Zum or Franklin

Ben Godard · Post by **Ben Godard** » 3 Aug 2007 2:21 pm

Everyone knows that these two guitars are amongst the top along with a few other. If you were to choose just one, which one would you get and why. I'm sure they'll be plently of undecided votes as these are definately top otch guitars.

mtulbert · Post by **mtulbert** » 3 Aug 2007 3:04 pm

Having owned both, you will not go wrong with either one.

IMHO I think that Bruce Zumstead stays a little more on top of technology, but that is to take nothing away from Mr. Franklin, who is a super nice guy, and a terrific innovator in his own right.

Good choice either way.

Ben Godard · Post by **Ben Godard** » 4 Aug 2007 1:20 am

One good question come to mind in comparing these two outstanding guitars. That is, Can the Zum changer pull as many strings as the franklin changer can and as effortlessly? I would assume it could but from much past discussion on the forum, it seems that Franklin changers are really unbeatable in that deptartment.

Billy Murdoch · Post by **Billy Murdoch** » 4 Aug 2007 3:48 am

Ben,
Do You ask the question in order to help make up your mind as to which one you will buy?
I am a 2 Zum owner and I think they are fantastic in every way.
I have never played a Franklin but I am more than sure they are also fabulous guitars.
You will never really get a true comparison of any of the modern guitars since there are so many factors to take into consideration when making the choice.I guess most players are happy with what they have regards manufacture,every modern steel is good and are being built to a very high spec.
Taste and try before you buy.
best regards
Billy

Jay Ganz · Post by **Jay Ganz** » 4 Aug 2007 6:00 am

You sure see alot more Zum's played at the steel shows,
if that means anything.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 4 Aug 2007 6:16 am

There have been many more Zum's built than Franklin's. Relatively, there have been few Franklin's built or are being built.

Currently, the Zum is the "in" guitar. (and I have nothing against the Zum, I think it's a great guitar and I've known Bruce since 1974 as I used to live in Kansas City, Mo. And, if I were in the market for a new guitar (I'm not) the Zum would be on my short list).

Michael Douchette · Post by **Michael Douchette** » 4 Aug 2007 6:22 am

Jay, check your pm's.

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 4 Aug 2007 7:52 am

I wonder if you are talking new or used guitars?

I currently have a new Zum hybrid on order. However, at one time I had an older model Zum that I really wasn't too impressed with. I didn't care for the "comb" type bellcranks and the way they were mounted to the cross shafts.

Charles Curtis · Post by **Charles Curtis** » 4 Aug 2007 8:00 am

I've never played a Franklin but I have had a brief encounter with a Zum. A friend of mine has two and IMO the action is great on this guitar. My main squeeze is an Emmons but for me the weight is an issue so I bought a S-10 GFI to take on trips, but with this one I'm looking for a lighter case as my lower spine doesn't seem to be getting any better and may warrant surgery at some point. I've never played a MSA, but when my friend Jay Dee Maness selected this guitar, and knowing him and his skills both as a musician and his mechanical skills, I would seriously consider the MSA in the competition.

Dennis Wallis · Post by **Dennis Wallis** » 4 Aug 2007 12:11 pm

ZUM !

Jerry Roller · Post by **Jerry Roller** » 4 Aug 2007 12:50 pm

I am not into comparing brands of guitars. Just about all the builders are building great instruments. However, just a thought: If you were to set out to locate and buy at a somewhat reasonable price a Zum and a Franklin, I bet you could come up with the Zum in a pretty short period of time, however, good luck in the pursuit for a Franklin! I don't know if that means a lot or not but that's my contribution to the subject.

Jerry

Charles Curtis · Post by **Charles Curtis** » 4 Aug 2007 2:12 pm

This can really get to be a tough decision; IMO, all these PSGs mentioned have to be great because they don't seem to last too long when they are put up for sale on the forum. In the "Steel On The Webb" section, check out Paul Franklin or Donna Hammitt playing their Franklin PSGs. Good luck.

Ben Godard · Post by **Ben Godard** » 4 Aug 2007 5:56 pm

Could a Zum handle multiple pulls like a Franklin can. I believe PF has up to 8 or 9 strings on one of his pedals. That's an awful lot of tension. I don't know how a guitar, even Franklins, can even handle that without having to press really hard. But I've never owned either of these guitars so what do I know.

A. J. Schobert · Post by **A. J. Schobert** » 4 Aug 2007 8:28 pm

How much longer will franklins be made?

I would love to have a franklin myself.

Truthfully I don't like the long wait and I can't understand it myself so for now I have neither.

Tommy Young · Post by **Tommy Young** » 4 Aug 2007 10:03 pm

My persoal thoughts is this I have worked on both brands as well as many others most of the current builders really do a good job with fit & finish ---and most play good but they ALL have their weaknesses and drawbacks that i have seen and I have also Modified nearly all of them for richness of tone and sustain both, so if you sit and play each and please do before you BUY, if at all possible because each brand & style sounds different to each of us THANKS TOMMY

Paul King · Post by **Paul King** » 5 Aug 2007 5:43 am

This year at the Texas show Jay Dee Maness picked up his new MSA and played it on the show. His sound was great and his playing was flawless. I took a look and he was playing the MSA Studio Pro which is their new line. I would have to strongly consider one of their guitars after hearing them and seeing them at their booth. It certainly would be hart to beat a Zum or Franklin since those builders are top notch.

Michael Douchette · Post by **Michael Douchette** » 5 Aug 2007 6:07 am

This reminds me of back in school... R&R... kids seeing Clapton with a strat, or Nuge with his big Gibson... "man, if I can just get a guitar LIKE THAT, I'll sound that great!"

Sheesh...

It ain't the car, folks... it's the driver...

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 5 Aug 2007 8:00 am

has'nt Paul Franklin Sr retired & not build steels anymore ?
well if you can get a Franklin, get one
that goes fer Zum too
imo, neither one is better than the other
they're both top notch

Dan Tyack · Post by **Dan Tyack** » 5 Aug 2007 1:45 pm

There's really no logical argument one can make between these guitars, they are both phenomenally well made and sound great. The only way to choose (IMHO) is to sit down at each guitar and see how well they feel and sound to you. That's what I did (and I chose a Franklin) but others have made the other choice. In any case, you can't go wrong.

Jerry Roller · Post by **Jerry Roller** » 5 Aug 2007 2:28 pm

CrowBear, it is my understanding that Mr. Franklin still builds guitars but he is backlogged for about two years and has stopped taking orders. As to whether he will resume taking new orders after he is caught up I do not know.
Jerry

A. J. Schobert · Post by **A. J. Schobert** » 5 Aug 2007 2:38 pm

I thought the same thing that you can't get franklins anymore, it's a reall shame.

I would like to see franklin guitars keep going but I guess they will stop with Paul sr.

Theresa Galbraith · Post by **Theresa Galbraith** » 5 Aug 2007 3:07 pm

My dad is still in business.
Dan is right, you should try both and make up your own mind.

Bill Simmons · Post by **Bill Simmons** » 5 Aug 2007 6:26 pm

I'm with Dan T. You won't lose on either one. My Franklin's tone was excellent just like my '79 Zum.

The Franklin Steels are very well build and will last forever...because the Franklin's are hard to find, I'd look for a nice Frankin and never sell it. Then look for that great Zum to buy and then call me for a great sounding Rains! HA HA
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