The Steel Guitar Forum

New member here. I don't play, but would like to learn , but I need a guitar. These would be my choices - Carter starter 3x4, or stage one 3x4 ?

These seem to be quality guitars, and I don't want to spend a ton of money until I see if I can learn.

Any thoughts on the subject would be appreciated.

Also, if anyone knows of a teacher in South Central Pennsylvania, that would be a big help.

Thanks in advance.
Bob

Stage One.

Where in PA are you? I'm just north of Philly. Maybe too far...

about 35 miles south west of Harrisburg.

Thanks, Jim.
I didn't see the stage one part.

Stage One. By a country mile.

If I was within driving range of Jim Cohen (see post above) I'd be taking lessons from him.

Do yourselve a favor and buy something with an all pull changer. Easy to tune/adjust, if needed. Thanks.

Stage one!

Whatever you get get the best you can afford If you spend all your time tuning and adjusting you will never learn. A good guitar will be be worth more and quicker to sell if you upgrade or decide its not for you.

Billy Carr wrote:Do yourselve a favor and buy something with an all pull changer. Easy to tune/adjust, if needed. Thanks.

Ordinarily a solid answer.
But there's no planet on which the all-pull Carter Starter is superior to the pull-release Stage One.
On the other hand, if one starts on a pull-release guitar, one might get spoilt by their superior tone.

Well, it seems like it will be the Stage One.
Now all I have to do is find one in my price range ($1000 + shipping )
Thanks to all for your help and suggestions.
Bob

Did you grab the one that just sold on the Forum?

No, sorry to say, I did not.

I'll keep looking.

Don't despair. They come up here from time to time. Looks like 5 or 6 just in the last month or so.
You could post on the Wanted to Buy board and someone might contact you via that also.

I've seen a couple on the online auction sites. Just be careful there.

I'll toss my recommendation for Stage One in the hat too.

Might check with Doug Earnest, the Stage One builder concerning future build start up dates.

Thanks, I'll do that

Personally I think the GFI student model is a better guitar for just a little more money. Also easily expanded. Worth considering - especially since Stage Ones haven't been shipping in months according to the website.

I tried a couple of Carter Starters and thought they were very flimsy. And with Carter out of business parts availability might be questionable. I think Steel guitars of Canada is selling some now, but in the future?

Jim Sliff wrote:Personally I think the GFI student model is a better guitar for just a little more money. Also easily expanded. Worth considering - especially since Stage Ones haven't been shipping in months according to the website.

I tried a couple of Carter Starters and thought they were very flimsy. And with Carter out of business parts availability might be questionable. I think Steel guitars of Canada is selling some now, but in the future?

I believe that Michael Yahl said he's not going to produce Carter replacement parts as long as Al has stock, but it wouldn't surprise me if he starts once Al runs out.
Right gentlemanly of him.

here is something to look at...

Hudson Pedal Steel.

You can buy it, play it & sell it & lose nothing

https://reading.craigslist.org/msg/d/st ... 31445.html

Jim Sliff wrote:Personally I think the GFI student model is a better guitar for just a little more money. Also easily expanded. Worth considering - especially since Stage Ones haven't been shipping in months according to the website.

Is GFI still building, now that Gene has passed on?

Yes they are. I think the family kept it going.

+1 on the stage one !!

Take Out a 10 foot pole. If you can touch a Carter Starter with a 10 foot pole, you are too close.

Otherwise don't even touch a Carter Starter with a 10 foot pole.

I wonder how many people can play like this on their $10,000 Franklin


https://youtu.be/gT1TvjnlYHM

If you're willing to spend $1000, I would save up just $300 or $400 more and you'll be able to buy a nice used guitar that you won't have to upgrade for quite awhile.

Ryan
Such as ???
Remember, I know only enough to be dangerous.

I am 70 years old ( god, that looks bad in print ), and will be playing for my own enjoyment.

I concur with Damir. 3+4, stays in tune, all you need if you can find one for $600-$800. Don't pay a grand for one though.