Maybe Off Topic but I need advice

Fred Hedgecoth · Post by **Fred Hedgecoth** » 21 Nov 2019 9:40 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 (68) 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 it1)

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 21 Nov 2019 11:16 am

www.justicesteelguitars.com

Dan Kelly · Post by **Dan Kelly** » 21 Nov 2019 11:48 am

Sierrasteels.com

Brad Easley · Post by **Brad Easley** » 21 Nov 2019 12:12 pm

Uneducated opinion of an amateur: a good Zumsteel is hard to beat (and find).

Fred Hedgecoth · Post by **Fred Hedgecoth** » 21 Nov 2019 12:20 pm

Brad...tell me about it! I've been watching for one for quite awhile with no success.

Mike Selecky · Post by **Mike Selecky** » 21 Nov 2019 12:20 pm

One of the best values on a new steel - Williams

http://www.williamsguitarcompany.com/

Daniel McKee · Post by **Daniel McKee** » 21 Nov 2019 2:24 pm

Nothing against ebay because I've certainly bought enough from them but in recent years, have had more problems. My opinion only but I would check out some of the great builders websites and compare features that appeal to you. Lots of great options out there. GFI, Mullen, BMI (this one kinda gets overlooked a lot)Williams, Sierra, MSA etc... either way you cant go wrong with these. I loved my shobud maverick but if I were you I'd certainly consider a new guitar. Best of luck

Karen Sarkisian · Post by **Karen Sarkisian** » 21 Nov 2019 5:48 pm

Sorry about eBay and your Mullen ! There are so many nice guitars out there, thereâ€™s really no â€œbestâ€. So much of it is personal preference. I were you Iâ€™d buy something decent and not too complicated to start learning on, then use the extra money to go to the big steel guitar show in Dallas where you can sit and play a bunch of guitars and see what one you like. Unfortunately, many of us (myself included) find there is not one but many that we like !

Bobby D. Jones · Post by **Bobby D. Jones** » 21 Nov 2019 8:35 pm

With your information, Showing you live in Virginia. If it is not to long a drive to Billy Cooper's Steel Guitar Shop, Orange, Virginia. I would suggest you call Billy & Wanda,(540) 854-5940 verify they will be in the store. Take your picks and bar with you. You will able to look at steel guitars, Sit down and Play them. Pick them up to see how heavy they are. He is dealer for several brands, Fesseden, GFI and I believe Mullins, And used guitars that he has put in playing order.

I have been to his store a couple times, Makes me feel like a kid in a Candy Store.
Good Luck in finding the guitar of your dreams, Happy Steelin.

Ian Rae · Post by **Ian Rae** » 22 Nov 2019 1:34 am

Fred, welcome to the forum and good luck with your journey!
On a point of order regarding the title of your post, you can't be off-topic - it's your topic!
If you buy new, all the current builders are dedicated people who produce no bad guitars.
If you buy used on the forum you'll be much safer than on Ebay! And the sum total of knowledge here is formidable.

Justin Emmert · Post by **Justin Emmert** » 22 Nov 2019 5:42 am

Go to Billy Coopers!

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 22 Nov 2019 5:54 am

There are only a handful of dedicated steel guitar dealers anywhere in the US - you're lucky enough to have one of the best in your home state.

Plan a trip to Billy and Wanda Cooper!

Fred Hedgecoth · Post by **Fred Hedgecoth** » 22 Nov 2019 7:03 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!

John McClung · Post by **John McClung** » 23 Nov 2019 11:12 am

Bobby D. Jones wrote:With your information, Showing you live in Virginia. If it is not to long a drive to Billy Cooper's Steel Guitar Shop, Orange, Virginia. I would suggest you call Billy & Wanda,(540) 854-5940 verify they will be in the store. Take your picks and bar with you. You will able to look at steel guitars, Sit down and Play them. Pick them up to see how heavy they are. He is dealer for several brands, Fesseden, GFI and I believe Mullins, And used guitars that he has put in playing order.

I have been to his store a couple times, Makes me feel like a kid in a Candy Store.
Good Luck in finding the guitar of your dreams, Happy Steelin.

What Bobby said! Kick some tires if at all possible. A store is better/quieter than a steel show. If you have a good amp, bring that with you to get a true idea of how the amp and steel sound together.

Jon Voth · Post by **Jon Voth** » 26 Nov 2019 8:23 pm

Fred I am also advanced in years (50) and learning this as a new instrument.

Add me to plug Billy Cooper's. I have a GFI D10 from him. He deals in GFI and also Fendessen I believe, and also has a lot of used inventory. Mr. & Mrs. Cooper are a delight to work with. It's been a great instrument.

My next might be a Mullen G2. It's great that your other half is supportive. You are lucky. Get what you want! Let us know.

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