The Steel Guitar Forum

The choices you presented were either a D10 or an S12. Seems to me that's a choice you have to make. I'm not sure about the D10 choices but in the S12 department I'd go with either a Zum or a Fessy. I have a Zum and the quality is top notch. I've heard a lot of good things about the Fessy's (even had Jerry F. over to my house with Pali1 for BBQ) so I'm thinkin' 'bout a Fessy for my next horn.

Which guitar?

ZUMSTEEL

Why?

IT"S THE BEST!!!

1) It has everything except interchangable pickups, just get one good one and you won't need to change.
2) It does not need the tune-able crowbar (please don't take that the wrong way, but that is all it really is) that the LeGrande III has because it does not have noticable cabinet drop.
3) The guitar sounds wonderful, plays the best of any brand, looks great, has great resale value and most of all Bruce Zumsteg is the easiest guy in the world to do business with.

I can't help but notice that so many people when referring to other brands use the phrase, "If set up properly". I can promise one thing, if you order a Zumsteel you will not need to have someone set it up, it will already be done properly. You will also never wonder who is going to build it, Bruce builds them all.

My opinion based on 23 years as a Zumsteel (paying)customer.
Are there any questions?

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Johnny Cox
Zumsteel Tripleneck
E13th/E9th/Bb6th
(this week)


<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Johnny Cox on 09 June 2002 at 08:47 PM.]</p></FONT>

If I had enough money,(Keyword:Money)I'd commission Duane Marrs and Paul Sr. to take a month off their regular gigs to build me a "real" 2002 Sho~Bud.

I'll second that Kenny!

I think if I were in a position to by a new steel it would have to be a ZUM with the front apron like John Hughey's. The tone is already there!

Zum do, Zum don't. Personally, I do. Tone, playability, reliability, a high quality instrument built by a gentleman and a craftsman. If you ever call with a question, the man that built your guitar answers the phone! Bruce is a player as well, and every guitar he builds gets a test drive before he ships it. When it leaves, it's right.
Roger

I agree that Bruce makes one of the finest and he is a real pleasure to deal with.

My choice, however, would be Fessenden. Jerry is also a customer-focused builder who custom builds each guitar himself, with very high standards. Particularly for 12's (what I play) I feel that the Fessy is the best sounding guitar built today. Just my opinion -- and we all have one, don't we?

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<small>Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2000 Fessenden S-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro

D10 Natural Lacquer Emmons Legrande II or III. Minimum 8&6 with BL710 pups.

Why?
Hey, I really think these are gorgeous guitars. They sound great and are easy to maintain.

If I could get two, I'd probably get another Carter for the lightness and sheer simplicity of maintenance.

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Steve Stallings
Bremond, Texas

Thanks one and all. We are a diverse group and we all like what we like. I guess when I'm back in Nashville in October I'll play as many as Bobbe has on the floor at that time and also spec out what I want and then see what the top 3-5 builders can do for me.

Sho-Bud, Emmons, Zum, Fessy, Mullan, MSA, ...

And so goes the search

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D 10 Thomas with 8&6, '61'D-10 Sho-Bud 8&4
S12 Knight 4&4
Nashville 400 and Profex II
81' Fender Twin JBL's
Asleep at the Steel

Here's my 2 cents worth. None of the above.......get yourself an old Emmons P/P. The older the better! I've got a LeGrande III and yes, I like it. But I'm more satisfied with my old black 66' Emmons.
Now I'm getting ready to buy me a 72' rosewood.
Nick

I have a black mica D-10 LeGrande II and a flame maple laquer D-10 LeGrande III. They're both great guitars and I love them.

But I have to say that my SD-10 C6 Fessenden is at least equal in craftmanship and superior in tone. Although I've never had the pleasure of playing a Fessenden E9, I'm sure that my next PSG purchase will be a Fessenden.

I got mine in 4 weeks. And Jerry is a super guy to buy from, extremely honest. There's no chance of him ever doing anybody wrong. And his prices are very fair.

Regards,
HH

KD, my Man, you are definitely on the "Right RxR Track" for that "Statement"!!!!! I really need to go by "The MSA Factory" to actually see what "They" are preparing for the "Unveiling" on 15 June 02!!!!! Was nice to visit with you over the "Weekend", as well as your "Father", and, of course, your "Eldest Son", Trey. Will definitely keep you apprised, upon the "Apprisal" that I hope to receive. As you & Tom Brumley always say, "Seven Come Eleven"!!!!!



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Ts

Nick,
I agree wholeheartedly. But remember what the Topic is.

Personally, I like having the choice of playing a classic old guitar or a great new one.

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<small>Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2000 Fessenden S-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro

OOPS! I currently play? an MSA S-12 lightweight "Universal", that I'm struggling to get it to play as smooth and solid as the MSA Classic that I sold. I had a 2001 Sierra that I sold for several reasons, although it had some features I liked. MY choice is (and have ordered) a new laquer finish WILLIAMS. It is keyless and has gauged rollers. The single coil Williams pick-up really {for my ears] sounded better than the SuperSus II, or the E-66. Plus the price is the same for mica or laquer.

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"STRINGBUSTER" again
MSA S-12
Ray Beale Rosenberg,Tx

If I needed a guitar to my aprovals, I would visit steelers with different guitars, and tried myself what I like and dislike.
To one that's an East-german steel, to the other an East-coast American brand
JJ

First Choice) ZumSteel
Second Choice) See First Choice!

I would also consider a Williams,or Emmons LeGrande III. I am very, very, very satisfied with my Zum. It is a much better guitar than the several P/P's or others I have played or owned over the years.

This is all like the old Chevy vs Ford question... Which is why I now own a Honda!

#1 D10 Franklin
#2 OLDER P/P Emmons

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I just put a deposit on a new Black Fessy
S-10 3/5 on a double frame!!!!!
JE:-))))>

1. DERBY cause it has the "DERBY SOUND"! 2.DERBY cause it is the best built! 3. DERBY has the best customer service!4.DERBY the BEST DAMN GUITAR I HAVE EVER PLAYED! and I would't have it any other way!

You go, Rusty!!

Yeah, you Go Rusty!

OK, Rusty, but tell us... how do you really feel about DERBY?

Rusty, please, don't start a war again that we fought 6 years ago
However, I think you are right (IMHO), but maybe 'cause I'm very prowd of my Derby. I guess, if I played a ******** I would feel the same way about that brand. Everyone, be prowd of your instrument, but don't compete about that.Please,check out some info about Derby on my website www.steeljj.com
JJ<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Johan Jansen on 12 June 2002 at 06:07 AM.]</p></FONT>

this is easy please read my testimonial on the carter web site under bct that should explain alot...don't get me wrong i still love jch and mullen but please read it
thanks

wayne brown
new carter sd-10 coming & nashville 1000<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Wayne Brown on 12 June 2002 at 06:45 AM.]</p></FONT>

Now Johan, a thread titled "Which new guitar would you go with" is going to create a spitting contest here & there, so if guys want to get into "my egg slicer is better than your egg slicer" then have at it. But truth is, you, Rusty, Steve, & I KNOW. And like you, I wish the same amount of confidence for others in their instruments.
Now, FWIW, that is a WONDERFUL link you have for Derby, & the best place to get info on this great guitar, other than calling Charlie Stepp, IMHO. Good job, sir! <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Rex Thomas on 12 June 2002 at 11:58 AM.]</p></FONT>