Fender/Sho-Bud Manufacturing Date?

Tom Bradshaw · Post by **Tom Bradshaw** » 13 Aug 2004 8:43 am

I am in the process of restoring two Fender pedal steels built by Sho-Bud. Would anyone know the approximate manufacturing dates of these guitars? One has a serial number: 0746. The other one has no serial number. These guitars have the floating "knife-blade" changer heads (no axle shaft). Each is a single-neck, 3 + 4. If no one knows the answer to my question, perhaps I can be referred to some other source for this information. ...Tom

Roger Shackelton · Post by **Roger Shackelton** » 13 Aug 2004 9:20 am

Tom, I believe they were built in 1976.?

Roger

Michael Lee Allen · Post by **Michael Lee Allen** » 13 Aug 2004 11:23 am

REMOVED

Billy Easton · Post by **Billy Easton** » 13 Aug 2004 1:40 pm

Tom...
I think Bobbe Seymour may have an answer for you!!

------------------
Billy Easton
Casa Grande, AZ
Southwestern Steel Guitar Association

Bobbe Seymour · Post by **Bobbe Seymour** » 14 Aug 2004 7:30 pm

Yea, I have an answer, but it's really a secret, I shouldn't ever tell anyone, some things just shouldn't be exposed, however, since it's Tom, I will. (Ha! Ha!)

All of these guitars were built in a one year period, as per contract between David Jackson (Music City Mfg.) and the Fender Co.

4400 total production along with the normal Sho-Bud production. These were busy busy boys in '76-77. Honestly, really nice guitars with only a one flaw (the tuning head) and a rather strange but likeable tone. Even though I have a very cold heart, I do have a warm spot in it for these great little guitars. Sorry I sold mine. Yep, I'll buy another one, soon as I can find one.

Tom, find me one!

bobbe

Rick Schmidt · Post by **Rick Schmidt** » 15 Aug 2004 10:31 am

I can't believe you sold it either Bobbe! Both time's I've visited your store, that was the steel (out of all of them) that you'd sit down to when you wanted to show off for us pilgrims.

Killer sound! Really Country!

Ted Nesbitt · Post by **Ted Nesbitt** » 15 Aug 2004 12:43 pm

Bobbe, I have the best D10 Fender Artist 8+4 on the planet. You gotta see it to believe it. Original from top to bottom, metal work shines like chrome. Wear...nil
Ted Nesbitt

Steve Epstein · Post by **Steve Epstein** » 16 Aug 2004 10:43 am

As it turns out, I'm the guy for whom Tom is doing the work. I just recieved the first guitar and it is as smooth and tight as my Sierra. The only other upgrade Tom is going to do on them is add billet aluminum knee levers. Some might ask, why upgrade a student level guitar to such a high standard? In spite of the fact that the upgrde is almost as much as the price I paid for the guitars, I, like Bobbe, love the unique sound these guitars make. I have tried to duplicate the ohm level on custom pickups by Jason Lollar and George L and they aren't the same as the pickup Fender stuck in these. The closest comparison would be the sound you get out of a Fender 400, but with the benefit of 10 strings, 3 pedals, 4 knee levers and no weird cable/pulley mechanics. Tom did a superior job upgrading this guitar by adding nylon bushings and washers at all the critical points, changing out the cadmium screws with stainless steel with counter-sunk heads, lined the entire under body with red velvet (very pimpy) not to mention a complete cleaning, polishing and proper adjustment of all parts. Thanks Tom. I kiss you.

c c johnson · Post by **c c johnson** » 16 Aug 2004 11:13 am

Tom, best wishes to you and your projects. Happy to see you are alive and kickin. CC