Sho-Bud, 10 or 12, Coop?, Show Pro, Williams...

[Marc Jenkins]

I currently play a beat up mid 70's Sho~Bud Pro 1 10 string. I love the tone, and it feels pretty good to me. I've only touched 3 other steels, so it's hard to judge that... Some of the pot metal parts need replacing; for example, the low B finger is grooved pretty deep, and makes a sitar buzz with the A pedal engaged.

I've often thought about getting the steel Cooped, but I'm nowhere near being able to afford the cost or being without a steel, or buying a second steel, even temporarily. I love my Bud, but I frequently dream of a few more changes (that my Bud's changer couldn't handle) and 2 more strings. If I ever found a 12 string Bud, it would likely need the Coop treatment eventually as well.

So, my mind gets to drifting, and I start imagining buying a Show Pro or Williams 12 string, the latter of which would probably cost the same or less than a Cooped Bud when factoring the cost of the guitar, the parts and installation.

I'd appreciate any advice or insight! Also, anyone have an old mid-70's pot metal finger to spare to temporarily solve my problem?

Thanks!

[James Morehead]

Marc, you have email.

[Ray Mohr]

Hi Marc, I have a jackson blackjack you can test out, I think they are making 12 models now. I also have a bud S12 but I can't see myself parting with it.
I'm right here in our fair city of Victoria.

[John Billings]

Man! If I had the moolah? I'd get a Shobud 12. No question about it! Only gonna go up in value.

[Jon Light]

You could make interesting arguments either way re: the value of 12 string Buds----relative rarity increasing their value vs. relative lack of demand in a 10 string world. I can see it either way.

You never know, Marc---mine fell into my lap (I'm only just starting to get feeling back) after I had stopped actively looking for one. Chris LeDrew brought the ebay listing to my attention. I was the only bidder. It needed some help which fortunately I was able to provide (fabricated a vert. lever from scratch, among other things).
You might run into someone who would jump at the chance to trade his 12 for a 10 string Pro 1. You see folks giving up on their 12 string experiments often enough.
Sounds like you are really wanting those extra strings. Hope you can make it happen.

[Sonny Priddy]

SHO_BUD. SONNY.

[Marc Jenkins]

Hi Marc, I have a jackson blackjack you can test out, I think they are making 12 models now. I also have a bud S12 but I can't see myself parting with it.
I'm right here in our fair city of Victoria.

Um, yes please. You have mail, Ray.

[Mike Christensen]

I can at this point only imagine the flaming coming to me for this,but I would suggest staying away from the old stuff that will need costly work and stay with the newer modern stuff that works properly from the get-go.The imagined and hoped for collector value is only important if you want to be a collector-seller. If you want to be a player get something that works.IMHO. Happy Trails,Mike C.

[James Morehead]

Mike, I can't believe my ears!! Go to your room!! LOL!!

Mike speaks the truth. If you like the old toys that require mechanicing, and you like to do that, go for it. I enjoy working on old 'buds. But if you do not like that, you might consider these important words: "old stuff that will need costly work". Now there's a lot of old stuff out there that is fine--it's just old. I have an old Professional rack and barrel 'bud I just traded for, and am pleasantly surprised to find it is rock solid. A little TLC and cleaning, and it's a wonderful guitar. So, it all depends, huh?

[Marc Jenkins]

I'm not too worried about the old factor, and I don't mind working on my Bud. I've just got a few issues that I'd like to take care of...
Thanks for all the advice.