Plain Look on New Steels

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 15 Aug 2005 9:58 pm

I've been having a look at some sites that feature pics of new steels. Most seem rather plain-looking to me, and some are just plain ugly. While I do understand that mechanical issues are more important than cosmetics, isn't it the look that really makes the buyer spend his hard-earned dollar?
I read an opinion in another recent thread that Carter would probably sell even more guitars if the logo was in script. I agree. The old Sho-Buds and Emmons guitars were real eye candy. I also think the Lacquer MSA's are really nice to look at as well (I own one). However, some of the new makers seem unconcerned with this important detail. Fessenden looks really nice, due it's slick logo and colourful fretboard. More companies should look into this. It can't cost that much more to add a few details or solicit cosmetic ideas from players.
I was in the market for a new S-10 steel, but after looking around, I'm sticking with my 1980's MSA Burgundy Lacquer S-12. Nothing new out there matches its look.

John Bechtel · Post by **John Bechtel** » 15 Aug 2005 11:11 pm

Some of us old foggies tend to become a little more conservative in our old age! (Well, I'm speaking or myself!) I think I've mellowed with age. In fact some folks think I'm just plain ‘rotten’! I used to like the idea of owning a real eye catcher, but; since I've purchased my Black~Derby, I've kinda changed my mind slightly. I'm thinking of ordering my next Derby in a Glossy Medium~Charcoal, if available! In other words something to match my personality! [Bright~Gray!]

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“Big John” Bechtel
’04 SD–10 Black Derby w/3 & 5 & Pad
’65 Re-Issue Fender Twin–Reverb Custom™ 15” Eminence
web site

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 16 Aug 2005 1:09 am

well I suppose there is some validity to this "argument"..

But consider this..do you buy a car for the paint job or the Script ?

Although I do agree that the Carter Logo is not as appealing as perhaps a Sho-Bud Script,I somehow don't think they would sell more Steels if they had a Script logo...

But it is not offensive either...

I certainly would agree that some Steels , being the Wood bodied Steels that do have that Sho-Bud look ,are very attracttive...

But they gotta sound good and play good..eventually the buyer gets past the logo to that point..and perhaps caves....

By the way, the only new car I would buy for the script would be a Vette'....I don't even need to test drive it...[This message was edited by Tony Prior on 16 August 2005 at 02:11 AM.]

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 16 Aug 2005 3:10 am

It's about the history of style.

The Arts and Crafts movement (which Frank Lloyd Wright basically followed, and is alive in sought-after furniture of that period) spawned the wood and inlay case, so that the guitar expresses the material it was built of directly. It was a 'country' look.

The skyscraper brought a new theme--steel columns covered in concrete (for fire purposes) and then clad in non-structural steel. This modern style is reflected in modern steels clad in mica, formica, or paint.
This theme can be seen on the Carter Starter's metal tape 'binding' on the fascia, an attempt to show it's 'steel' roots.
(A logo certainly isn't everything, or even much, and a better one might not sell more guitars, but you have to catch the eye first to make the sale. In design, every detail matters, toward inspiring a feeling of 'good design' in the buyer.)

My personal favorite is Paul Franklin's D-10, with its two-tone fascia--a look back to art deco, a transitional modern influence. And the Franklin badge fits.
It all says 'well-designed', in and out.

Ernie Pollock · Post by **Ernie Pollock** » 16 Aug 2005 4:19 am

If you like great & different looking steel guitars, check out GFIs website, you will be amazed at some of the beautiful guitars found there!!

Ernie Pollock

http://www.hereintown.net/~shobud75/stock.htm

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Jim Peters · Post by **Jim Peters** » 16 Aug 2005 4:24 am

Not being a traditionalist, I don't mind the looks of new guitars. My GFI does NOT look like a Bud, or Marlin, or the ZB that I sold, but it doesn't weigh 75 pounds either!
It plays great and in tune, it sounds great, and it weighs 30 somethin pounds.
I've played around 20 gigs now, and have to carry it up and down steps each time. I don't think I could do it with a heavier guitar. JP[This message was edited by Jim Peters on 16 August 2005 at 09:29 AM.]

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 16 Aug 2005 5:32 am

Charlie the only problem I can see with some of your CASE in POINT is that EMMONS Guitars started out way back in the early 60's with Formica covered bodies...

Maybe the Skyscraper dudes saw one of those and ran with the concept...

John De Maille · Post by **John De Maille** » 16 Aug 2005 5:37 am

My first steel was a ShoBud Maverick, with the clef tuning head and birdseye maple body. I thought that was a pretty cool looking steel back then. I really didn't know about the "other" steels that ShoBud made.Until, I saw the "Professional" up close one day. What a beauty! I played that Maverick for about a year, when I saw some real eye candy. A steel dealer had a D-10 Rusler for sale. It was birdseye maple red, the end plates and pedal rack were jeweled (engine turned) and shiny. It had mother of pearl inlays and the fretboard had beautiful sets of roses on it. The eye appeal of this steel, knocked me out. Needless to say, I ordered a "black" one, and have been playing it for 25 yrs.
Two years ago, I ordered a U-12 ZumSteel, with a black and blackstone front apron. Shiny chrome metal parts adorn this steel. It,too, is beautiful to look at, but, this time I ordered a 'mica' body. I don't have to worry about dropping the bar on a beautiful maple body and dinging it. There are a few on my RusLer. Some I did and some were done by others. Everyone was a knife in my side.
The point being about this post is, that, I loved the look of the older steel for a long time. I never could get close to liking the "new" look. They ALL looked like they came out of a cookie cutter, but, I wanted a new steel and there was no other choice but a new design. And, I have to say that, I'm quite satisfied with my new ZumSteel's looks. Everything shines and the color contrast is perfect, (thanks to my wife) and of course it plays flawlessly. It's a ZUM !!!
All in all, it comes down to personal taste. If you want an older classier looking steel, buy it, but, you may have to have the mechanics updated, in order to have it play as good as a modern steel. I've been lucky with my RusLer. It plays even better than the day I got it. The only problem is the hefty weight. But, again, it's an older design.
Sorry for rambling !

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 16 Aug 2005 5:47 am

Tony, you could be absolutely right. Designers will jump on any bandwagon.

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 16 Aug 2005 5:49 am

If you want the best of both worlds, You need to get ahold of Bill Rudolph with Williams guitars. He builds both mica and lacquered guitars for the same price and does a beautiful job on both. You can have them as fancy or plain as your little old heart desires.

Erv[This message was edited by Erv Niehaus on 16 August 2005 at 06:50 AM.]

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 16 Aug 2005 6:04 am

I guess an analogy can be made between cars and steels. The older cars were flashy but had to maintained more often, while most new cars are non-descript but more reliable. Seems to be the same with steels.

The GFI's look almost space-aged to me. They look they'd be easy to play. They have a "fast" look. I've only seen most of the new ones in pics - I'm sure they're nicer in person.

All this, of course, is coming from a steeler who practically lives on a deserted island (mind you, 1,200 KM long) off the coast of Canada. I have the only MSA on the island, and know of only 4 other players in a population of 500,000. (I am the only steel player on the island who makes a living at it.) So my experience with seeing steels in person is limited to my friend's Emmons, and a few Sho-Buds(they're like Brown Trout - they can thrive anywhere..ha-ha!) I've long ago admitted to myself the shallow notion of the importance of aesthetics, and it would greatly influence my purchase of a new steel.

Jay Ganz · Post by **Jay Ganz** » 16 Aug 2005 6:16 am

Not all newer steels are plain looking.

Someone posted this on the Forum awhile back.


[This message was edited by Jay Ganz on 16 August 2005 at 07:17 AM.]

John De Maille · Post by **John De Maille** » 16 Aug 2005 6:24 am

Chris,
If you're really looking for a classic steel, Ed Fulawka of "Fulawka Steels" lives in Canada. He makes some truly beautiful wood bodied lacquer steels. He's an excellent craftsman. His website is on the Forum, go to links and then manufacturers.
Ricky Davis had a gorgeous blue one he called his "Blue Darlin'".

Webb Kline · Post by **Webb Kline** » 16 Aug 2005 6:45 am

Jay, I gotta fess up; that's one purty Fessy y'all got there.

Grant Johnson · Post by **Grant Johnson** » 16 Aug 2005 7:26 am

There are some maple/lacquer beautiful steels being built these days:
Desert Rose, MSA Legend, Pedalmaster, Williams, Fulawka come to mind...
Also many of the builders who are making plain looking steels offer wood/laquer options...
After owning two Mica guitars (Marlen & MSA), I find that my Maple/Lacquer MSA has more of the tone that I like...

Bob Carlucci · Post by **Bob Carlucci** » 16 Aug 2005 7:52 am

I agree.. todays standard mica steels are very "utilitarian" in appearance... However, like others have said, Williams, Fulawka, MSA, Fessenden, Pedalmaster, are making gorgeous wood bodies, and I know Carter has the option.. It all depends on what you want to spend.

Plain Janes are less labor intensive and thats reflected in the price... That being said, I prefer modern playability and stability over an old wooden "clunker" that has not been updated/restored/refitted,etc etc... Too many headaches.

If money were not a problem, I would buy one of the gorgeous, classic looking Williams guitars myself.. Those finishes are as good or better looking than Sho Bud or ZB's beautiful finishes... bob

Farris Currie · Post by **Farris Currie** » 16 Aug 2005 8:03 am

Well, i'm gonna add my 2cents.I have a pretty of a SHO-BUD as a man could ask for,just bought it off the forum, it is black with the most pretty inlay i ever saw on one. And the sound is the greatest i ever heard, AND it just came off the OPRY,with Tommy White playing it many times on there. Well, if you want Kitchen Cabinets buy them, formica!!!! farris

Rick Collins · Post by **Rick Collins** » 16 Aug 2005 8:16 am

Slight changes in design can make a huge difference to the eye (the observer's casual glance).

Almost all pedal guitar cabinets have a front view that is too thick (vertically). It makes the guitar look bulky, proportionally to the length. Mostly, this isn't necessary to accommodate the mechanical under carriage; and it adds a little to the weight.

All but a very few custom made pedal steel guitars have this fascia piece three inches or under.

The Corvette will turn more heads than the Suburban.

Paul Brainard · Post by **Paul Brainard** » 16 Aug 2005 10:10 am

Have you checked out Bill Rudolph's cabinets on his Williams guitars?
[url=http://www.williamsguitarcompany.com,]www.williamsguitarcompany.com,[/url] click on "sights & sounds"

Mike Winter · Post by **Mike Winter** » 16 Aug 2005 1:42 pm

Along the same line, I LOVE the look of a Sho-Bud fret board. There's just something about the hearts, clubs, diamonds and spades that screams cool...to me. It seems that a lot of the other brands, whether old or new, just don't look as cool. They may be superior mechanically, and stay in tune better, etc., but that look is just something else.

Clyde Lane · Post by **Clyde Lane** » 16 Aug 2005 1:55 pm

I bought a D10 Williams from Danny Hullihen back in February and it sure isn't plain looking (brown aprons, clear top and red necks). My wife said the red necks are fitting for me.
Clyde

Farris Currie · Post by **Farris Currie** » 16 Aug 2005 4:05 pm

MIKE, you just won my heart,you can't beat those SHO-BUDS man, looks and all the sound will drive em all insane!!! SHO-BUD number one in my book my friend. and those key boards WOW, YES, if they not welcome, then i'm not welcome either. farris

Barry Blackwood · Post by **Barry Blackwood** » 16 Aug 2005 5:36 pm

Hey Rick, I LIKE thick aprons .....different strokes I guess.

Joseph Barcus · Post by **Joseph Barcus** » 16 Aug 2005 6:23 pm

when we all venture off looking for a new love in our live dont we all look at detail of the body lol

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 16 Aug 2005 7:11 pm

Ha-ha-ha! Nice one, Joseph. Isn't it strange how the look of a different steel can tempt you into a trade? But you come to your senses when you sit at your present steel and it functions just right - it feels like home. According to some posts on the forum, there are many steelers regretting a trade or sale. "Wish I still had that one" seems to be a common saying.