Pro 1 vs. 6140?

[Alex Formento]

I've got a question for the sho bud users. I'm looking to possibly buy an S10 3x4 in the near future.. I believe that eliminates all but the Pro 1 and 6140. Any major difference between these two models? Preferences? I don't know too much about mechanics but any info is appreciated. Thanks!

[Skip Edwards]

If you want to play E9, Pro I should be your choice...or a 6139.
As far as a 6140, if you find one that's been converted to 3/4, that would work, too.

[Ian Worley]

RE: Sho-Bud models, have a look at this: https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtop ... 90#2342990

The article describes the original model configurations but there were lots of custom orders that varied from stock. Since these were mostly all built 40-50 years ago, many (perhaps most) have been modded in some way through the years, particularly with added knee levers on the earlier models like the 6139. The model name/# is not as important as the current configuration.

It's also worth noting that there were a lot of evolutionary changes through the '70s with the changers and pull train components in general. Different model guitars built around the same time tend to have roughly the same mechanical parts. Guitars with the same model name and #, but built at different times through the '70s will tend to have different, and in many cases non-interchangeable mechanical parts.

[Tony Prior]

Hopefully Ricky will add some wisdom. Historically, like cars, Sho Bud model names stayed the same but the instruments were totally different !

Maybe you know this already but its worth repeating for others.

Referring to a Pro I for example, Pro I is iconic, but which Pro I, ? the original from the early to mid 70's or the late 70's going into the 80's with the totally redesigned ALL PULL system ,many times referred to as the Super Pro system. They look the same, have the same Badge but they are totally different Instruments.

Sho Bud enthusiasts typically refer to the Steels by the PULL system , not the model name. The model name is secondary.

Rack and Barrel pull system 2 up 1 down
Two hole pullers with barrels 2 up 1 down
Two hole pullers without barrels 2 up 1 down
Modern era with 5 hole puller 3 up 2 down

They may very well all be Pro I's in name but turn them over and...huh..they don't look the same.

Yes, they are all good and they are all Sho Buds but the later series used parts that have been thought to be less desirable. The later series parts are NOT common to the early series.

Its a very good thing to purchase a Pro I , any era, but the next question is, Which Pro I ? Its the earliest series that many refer to as the TONE MONSTERS .

Hopefully Ricky will chime in and clarify the 6140 comparison especially on the 3+4 factory configuration .

[Ricky Davis]

Well I can't add much more than what Tony just provided(awesome)...
But I will say; Sho~Bud was truly a "CUSTOM"shop; meaning the exact same model can be ordered by 10 different Steel players in one month; and EVERY one of those Sho~bud will be different from the next; per what the player wanted set up on it.
So the Models 6139 and 6148 are the Single-10 Sho~bud you would be looking for; but you would have to see how many knee levers are on it and what comes close to how you want it to play; or get someone to help make it the knee lever confirmation you like.
I would be glad to give you my opinion of any Sho~Bud you are looking at/wondering about...if you can send a couple of pics or link to it to my email sshawaiian@austin.rr.com
It's what I do; for many players for the last 22 years; so it's no problem...and I only say what I think and feel truly; as I'm not trying to sell anything...ah..ha...
Ricky

[Tony Prior]

Well I can't add much more than what Tony just provided

Well, I'm a good student, I learned a lot and remembered a lot from both you and James (RIP) over the years.