Gfi identification help
Moderator: Shoshanah Marohn
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Gfi identification help
Hey guys, I'm new to steel and looking to buy my first. There's a guy with what looks to be a gfi, (clovers and horse shoes on the frets board.) He doesn't know anything about it but sent me pictures. He's asking 2500 but he also said he doesn't know what it's worth. Can anyone help me identify the model. Obviously sd10, but is it a student? Whats a fair price? Comes with a seat and volume pedal as well.
- Jerry Overstreet
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From the posted photos, it appears to be a 3 pedal, 5 knee lever Expo pro model, considered to be one step down from the Ultra.
The photo of the changer end shows split scissors fingers so it is not a student model.
I'm no expert on GFI guitars, so I'll defer to folks who are such as Jack Stoner et al.
I'd say it's a fair price on today's market if you consider the seat and pedal provided the condition is good and playable.
The photo of the changer end shows split scissors fingers so it is not a student model.
I'm no expert on GFI guitars, so I'll defer to folks who are such as Jack Stoner et al.
I'd say it's a fair price on today's market if you consider the seat and pedal provided the condition is good and playable.
- Ken Pippus
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- Jerry Overstreet
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I knew others such as Ken would know more about it. I just missed the early style bellcranks and maybe the chronology of the models.
I might be wrong on the number of knees, maybe just 4 instead of 5 on second look.
I don't know if the older model hardware etc. is still supported by GFI, but they are still in business and building guitars.
I'm hoping this is listed by a trustworthy source. If so, maybe make an offer that you feel comfortable with.
The posted price is about tops for the model and fair considering extras, but it all depends on condition of the guitar since we can't see the front and back aprons.....and don't forget about the case.
I might be wrong on the number of knees, maybe just 4 instead of 5 on second look.
I don't know if the older model hardware etc. is still supported by GFI, but they are still in business and building guitars.
I'm hoping this is listed by a trustworthy source. If so, maybe make an offer that you feel comfortable with.
The posted price is about tops for the model and fair considering extras, but it all depends on condition of the guitar since we can't see the front and back aprons.....and don't forget about the case.
- Ken Pippus
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- Ken Pippus
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- Jerry Overstreet
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- Jerry Van Hoose
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- Ken Pippus
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- Jack Stoner
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The full aluminum frame is very similar to my new (2021) GFI Ultra S-10 with pad. The "economy" Expo model wasn't around when this model was being built.
GFI Ultra Keyless S-10 with pad (Black of course) TB202 amp, Hilton VP, Steelers Choice sidekick seat, SIT Strings (all for sale as package)
Cakewalk by Bandlab and Studio One V4.6 pro DAWs, MOTU Ultralite MK5 recording interface unit
Cakewalk by Bandlab and Studio One V4.6 pro DAWs, MOTU Ultralite MK5 recording interface unit
- Jerry Overstreet
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As stated earlier, I defer to the more knowledgeable. Ken, Jerry and Jack. Looks like the only thing I was correct about is that it is not a student model.
Apologies for the misinformation in my first post. I had completely forgotten about the build and style of the original style. I remember talking to Gene when the GFI first came out, in his room at the ISGC while he described his design and build.
Brilliant mind and easy to talk to. His legacy with Fender, MCI etc. is very well known in the music world.
Apologies for the misinformation in my first post. I had completely forgotten about the build and style of the original style. I remember talking to Gene when the GFI first came out, in his room at the ISGC while he described his design and build.
Brilliant mind and easy to talk to. His legacy with Fender, MCI etc. is very well known in the music world.
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gfi
looks like a pretty solid guitar. with the extras,you did real well IMHO. Ive owned a gfi for 10/15? years and never maintained it like I should have,and it is like a timex watch. takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'. the cabinet drop on mine is a little much,but just play around it. with a new pickup that thing is going to be a fine pro guitar.
- Jack Stoner
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I just happen to have a GFI III pickup for sale, removed from my 3 month old GFI. I installed a Lawrence 710 and if my ears weren't "tuned" to 40 years of Lawrence pickups the GFI III would still be on the guitar.
https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=379490
https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=379490
GFI Ultra Keyless S-10 with pad (Black of course) TB202 amp, Hilton VP, Steelers Choice sidekick seat, SIT Strings (all for sale as package)
Cakewalk by Bandlab and Studio One V4.6 pro DAWs, MOTU Ultralite MK5 recording interface unit
Cakewalk by Bandlab and Studio One V4.6 pro DAWs, MOTU Ultralite MK5 recording interface unit
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early GFI
Arthur,if you keep it and get it to your liking,hows about posting some photos when you are done? thanks.
Jack is right about the GFI3 pickup, they do sound pretty good IMO.
Jack is right about the GFI3 pickup, they do sound pretty good IMO.
- Ken Pippus
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- David Dorwart
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- Jack Stoner
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There is supposed to be a difference, not just a "rebadged" pickup.'David Dorwart wrote:My understanding is that the GFI 3 pickup is a George L 66 with GFI logo
The GFI II is more like an E66 or better a custom E66, as I've read over the years.
The GFI II uses standard steel blades, the GFI III uses stainless steel blades, as I was told by Bob at GFI.
Having owned a GFI with a II pickup and one with a III pickup the III is slightly brighter on high end and has a little more low end.
GFI Ultra Keyless S-10 with pad (Black of course) TB202 amp, Hilton VP, Steelers Choice sidekick seat, SIT Strings (all for sale as package)
Cakewalk by Bandlab and Studio One V4.6 pro DAWs, MOTU Ultralite MK5 recording interface unit
Cakewalk by Bandlab and Studio One V4.6 pro DAWs, MOTU Ultralite MK5 recording interface unit
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- Posts: 20
- Joined: 28 Nov 2018 9:52 am
- Location: North Carolina, USA