helped.
Ultimately I let it go and had a new Show Pro built for me. Lacquered guitar with wood necks gave me the sound I was looking for. Mullen and ZUM's are both very good guitars and allot of people play them.
_________________
MSA D-10 Legend XL, Show Pro Custom D-10, Emmons D-10 LeGrande II, Sho-Bud Pro II Custom, Telonics and Quilter Amps. |
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Storm Rosson
From:
Silver City, NM. USA
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Posted 5 Aug 2016 8:40 am
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| Gotta love a Sho-Pro |
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Bob Knight
From:
Bowling Green KY
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Posted 5 Aug 2016 8:58 am
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SHOW PRO!!
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=304712
_________________
<b>Rick Johnson Cabinets<b>
<b>Brand X Custom Fiber Cases</b>
<b> John Pearse Thumb Picks, Bars and Strings</b>
"Thankfully, persistence is a great substitute for talent."
— Steve Martin |
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Steven Hicken Jr.
From:
Leeds, United Kingdom
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Posted 5 Aug 2016 10:44 am
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Show Pro
_________________
25 year old wannabe.
2015 Show Pro
2020 Hudson Hudsonator (Pedabro)
202X *Insert new guitar here*
https://www.stevenhickenjr.com/ |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 5 Aug 2016 12:09 pm
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Well, if you must have a new one, a Zum is obviously out of the question. I'd say Sho~Pro is probably also out of the question, as they start at around $3700 for an SD10. You could get an RP Mullen for substantially less, but I honestly couldn't say if you'd like one of them any better than what you have...although it's obviously a better guitar.
However, I'd listen to these two GFI clips, and tell me if they sound like your GFI. Now, you may not be able to sound like this, but your guitar can.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW4Q4dUaOPI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhFRsf3sug8 |
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Jerry Overstreet
From:
Louisville Ky
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Posted 5 Aug 2016 12:34 pm
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Mullen G2 gets my vote. I think single necks only come on a double body or SD10 as they are called. But they will give you the tone you are looking for. Hold out for the original Mullen single coil pickup. I've seen people swapping them out, but I don't think you can beat the factory pickups. Big, full, rich tone.
The feel is great, easy playing, ergonomic set up. Mechanically, first rate. Set up changes are a breeze.
I've seen a few used ones come up for sale here from time to time near your budget parameters.
These guitars will last you a lifetime and the company is still going strong if you need support in the future.
If I'm in your shoes, that's what I'd be looking for. Like a friend of mine who's been playing for years and has played various brands and other Mullen models says "The G2 will spoil you for all other guitars"
If you can swing a new one, visit www.mullenguitars.com |
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Jeff Triplett
From:
Virginia Beach, VA
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Posted 5 Aug 2016 1:42 pm
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Mark,
I also have a Justice Pro-Lite SD10. 3x5 with a 3/3 changer. Fully polished with a BL 705. It was less than $3K new with my color choices. These are very good guitars if you prefer a Mica covered metal neck guitar.
_________________
MSA D-10 Legend XL, Show Pro Custom D-10, Emmons D-10 LeGrande II, Sho-Bud Pro II Custom, Telonics and Quilter Amps. |
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Steve Spitz
From:
New Orleans, LA, USA
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Posted 5 Aug 2016 4:37 pm
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I've owned all three. You can't go wrong with any of them. I've chosen to keep the Zum, and sold the others.
Jeff at ShoPro and Mike at Mullen were great to work with.
The Zum might be difficult to find. If you didn't care for any of the group, all three you've considered are likely easy to sell .
I had a GFI keyless,owned it twice ! They are really nice as well.
I know you are looking for someone to " pick a winner " , but I think it comes down to personal preference. It's really hard to fault any of them.
Enjoy the journey. |
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Steve Spitz
From:
New Orleans, LA, USA
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Posted 5 Aug 2016 4:52 pm
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I've owned all three. You can't go wrong with any of them. I've chosen to keep the Zum, and sold the others.
Jeff at ShoPro and Mike at Mullen were great to work with.
The Zum might be difficult to find. If you didn't care for any of the group, all three you've considered are likely easy to sell .
I had a GFI keyless,owned it twice ! They are really nice as well.
I know you are looking for someone to " pick a winner " , but I think it comes down to personal preference. It's really hard to fault any of them.
Enjoy the journey. |
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Larry Baker
From:
Columbia, Mo. U.S.A.
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Posted 5 Aug 2016 4:55 pm
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consider a Mullen Discovery. its a single neck and a total pro. guitar. will do any thing you want it to and last for ever. Great guitar. Terry Bethel has one and has used it on the road with Mel Tillis.
You can check the Mullen web site for price and availability.
_________________
Mullen G2 SD10 3 & 5 The Eagle
NV112 amp===Earnie Ball V.P. |
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Georg Sørtun
From:
Mandal, Agder, Norway
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Posted 5 Aug 2016 5:57 pm Re: Zum, Mullen or Sho Pro?
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| Mark Jackson wrote: |
| I like the GFI but it does not have the tone I want (I like the thicker/warmer, more classic country tone but I do not want a vintage instrument). |
Hmm, I do find it a little strange that you can't get your Ultra to sound as "thick" and "warm" as you want. Soundwise I find my Ultra to fall well in line with the really warm sounding classic steels, like my MSA and Dekleys, whenever I want it to sound like those.
I do have slightly heavier than normal strings on mine, as I pretty quickly switched to Jagwire LG Series (because I neither liked the sound nor the stability of the strings GFI recommend), and those Jagwires definitely make it sound warmer.
The GFI Ultra is otherwise so sensitive to picking technique that I can make it sound as "sharp and cold" or as "thick and warm" as I want on-the-fly. Not many PSGs has a wider "sound-flavor" range than a GFI, in my experience. |
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Eddy Dunlap
From:
Nashville, Tn
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Posted 5 Aug 2016 8:06 pm
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I'm kind of reluctant to chime in because there isn't really a bad guitar on the market these days and everyone builds a great instrument, but I really have enjoyed my Show Pro guitars and they've really been an asset to my job and "sound". Jeff Surratt is one of the nicest people and has been a friend to all in the community and is willing to contribute and help out anyone! Years ago I needed a second D10 to go along with my Franklin D10 as a another guitar and at that time I couldn't place an order because of the waiting list. I couldn't find a guitar in that vein mechanically or sonically that had "that sound/style" but I really started to get together with Jeff, who learned a lot from Duane Marrs, and found a lot of similarities between my guitar and his. I ordered a guitar and have ordered 2 more since. I use them for all of my recording, touring, and television dates because engineers love the tone of the instrument, how it sits in the mix, and the balance of the EQ. Jeff and Jerry Fessenden have also really helped me with re-formica-ing my Franklin D10 recently which I also still use as well. I can go back and forth between the two instruments(where one maybe out on the road or in a different location and I need another guitar to work with in another) and I don't have to change my setup electronically or change the way I play my instrument. I'm a huge fan of the many contributions that Duane Marrs and Paul Franklin Sr. have innovated upon and gave the steel guitar world, and I feel like Jeff Surratt is continuing forward in the same vein and fashion as the masters before. I apologize for writing with a possible bias, but I'd recommend the Show-Pro. Mechanically, tonally, cosmetically, and the comfort of how it plays.
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Terry Miller
From:
Hammondsport NY USA
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Posted 6 Aug 2016 5:27 pm
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| I'm with you Eddy. The Show Pro is a great all around guitar. Jeff is a master craftsman and a great person and friend. |
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Tommy White
From:
Nashville
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Posted 6 Aug 2016 7:14 pm
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😊
Last edited by Tommy White on 7 Aug 2016 7:13 am; edited 2 times in total |
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Carl Kilmer
From:
East Central, Illinois
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Posted 7 Aug 2016 4:22 am Mullen
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I'm with Tommy White...................Carl "Lucky" Kilmer
 
_________________
aka "Lucky Kay"--Custom built Rittenberry SD10 3X5, Walker S/S, NV-112, and Hilton Pedal |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 7 Aug 2016 6:18 am
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| I'm a Zumbody. |
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Dale Foreman
From:
Crowley Louisiana, USA
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Posted 7 Aug 2016 6:47 am Zum, Mullen or Sho Pro
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Well I'm partial here, but I think all these guitars are great guitars buil by reputable folks. We must not forget that the Rittenberry guitars be included in this group! I'm having a SD 10 built by Gary RIttenberry but I'm not sure if it will ever get built due to Gary's health issues he is dealing with so everyone send him a prayer please. Here is my guitar.
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Rittenberry Prestige(2) |
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Ron Hogan
From:
Nashville, TN, usa
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Posted 7 Aug 2016 6:59 am
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Mark,
I believe if I was in your shoes, I'd look at the ZUM Encore single neck for $1500.00. It's licensed through ZUM and a lot of good reports. I believe Randy beavers plays the Beta of this design. Bang for the buck.
http://www.stageonesteelguitars.com/zumsteel_encore |
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Philip Mitrakos
From:
The Beach South East Florida
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Posted 7 Aug 2016 8:10 am
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| Who ever was playin Steel with Hank Jr. Last night was sittin behind a Sho Pro |
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Dale Foreman
From:
Crowley Louisiana, USA
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Posted 7 Aug 2016 8:20 am Zum, Mullen or Sho Pro
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Well I'm partial here, but I think all these guitars are great guitars buil by reputable folks. We must not forget that the Rittenberry guitars be included in this group! I'm having a SD 10 built by Gary RIttenberry but I'm not sure if it will ever get built due to Gary's health issues he is dealing with so everyone send him a prayer please. Here is my guitar.
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Rittenberry Prestige(2) |
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Steve Spitz
From:
New Orleans, LA, USA
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Posted 7 Aug 2016 12:18 pm
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Mark,
These type posts usually get the same results. A lot of brand loyalty, as these are all great steels, most owners love the one their with.
If you can play, any of these , including your GFI, the Ritt, Justice, etc...are all great choices.
I know you're looking for a winner, and the good news is they're all great, but don't expect a clear cut winner.
Some who suggest one may have never owned the others. Some have owned them all, but what's best for them may not equate to what's " best " for you.
Enjoy the hunt, it's a great time to be a buyer. |
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Wally Moyers
From:
Lubbock, Texas
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Posted 7 Aug 2016 1:09 pm
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Mark,
Like you've been seeing, they are all great guitars. I have Mullen G2 SD10 with a ResoRocker on the back neck, a Zum Hybrid D10 and have a Show Pro Russ Pahl model on order.. They are all fine instruments! If you want a single neck on a single frame, you can't go wrong with the Mullen Discovery! It's a totally pro guitar at a great price thats very light weight.
Wally Moyers
http://www.pedalrockers.com |
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Rich Upright
From:
Florida, USA
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Posted 7 Aug 2016 1:48 pm
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I have owned a Zum D-10 & currently play a Mullen D-10 HWP. I think the Mullen mechanically is about as good as you can get nowadays, and the company is still in business & they actually answer the phone when you call! The best tone I have ever heard, other than a PP, is from a Zum. Not familiar with Sho-Pro; I hear nothing but praise about them, but I have never played or even seen one in person, and I am NOT a fan of wooden neck guitars tone-wise, but that's just me.
'Fi were buying new nowadays, I'd go for the Mullen G2.
_________________
A couple D-10s,some vintage guitars & amps, & lotsa junk in the gig bag. |
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Steve Spitz
From:
New Orleans, LA, USA
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Posted 7 Aug 2016 5:14 pm
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Rich brings up a valid point , it is comforting knowing the steel you play has a builder still building steels. It is something I consider when buying a steel.
Although Bruce Zumsteg isn't taking orders for new steels, he still provides parts and tech support. He also answers the phone. I think he actually prefers the phone to email. If you were considering a Zum, assuming you could find one , you could call him first to confirm. |
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