BMI and BSG Steels

Wally Taylor · Post by **Wally Taylor** » 28 Aug 2006 4:23 pm

Does anyone have in experience with or own either of these guitars? I hear and read many comments on Sho-Buds, Fesseys, Rains, Emmons, etc., but I have never read any reviews on the BMI or the BSGs. I am considering getting a S-10 and I would appreciate any comments you may have on these two brands.
Thanks in advance.
Wally Taylor

Pat Burns · Post by **Pat Burns** » 28 Aug 2006 5:01 pm

I own a BMI D-10 as well as 2 Emmons Push/Pulls. The BMI is a great guitar, feels good to play, and has a great tone. For whatever reason they don't bring the price that some other guitars bring...if you buy a BMI, you'll get a great guitar and a true value for your money.

Bill Hatcher · Post by **Bill Hatcher** » 28 Aug 2006 5:17 pm

The BMI has a track record going all the way back to Zane Beck. Can't get a better start. Nice instrument that sounds great and continues to be built the way it was when the Beck company designed it. There is something to the Beck changer the way it hooks into the back casting and pulls into the guitar. I think it transfers a lot of tone and sustaing rather than having the changer axle suspended in the air between two posts. Good sounding and simple.

I have also seen the BSG guitar. Nicely made. Did not get to hear it. Check out both of the websites of these makers.

Steven Black · Post by **Steven Black** » 28 Aug 2006 5:32 pm

Don Burrows builds the BSG guitar here in Ohio, he uses the Ball bearing finger changer system which allows for a very smooth pedal action, they are great guitars, I played off one of his guitars at a jam session and it performed really well, had excellent tone and smooth pedals.

Paul Redmond · Post by **Paul Redmond** » 28 Aug 2006 6:38 pm

Ditto!! Bil and Pat. The earlier style BMI's with neck rails actually screwing into the side of the changer block are less prone to detuning than the present-day "C-shaped" tuner extrusion. I have a 1978 D11 with the long rails and a 1979 S10 with the short ones. Years ago I machined off the ears from the extrusion, made new 3/8" rails (the stock ones were 1/4"), and screwed them to the changer a la earlier models. When I don't need my Univ12, I play the S10 all the time. The prying action you described is different than what most scissors changers do today. It seems to be very repetitive and I have very seldom tweaked a nylon tuner on either one of these guitars since I've owned them. I shortened the S10 by 4.000" last year and built a keyless tuner for it. Had I not wanted to retain the 1st pedal where it was, I could have taken off another 1.500". I did some additional work on the underside. . .ledges for the face board to nest on with additional screws, etc. This wasn't necessary, merely something I wanted to do to tie the basic cabinet together tighter. A fine little (and I do mean little) guitar.
PRR

HWHYoYo · Post by **HWHYoYo** » 28 Aug 2006 9:08 pm

I've had a BSG since Feb. 04 and haven't broken a string yet. It stays in tune and has great action and tone. Builder Don Burrows machines all parts and is sure all parts fit and operate properly. He takes great pride in his work. Check out his website at www.bsgsteelguitars.com
Feel free to email Don, he can answer any questions you may have.

------------------
Wayne Hetzler
04 BSG SD10
98 Carter SD10

Luke Morell · Post by **Luke Morell** » 29 Aug 2006 3:02 pm

I have a BMI, it is a great guitar.Plays good and stays in tune.

Mike Sigler · Post by **Mike Sigler** » 30 Aug 2006 5:23 am

I played a BSG guitar in St. louis about 3 or so years ago, On the Main Stage, It is a fantastic guitar, plays and stays in tune great.. With a fantastic tone. Can't go wrong with a BSG!
Mikey

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 30 Aug 2006 7:52 am

I haven't played a BSG, but I did examine one very closely. It's a <u>very</u> solidly-built guitar, similar in execution to the older MSA "Classic" series. From what I saw, I'd feel pretty safe saying that it's the most durable and substantial guitar made right now.

Wally Taylor · Post by **Wally Taylor** » 30 Aug 2006 4:35 pm

Hey, thanks guys for all the replys about the BMI and BSG guitars. I had visited the sites of both many times, but there is nothing like first hand experience and you can't get better experience than guys on the forum. I admire and greatly respect everyone's views. Your input will all be considered towards my next purchase of a steel guitar,
Again, many thanks,
Wally Taylor