)About the same time as I was looking (and had determined the shallow depth of my pocketbook), Doug Earnest announced he was building the StageOne's licenced from Bruce Zumsteg.
Long story short, I ordered one which arrived this past weekend.
I am duly impressed with this machine. the quality of workmanship and the SOUND of this axe are truly remarkable.
The smooth, tight pedal and knee lever action, tuning accuracy and stability, physical stability (it doesn't go flying sideways when I activate a knee lever) and (here's the word) TONE compare favorably with it's older cousin, my ZumSteel U12.
Any tuning setup change limitations are far outweighed by the suitability to my purpose, an inexpensive, lightweight , playable PSG for travel. I feel confident I could easily get thru almost any gig I need to with this great little machine, and that's all I'm asking of it. And at a fair price, with a hardshell case INCLUDED.
Granted it is NOT a pro model, but it is a darn fine "Economy" steel, and quite suitable for a beginner IMO.
Also, last but not least, Doug has been just a pleasure to do business with.
So, anyway, I just wanted to share my joy.
I'll post pix later if anyone expresses interest
