Derby Steel Guirars

Instruments, mechanical issues, copedents, techniques, etc.

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Roger Snively
Posts: 66
Joined: 8 Mar 2001 1:01 am
Location: Washington C.H.,Ohio USA

Derby Steel Guirars

Post by Roger Snively »

I,m going to buy a new steel (my first NEW one) and I would like some critique on the Derby. I tried to contact Bruce for a Zum, but he's hard to get hold of. And, I understand he's about a year and a half out. I'm 68 and I may not be around that long.Derby was was suggested, so I was hoping for some feed back or other recommendations from some of the members. I now have an Emmons Legraqnde with 8/7. Thanks.. Roger
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Jerry Overstreet
Posts: 12622
Joined: 11 Jul 2000 12:01 am
Location: Louisville Ky

Post by Jerry Overstreet »

Hi Roger, the Derby Steel is a high quality instrument with a clean tone that is clear as a bell. Metal parts are machined from billet alum or are stainless steel. Charlie can build you a standard mica guitar or a beautifully crafted lacquer model. I visit the factory quite often and am always impressed by the quality. Charlie insists on doing all the changer assembly, rodding and set-up himself. For more information contact Charlie Stepp. He does not have a website, but can answer all your questions and give you a delivery date. Wait time is just a few weeks and frequently sooner.
As with any product, I suggest you try one out. Charlie would be glad to have you come down and visit and check out his operation, I'm sure.
Derby Steel
465 N.Myers Road
Brooks Ky 40109
502 957/1059
Good Luck! If I can help you further, please feel free to e me. <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Jerry Overstreet on 20 December 2004 at 11:53 AM.]</p></FONT>
Jim Harper
Posts: 462
Joined: 17 Jul 2004 12:01 am
Location: Comanche, Oklahoma, USA * R.I.P.

Post by Jim Harper »

I have a D-10 Derby with 8-5 and i play it a lot. If i was to buy a new guitar it would be a Derby. Mine is a lacquer.Holler if i can help and Charlie is a nice fellow. God Bless and Merry Christmas=Jim Harper
Joey Gaskins
Posts: 528
Joined: 16 Apr 2002 12:01 am
Location: New Bern, North Carolina, USA

Post by Joey Gaskins »

I bought a 2004 SD-10 that was shown at the Texas show earlier this year. Plays great and sounds well also. Workmanship is second to none. It stays in tune and rarely breaks even a third string. I was so impressed I bought a 2nd 2004 SD-10 to keep set up at our church.
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Damir Besic
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Joined: 30 Oct 2000 1:01 am
Location: Nashville,TN.
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Post by Damir Besic »

Terry Crisp played his at the Opry last time and sounded great.

Db

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"Promat"
~when tone matters~

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Ron Elliott
Posts: 913
Joined: 30 Mar 2004 1:01 am
Location: Madison, Tennessee, USA
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Post by Ron Elliott »

Roger, I have a 2004 Derby D-10, 9&7. I also have an Emmons LeGrand 111 ( a '98 yr) I have AB'd both guitars, they both have pickups wrapped 20,..there's not a dimes worth of difference in the tone,however, the Derby is built so much better in the under-carriage. Charlie Stepp is a super builder and a great guy. Both he and his lovely wife,Margit, take care of the business. One other very important aspect, when you order a Derby...you'll get it! Call Charlie and tell him what you want, and he'll build it for you. I have been there many times and watched him work. He's great, and so is the Derby Steel Guitar! Get It! You' love it! Thanks so much for asking,..I hope this helps some. Ron Elliott
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Lonnie Portwood
Posts: 934
Joined: 7 Aug 2000 12:01 am
Location: Jacksonville, fl. USA

Post by Lonnie Portwood »

Roger, Charlie Stepp worked at Emmons for about ten years before deciding to build his own. In my opinion, there is no better guitar being built than a DERBY. tHE WORKMANSHIP IS BEAUTIFUL, PLAYABILITY IS SMOOTH AND TIGHT. NO SLOP. Sustain goes on forever!. I highly recommend a DERBY. Good Luck Lonnie
Tim Bridges
Posts: 965
Joined: 18 Oct 2002 12:01 am
Location: Hoover, Alabama, USA

Post by Tim Bridges »

Jump on it!!! I got my guitar from Charlie at the Dallas show, D-10, 8X8. I love it! Everything stated above is true and I would buy another one today if doing it again. Call Charlie. :0
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Paddy Long
Posts: 5462
Joined: 19 Aug 2003 12:01 am
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand

Post by Paddy Long »

Danny Hullihen has a real nice Derby D10 posted over in the Instruments for Sale directory you might want to look at.

Roger Snively
Posts: 66
Joined: 8 Mar 2001 1:01 am
Location: Washington C.H.,Ohio USA

Post by Roger Snively »

Thanks Forumites, for all the help. I've talked to Charlie, and he is a great guy. I'm definitely getting a Derby. The one Danny H. has is beautiful, but I want brand NEW one. And as soon as I sell my Emmons Legrande, I'll probably get another. That would mske 2 brand NEW steels. What more could a guy want, except maybe a really, really rich wife. Thanks again friends. Roger
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Rex Thomas
Posts: 1202
Joined: 17 Jan 2002 1:01 am
Location: Thompson's Station, TN

Post by Rex Thomas »

Then after you've worked up an appetite talkin' & playin' Derbys with Uncle Charlie head across 65 to the Cracker Barrell for an Uncle Herschel's Favorite. Doesn't get better than that.
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