What is the biggest difference in GFI Ultra and Expo models

[Larry Lenhart]

I have read the descriptions of each on their website and I can see the cosmetic differences,,.but I am curious from players of both, if their is a tone and/or playability difference.

I am just a daily, non professional player, so I am wondering if the Expo would be just fine for me...I am looking at D10s only.

Thanks in advance for your input...all are appreciated.

[Jack Stoner]

I've owned 3 GFIs. An Expo S-10, An Ultra D-10 and an Ultra S-10 with pad (SD-10). The only reason, when I bought the Ultra S-10 was to get a keyless model. Tone, to my ears, was about the same, however I'm not a fan of George L's pickups and installed Lawrence 710's. I never checked the "cabinet drop" on the Expo, but there is zero on the Ultra I have. I would guess that to be the aluminum frame design on the Ultra models.

[Steven Black]

the only difference is the Ultra has 5 knee levers, but the expo comes with four knee levers, you can get the expo in a 8 pedal 5 knees on request, and I think the pickups are GFI-II where the ultras are GFI-III, the expo has a traditional wrap around look on the endplates, but other than that both play well, and the guitars have a lifetime warranty.

[Jack Stoner]

the only difference is the Ultra has 5 knee levers, but the expo comes with four knee levers, you can get the expo in a 8 pedal 5 knees on request, and I think the pickups are GFI-II where the ultras are GFI-III, the expo has a traditional wrap around look on the endplates, but other than that both play well, and the guitars have a lifetime warranty.

New GFI's are being supplied with Steeltronics pickups since George L's discontinued making pickups.

The Ultra S-10 and S-10 with pad (SD-10) stock is 4 knee levers. A 5th can be ordered/added but not standard. The 5th Knee lever is standard on the Ultra D-10, don't know about the Expo D-10.

I added the 5th knee lever to my new S-10 with pad with GFI knee lever kit.

[Steven Black]

Thanks for the reply Jack, I was not sure on the pickups I found some pickups especially the George L models to have different tones some bad and some not bad, don't know why they are different, it is not because of the guitar I think it is how the pickups are wound.

[Brett Day]

When I played a GFI, the GFI I played had the GFI II pickups on both necks. The GFI I played was a GFI Ultra D-10 with eight pedals and five knees. The first steel I ever sat behind, a Sierra Artist S-10 had a George L's pickup. I'd played the GFI from December of '04 to April 2010, when I got my current steel.