The Steel Guitar Forum

I think I'm the 300th response on this thread, and I don't even own a ZB.

See you at the SJ jam on 4/3, Larry!

Bill<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Bill Llewellyn on 09 March 2004 at 08:58 PM.]</p></FONT>

Hey Bill - Yup, you're number 300 on this post. Wait a minute... you don't own a ZB!

Would ya like to???? (:

Thanks to everyone who's added to this post - it just goes to show ya how great these pedal steel guitars really are. I'm trying to decide whether to bring my S-11 or my D-10 ZB to the San Jose steel jam in April. Any requests out there???

ZBest to all of ya and thanks bOb for allowing this post to keep growing!

lc

Larry, take BOTH of them!!! Heh heh...

I wanted to #300, guess I am too late.

Greg

I have purchased a ZB d-11 from George King of Illinois, which is currently in transit to San Jose ( I hope). Is there any chance that a steeler in that area could inspect it for any required work needing to be done prior to my shipping it out here to Australia.<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Pat Kelly on 16 March 2004 at 04:51 AM.]</p></FONT>

Hey Pat. I talked to George about that ZB. I even made him an offer, but he said it was sold. Enjoy it. It is a beautiful shade of red.

Well I've taken the plunge and bought a D10.
Should be here tomorrow or the day after.Will send photos when I get it.
This is a BIG jump for me as I have only played S10 and always push/pull mechanics so I'm hoping for a bit of help as I expect my ZB to need a bit of work and cleaning.Only one sleep to go I hope.
Regards Brendan

Hey Pat:

Congratulations! I live in San Francisco and have fixed up my own and several other ZBs in the area. I'd be happy to look yours over if you know when and where it will arrive in San Jose (which is abou 45 minutes from me). I'd also be happy to put you in contact with the right folks for parts, too, if your new (old) guitar needs them.

Please email me if I can be of service.

All ZBest,
larry

guys,check out the Robert Randolph topic on "Steel Players",I think I heard he was playing a ZB lately...

Well my guitar arrived today.It is a D10 blonde on dark blond? 8+4 and serial# 0035.
It seemed to be a bit of a basket case when I first saw it ,looked like it had never been cleaned and the finish is pretty bad but I tuned her up plugged in and sounds good.Everything seems to work.The electrics have me a bit confused--the switch between the two 3 way switches--is that just an on/off ?I expected it to switch between necks.And there is a volume switch? on the end plate along with a small toggle that does not seem to do anything.On the front apron is a Decal that says ZB Custom.I don't suppose these are available as I can't see how I could save it if I do refinish the body.Any way these are a few questions I hope someone can help with.
Regards Brendan

Hey Brendan:

Congratulations. Sounds like your ZB is probably in the 1968 to 1969 range to me, based on the serial number you have. A few answers to your questions - the two way sliding switch between the Tele-style switches is to activate (or bypass) the tone and volume controls on the changer side of the guitar. Some people like to preset a second tone and volume setting (other than wide open). I've seen many ZBs that had the two knobs and pots removed and the holes plugged up on the end of the guitar. The two other blade-type switches are for choosing either or both necks (middle position for both) and for choosing to split the original triple coil pickups - you can get a very thin Fendery sound, a middle thick, and a super thick sound. I don't know about the toggle switch... maybe Greg Jones can shed a little of ZLight on this.

Enjoy and congrats-
All ZBest and thanks for the info!
lc<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Larry Chung on 15 March 2004 at 07:23 AM.]</p></FONT>

Brendan, welcome to the ZB family!!! #0035, is about a late 68' model. It was built in Bakersfield, Ca. Not too long after Zane sold the company to Tom Brumley and Bill Simms.

The center sliding swith is a bypass switch for the volume and tone controls on the endplate. It sounds like someone may have replaced one of the controls with a switch. There should be 2 larger switches too. One of them is the neck selector and the other is the tap switch for the pick-ups. These can go bad, they are the same thing as Fender Telecaster 3-way pick-up switches. I usually have to replace them on the real old guitars.

I have the ZB Decals here in stock along with a bunch of NOS parts if you should need anything. I sent some decals and parts to another fellow in Australia, about 6 months ago. He was restoring his.

Enjoy that guitar!!!!!

Greg

Greg, our answers were only 6 minutes apart. Kinda scary, isn't it!

ZBest,
lc

Larry, your post hadn't shown up by the time I hit the submit button!!! LOL

Scary? yes, we spend WAY too much time on these computers!!!! Back to the shop for me. I have way too much work to be done.

Greg

Thanks for the prompt replies.I got it home last night and tuned both necks and am very happy.The E9 set up is the same as my P/P so that was good and the tone is great.The C6 is a mystery but am looking forward to working out some stuff there.Greg I will be in touch shortly to order some decals.
Regards Brendan.

Well, it happened again. I was almost at the end of a deal to buy a ZB from a store in Magee, Mississippi when at the last moment the owner decided to keep it for his grandson. This is about the fourth time a deal to buy one has fallen apart near the end. You guys who own these beasts can't seem to part with them when the time comes. At the last minute the owner always decides to keep it. This occurance leads me to four basic truths: 1) ZB players can't be trusted, 2) I was not destined to have one, 3) I'm better off keeping my money and playing my Fessenden and 4) I guess I'll find another steel to fantasize about buying. Oh well, tomorrow's another day and my ex-wife is still demanding more money. I guess I'll give her the money I was gonna spend on the ZB.

Duncan <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Duncan Hodge on 16 March 2004 at 04:56 PM.]</p></FONT><FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Duncan Hodge on 16 March 2004 at 05:48 PM.]</p></FONT>

<SMALL>1) ZB players can't be trusted, 2) I was not destined to have one, 3) I'm better off keeping my money and playing my Fessenden and 4) I guess I'll find another steel to fantasize about buying.</SMALL>

I understand your disappointment Duncan, but don't let it make you bitter.... I guess that sounds "easy for me to say" as I have my ZB; but I waited 30 years for it! Don't give up hope... they are worth the wait <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Dave Van Allen on 17 March 2004 at 02:41 AM.]</p></FONT>

Thanks Dave, but I have given up on the ZB. I already have a great Fessenden D-10. I guess I'll look for a nice yellow Sho~Bud like they have at SGN, but cheaper than theirs, for my other "quirky" guitar. I'm going to be in Dolestown in April. If we run into each other you can recognize me as the person who is NOT carrying a ZB.

Duncan<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Duncan Hodge on 17 March 2004 at 02:47 AM.]</p></FONT>

I AM really amazed that no (ZBers) have wished anyone a happy St. Patrick's Day. Well, as we say here in Aussie, : "First in - best dressed."

<SMALL>I have given up on the ZB</SMALL>

Please cheer up, Duncan. There just aren't that many ZBs out there - and most folks who own them want to keep them. But every so often, if you keep your eyes and ears open, one will appear. They're built to last, too, so they'll be around for a good long while.

It took me awhile to find a good ZB, and I know that if you keep your hopes up, one will be there for you sometime soon!

Thanks to everyone for all the continued great ZB posts. Keep 'em comin'.

ZBest,
lc

Item #39 at:
http://www.billycoopersmusic.com/sales-used.htm

Duncan, call me, we'll deal. JimP

ZBump - go Jim, get on him! Get that ZB out there playin'!

(:

I'll be at the San Jose steel jam with one or another ZB on April 3rd - check out Bill L.'s post on the Announcements page for details. S-11? D-10?

one or Zother.
lc

Still looking, but again am close to the prey. I am looking at two really pretty specimens of the wild ZB. Thanks a lot Jim you were a great help, honestly. I have some questions. I was wondering if I should put it here, or start a new topic. The questions are: 1) how hard is it to convert a D-10 8x4 ZB from a Day to Emmons setup and 3) what is the process for changing it over and 3) is it something that could be attempted by someone who is only used to working on a Fessenden and has the dexterity of a gorilla after a bottle of whiskey?
I look forward to any helpful, or even unhelpful feedback. please excuse my former rant and like I said, if I need to start a new topic with this one I will.
Thanks again for all the tips on finding ZBs.
Duncan

Dear Pat Kelly:

It was a pleasure to see and play your new (old) ZB D-11. I just returned from your sister's house in San Jose. Beautiful guitar and well taken care of by a fellow Illinois steeler - I was raised in Illinois!

The guitar is a red double 11-string with 8 floor pedals and five knee levers. It's strung up as a 10 string on both C6 and E9, which can easily be "fixed" with the addition of a really thick string on either or both necks! (:

The pedals and levers all work well - the only small-minor thing that I noticed was that there doesn't seem to be a lever that works on the C-6 neck, but everything else is there and wonderful. Serial number is 0839 which makes this a late 70s early 80s version of the ZB with short keyheads and changer mounts - no horns. BEAUTIFUL birdseye and marble maple on the front apron, too.

Pat - you will enjoy this guitar and I wish you the best - also, very, very beautiful fiddle playing! (:

Best,
larry