Carter Starter for a beginner

Robert Kazee · Post by **Robert Kazee** » 3 Apr 2006 6:48 am

My female cousin wants to learn steelguitar, whats everyones opinion of the Carter Starter?

Jerry Roller · Post by **Jerry Roller** » 3 Apr 2006 6:57 am

I believe it is absolutely great!
Jerry

John Davis · Post by **John Davis** » 3 Apr 2006 7:25 am

Tell her do the job properly..get a "Pro" model IMHO its the best way to go>>>>>

Ben Jones · Post by **Ben Jones** » 3 Apr 2006 8:05 am

I had one that was packed in 2000, purchased in 2005 from a distributor, not from Carter. There were some problems with it. I am led to beleive that those problems were resolved in the more recently contructed versions of this model. I am not sure if that is entirely accurate or when exactly the problems were resolved if they ever were, or even if they were in fact design problems in the first place or just specific to the guitar I purchased, but that is what I was led to believe. I have to beleive if there were problems with the older models that they were resolved at some point, because so many people start on these and report the experience very enjoyable. One thing is for certain the people at Carter stand behind their product and offer excellent customer service should any problems arise.

Adrienne Clasky · Post by **Adrienne Clasky** » 3 Apr 2006 8:16 am

I have one and I love it. I just bought a Carter U12 and now that I have a pro model to compare it with, I still love it. It is a nice little guitar with a great tone. In fact, if I hadn't wanted to move to a U12 tuning, I might not have moved "up" at all.

David Ziegler · Post by **David Ziegler** » 3 Apr 2006 8:27 am

I have been playing about 1 1/2 years now and would say, if you know you are going to stick with it and can afford it get a single neck pro model. Student models are great for starting but within 6 months I knew I needed to move up and my initial money could have been invested in the better instrument right away. The danger is getting a pro model then changing your mind about steel guitar. If you buy good quality used you can get your money back out if you need to.

A. J. Schobert · Post by **A. J. Schobert** » 3 Apr 2006 11:50 am

I would plan a trip to test drive some steels, your friend may find out for a little more money she can have a good used guitar or with in a half hour decide its not for her, it isn't for everyone. check your email

Robert Kazee · Post by **Robert Kazee** » 3 Apr 2006 12:22 pm

I am going to have her come here to the house and try my Sierra U-12 for a while, she has never set at one yet.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 3 Apr 2006 1:16 pm

Tell her it'll cost at least $1,000 to get started, with the "Starter", an amp, and a volume pedal. That may well change her mind.

The Starter is okay, in that she won't lose more than $100-$150 if she decides to quit. Buying a used pro model, she might spend almost twice that, and lose much more if she quits. (There aren't many good used "pro" models available for less than $900-$1,000.)

Bob Hoffnar · Post by **Bob Hoffnar** » 3 Apr 2006 3:09 pm

Buying a used pro model, she might spend almost twice that, and lose much more if she quits. (There aren't many good used "pro" models available for less than $900-$1,000.)

Donny,
The very same pro level used S10 steels that were selling for $1500 last year are now going for $1800/$1900.
Intermediate level steels like old BMI's that were $600/$800 a couple years ago are now selling for $1200. There hasn't been any pro level steels available for under $1000 for about 5 years. I buy about 10 a year for people. It gets a little complicated with Ebay and repair/set up costs in the used market. My opinion about the Carter or GFI starter guitars is if you can come up with a bit more money you should pick up a better steel. The Carter starter is fine for what it is though. If you are going to buy in the used market its good to know what you are doing or have someone who can help you.

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Bob
upcoming gigs
My Website

Rodney Garrison · Post by **Rodney Garrison** » 3 Apr 2006 3:13 pm

Carter Starter is the way to go. I've got 4 tough years on mine because I did not know how to care for it. It has been all over Texas and Oklahoma and shows minimum wear. Always stays in tune. Thought about selling it but now I'll have the Carter folks bring it back to new condition and have a quality,
LITE backup guitar. Get a Carter Starter.

-RG-

J Hill · Post by **J Hill** » 3 Apr 2006 4:31 pm

Hi Robert,

I started with a Carter-Starter a little more than a year ago and it was very comparable to the Pro models as far as the neck/strings go. I say that now from experience with playing on several different Pro brands.

As for knee levers and pedals its a little different story, which is probably a reason the Carter Starter sells for less money. But its pedals/levers are certainly adequate for using in order to help one decide whether or not to continue on and get a Pro Model.

I can "reach" the knee levers on the Pro models whereas that was a little difficult on the Starter (I'm 5'4"), as I think they were cut a little short. And they were a bit harder to push to the side. If your cousin is taller, she may have no problem. And of course, the smoother action of the knee levers on Pro models makes playing easier.

As for pedals, this is just a personal opinion. For me, the Pro models may or may not have 'better' ones. On the Pro models, I've seen both kind of pedals. There seem to be basically 2 kinds, those with a firmer feel and push, but to me easier to control, and then there's the kind with the 'easy' looser pedals, but harder to 'feel' what they're doing (my Carter-Starter). And again, this is only a personal judgment. My teacher can play like an expert with loose or firm pedals, it just doesn't seem to matter to him. Some players like pedals loose and easy, and some don't.

Assuming the Carter-Starter she gets works like it was made to work new, or in good used condition, its very very good as far as the money goes to try out and learn on the instrument. If she falls in love with it, of course she'll want to get a Pro model later.

She won't lose much money when its time to upgrade because the Carter-Starter sells well. I don't work for Carter.

I'm just impressed with how good it is for being called a Starter.

Gordy Hall · Post by **Gordy Hall** » 3 Apr 2006 4:55 pm

Question for Bob Hoffnar. "The very same pro level used S10 steels that were selling for $1500 last year are now going for $1800/$1900.
Intermediate level steels like old BMI's that were $600/$800 a couple years ago are now selling for $1200. There hasn't been any pro level steels available for under $1000 for about 5 years."

As a rather newbie, I get confused as to what are the 'pro level steels', and which are the intermediate? Can you give any names or models for each catagory?

I know that my steel is apparently a 'build-it-yourself' kit that was put out in the last days of the Dekley company, and is not a 'pro level' guitar at all, but I do get confused with what the dif is between 'pros', 'intermediates' and 'student' models.

Can you enlighten me?

Thanks,
Gordy

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Dekley S-10, tangled fingers and feet

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 3 Apr 2006 5:09 pm

After years without pedals I bought a Carter Starter. For the price it's very good value. If you're satisfied with four knee levers and three pedals it's a good way to go. But, be aware that you can't add additional pedals to the Carter Starter. I asked Carter and they suggested I trade it in for $300 against one of their more advanced models. I would rather keep it as a spare and buy a Sho-Bud.

I found that the bar on which the pedals pivot is flimsy, and bends as you depress the pedals. I'm not happy with the volume control. The knee levers seem too loose to me.

I couldn't get in a comfortable position. They sell an adjustment set which adds height to the instrument. It comes in 1", 2" and 3" sizes, and you can double them up, so if you want to raise the instrument 4" compared to the foot pedals you could use two 2" kits or a 3" and 1" kit.

John Coffman · Post by **John Coffman** » 3 Apr 2006 5:16 pm

I had a 2004 model and it was fine. They make a good beginner. I was pleased but it did not take long and I needed to move up.

At 500 to 600 for a new carter add 500 more. Save and get a good used pro model. I am fairly sure 1000 will get a good used model. Best of Luck

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Thomas SD10 3/4 and D10 8/5 Beginner

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 3 Apr 2006 5:26 pm

The problem with used steel guitars for beginners is that they often need work. Beginners have a hard time figuring out how to fix mechanical problems, or set the copedent to something more standard than what the previous owner had.

No such issues with the Carter Starter.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 3 Apr 2006 5:48 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Donny,
The very same pro level used S10 steels that were selling for $1500 last year are now going for $1800/$1900.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Bob, in about 5 minutes, I found the following guitars for sale...

Dekley S10, $925
Marlen S10, $925
Pedalmaster S-10, $925
Dekley S10, $975 (3+3)
MSA SD12, $1095 (4+5!)
Fender 400, $700

To me, good, solid "pro-level" guitars can still be found for around $1,000. No, that won't get you a P/P or an LDG, but it will still buy a good-quality guitar.

A. J. Schobert · Post by **A. J. Schobert** » 3 Apr 2006 6:23 pm

Now we have a magpie

J Hill · Post by **J Hill** » 3 Apr 2006 7:15 pm

One more thing. Used Pro-model doesn't 'always' mean better than Carter-starter. How can you know? If you or someone who plays can't try out the used models, you may be better off with the Carter, you just can't know until you play them. It's a shame these things aren't common enough to be in music stores, because its almost impossible to try before you buy. There are a lot of variables that don't make this an easy decision. I think you can get a used Carter-Starter for around $600 or $650 here, add an amp and pedal and the total is about what you'd pay for a very low priced used Pro model alone.

You've gotten a lot of good answers to your original question, and a lot of other things to think about too. Just try to get a guitar you can trust. As for used...Carter or otherwise, there are likely a lot of guys here that can vouch for the sellers and tell you who you can trust.

[This message was edited by Leila Tuttle on 04 April 2006 at 09:38 PM.]

John Bresler R.I.P. · Post by **John Bresler R.I.P.** » 3 Apr 2006 8:12 pm

Robert:

You can't be that far from Bobbe Seymour's. Go take a test drive of his steels and decide for yourself what brand might fit your cousin's need. Bobbe could also help you a lot in making the right decision with his years of experience and wisdom.

[This message was edited by John Bresler on 03 April 2006 at 09:13 PM.][This message was edited by John Bresler on 03 April 2006 at 09:14 PM.]

Ted Lowe Jr · Post by **Ted Lowe Jr** » 3 Apr 2006 8:16 pm

Check with Bob Simmons
I bought one from him at Christmas time, and the entire experience was AAA+++
The guitar is fantastic, plays and sounds great. A great person to deal with.
http://www.simmonspedalsteel.com/
Econo Model
E2, 3 pedals, 2 knees (Emmons setup, knees lower & raise, E notes) $699.00

E4, 3 pedals, 4 knees (same as above w/2 extra knees ) $849.00
Option - hard econo case is $99.00

Calvin Walley · Post by **Calvin Walley** » 3 Apr 2006 10:25 pm

i have had a carter starter and it almost caused me to quit playing ...that thing had more problems than my 1st wife.
I WILL NOT OWN ANYTHING WITH THE WORD CARTER ON IT

just my 2 cents

calvin
[This message was edited by Calvin Walley on 03 April 2006 at 11:26 PM.]

Bob Hoffnar · Post by **Bob Hoffnar** » 3 Apr 2006 11:30 pm

Gordy
The guitars that are valued as intermediate steels as opposed to the top valued models are Dekley, Marlen, Pedalmaster, old MSA, Fender, BMI and a bunch of others. These guitars are mostly no longer in production but can be better guitars than some top brands. In particular there are a whole bunch of real dog sho buds floating around. One weird brand is MCI. EMCI's with the welded frame go for top dollar but the earlier model MCI's are cheaper.

Lets look at Dekleys for a bit. They are fine well made instruments with a good sound, but there is no company any more to offer support. They don't have a strong after market support group like PP Emmons or Sho bud to use if needed. They also never developed the classic status of the old Emmons steels.
If you compare a Dekley to the level of workmanship on current top steels like Zums and Mullen you can see why the more modern steels cost more and why they are worth it if you have the money.

Tone is a big factor in the value of old steels. ZB's and original Emmons are going up like crazy in value even though they are real beasts to deal with because they sound so freakin amazing. The early MSAs are going up only slightly in value ,more along the lines of inflation, because there sound never really caught on.

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Bob
upcoming gigs
My Website

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 4 Apr 2006 3:17 am

so Calvin, what was it that made you almost quit playing due to a Carter Starter ?

you would not OWN anything with the name Carter on it ?

Pretty heavy dude.... Why would that be ?

Do you have extended experiences working with Bud and John ?

this thread is asking a question about a student Steel, of which the Carter Starter is the most configured Student Steel out there for around $700 bucks new.

I have 3 students that have Carter Starters, all 3 are progressing nicley because it has extended changes on it..mainly E raise, E lower and 2nd lower. In my book, these three knee changes are mandatory.

The only awkward issue I can see with the Starter is that the knee lever throws are longer than a pro guitars throws. This certainly is not anything that would prevent a player from learning how to apply the knee lever movements along with pedal combinations to PLAY music.

And this Instrument , if maintained in good condition will probably always be worth close to what was paid for it.

oh, and yes, no secret with me...

I am on my 3rd Carter D10...

No satisfaction issues here..
completly satisfied...

what have I owned ?

1-MSA
3-Sho-Buds
1-Emmons D10 Legrande, still have it...

lets stay on topic..

The Starter is a fine Instrument to get going on..the price is right..and the configuration is right.

I have seen Billy Phelps play entire sets on one...

A new student came for a lesson last week with an MSA Barron...3+1

The student learned in about 30 seconds that the Steel was the wrong purchase..

Me, I would recommend a Carter Starter to any new student over any of the other Student guitars out there. The configuration is stock Emmons set-up..no hassles.

3 of the last PRO Steels I purchased arrived NOT stock Emmons set-up and I had to re-configure them, even buy some parts to do it..

OF those 3..neither were Carters, all of the Carters I have purchased were exactly the same...the last one I bought, it arrived on a Fri afternoon, I opened the case, checked that all the parts were there, checked the knee configurations, correct..and took it to my gig..never even set it up at home. The previous owner had put two new sets of stings on it so I was ready to roll..and I did...he told me it was a working mans Steel..and he was right...2004 / 9+8...

ok, back to the topic...

Asking a new student to fork over $700 is quite a request..asking them to fork over a grand is beyond the request for an Instrument they are yet to even play...

and by the way, in response to an above comment, Carter Starters are NOT available directly from Carter, they are a dealer Guitar only.

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TPrior
TPrior Steel Guitar Homesite


[This message was edited by Tony Prior on 04 April 2006 at 04:44 AM.][This message was edited by Tony Prior on 04 April 2006 at 11:38 AM.]

Robert Kazee · Post by **Robert Kazee** » 4 Apr 2006 4:16 am

I am thinking about taking her to Bobbe Seymous, My Sierra U12 could use some adjustments anyway.