The Steel Guitar Forum

Well boys, after about a 9 month wait, my new U-12 ZumSteel has arrived. The wait and anticipation about it completely disappeared when I opened the case and slowly and lovingly set it up. I gingerly attached the pedal rack and cautiously attached the pedal rods. Then, I pulled it out of the case and immediately was starstruck and in awe. It is truly the most beautiful steel I've ever seen.(Probably because I own it) The front apron is solid black with blackstone in a drop V configuration with mother of pearl inlay. All the metal parts are so shiny, I could comb my 4 or 5 hairs looking at it. It just plays like a dream and sounds fantastic to boot. I have to leave now, must go practise.

John, you know the rules.....

"when you boast about your toys,
post a photo for the boys!

(and gals)

Congrats John. I'll see Bruce this weekend so I'll tell you are thrilled with the new axe. I'm jealus. I'm looking forward to seeing you and Darlene in a couple of months.

Hey Doyle, good to hear from you. Are you thinking of getting a Zum also? Bruce is really a great guy to deal with. Hope to see you in St.Louis.
Howard- as soon as take the pictures, I will add them to my post. I need technical help from my better half to assist me with that.

Congratulations John. You pretty much described the day my Zumsteel arrived a couple of years ago. Those awesome tones you'll be hearing and the smoothness and ease of the pedal actions make it a pleasure to sit behind it. I'm really happy for you. Bruce is a super guy to deal with and he builds a 'mean' axe. Can't wait to see the pictures! As an understatement, GO ENJOY YOUR PRACICE!

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Zumsteel SD-10P Session 500 Profex II
Laredo Band

Sounds like the beginning of a love story
Congratulations and may it last forever.

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Steelin' Greetings
Marco Schouten
Sho-Bud Pro III Custom; Sho-Bud LLG; John Pearse bar; Emmons bar; Panther amp

A very familiar scene to me as well . . .
. . . except it was 23 years ago. I played that guitar for almost 20 years as my only axe and it never let me down. I'm sure someone is playing it to this day. It had a 5-lever cluster on the left and Bruce got them positioned absolutely perfectly. That guitar and I grew up together in the world of steel guitar and I'll always have a soft spot for it. Although I don't play a ZumSteel today, I have the highest respect and regard for Bruce Zumsteg and his craftsmanship.

Another aspect of Bruce's product is his personal attention to those who own his guitars. I had hardly seen Bruce for more than 10 years and one of the tuning machines got funky on me. I called him up, he knew exactly who I was, described my guitar to a T, when it was made -- right off the top of his head. He wasn't using that particular tuner anymore, but rummaged through his attic and found me three and shipped them the same day. Bruce is among the best there is in this industry.

John, thanks for bringing back some pleasant memories. I hope you get as much joy and pleasure out of yours as I did out of mine.

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<small>Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps

My sentiments exactly

John,
Best of fun with your new Zum.
I see you're going to give the Rus-ler a rest.
Hope to see you and Darlene in St. Louis.
Don

Welcome to the ZUMMY club John, I got a new D-10 back in 1998 and I play it every day as my practice steel, it's a great steel and I'll never part with it.

John where is HANK PELL is he still on Long Island. What about PAT FINNEY. Then there is MIKE URISITIE. Is DAVY DIXON still around. I sure miss the good old days up in the Big Apple. Down here in Southeast Florida it's the pits for C&W music, hardly any pedal steel being used in the bands which are mostly Rockin Country.

Tell Bob and the gang I said hello, take care and enjoy the new ZUM.

KEN<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Kenneth Kotsay on 22 May 2003 at 04:36 PM.]</p></FONT>

Hey John, congratulations on the new Zum. A real treat, I'm sure. I have to wait until about November for mine to arrive. I may stop in and see Bruce this summer when I travel out to Oklahoma.
Ken, Dave Dixson moved up her to Delaware County and had a horse farm at Denver, NY. He started a band here and sang and played with us until he passed away from a heart attack about two years ago. He was a good front man and did a good job with the Haggard tunes. Larry Jamieson, Walton, NY

Ken,
How are you doing? Hank Pell is still on L.I, but, not playing anywhere with anyone, Mike Ursitti is in Georgia and he's not playing either. Don't know about Pat Finney's whereabouts. Davey Dixon died 2-1/2 yrs. ago. And, Darlene and I are happily married for 19 yrs.

Hank Pell is living in Ridgewood Queens and no longer resides on Long Island. He is still active with his Texas Panhandle Band and a great Western Swing band at that.
If you need Hanks e mail I can e mail it to you.,,,edited for spelling and to add that Hank is a great steel player,,he has been underated,but is one of my favorite steel players and a fine friend of mine for years.

God Bless Hank & Kathy Pell.
<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 23 May 2003 at 07:53 AM.]</p></FONT>

John, congrats on the new Zum. Would love to see some photos when you get 'em posted.

John when you post a photo of your new baby,dont forget the main baby in your life,
"Darlene",she outshines any steel guitar in the world even my FENDERS


Good Luck my friend.

The picture is in another thread.