Slightly Off Topic question on new guitars

Fred Hedgecoth · Post by **Fred Hedgecoth** » 21 Nov 2019 9:43 am

Got burned recently by a seller on eBay after I won a brand new 2014 Mullen Royal Precision...he cancelled claiming damage done in shipping but I'm not buying it. Fortunately I did get a full refund. Anyway, I'm a beginner but advanced in years (6Cool and plan to spend the remaining ones learning this beautiful instrument. The eBay auction got me so stoked on a high quality guitar I hate to get one that's just so-so or under-equipped and may have to be replaced in the future. And believe it or not, the wife says go for it and get what you want! Before I commit to a builder I'd like to know what the community might suggest. I'd sure appreciate it! Thanks! (BTW, I'm flogging a Sho-Bud Maverick right now and hate to waste any more time on it!)

John Haspert · Post by **John Haspert** » 21 Nov 2019 9:56 am

Hi Fred, Welcome to our "insane" group, meant in a GOOD Way. I would be very, very careful with Flea-Bay. The Forum here has a great group of folks and you can usually get some feedback on the sellers from doing some searches etc. As for the Maverick, it had a purpose, I guess, but there are many other options in today's world. Certainly, Mullen, GFI, Williams, Fessy, Justice, Stage 1, Show-Pro and Excel to name a few all make superb instruments. If you want to go vintage with a Sho-Bud, Zum or Emmons, there are good resources here to help you. Personally, I would stick to the Forum and avoid the music stores, UNLESS THEY SPECIALIZE IN STEEL GUITARS, or use a seller that you know personally. Just my 2 cents, YMMV

Bill Lowe · Post by **Bill Lowe** » 21 Nov 2019 10:18 am

My vote would be Mullen. Contact Mike, he will steer you in the right direction.

Doug Earnest · Post by **Doug Earnest** » 21 Nov 2019 10:52 am

Go to Billy Coopers Steel Guitar Store in Orange, Virginia.
You can try out a lot of guitars and get some good advice in person from honest people.

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 21 Nov 2019 11:00 am

Give Fred Justice, www.justicesteelguitars.com a call.
He is a good guy and builds a great instrument!

Erv

John Herb · Post by **John Herb** » 21 Nov 2019 11:56 am

Another plus for Billy Coopers you won't regret the visit.

Gene Tani · Post by **Gene Tani** » 21 Nov 2019 12:56 pm

Welcome to the forum and steeldom!

It's best to look at ebay PSG listings really carefully, I see some reputable sellers there that also list steels in the forums here and Reverb, but there's also ones that make me nervous: "Don't know anything about the instrument but i can take more pictures" combined w/"No refunds!"

I have a Stage 1 and a Mullen, I would recommend looking at the Zum Encore model from Doug Earnest, who's too modest to mention it, in addition to Mullen and other excellent recommendations in thread

Johnny Cox · Post by **Johnny Cox** » 21 Nov 2019 1:15 pm

Doug Earnest wrote:Go to Billy Coopers Steel Guitar Store in Orange, Virginia.
You can try out a lot of guitars and get some good advice in person from honest people.

Doug is telling you the right thing to do. Everyone has their own opinion of what's the best. Go to Billy Cooper's or Steel Guitars of Nashville or an actual steel guitar store. Play everything and buy what feels and sounds good to you. MSA and Jackson are two more options as well.

Jim Cooley · Post by **Jim Cooley** » 21 Nov 2019 1:45 pm

Jim Palenscar at Steel Guitars of North County is a great resource. Mickey Adams is also worth contacting.

Both are forum members.

Pat Moore · Post by **Pat Moore** » 21 Nov 2019 1:52 pm

Hey Fred,
Being in Va. go see & talk with Billy Cooper. Lots of guidance & history there & Billy will put you on the right path. I don't know where you are here in Va., but I'm 2 hrs away & still try to get there as often as I can.
He & Wanda are wonderful folks.
Check out their website:
billycooperssteelguitar.com

Welcome to the club!
Pat

Roddy Ring · Post by **Roddy Ring** » 21 Nov 2019 2:09 pm

Another vote for Billy Cooper

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 21 Nov 2019 2:35 pm

I am in a similar position. I wanted a steel that was new, light, well made, and easy to sell if it didnâ€™t work out. I ordered a zumsteel encore.

Johnie King · Post by **Johnie King** » 21 Nov 2019 3:01 pm

Billy Cooper is a good choice heâ€™ has to be one of the most knowledgeable steel guitar people you could hope too fine.

Nicholas Scott · Post by **Nicholas Scott** » 21 Nov 2019 3:33 pm

I second Billy Coopers. Billy and Wanda are great. I'm in the Hampton Roads area if you ever need any steel related help, feel free to shoot me a PM.

Ian Rae · Post by **Ian Rae** » 21 Nov 2019 5:44 pm

Fred, welcome and good luck. On a point of order, you can't be off-topic - it's your topic!

Fred Hedgecoth · Post by **Fred Hedgecoth** » 22 Nov 2019 7:05 am

Thanks everyone for your advice. I decided to go with a Mullen Discovery model that I found used but mint on Reverb.com. $1800 seemed more than reasonable so if all goes well with the sale I'm a happy camper!

Dave Hopping · Post by **Dave Hopping** » 23 Nov 2019 9:10 pm

Let us know how it turns out!

The Steel Guitar Forum

Slightly Off Topic question on new guitars

Slightly Off Topic question on new guitars

New Guitar