The Steel Guitar Forum

Has any experienced player in the forum any knowledge of the new Zum Stage One and how well it rates with pro. guitars. Living in Scotland I hear they are a pro in every way but name; is this true? Yours Aye James Taylor Scotland

Hey James, never having owned or played one, have heard good things about them. Look on down the page in this same category and there is a thread titled "stage one steel guitars" or something like that and has a good bit of discussion about them. ...

The New ZUM Steel Guitar is 3 X 5 & is called the "ENCORE".

if the encore's plays the same as his predecessor, id buy it in a heart beat.. Ive got the stage one (second version)and she plays like a charm..

Only thing im going to change is the pickup. Its bit to "agresive"in the higher regions..

But whatever other player might say.. she a great instrument..

I have never played one but have heard several and have heard only great things about them and I actually think they are a nice steel but if it was me I would go for a shobud pro 1 but thats just my opinion they are great and sound great.

From looking at the photos in another thread, the Encore is an entirely different beast than a Stage One.

The Stage One has a pull-release changer, with apparently a fixed setup, whilst the Encore has an all-pull changer (3 raise 3 lower) with a setup that can be easily changed.

I see nothing wrong with pull-release steels, indeed I have two, an old Denley and an even older Marlen, which I play regularly.

The pull-release system is not for everyone, you have to learn the technique of half-pedaling, as it is not possible to have split-tuning (unlike all-pull steels).

The pull-release player, like the Emmons push-pull player, also has to get used to the extra pedal and lever travel necessary on strings that both raise and lower.

I have done many gigs with my Denley (when I didn't want to take my usual gigging steel, the Emmons PP)
and found that a pull-release is perfectly acceptable in a gigging situation

The Stage One is a reliable & in tune PSG
you cannot go wrong James
excellent Bang 4 $
i have sold many
i have placed a first order for the Stage Two or Encore

Not to sidetrack, but if properly set up, a pull-release guitar is fully capable of everything but tunable splits.
IMO, the Holy Grail of steel development would be one that played like a Franklin and sounded like a Marlen.

I loved mine and wish I still had it. I will be buying the new model in the future.

The Stage One is the finest recording guitar I've ever owned. Second to none. I have nothing but them now; 3 of them. You would not be disappointed.

Here's two back to back short clips from a church recording. The little Stage One really kicks.
Just listen to the sound and try to forget about my playing.
Click Here

Hey Bo, I wish I had been in the congregation. Enjoyed it.

Mike, have you still got the blue Stage one that I sold you?

Sure do, Tommy. Don't really use it anymore since I have the newer models, but it's right here. If I ever get in the mood or have a need for "Blade's" tone, I get it out.

Honestly it was because of Michael’s sound clips and high praise that I purchased my Stage One.

I convinced a student of mine to get one. I'd never played or heard this instrument. I was blown away when he received this great guitar. An excellent tone. Is it the pick-up? These guitar are truly amazing.

I have had my Stage One for about 10 months now and I love it!! Doug builds an awesome steel and I couldn't be happier with it. Sure I'd love to have a $5000 Zum D10 but for someone not making their living with it and just playing for a hobby its hard to justify that much money!!! Besides how much better can it sound than the one I have?! Michael, How about a pic of the Stage One Trio!!!

Hey Bo, really enjoyed those 2 clips; really good sound and tone ...With this good on a Stage One, sure would like to hear what the new Encore (stage 2) sounds like!!! Any body got any clips of the Encore they could put up here? ...

The Stage One is a great buy in my opinion. I have intentions of purchasing an Encore in the near future.
Jerry

Jason, as requested. Left to right: the first one I got, from Tommy. You can tell it's an earlier one by the decal, the pedal rack, etc. In the middle, my second one, my main recording guitar. It just records exceptionally well. On the right, my "General Lee," that I had NO idea the entire cast was going to sign! It started with John Schneider coming over on stage during a performance, and everyone else just started coming over...

Individuals of each...

Great Pictures!!! I love the teal one! its my favorite color. I would have loved to have that color but I got red.

Here is mine, with three other instruments (small reed organ in the background).

The Stage One went through 4 states by truck and three international airports and arrived without a scratch. Not even the case had any marks on it.

Groetnis!

Thank you all so much for this very interesting discussioin on the Stage One steel guitar. After all the input by so many eminent, professional and highly respected steel guitarists, humbles me to see how kind you all are in sharing your thoughts with me.You are all LEGENDS IN OUR TIME and I am so grateful to everyone who has emailed me too. KINDEST THOUGHTS YOURS AYE JAMES TAYLOR SCOTLAND

Mikey , Karen and Allan Jarvic helped with my decision to buy my Teak Mica StageOne ..... still love it !
And can't forget DOUG !