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Author Topic:  Comparison between stringmaster and excel D8
Bernard Beck


From:
Paris France
Post  Posted 13 Sep 2006 6:32 am    
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I am the happy owner of a stringmaster D8.
I might have the opportunity to get an excel D8, Jerry Byrd model. I haven't got to try it yet.
I'll be glad to read any info on that steel.
Thanks in advance.
Bernard
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Erv Niehaus


From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
Post  Posted 13 Sep 2006 7:02 am    
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Bernard,
I also have an Excel D-8 Jerry Byrd model guitar, the short scale version. I really like the sound from it. I also am a Stringmaster player. In my opinion, the Excel has more of a pedal steel sound, after all, that basically is what it is, minus the pedals. I have the rosewood model and it is NICE!
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c c johnson

 

From:
killeen,tx usa * R.I.P.
Post  Posted 13 Sep 2006 7:11 am    
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The bodys may be the same. I have an xcel dbl 10 pedal and a dbl 8 JB model. Jerry had the pup wound to his specs and as far as tone etc goes the pedal guitar is left in the dust. I don't know if xcel has continue with the different pups or not. cc
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George Keoki Lake


From:
Edmonton, AB., Canada
Post  Posted 13 Sep 2006 8:27 am    
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Stringmaster, Excel, but let's not forget the CANOPUS...now, there's a guitar with a great sound!
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Derrick Mau

 

From:
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Post  Posted 13 Sep 2006 8:42 am    
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I have owned both, but prefer the Stringmaster for tone. The Excel had good string spacing but is a back breaker to carry around to gigs.
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Bill Creller

 

From:
Saginaw, Michigan, USA (deceased)
Post  Posted 13 Sep 2006 9:14 am    
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I have the Excell that Derrick had. I personally think it's not very good at all for tone, and the one I have is built very crude. It's the short scale that I'm told was Jerry Byrd's, then Greg Sardihna's, then Bobby Ingano's,then Derrick's.
Greg and Bobby's names are on the bottom of the wood boards, underneath the guitar.
The wood, maple, was warped and split, and I replaced the wood with Corian.

It's heavier now Derrick!!!
It sounds slightly better, but still not good.. The next move is humbucker pickups, like Jerry's Shobud has, to see if I can save it from the trash can.

[This message was edited by Bill Creller on 13 September 2006 at 10:15 AM.]

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Edward Meisse

 

From:
Santa Rosa, California, USA
Post  Posted 13 Sep 2006 10:02 am    
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Oh the joys of playing acoustic!
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Erv Niehaus


From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
Post  Posted 13 Sep 2006 12:24 pm    
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acoustic? You'll have to speak louder, I can't hear you!
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Edward Meisse

 

From:
Santa Rosa, California, USA
Post  Posted 13 Sep 2006 7:24 pm    
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I'd better let my friend Mich tell you about it.
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Don Kona Woods


From:
Hawaiian Kama'aina
Post  Posted 13 Sep 2006 10:35 pm    
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I have a D-8 Rosewood Excel and a D-8 Stringmaster.

Overall I like the sound of the Excel better.

However I prefer the sound of Excel better on the top 4 strings. But on the Stringmaster I prefer the bottom 4 strings (bass) because it is more distinct.

Harmonics on the Excel is much cleaner and clearer than the Stringmaster.

Most people that have heard both of the instruments prefer the Excel. But there are still those Stringmaster lovers.

Not all Excels are equal, some sound better than others.

Aloha,
Don

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Bernard Beck


From:
Paris France
Post  Posted 15 Sep 2006 4:06 am    
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Thanks for the different points of view.
I'll tell you more after I try the excel.
Bernard
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Rick Alexander


From:
Florida, USA, R.I.P.
Post  Posted 15 Sep 2006 10:46 am    
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Excel Jerry Byrd Model with 3rd neck added.


63 Fender Stringmaster D8


60 Fender Stringmaster D8
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Erv Niehaus


From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
Post  Posted 15 Sep 2006 12:44 pm    
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Since we're comparing Stringmasters and

Excel's, how about a comparison with the

Rickenbacker D-8 console? (I have one of

those too)
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Bill Creller

 

From:
Saginaw, Michigan, USA (deceased)
Post  Posted 15 Sep 2006 12:54 pm    
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My Excel is like yours Rick, with the green fret board support, Jerry Byrd model. I haven't heard the models without the formica covering.
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Rick Alexander


From:
Florida, USA, R.I.P.
Post  Posted 17 Sep 2006 8:37 pm    
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D-8s


Rickenbacker DW-16



Valco D-8


48 Dual 8 Professional



Georgeboards Sweet Leilani



Remington Steelmaster D-8


[This message was edited by Rick Alexander on 17 September 2006 at 09:40 PM.]

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Jeff Strouse


From:
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
Post  Posted 18 Sep 2006 4:30 am    
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Rick, you sure know how to make a steel guitar lover drool!
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Harry Dietrich


From:
Robesonia, Pennsylvania, USA, R.I.P.
Post  Posted 18 Sep 2006 7:09 am    
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Rick

If I had that many guitars, it would take me about 3 hours to decide which one to play.

LOL!

Harry
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Bernard Beck


From:
Paris France
Post  Posted 18 Sep 2006 9:28 am    
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It sure is a nice collection you have Rick.
Keep on picking ya'll
Bernard
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Rick Collins

 

From:
Claremont , CA USA
Post  Posted 18 Sep 2006 11:56 am    
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Rick, how do you like the tone of that 2-neck Rickenbacker?
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John Bechtel


From:
Nashville, Tennessee, R.I.P.
Post  Posted 18 Sep 2006 8:12 pm    
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Harry; It took me (3)-hrs. just to l©©k at these pictures, w/o even thinking of playing one! Since I've been in the habit of buying (2) of everything for many yrs. I guess I'd choose the Remington Steelmaster and the Rickenbacker D~8's! Mercy on me!

------------------
“Big John”
a.k.a. {Keoni Nui}
Current Equipment
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Rick Alexander


From:
Florida, USA, R.I.P.
Post  Posted 18 Sep 2006 10:27 pm    
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Jeff, I aim to please . .

Big John, you couldn't go wrong with those choices!

Rick, the DW-16 sounds real good, it's got those horseshoe pickups and it 's made from a nice piece of wood (I'm not sure what kind). It's easy to play, and it's very accurate.

Bernard, have you thought about calling Herb Remington and having him make you a custom Steelmaster? That's what I did, and I've never regretted it. He makes a great guitar! His phone # is 713 923 8435

More pics of these and other steel guitars here.
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