ZaneBeck on E-Bay

Donald Dunlavey · Post by **Donald Dunlavey** » 20 Dec 2004 7:03 am

Hoping someone would give me some Pro's and Con's on this ZaneBeck, #oo86, Seller says 68-69. How smooth do these operate, mechanism, pedals, tuning, and what about parts or repair, have heard great things about them on the Forum, but never had a chance to play and see how it was built. Certainly has a great design. Thanks for any input. Donald

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 20 Dec 2004 7:41 am

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3770416950&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
looks like a winner to me
at least the pic does...

could the seller be a Fo'Bro ?
Donald, call in on Duncan Hodge, he knows Zbs
dunc1957@cfl.rr.com

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 20 Dec 2004 8:11 am

Donald, being a ZB player I'll give you my opinion. Chances are thay any ZB that you find out there will need work if it hasn't been through restoration. The mechanics are extremely unique and require a ZB mechanic to adjust and set them up. Our resident expert here on the forum is Greg Jones. After Greg sets a ZB up they play beautifully and are stable. The problem is that these guitars are thirty years old in most cases and are in need of a minimum of a complete set up when found, if not restoration. Most that I have seen have been severely neglected. The pedals can be as hard as clutch pedals to push if they are not set up properly. There are also lubrication issues. The difference after setup and adjustment is night and day. The good news is that they are incredible sounding guitars. Especially in the recording studio. I have two of them and play them now exclusively. Greg Jones is the guy to set one up if you get one. He lives in Kentucky.
[This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 20 December 2004 at 08:12 AM.][This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 20 December 2004 at 08:13 AM.][This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 20 December 2004 at 08:15 AM.]

Larry Chung · Post by **Larry Chung** » 20 Dec 2004 9:38 am

Hi Donald:

Wow, that's a very nice ZB, judging from the serial number and details, most likely a Bakersfield-built late 60s (68-69) guitar. Very sharp-looking, and I'm sure it will sound like a ZB should. Whoever is selling this has taken excellent care of it, cosmetically at least.

I didn't see any photos of the underside of the guitar, which most likely will need a thorough cleaning out, re-lube, etc., and it sounds like all the parts are there, too?

Be prepared for some maintenance time if you end up buying it - they are fine (old) machines and need TLC like anything else fine and old. And they sound just wonderful. Also know that there are several very skilled and informed folks here on the Forum who can give you Zassistance if need be.

ZBest wishes,
LC

------------------
Larry Chung
'67 ZB D-10 8+4 (ser. #1077)
'69 ZB S-10 3+4 (ser. #0124)
'70 ZB D-10 8+4 (ser.# 0215)
'71 ZB Custom S-11 4+4 (ser. #0252)

Duncan Hodge · Post by **Duncan Hodge** » 20 Dec 2004 3:24 pm

I appreciate your vote of confidence Crowbear, but I defer to the much greater experience of Larry and Kevin in all ZB matters. I will tell you Donald that If you get a good ZB you have a wonderful steel. I was stupid enough to sell the one I owned, but Greg Jones has rescued me and I should have a totally restored blue/blonde D-10 after Christmas. Get some pictures of the underside before you buy though. I could look like a gunky, rusty train wreck under there, or it could look beautiful.

Rick Garrett · Post by **Rick Garrett** » 20 Dec 2004 5:37 pm

I've got one of my dads ZB's and I love it. Its a 68 model D10 and it plays smooth as butter and sounds great.

Rick
P.S. the one on ebay looks pretty good. Especially given the price.

Wayne Morgan · Post by **Wayne Morgan** » 20 Dec 2004 7:37 pm

If you decide to buy it and need help, Greg Jones is a monster ZB machanic and a heck of a nice guy. I own three Zane Beck steels, they are BMI's but I love them.
I was thinking that the ZB serial #'s started at 1001, the BMI's were 0068 and 0069, but I own both those serial #'s

Wayne[This message was edited by Wayne Morgan on 20 December 2004 at 08:02 PM.]

Chuck McGill · Post by **Chuck McGill** » 21 Dec 2004 4:55 am

You gotta love a ZB. Just play it. Duncan it
sounds like you have the same guitar I'm playing. I'll send you some pics. Glad you found it.

Donald Dunlavey · Post by **Donald Dunlavey** » 21 Dec 2004 5:03 am

Thanks for all the input guys I'm most certainly taking this in, The tone thing is a big issue with me. So I will also be focusing on the undercarriage.

Andrew Buhler · Post by **Andrew Buhler** » 21 Dec 2004 8:45 am

I was recently bit by the ZB bug and was fortunate enough to purchase Duncan's red sunburst SD-10. The tone is exquisite if it is what you are looking for. Check out Dave Van Allen's recent additions on his website--classic ZB tone through a Fender Twin. As many have said, make sure the mechanics are in good shape because they can be a bear to work on. If the blonde birdseye is anything like the grain on my ZB, it should be absolutely beautiful. Try to get better pics. I've also found that the tuning mechanism is super stable and requires minimal tuning on the changer end. Good luck!

Duncan Hodge · Post by **Duncan Hodge** » 21 Dec 2004 2:41 pm

Hello Chuck. I think I'll send you some pics right now, if that's ok with you. And in consideration of the season I believe I'll even forgo any leftist peace mongering tirade that I usually include in emails to folks.
Merry Christmas Everyone and Andrew, remember, anytime you want to sell it back, I'll take it.
Duncan

Dave Van Allen · Post by **Dave Van Allen** » 21 Dec 2004 7:40 pm

The tone is exquisite if it is what you are looking for. Check out Dave Van Allen's recent additions on his website--classic ZB tone through a Fender Twin.

Click HERE then scroll down to "Country Rock Lives-Part 3" the Kind Woman solos excerpts...

The closest yet I've gotten in the studio to the sound I fell in love with as a kid

I also vote Greg Jones as my choice for a ZB mechanic. Mine was in sad mechanical shape when I got it, but is an immenently playable machine now.
------------------

"I've got the 'ZB Jeebies™' !"

"Pickin' it 'old school' on the Pedizzle Stizzle"
1998 Zumsteel U12 "Loafer" 8&6 :: 1973 ZB Custom D-10 8&5 :: Vintage Fender 'Tube' Amplification

www.dvanet.net :: zbcustom73@dvanet.net :: www.lasttrainhome.com
:: My Tribute to the Hot Club of America in Hi-Fi

[This message was edited by Dave Van Allen on 22 December 2004 at 06:53 AM.]

Brian Davis · Post by **Brian Davis** » 22 Dec 2004 10:46 am

http://www.thebats.net/underneath.jpg http://www.thebats.net/left.jpg

Any comments from the ZB crew? Looks like a fascinating design.

Andrew Buhler · Post by **Andrew Buhler** » 22 Dec 2004 12:17 pm

What's the big spring thing on the RKR? Perhaps a half stop for the 2nd string lower on E9??

Dave Van Allen · Post by **Dave Van Allen** » 22 Dec 2004 1:00 pm

That's the heating element for the cigar lighter option...

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 22 Dec 2004 2:00 pm

Fascinating ain't the word. Unique. Very unique. This ZB is in particularly good shape as compared to most of them that I have seen. Still, I would have it completely gone though for adjustment and lube.[This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 22 December 2004 at 02:01 PM.]

Walter Jones · Post by **Walter Jones** » 22 Dec 2004 5:00 pm

I think this ZB is about the best looking one I have ever seen come across ebay. Gonna be one happy person and then some sad ones, The winning bidder with a big smile, and maybe some of the rest thinking I should have made one more bid. It will bring some $$$$. A pit stop through the right hands and this guitar will claim its rightful place in the classics. Ops!! Did that sound like a commercial for someone?

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 24 Dec 2004 12:54 pm

1516 $ got it on the original link

[This message was edited by CrowBear Schmitt on 25 December 2004 at 03:38 AM.]

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 25 Dec 2004 3:38 am

and here it sold for 2000$ http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3768350624&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
i dont get it....

Pat Kelly · Post by **Pat Kelly** » 26 Dec 2004 1:44 am

Crowbear you will notice that the item you have referred to was bid for and expected to b sold for the $2000 on Dec 12 - 04. The sale must have fallen through for some reason as the second auction shows bidding startin ec 18 -04 ending with a sale for the $1500 dollars in the post. Incidentally I got a very good ZBabout six months ago from e-bay D-ll in good working order and cosmetically fine for $1200

Regards
Pat Kelly

Jody Sanders · Post by **Jody Sanders** » 26 Dec 2004 9:56 pm

The ZB that Rick Garrett has is one that Zane Beck did all the work on. Zanes signature is on thr 24th fret of each neck. IMHO, the ZB,s with the ZB logo(not ZB Custom) are the best sounding guitars of that era. Rick's guitar was built for his dad Bobby Garrett who was one of the great steel players of our time. I acquired it from Bobby and played it several years until I got an endorsement from another builder. The guitar is red with checkered border. The necks are red with black fret boards, and the top is blond. A beautiful guitar in mint condition and sounds great. This guitar was built when the factory was in Scranton, Arkansas. Jody.[This message was edited by Jody Sanders on 26 December 2004 at 09:58 PM.][This message was edited by Jody Sanders on 26 December 2004 at 09:59 PM.]