"Semi" pro steel guitar

Chuck Morel · Post by **Chuck Morel** » 16 Oct 2011 2:45 am

Just curious but if you are transitioning from a student guitar to a pro guitar, what bennefit is there to a "semi" pro guitar? Why would one want to 1/2 step the transition. Is it cost? To me "semi" represents the guitar is still lacking something.
I mean no disrespect to anyone,I'm just curious.

Thanks Chuck M

David Nugent · Post by **David Nugent** » 16 Oct 2011 3:34 am

Chuck...I believe it would depend on what guitar you are starting on and which brand you aspire to. For instance; if starting out on a Sho-Bud Maverick, Carter Starter, etc., the transition to a "Stage One" or the new Mullen S-10 for instance would be a considerable step upward. These guitars for all intents and purposes can function quite well as an on stage unit (the Zum Stage One is presently being used as a light weight travel guitar by a few professional players and there appears to be considerable interest in the new Mullen model as well).

Fred Justice · Post by **Fred Justice** » 16 Oct 2011 3:57 am

Chuck, this might be of some help to you.
If cost prohibits you from going full pro guitar, but you like the idea of moving up to a pro guitar, then consider the Justice "Pro Lite"
The Pro Lite is a pro guitar in every since of the word. With all the features of a pro guitar, at an affordable price.
The Pro Lite weights in at 26 Lbs. and flies at 44 Lbs. in the case.
Here's what you get for an unbelievable $1995.00 + shipping.

1. Solid hard rock maple cabinet.
2. Machined parts,including neck,end plates,key head.
3. Full size aluminum neck (just like the Judge)
4. Adjustable return springs.
5. Triple raise triple lower pro changer.
6. Split tuning on all strings.
7. Delrin bearings and nylon stops throughout.
8. 3 pedals, 4 knee levers standard.(add more option)
9. Aluminum legs, & leg pouch.
10. New Justice standard case.
Chuck, here is a link to see pictures and read more. Thanks for looking.
http://www.fredjusticemusic.com/id28.html

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 16 Oct 2011 4:57 am

can't say that i know of a "semi " pro model psg
just "Student " - " Economy " - & " Pro " models

Student : ZumSteel Stage One - Gfi - Simmons - CarpSteel

Economy : Discovery by Mullen - Prolite by Justice - Axius by BMI & ETS
the advantage of these is that they are pro, light & great to take on the road or on planes

Pro : all them other names & brands
y'all know who they are

Dave Hopping · Post by **Dave Hopping** » 16 Oct 2011 8:25 am

Semi-pro? My $.02 is that Fred's Pro-lite,the Mullen Discovery and some of the others mentioned might more properly be called "entry-level" pro instruments,and fill the same niche that the Les Paul Special and Fender Esquire did for six-stringers back in the day.YMMV.

EDIT:As long as we're talking mileage,might as well throw in Plymouth,Chevrolet,and Ford.You could upgrade to DeSoto,Buick,and Lincoln.

Larry Baker · Post by **Larry Baker** » 16 Oct 2011 8:41 am

The Mullen Discovery and Justice Pro Lite are definite not entry level guitars. Both are Pro models at a light weight reasonably priced travel guitar. Can't go wrong with either one. Larry

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 16 Oct 2011 8:51 am

i don't really consider $2000 reasonable for these 'compromise' guitars. luckily you can get a great used full blown double neck pro steel for that much.

Dave Hopping · Post by **Dave Hopping** » 16 Oct 2011 9:56 am

OK,the Discovery and Pro-Lite do list about the same (adjusted for inflation)as a '59 Strat w/o HSC when new,so they're somewhat higher than the equivalents I mentioned,but entry-level professional just means it has what a committed starting-to-gig player needs to do the gig.After all,we spend what we have,not what we wish we had.Usually.

David Nugent · Post by **David Nugent** » 16 Oct 2011 12:32 pm

If you are considering spending in the $2000.00 range, a Fessenden S-10 is a great choice. I recently purchased a pro model S-10 (same changer, quality hardware, polished metal parts, adjustable steel legs, etc. as Jerry's other models) with 3&5, for slightly over $1900.00 from Billy Cooper's shop.

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 16 Oct 2011 12:40 pm

A semi-pro guitar is one that you play, but you don't get paid for playing it. Hence, Semi-Pro. Sometimes free drinks are included.

Elton Smith · Post by **Elton Smith** » 16 Oct 2011 5:35 pm

If you knew the taxes you have to pay to have a bussiness in the US.You might understand the cost.These guitars are made in America.Believe me the playing field is not level!So if you got a problem with that get you one made in China.I don,t think we have given them the tech to build one yet.But when we do you can bet ur ass it want be worth a damn. Sorry but thats just me.Elbo

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 16 Oct 2011 7:36 pm

Yeah.

Jerry Roller · Post by **Jerry Roller** » 17 Oct 2011 7:44 am

One of the most time consuming steps in building a pedal steel guitar is polishing aluminum parts and it is no more than an expensive appearance feature. There are some guitars that will do everything a "Pro" guitar will do with the aluminum parts finished in a powdercoat instead of polished. The new Mullen and Justice "flight" guitars appear to me to be such. I have not seen the new BMI so I don't know where they were able to cut cost but I have no doubt that it is equally capable. I know for a fact that the Carter Magnum is such a guitar. It is lightweight, plays great with excellent tone, it just has a powdercoat finish on the aluminum parts. I really enjoy playing my Magnum and am sorry that they are no longer being built. A guitar with powdercoat aluminum should sound and play as good as one with polished aluminum but many man hours are saved by the powdercoat finish. I believe the Zum Stage One in the hands of an accomplished player will sound and play as good as any and its only limitations would be lack of ease in putting different changes on it but for $1000.00 it is a great choice. All of this is of course just personal opinion. HOWEVER, highly polished aluminum is a thing of beauty.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 17 Oct 2011 7:00 pm

Where can you buy a brand new S-10 all pro guitar for 2195? Maybe there are some, I don't know. In the case of the Mullen, this guitar is $800 less than the standard SD10. That makes it more attractive for some applications.

I don't understand the carping and bashing of these economy models. If they don't meet your requirements, then don't buy them. Why try to sabotage acceptance and sales with the negative comments?

People have been asking for a no frills pro guitar at a reduced price. Well, here ya' go

There's 4 or 5 models to choose from. Not student model, not entry level, but pro guitars with what amounts to a few cosmetic short cuts and a trim body size.
One of the most expensive guitars ever built had a mica covered wood neck, so that argument is moot.

If you want a guitar to sit at home and admire, then beautiful lacquer finishes, mirror polished metal, and other finish accoutrement´ are the bee's knees. How many times have you cringed at having to take one of those grand guitars to the local dive?

I think there is a large market for "utility" guitars like these for people that don't want to have to worry about destroying a really nice guitar or need something smaller and lighter for travel gigs and situations where a C neck is not required.

Dave Grafe · Post by **Dave Grafe** » 18 Oct 2011 12:11 am

a quick and very incomplete sample of new and used guitars under $2500 listed here on the forum tonight:

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=213130

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=211769

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=213569

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=209585

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=213642

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=213275

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=213474

...and there are a lot more there. Several forum members have shops and/or websites with a number of great new and used guitars to choose from, so take your time and get something you will be proud to play, there's no reason not to play a fine instrument if you are spending $2000 or more...

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 18 Oct 2011 2:42 am

All used..... except for the ETS which appears to be similar to the other economy style guitars. The other price I quoted and similar others are for brand new, factory fresh guitars. These are fine guitars and something I would be proud to play any day.

When these have been around long enough for someone to sell a used one, the prices will likely still be about the same in relative comparison to other used guitars.

Just another option...seems like a positive thing to me.

Jerry Foster · Post by **Jerry Foster** » 18 Oct 2011 4:41 pm

I Have a Justice pro-lite on order as we speak, I played the pro-lite at the Baxter Springs KS. steel guitar show a few weeks ago & was totally blown away of the sound & playability & workmanship of this Guitar. I did not have the chance to play the Mullen Discovery But it is a great looking steel guitar. & for the Quality of these Guitars how can you go wrong? thank's & God Bless.Jerry F.

Robert Harper · Post by **Robert Harper** » 19 Oct 2011 2:12 am

I beg to differ with such a tallanted group of distingushed gentlemen, but the price of the guitr is not always related to the workmanship and or quality of the guitar or any other product. The cost is related to the cost that were incurred in the manufacture and shipment of the parts from one place to another and the labor of the people involved in the polising and assembling. My point is has anyone looked at the price of gas, food and taxes lately. I could go on but it might turn political whis is steel prohibited

Scott Henderson · Post by **Scott Henderson** » 19 Oct 2011 5:29 am

I think it has a lot to do with what you do with your guitar. If you play enough in a year to justify spending 3 to 6,000.00 on a guitar then I would say move on up and get all the bells and whistles. I don't feel their is a "junk" guitar on the market today so the issue on cost would be more on number of necks, pedals, knees, etc.
But if you're just doing a few gigs a month and are strictly an E9 player well I guess the "semi" would be the right move. Another consideration is their are so many really good used guitars on the market if you really want to get the pro but can't afford the 4 to 6000.00 I would go that way. Thats my position on it. I find "hot rods" My latest guitar is Junior Knights old Mullen, which I love, and my JCH is Danny Sneeds old guitar. Both have tone to the bone and are loaded to the gills.
One last thought..IMHO no guitar can replace knowledge. Even a maverick can sound good in the right hands....happy shopping......

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 19 Oct 2011 9:11 am

i agree with scott. and also, coming from the poor side of town, i'd always had a keen eye for super deals. friends have found great $3-400 deals that become wonderful instruments with minor tinkering. i scored a d10 emmons p/p for $700 and even sold a sho-bud professional for $600 when i needed money. there are lots of steels circulating.

Blaz Patty · Post by **Blaz Patty** » 24 Oct 2011 12:55 am

Hei Chuck

Check out a PROMAT PEDAL STEEL
http://www.promat-steel-guitars.com/ServicesAndPrice

They have a new line of pedal steels. A Standard Professional Economy series maybe this is something for you as well. One of my friends is owner of this model and he is very satisfied with sound and sustain.

Greetings,...
BP

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 24 Oct 2011 2:50 am

if i may,
the Promat "might" be an economy model for Europeans
certainly not for Americans
the basic S10 sells for 1780 €uros which equals approx 2500 US $
add shipping & eventual custom fees
for that kind of money, one can get a real nice used D10 in VGC from a Fo'bro' right here !

Dave Hopping · Post by **Dave Hopping** » 24 Oct 2011 8:18 am

Kevin Hatton wrote:A semi-pro guitar is one that you play, but you don't get paid for playing it. Hence, Semi-Pro. Sometimes free drinks are included.

I can do that on anything from a Carter Starter to one of Del Mullen's most upscale G2s

Zoran Kosir · Post by **Zoran Kosir** » 24 Oct 2011 1:14 pm

Hello everybody. I'm a newbie here on this interesting forum and I'm owner of a two PROMAT pedal steel guitars. One of them is SE-10 ECONOMY model and I can truly say it's amazing guitar with nice sustain and beautiful sound.

How it looks SE-10? You can check it out on PROMAT website.

Regards from Slovenia
Zoran

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 24 Oct 2011 2:16 pm

To make a Semi-pro a Pro model, just install a drink holder.

The Steel Guitar Forum

"Semi" pro steel guitar

"Semi" pro steel guitar

Polishing Aluminum Is Expensive

Justice pro-lite

The price is related to other issues

PROMAT Economy model