The Steel Guitar Forum

Does anyone know if Zum steels reliably have serial numbers and if so are they always on the tuning key side end plate? I own a D-10 Hybrid (which I LOVE) and the serial number is stamped in this end plate. I'm purchasing an S-12 but there's no serial number, at least not on the inside of the end plate on the tuner side. Is this normal?

Here ya go Bruce:



Obviously this is not the complete list ... Bruce built my 2nd Hybrid in 2014 which was one of the last -- serial number D10991164H

Hey Paddy,

Thanks for your reply - very informative! I'm curious though - apparently this particular instrument I'm purchasing doesn't have a serial number stamped into the end plate. Did Bruce Zumsteg make any steels that didn't have serial numbers? Has anyone ever heard of counterfeit Zums?

Bruce other than "Note 1" above, I think Bruce stamped the serial numbers in exactly the same place for each guitar ... haven't heard of a counterfeit Zum ever !! There are a few guitar builders who probably wish theirs was as good !!!

thanks Paddy!

I have serial number SD1045 1173. Anyone know when was last Zumsteel built and offered to public for sale?

FYI My guitar is signed by Bruce and dated 7/7/2015 inside the endplate.

Only Bruce would be able to provide you with the answer to that ... he's on the forum occasionally so perhaps you could PM him and ask ??

Mine is D10851150 and is 2012 or 2013.
Daniel, I would guess yours is one of the last ones built.

here is a newer Zum serial # list for anyone who is interested, up to the beginning of 2013, seq# 1152, so does not include Daniel's guitar:

See Bruce's reply below

Bruce, the serial # on some of the early guitars were not stamped in the end plate, and were not in a consistent location. If you look over the underside thoroughly you should find it.

Paddy, your last guitar was #1164, not 1154. The last guitar built was # 1187. Here is the final list.


In regard to parts: pull kits, KL kits, bell cranks etc. will be available through Michael Yahl at psgparts.com sometime in the future.

I'm getting ready to do an overhaul on a S-12 Zum. It's a very early Zum. I can't find a serial number and it seems to be a push/pull. The owner is deceased and his son wantd it cleaned up and put back in working order to keep in the family. Maybe Bruce will enlighten me about this guitar? The cross shafts are mounted higher from the guitar body to allow space for a dual purpose puller that will pull or push depending on which side of the cross shaft you attach the pull rod.

Dennis, email sent.

I stand corrected Bruce :-} ... yes Big Red is 1164H, and still sounding amazing !!!