The Steel Guitar Forum

I would like your opion on Williams Guitars. Why you play one and what do you like about them. I'm thinking about getting one and would like some opions. Thanks

Williams guitars are second to none in my opinion. I have owned several high end brands and they are all good but have nothing over the Williams. I've had mine a little over a year. The finish is mirror like. The sound is full and it sustains forever. Williams has more options and choices than a lot of other makes. You get your choice of wood, choice of wood or aluminum neck, lacquer or mica finish, and choice of pickups. Bill and Tim Rudolph are very accomodating, do great work and you won't wait long for a Williams. Check out their website and look at all the guitars in the gallery. Mine is number 21. The website will show you all you need to know. Ron

I've owned a 400 series since 2006 and since then Bill has improved on several area's one of which was going to hardened fingers which just about eliminates string grooves.

His machine and woodwork are second to none.Sustain is great with pedal action that is smooth yet not too light.

Here is a tune I recorded a few years back where I played direct to a Digital recorder using the guitar and a volume pedal and no amp.

http://soundcloud.com/dick-wood/01-track-1

I own 2, S-12 and S-10. Both are great looking and sounding lightweight guitars.... if you use the Forum search function, you will find a recent, similar thread.

I've owned Marlen, Emmons original, Sierra, Mullen, Carter, Fessenden, ShoBud, Emmons LeGrande II and III, EMCI, and am currently playing a Willams 600. It's as good a guitar as any I've played, equal in sustain to the best, has it's own great tone, workmanship and mechanics as good or better than any, and very light.
A very fine guitar in my opinion.

Very nice kob Dick. Great tone too.

I'm on my second Williams and am nothing but happy with it.

I just had Bill Rudolph build me a console steel (using all his pedal steel components.. just no pedals) The craftsmanship is excellent, the tone is wonderful. I have visited Bill in his shop a number of times (he tuned/repaired two pedal steels for me), and he has always been great to work with and very knowledgeable.

Great guy to work with!!

Too cool!!

Ed, I recommend a Williams steel without reservation. Great steels with magnificent mechanicals, looks to die for and tone above and beyond. If lacquered maple is your thing, they have a quality all their own. Here are a few piccies of my "Blue Willy" D10:-



A view from the player's-side:-



and "the playing surface":-



and the Williams undercarriage is a thing of beauty as well:-



and they have one of the best string-attachments I've ever seen, makes changing a string really easy:-



Apart from the feel, looks, playability and tone, what also pleases me about the Williams is although it looks like it ought to weigh quite a lot, it's actually about the same weight as my Carter D10 (in the case) and we all know the Carter D10s are amongst the lightest and most highly-regarded steels around. Just another in a series of pleasant surprises that come from being a Williams owner.

Try one. I think you'll like it!

Dick, they say a picture is worth a thousand words..your fills and tone in a great country song will sell a lot of Steels for Bill. I love my Willy..best steel on the market IMHO.

Henry and Brad,

Thank you both for the nice compliments.

Hi guys, thanks for chimming in. I've been playing a Carter U-12, E9/B6 for 8 years now and love every aspect of the guitar. I played a D-10 for 30 yrs. Then changed over 8 yrs. ago. I'm like most of you players, wanting to change steels now and then. I have been to Williams web sight many times and love what I see. Where I live, Youngstown, Ohio I never have seen a Williams or heard one live, only on tv. That is the main reason for posting this. I have also talked to Bill Rudolph twice, what a nice person . Answered all my questions without a problem.

ED, I'd like to add a few comments if I may. From personal experience - Bill Rudolph is a very accomodating person when you need something special done or made for your guitar. He is in the custom guitar biz.

I've had the pleasure of attending the Dairy Steel Guitar show over the past few years where I've heard many Williams guitars as well as most all of the common other brands. The Willys are second to none in the tone department. During one show, Bill loaned a double neck guitar off his display table to the late Phil Coonz for his session. Phil's preformance and the sound from that guitar just blew me away; the guitar certainly had something to do with that. I don't think Phil had ever played that guitar before?

Also, if you all get a chance, listen to Kevin Clemens every Sat. at 7:30pm on the Presley show on RFDTV. He plays a Williams and does a great job. You can't beat the changer design..I've had mine for over 3 years and have never broken a string and if a string would happen to break the ball end would fall on the floor not in the changer and it is so much easier changing strings on the Williams. All around you can't beat it, especially a great road guitar.

ed, i can't believe you've been banging on that carter for 8 years! best of luck with your decision!
baxter

I've been playing mine for 2 1/2 years now and it's my primary road axe. It's great sound and playability is super. I get compliments on the looks and tone too. Bobby put the Dr. Bowman touch to it and it plays better than any steel I've played. Having owned eight other steels, no question, it's the best!! Thanks Mr. Randolph!!! Thanks to Bobby too!

Baxter, yes it's been 8 yrs. since I bought it off of you. Plays like a dream and have never had a lick of trouble with it. In fact, I've never had to touch the nylon tuners since I've had it.