Steels.. Do you prefer classic or modern??

Bill Myers · Post by **Bill Myers** » 5 May 2005 1:26 pm

I think your missing Ricky's point. His point is that once you go to a certian age with sho-bud, they are fairly stable mechanics. I don't care whether it's a new Zum, Mullen or whatever you want to talk about. Oil it with petrolium oils/greases and see what happens to it after 30 years. That's alot of what we're really talking about here. Alot of these guitar have really fine mechanisms and after the get 30 years of gunk in them, they don't work anymore. They you take it to someone (or better yet you do it) and cleans the junk out and replace any worn out parts and it works great again. You certianly wouldn't get rid out your car because the brake pads are worn out. A pedal steel is a machine just like any other. They require some maintnence. Sometimes parts wear out. So you fix the guitar. You don't pronounce the whole brand bad becasue you got a guitar that wasn't well taken care of!

Paddy Long · Post by **Paddy Long** » 5 May 2005 1:46 pm

Bob your problem is easily solved !!! Check out the lacquer Carters -- especially that sunburst job, they look just fabulous.

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 5 May 2005 2:38 pm

Tony; I'm not speaking of the Professional in a mechanical way. The professional is certainly a Real Sho-bud; but the next model; first run of Pro-II is the exact same as the professional in every way except the pro-II pulled with crossbars and the professional pulled with Racks. The crossbar pro-II is much more reliable mechanically in a smoothness sorta way.
Ricky

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 5 May 2005 2:47 pm

As far as which is better, it's just personal preference.

Which one you want to make a living with is another issue. Look at what Buddy Emmons is playing, or Herby Wallace or Paul Franklin, or John Hughey, etc. All of these guys could play anything they wanted and probably have a whole room full of steels at home.

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 5 May 2005 4:29 pm

Its well known that the Sho-Bud vintages after 75 contain lots of pot metal that the earlier guitars did not. The pot metal is one of the things that made them inferior to the earlier vintages. Having been a Sho-Bud player I wouldn't play an original that was not from the big bodied round front era. If you are talking a Marrs/Surratt retrofit to a later year guitar thats another story.

Billy Carr · Post by **Billy Carr** » 6 May 2005 7:34 pm

I like the up to date guitars myself. To me it's kind of like having a vehicle with 200,000 miles on it and then having one with 5000 miles. I've had several of the old guitars back when I couldn't afford new ones. With the old ones there's always something you got adjust or worry with. On the new guitars whether it's a Carter,Zum or whatever, there all good and you can just sit down and play. I've had about 30 guitars since 71'.

Jon Kostal · Post by **Jon Kostal** » 6 May 2005 8:18 pm

I like modern, to answer the question. I sold my '69 Emmons D10 after 25 years, and bought a Pedalmaster U12, mainly for the weight. The last few gigs with the Emmons were killin' my back. I never used the c6th much, anyway. I've never had a problem with the mechanics, because I'm a mechanic! I've always believed the sound is in the player's hands. The new guitar is very precise, I must commend Roy Thomas. Well now I'm really getting into the 6th tuning more than I ever did, just because it's always THERE. I just played a gig with my kid's band, the Crown Vics, and it was a blast. Between the new guitar, Brad's Black Box, and the Nashville 112, I'm having a blast all over again. The sound was killer, I thought.(skewed perspective) Here's a pic.

Jon[This message was edited by Jon Kostal on 06 May 2005 at 09:21 PM.][This message was edited by Jon Kostal on 06 May 2005 at 09:27 PM.][This message was edited by Jon Kostal on 06 May 2005 at 09:40 PM.]

David Higginbotham · Post by **David Higginbotham** » 6 May 2005 9:19 pm

I have taken all of my guitars apart and reset them. Yes, even a new Carter! For tone, the old lacquered guitars are tops when matched with good pickups. My choice of guitar is either BMI or MSA lacquered. Modern guitars are dependable and easier on the back, but like anything that is used on a regular basis they will need maintenance. Even the modern guitars are eventually going to need upkeep and as they age will certainly require additional work. The components used today are in my opinion not nearly as durable as on the classic guitars.
Dave

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BMI S-12 8&5, Webb 614-E, Bassfex & PX-300

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 7 May 2005 1:37 am

Ricky...yes I know and I'm just havin' some typin' fun..

before I sold the Professional ( I now regret it ) I would sit behind the Carter and practice up a storm , but look across the room at the Professional..It was like a great old painting, beautiful in every way..very inspiring..

The old MSA D12 was sitting there right next to it as well...but that one was just causing the floor to sag..

Happy Saturday..

t

I guess I need to get another..

Frank McBride · Post by **Frank McBride** » 7 May 2005 3:42 am

OK (CLASSIC) Sho Bud ProII Custom.(MODERN) 04 Emmons LL II. (CLASSIC+MODERN) Red Lacquer Mullen HWP The best of both world's.and yes I am blesed.