The Steel Guitar Forum

good post Jon...

With regard to parts and inventory, John Fabian had no problem ordering enough parts and having enough parts on hand to build 40 or 50 Steels , he certainly invested in his own company. This is why Carter could turn out 30 Steels each month. He told me that when they started assembling an Instrument , ALL parts were in front of them in FINISHED condition ready for assembly.

I have read right here on our forum where some folks feel that you can't build a quality Steel in a short period of time. I have always wondered why some would think that and you could not assemble a D10 in a couple of days if all the parts were in front of you and you actually worked 7 or 8 hours a day. I've never understood why it took a year and a half to get an instrument unless of course all the parts had to be made for each instrument one at a time. I'm thinking Henry Ford right about now !

As was said, the parts are small, but not cheap. My complaints are:

Brass dogbones - Broke 3 (on gigs of course).


The torx screws that secure the bellcranks onto the cross shaft. They are tightened so much, that sometimes it is impossible to loosen them because the head strips out. I have some bellcranks that do nothing still installed. But the guitar plays and sounds as good as the day I took delivery.

And yes, they promised 30 day delivery on a STANDARD guitar. By standard, they meant no additional pedals/levers, lacquer finish, etc. My guitar was 8 pedals and 10 knee levers. I still received it just a few days over 30 days. It's a shame that they are no longer around.

True Tony, a a year and plus is totally unacceptable to me to buy a new steel guitar and that is the reason I've never ordered but two guitars in my life. First was an Emmons in 1982 and got it in ten days. I even specified color. Second was a Rains I got in about ten days. This six months and a year and a year and a half is just ridiculous in my book. I've always said that. I know Carter said 30 days but usually you got one in less than two weeks. If all parts are ready, two days at most to most to assemble a steel and set up and try out. Don't understand this year waiting deal. Carters are great guitars. I bought mine at a steel show so I didn't have to wait.

Carter small parts:

I never broke a brass dogbone but did drop a couple and had a not so fun time trying to find them as they went into hiding !

And I have fought a few hex /torque screws which were very tight, but always won the battle.

Even today when working on any Steel, rule of thumb on smaller sized hex screws,remove them and replace them with new. Same goes for compression clips, E-Clips and some springs.

It appears that sometimes we can create our own misery !

I wanted to thank everyone that responded with info and advise about my Carter SD-10.

I am honored that all you veteran players would take time to help a new comer.

I have just started back on the PSG after about 26 yrs off due to health problems. We all have issues to deal with and overcome and our love for this wonderful and unique instrument drives us on.

This time around, I have the power of the internet and this forum to help aid me.

As a rule; I am a very private person/Sr citizen, not into social media per say, but I felt joining this Forum, was the thing to do... judging by you folks, guess I was right.

Thanks again and may God Bless you all.

Respectfully,

Robert Halligan.
Jax,Fla