ZumSteel Mystery

Instruments, mechanical issues, copedents, techniques, etc.

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Brinton Payne
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Joined: 5 Oct 2003 12:01 am
Location: Fort Worth, Texas, USA

ZumSteel Mystery

Post by Brinton Payne »

Can anyone tell me what year this Zum may have been built? I have bought it as an extended E9 set up but wasn't sure what I have gotten my hands on. It is a great guitar - stays in tune but want to modify the copedant. Thanks!
BP
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Jerry Overstreet
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Post by Jerry Overstreet »

Looks like '77 vintage.
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Brinton Payne
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Location: Fort Worth, Texas, USA

Post by Brinton Payne »

Saweet - super thanks! So per the chart I am guessing it falls under the 'note 1' aspect of this sheet?
Brinton Payne
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Location: Fort Worth, Texas, USA

Post by Brinton Payne »

I am missing a knee lever - anyone know where I can get a Zum KL?
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Jerry Overstreet
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Post by Jerry Overstreet »

Brinton Payne wrote:Saweet - super thanks! So per the chart I am guessing it falls under the 'note 1' aspect of this sheet?

Don't know, I defer to Bruce.

Are you missing the complete knee lever assembly or just the lever itself?
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scott murray
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Post by scott murray »

Brinton Payne wrote:So per the chart I am guessing it falls under the 'note 1' aspect of this sheet?
no it looks like yours was #27 built in 1977. note 1 pertains to the first 20 built.
Hybrid guitars came much later
1965 Emmons S-10, 3x5 • Emmons LLIII D-10, 10x12 • JCH D-10, 10x12 • Beard MA-8 • Oahu Tonemaster
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Steven Golding
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Location: New York, USA

Post by Steven Golding »

I recently got a Zum, and my serial number is not aligned with the guitar. For example, the serial number says it should have 9 pedals and 5 knees. The guitar is a D10 with 8 pedals and 3 knees. The rack only has room for 8 pedals too. I just question the accuracy of this system over the 30+ years Zums were built.

At the end of the day, the guitar plays really well stays in tune, and is easy to work on. I'm grateful to own it.
Mitch Ellis
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Post by Mitch Ellis »

Steven Golding wrote:
At the end of the day, the guitar plays really well stays in tune, and is easy to work on. I'm grateful to own it.
I bought mine new in 04 and that's exactly the way I feel. That sure is a nice one you have there Brinton. It looks like it's in mint condition.

Mitch
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Damir Besic
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Post by Damir Besic »

Steven Golding wrote:I recently got a Zum, and my serial number is not aligned with the guitar. For example, the serial number says it should have 9 pedals and 5 knees. The guitar is a D10 with 8 pedals and 3 knees. The rack only has room for 8 pedals too. I just question the accuracy of this system over the 30+ years Zums were built.

At the end of the day, the guitar plays really well stays in tune, and is easy to work on. I'm grateful to own it.


Bruce was very particular about his guitars, so I’m pretty sure somebody was pulling parts off of your ZUM if anything is missing …
Bobby D. Jones
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Post by Bobby D. Jones »

Hi Brenton. Very nice guitar.
I have never been around a ZUM.
What is interesting to me is it looks like LKR and the Vertical Knee Lever is hooked to the same Cross Rod.

Does the Cross Rod work with the both levers. Using different Bell cranks?
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Steven Golding
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Location: New York, USA

Post by Steven Golding »

Damir Besic wrote:
Steven Golding wrote:I recently got a Zum, and my serial number is not aligned with the guitar. For example, the serial number says it should have 9 pedals and 5 knees. The guitar is a D10 with 8 pedals and 3 knees. The rack only has room for 8 pedals too. I just question the accuracy of this system over the 30+ years Zums were built.

At the end of the day, the guitar plays really well stays in tune, and is easy to work on. I'm grateful to own it.


Bruce was very particular about his guitars, so I’m pretty sure somebody was pulling parts off of your ZUM if anything is missing …
This was my thought after researching these instruments. I don't want to hijack the thread, but It seems I have a similar quandary. When I get a chance, I'll post a picture of the underbelly. Maybe someone will have some information for me.

I have gotten in contact with Bruce for a part I need. I've been meaning to ask him about his numbering system throughout his career.
R Crow
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Location: Hectorville, OK USA

Post by R Crow »

I asked Bruce this question about a Zum that I had. He told me that the serial numbers were assigned at the time of the sale. If the owner made changes between the order being placed and delivery of the guitar, the serial number might not align with the actual build.

Rick
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