The Steel Guitar Forum

Got to agree with Billy on the pick-ups. I have never seen a ZB pick-up with 4 taps plus a ground on them. If you want to wire it for 3 taps, I would leave the 8k ohm tap disconnected. Your other option is to get Fender's 4 way telecaster switch and have all four taps. I have a wiring diagram for the 3 way switches.

Greg

Hi Greg:

Thanks for the info. We should compare notes sometime. My database from years ago shows a few serial numbers in the 0800s, so perhaps there were up to that many pro models built. I also see one in the 3000s, which looks like Tom Brumley's personal guitar.

Bottom line, Larry B, is that is sounds like there are many fewer ZBs out there than Emmons push-pulls, which isn't at all surprising, given the popularity of the P/P, and their continued production throughout the years. Perhaps as few as a couple thousand ZBs at absolute most, more like around 1,000 pro models. I have no way of knowing numbers/quantities of student models.

Very cool, too, Greg, that only a handful of Zane-built ZBs are out there. They do have a sound all their own... and they all are pretty special.

Billy, I finally got my pickup rewinds back - I had two (2) triple coil ZB pickups (one 11-string, one 10-string) rewound. I'm putting one in the 11 string this weekend. The existing pickup in it is nice, but noisy and a good bit microphonic. I'll let you all know the results, can't imagine they'll be anything but stellar. I'd rather not divulge the pickup person until I've plugged them in... which will be very soon.

All ZBest,
LC

Billy, B.Greg,

Many thanks for the info and advice. I feel an extra switch poition coming on.

I wanted to join this excellent thread as I am now the proud owner of ZB #1058. I just received this guitar from Mr. Billy Knowles earlier this week. It was originally a black D10 which he expertly converted to an SD10. He also had the body refinished with the rope inlay added. I believe this was done by Dick Miller. The polish on the finish and the metal is so excellent that it can also double as a mirror should the need arise. Billy had many of the parts replated as well and, as you can see in the pictures, the undercarriage is spotless. I mostly wanted to thank Billy publicly for his excellent craftsmanship, for being a pleasure to talk to, and for being a true gentleman as well. I am sure that anyone who knows him can attest to this. Probably the best money I have ever spent.

I want one like that in C6!

That is a Greg Jones fret board on the 1058.
Billy

Has anyone ever encountered a ZB Custom that has letters or initials where the serial number ought to be???

It would appear to be one that Zane built...it has the ZB Custom sticker, so it's after Scranton. It has a white pickup on it & some of the metal work is jeweled.

Thanks so much,

Casey

This is probably an ignorant question, but how do triple coils sound in comparison to singles or doubles?

Hi Fellow ZBers:

I just installed an 11-string pickup that I had rewound by Jason Lollar on my S-11. Sounds fantastic!!!

The old pickup was seriously microphonic - I could tap anyplace on the guitar or pickup and hear myself through the amp. Now, with the new pickup, it's as quiet as can be, save the familiar sound of the pedals or a lever. But not through the pickup or through the amp. Absolutely the quietest ZB pickup I have ever encountered, very little hum, too.

The sound(s) of these triple coils is very lush, creamy, but very clear, with a distinct metallic edge to them. Nothing else sounds like a ZB. I'm a dedicated Telecaster guy, so the idea of being able to dial in three distinct sounds for different applications suits me just fine.

Jason rewound some Fender traps for me a few months back, couldn't be happier with the outcome. He's ZBest!

ZBest,
LC

Wow what a beautiful guitar!

I got to hear Dave Zirbel for two consecutive nights here in Portland (on tour with Dave Gonzalez) and I must say it was a pleasure! Great player, great tone on that beautiful ZB, and a heck of a nice guy. If you get the chance- don't miss it.

Thanks Russ. Back at you on all of the above! Your Permanent sounded fantastic through the Standel. You will have fun with your ZB when it's finished! Stay in touch.

Dave

Dang it...sometimes a day late and a dollar short...missed again. Would've loved to seen/heard you play, Dave. Talk to you soon Russ. Hope you're enjoying your ZB.

I just received this email:

My husband died in July and I would like to sell his ZB double neck 12 string pedal steel guitar. I live in Minot North Dakota. He bought it in the 70s. He never did play in a band so the guitar never left the house. Will you help me sell it?

I don't want to get in the middle of any deals, but if one of you ZB fans is interested I'll put you in touch with this woman. Sounds like it might be a really nice guitar.

b0b wrote:I just received this email:

My husband died in July and I would like to sell his ZB double neck 12 string pedal steel guitar. I live in Minot North Dakota. He bought it in the 70s. He never did play in a band so the guitar never left the house. Will you help me sell it?

I don't want to get in the middle of any deals, but if one of you ZB fans is interested I'll put you in touch with this woman. Sounds like it might be a really nice guitar.

Nice gesture, b0b. I'm interested, but probably too late again, huh?

TIA,

Johnne Lee

Her name is Betty Kraft. She says that I can post her email address: bornkraft@gmail.com

A disclaimer: I don't know Betty Kraft. The email arrived unsolicited, and I'm just passing along the information.

While everybody's chasing off to Minot (and why not?) after that D-12, let me back up a few posts to #1058. With the lower neck removed, what does the second (originally neck selector) switch do?

Ben
I doesn't do anything, just left it there on no really good reason other than I would have had to make a new plate and wanted to leave as much original as possible.
Thanks
Billy

Gee thanks, Billy. Like Ben I always wondered what the neck selector switch did on the one I have that you restored. I've been scared to touch it for the past four years. I was afraid it operated a hidden bidet, or an ejector seat.
Duncan

This tired old warhorse need a good kick in the bump. I'm tired of hearing about all these non-ZB pedal steel guitars on this here forum. So, who's got a new one that the want to show off.
As an aside, in a moment of bad craziness, semi-terminal bloodlust and unbridled lust for a beautiful Fessenden SD-13 that used to have a Curious George decal on it, I almost traded my ZB away. The strangest thing then happened...my wife looked at me with her beautiful blue eyes and softly said "but you love your ZB". At that moment sanity returned and my path was clear. The ZB is safe at home and all is well in the Hodge household.
Duncan

Allright fess up!!!!!

Which one you fellers snagged the ZB SD10 3+3 off the SF Craigslist yesterday?

For $400

Missing the pickup and various issues but damn!

Hi Steve...I saw that post on craigslist also. Did somebody get a good deal or was it a boat anchor?

I was actually first in line to buy it but flaked out after the excitement wore off. I have too many steel "projects" right now and two ZBs already. I can only play one at a time.

Fellows
how can you check "steel guitars" on Craig's List. Each time I try I have to go to a city.
Thanks
Billy

Hi Billy...That's the hard part, you can only do it by city. Once at a particular city, under the for sale header, click on musical instruments. Then in the box at the top left (I think it's called 'search for') type 'pedal steel'. Oftentimes you'll get things related to 'pedal' or 'steel'. On occasion a pretty psg will pop up!...Bob