CLOSE please.

[Todd McCagg]

I am in the market. Well, I'm READY. Have looked at 2 instruments in my lengthy career (0 playing time 2 weeks drooling time) and while they are so impressive (ok, and sexy) to look at, "hodge podge" is the appropriate word. I can't start re-building something I know so little about and some of these "mods" aren't mods at all but Hail Mary fixes. Wrong levers, too short rods, things hitting other things and going bump in the night...

SO, I am thinking of purchasing new. $2-3K

I can see why guys say "avoid starter guitars" cause I've looked at them. One major company is using $8 set of tuning machines on a $2K instrument. THAT is why I am asking for advice.

10 Strings 3 P 4 L
Smoothest mechanics (few clunks and clanks)
Stays in tune
Tone
Ease of adjustment
Long Haul quality and build
Value
Sexiness

Opinions, like noses, everyone has one, feel free to stick your nose/opinion in here. NOW is your chance. Even if you just want to tell me what NOT to buy. I'm all ears (only one nose).

You guys, btw, are the best! So helpful and friendly. I appreciate y'all.

[Lee Warren]

Hi Todd,
I highly recommend the Zum Encore built by Doug Earnest.
Sounds great, well built.
Easy on the pocket book AND the back.
Mine is 4&5, and it came in under $2k.
I also have an Emmons and a Derby, and the Encore holds its own against them, in my experience and opinion.
If we ever get back to regular touring, this will be my #1 guitar.
Lee

[Jack Stoner]

I don't know what their prices are but 3 that I would consider (in no particular order) are - GFI, Mullen and Justice.

[George Kimery]

Todd, take a serious look at that S-10 pp Emmons that Johnnie King has listed. I had this guitar bought then at the last minute, found a black SD-10 that I bought instead. My SD-10 is a tone monster.You will not be disappointed with the tone of an Emmons pp. They stay adjusted forever and Johnnie is a great guy to deal with.

[Larry Baker]

You will get lots of opinions here, for me it would
Be the Mullen Discovery. Pro guitar all the way
and top notch service. I have been playing Mullen
since 2009 and have no intention to change.
Good luck with your search.

[Johnie King]

Very good 3 an 5 Emmons SD 10 $2850 picked up in Nashville
I don’t recommend a push pull if a person never had one or at least someone to teach a person how too tune a push pull.

But if a person loves good tone the push pull Emmons steels have good tone.An are worth a hours time too learn too tune a push pull maybe five minutes if a person will listen🤗 too there teacher.


Thank you Georage.[/img]

[Steven Black]

Hey Todd, try a new GFI company has been around a while or a new Mullen guitar another company that will be around.

[Patrick Kracunas]

Zum Encore! I purchased mine from Roger Rettig at the beginning of the pandemic and I couldn't be happier! It's looks are utiliatrian, but it stays in tune and sounds very good. It also appears that the re-sale value is great and people always want to purchase one. The steel is intense and to really play it you have to invest a lot of time and patience. I think it's a great way to start out, and it's great for taking to sessions and gigs (I think in case it's around 23#).

Having just started I think it a great way to get a high quality instrument that without breaking the bank. It's a sharp learning curve and having a new instrument that works well is very important to not get discouraged. Also, Doug is really nice and always answers any question I have!

While one day I hope to purchase a Show Pro I wouldn't give up the Zum. If we ever get to play out or tour again the Zum would definitely be go to instrument for all of the above.

Good Luck! It's an amazing instrument!

[Benjamin Davidson]

May I suggest Justice Steel Guitars.

The Pro Lite may be in your budget, though in the upper end. Triple Raise /Lower changer and overal build quality would avoid you ever needing to buy another guitar.

http://www.justicesteelguitars.com/Pro%20Lite.html

For something more reasonable, the Junior has similar undercarriage and changer geometry (2 raise /1 lower-still all pull) and has reduced cost features to get new players going. Still a soild guitar.

http://www.justicesteelguitars.com/S10%20Jr.html

Both of these can be configured as you described and would be a great guitar.

[Richard Fiedler]

Zum, I see pros on tv playing Zum encore because they are light to tour with and that is the sound you want. with a budget of 2-3 you will wind up with a real nice d-10. Black sounds better and also sells faster.

[Bob Hoffnar]

I would buy the used Rains SD 10 on the forum. Or an Emmons.

[James Sission]

I would buy the used Rains SD 10 on the forum. Or an Emmons.

No doubt. Although he wants a new guitar, I personally would grab that black Rains for the money.

That being said, Zum, Mullen or Justice would all be good choices in your price range.

[Johnie King]

Good pro MCI for sale on forum Best Buy I’ve seen in a long time. $1875
I can vouch for this steel I owned it for a while.
5 pedals 5 knees

[Baron Collins-Hill]

Another vote for a Zum Encore. I love mine!

[John Drury]

Good pro MCI for sale on forum Best Buy I’ve seen in a long time. $1875
I can vouch for this steel I owned it for a while.
5 pedals 5 knees

Thanks for the voucher Johnie! It truly is a fine horn! With Duane Marrs pedal setup (E9/A6) it is kind of a poor mans double neck. Very versitile guitar in a nice light package.

Underrated steels, people forget that this was once Buddy Emmons go to axe. I remember back when I worked for Bobbe he also played them quite a bit. Quality guitars! Thanks again man!