| Author |
Topic: Mullen G2 |
Tony Glassman
From:
The Great Northwest
|
Posted 26 Oct 2007 6:47 pm |
|
I'm curious how Mullen G2 owners feel about their axes....especially from a tone standpoint (we know they are both cosmetically and mechanically beautiful).
Assuming for the sake of discussion, that the "Gold Standard" of steel tone is the Emmons PP (and I'm sure many will disagree)....nonetheless....how does the Mullen stack-up? |
|
|
 |
Curt Shoemaker
From:
Ionia, Kansas, USA
|
Posted 28 Oct 2007 6:51 am
|
|
Hello Tony,
I got a G2 guitar about a month ago. Like you, I wondered about the new design, and how it would play. You will be extremely pleased with the ease of the action. As for your second question about the tone. The Mullen folks set out to develop a guitar that would equal or surpass the PP tone. That goal has been reached. I can't say enough about the G2's tone. Bottom line Tony, the G2 is a great guitar. |
|
|
|
Kevin Hatton
From:
Buffalo, N.Y.
|
Posted 28 Oct 2007 11:03 am
|
|
| Tony, you need to hear any particular brand of guitar before you by it. Everyone here is going to be biased to their own brand. Don't get caught up in the the hype. Decide for yourself. What is good for one person is not good for another. There are signature tonal differences in different brands of guitars. Only you can decide what is good for you. Its like asking how does the color blue stand up against the color red. The Emmons p/p is a unique sounding guitar. NO other brand of guitar sounds like it no matter what anyone claims. |
|
|
|
Tony Glassman
From:
The Great Northwest
|
Posted 28 Oct 2007 1:34 pm
|
|
| Kevin Hatton wrote: |
| Tony, you need to hear any particular brand of guitar before you by it. Everyone here is going to be biased to their own brand. |
That's easier said than done. I spoke w/ Mike @ Mullen, and he knows of no G2's in Oregon. So that means a road trip would be needed to check out the guitar.
I thought I would do a little preliminary research by asking for opinions from G2 owners. Hopefully this might help determine if taking the time and cash to travel out-of-state (CA,NV or WA) is even worthwile.
Believe me.....I'd never make the decision to spend $5000 on a steel based solely on survey responses. |
|
|
|
Roger Kemp
From:
Indiana, USA
|
Posted 29 Oct 2007 8:39 am
|
|
Tony I have a friend that bought a pre G2. His friend bought a G2. When I went to the friends house with the pre G2 he had his friends G2 there in the case. When I asked him Y the G2 was in the case he said he loves his pre G2 it is a great guitar. However he stated that the G2 played like nothing else, like a caddilac and he was afraid that if he played the G2 to long, he wouldn't want to go back to his Pre G2. I was going to order a royal precision or a pre G2. But after talking with my friend I ordered a G2 what the heck its just over another grand or so. My personal feeling is that every guitar sounds different no matter what brand they are. Mica sounds diffrent than Woods. Maple sounds diffrent than Purple Heart so on and so on. same with the neck aluminum verses wood.
I also belive that you can have a custom guitar made, how ever if it comes out to be one of those special guitars that is perfect quality, tone and playability ect you will never get it . The buliders hold them back for the top pro players. This is only my opinion but I belive it to be true. When is the last time you heard a pro play a average guitar?
Last edited by Roger Kemp on 29 Oct 2007 12:27 pm; edited 2 times in total |
|
|
|
Mike Mantey
From:
Eastern Colorado, USA
|
Posted 29 Oct 2007 9:51 am
|
|
| Quote: |
| I also belive that you can have a custom guitar made, how ever if it comes out to be one of those special guitars that is perfect quality, tone and playability ect you will never get it . The buliders hold them back for the top pro players. This is only my oppinion but I belive it to be true. When is the last time you heard a pro play a average guitar? |
I can only speak for Mullen here, but we build the same guitar for pros or non-pros. Mullen does not give special treatment. Any guitar we build is of utmost quality and you can expect to get the same guitar we would build for any pro.
Come on G2 folks, let this guy know what you think. Many have heard them by now. |
|
|
|
Roger Crawford
From:
Griffin, GA USA
|
Posted 29 Oct 2007 12:08 pm
|
|
Hey Mike...
I'll chime in shortly! |
|
|
|
Roger Kemp
From:
Indiana, USA
|
Posted 29 Oct 2007 12:24 pm
|
|
Hey Mike This is just what I have heard and it is only my opinion. We all have those.
By the way how far along is my new G2??? |
|
|
|
David Kurrasch
From:
Royse City, Texas, USA
|
Posted 29 Oct 2007 11:13 pm
|
|
So THAT's why the top pros sound better than everyone else, because they get the "special" guitars! 
Sorry. I just can't imagine any steel guitar builder taking an order from someone, and then holding back their custom made instrument because it came out too perfect! I know a lot of pro players, and most all of them have to wait in line when they order a new steel, just like everyone else. I don't think any builder could maintain a good reputation in this small community if they sold some buyers inferior quality guitars.
By the way, I have tried the G2, and in my opinion, it delivers as promised. It plays very much like the Royal Precision, and has just a little more edge, or "sparkle" to the tone. If I wasn't so attached to my 2 RP's, I'd order one myself! |
|
|
|
Roger Kemp
From:
Indiana, USA
|
Posted 30 Oct 2007 7:39 am
|
|
| David Kurrasch wrote: |
So THAT's why the top pros sound better than everyone else, because they get the "special" guitars!
Sorry. I just can't imagine any steel guitar builder taking an order from someone, and then holding back their custom made instrument because it came out too perfect! I know a lot of pro players, and most all of them have to wait in line when they order a new steel, just like everyone else. I don't think any builder could maintain a good reputation in this small community if they sold some buyers inferior quality guitars.
By the way, I have tried the G2, and in my opinion, it delivers as promised. It plays very much like the Royal Precision, and has just a little more edge, or "sparkle" to the tone. If I wasn't so attached to my 2 RP's, I'd order one myself! |
David Kurrasch
Never did I say that any guitar manufacture made or sold some buyers inferior quality guitars. Get it right and dont try twisting my words. This is how all the crap gets started in this world. People like you twisting what people say. It is a fact that some manufacture's of all type of products keep those super special products that some how come out perfect, in every way. Of course they dont let every one know of it. I also didnt say all manufactures do this. or list any that do. Do you really think that when a person makes a guitar and it comes out better than average perfect that some manufactures dont keep them for themselves or put the word out to the pros that they have a unique or one of a kind guitar. If you belive that all products go to the intended person than I feel sorry for you.  |
|
|
|
David Kurrasch
From:
Royse City, Texas, USA
|
Posted 30 Oct 2007 8:00 am
|
|
Roger,
I don't think I twisted any words. If a builder were to keep the "perfect" guitar, and send the customer something else, then the customer would be receiving an inferior guitar, right?
If anyone has any evidence that this has ever happened, I'd sure like to hear about it.
I would imagine that most steel guitar builders would be happy to send you photos of your custom guitar being built, or even let you come in and observe the process, if you desired.
Sorry for drifting off topic. I did not intend to stir up any trouble. I personally love the Mullen guitars, and I'm sure you'll be happy with your G2. It is certainly one of the best steel guitars being made today.
Last edited by David Kurrasch on 5 Nov 2007 10:19 am; edited 1 time in total |
|
|
|
Roger Kemp
From:
Indiana, USA
|
Posted 30 Oct 2007 8:44 am
|
|
| No that dosent mean that the guitar is bad or no good or poor quality. Havent you ever went into a music store and played "identical" guitars and one of them was sounded a lot better. wonderful tone more crisp or bright. Possiably the wood or finish was much nicer. Now imagine a perfect guitar perfect tone ,Louder than usual, perfect wood unique grain. This go's for everything banjo,bass,mandolin, cars ect. I ordered a upright bass , My friend bought an identical bass at a store. Her finish is Nicer but mine has a warmer tone and projects more. when we played them side by side for the first time Mine was clearly the better sounding mine was from factory her's was set up by a pro luither same strings, bridge ect. This dosent mean that hers is inferior or poor quality. Mine is beautiful but her's is better looking. Yes I personaly know a dobro,fiddle,guitar luither that made an instrument for a client and it came out so perfect he kept it for himself. That doesent mean that his other instruments are sub-par No I will not Identify him. I am done with this because this. Different oppinions is what makes the world go around. This topic was to be about the Greatness of the G2 |
|
|
|
Al Miller
From:
Waxahachie Texas
|
Posted 30 Oct 2007 8:49 am
|
|
I havent even got mine yet
and i love it .. 
i have been playing mullen guitars for about
13 yrs and from what I seen and heard in
st louis this past labor day
sold me on a new G2 and it looks like i will
Playing mullen guitars for at least another
13 yrs. the people,service and quality
are surpassed by none!! try one out for yourself
there great...
Boo Miller |
|
|
|
Roger Crawford
From:
Griffin, GA USA
|
Posted 30 Oct 2007 9:01 am
|
|
| Man, I hope my pink & purple D13 doesn't turn out to be perfect! They'll hold it back for Buddy!!! |
|
|
|
Terry Kinnear
From:
Erie ,Pennsylvania
|
Posted 31 Oct 2007 3:02 pm
|
|
Hi Tony, My first steel guitar,i bought was a shobud pro 1 , i had a carter,that i wanted to make a flower pot out of. I have a wilcox that was better than my carter.,gave away my carter.Then i bought a brand new Mullen G2. best thing i ever done.the tone, so smooth to play.the band members,all like it the best. even people in the the crowd ,like the new G2. mostly ,I like it the best.not one of the steel guitars,that i bought. I was not able to try it out before i bought them.. sometimes ,you just got to try it ,site on scene.I do not regret ,buying my mullen G2.love it ,love it,love it. I borrowed the money. my payment is only 115.00 a month. next month ,i have 6 gigs,so far. Mullen , heck yea.last steel im buying.TK
_________________
Terry Kinnear [ steel wondering] |
|
|
|
Mitch Ellis
From:
Collins, Mississippi USA
|
Posted 31 Oct 2007 8:13 pm
|
|
I play a D10 Zum and LOVE it! I bought it new in 04. Although I've never played a Mullen G2, I have played a few Mullen steels that belonged to friends. In my opinion, they are superb steels. A quality instrument as a result of fine craftsmanship. I'm sorry I didn't answer your question, Tony.
Mitch |
|
|
|
Danny Hullihen
From:
Harrison, Michigan
|
Posted 4 Nov 2007 1:45 am Mullen G-2
|
|
Tony, you can bet that there will be much more said about the new Mullen G-2 in the near future as more of these beautiful guitars are produced and delivered. Mullen currently has an impressive build order for these new guitars, so you can bet you'll be hearing much more about them very soon, so stay tuned here.
In the meantime, if you can make it out for a visit to the Mullen factory, I think you'll find it to be well worth the expense, and a very pleasent "first hand" learning experience to see just how much is involved in building these very high quality guitars.
If you watched the recent program on "How It's Built" that many are talking about, although informative, you'll find that to be just a small tip of the iceberg in comparison to how much it takes, and in what really goes on behind the scenes in building a pro model steel guitar. I think you'll find it to be a very pleasurable learning experience that you won't soon forget. Go for it! |
|
|
|
Tony Glassman
From:
The Great Northwest
|
Posted 4 Nov 2007 9:26 am Re: Mullen G-2
|
|
see below
Last edited by Tony Glassman on 4 Nov 2007 9:28 am; edited 1 time in total |
|
|
|
Tony Glassman
From:
The Great Northwest
|
Posted 4 Nov 2007 9:27 am Re: Mullen G-2
|
|
Danny....
Thanks for your input.....I'd really love to check out the Mullen shop.
I already have a pretty good idea regarding the nuances of pedal steel manufacturing as I built guitars for Don Christensen @ Sierra from 1974-1979.
Basically I'm looking for the "Holy Grail"....an all-pull guitar that replicates the "push-pull" sound. Mechanics and playability, albeit important, always take a "back-seat" to TONE!
I'm just getting back into playing after a 20 year hiatus, so I'm unfamiliar w/ the multitude of well-built guitars being produced today. |
|
|
|
Danny Hullihen
From:
Harrison, Michigan
|
Posted 5 Nov 2007 5:28 am Mullen G-2
|
|
Tony. It seems that the old Emmons Push-Pull guitars is the "perceived" industry standard by which all steel guitar manufacturers strive for, or at least tone wise. Although I have heard a few builders make claims that they have found the "Holy Grail" when it comes to "tone" (duplicating the Push Pull guitars,) I think you will find that these claims will always be debatable among the players. This is not to say that they haven't, as in fact some just might have? But here again Tony, you'll no doubt hear many many other opinions on that.
Although the Emmons Push-Pull guitars are very unique in their tone and function compared to many of today's modern all-pull guitars, there are many guitars available today that will give a player just about anything they could ever want, both in great tone, and function. Although tone is a very important part of the ingredients, personally speaking, I would apply more emphasis on a guitars mechanics and ease of playing. You could have the greatest tone in the world, but if you're constantly having to tune, tweek, or work on the guitar, it won't be long until you couldn't care less about that guitars tone, as you won't be able to play it long enough for you, (or anybody listening) to enjoy it much, and if you're a working muscian, this can truly be a real nightmare!
In any event, here's a few examples, (or at least my perspective) regarding "Holy Grail" tone. I recently heard a recording of a guy by the name of Dave Jorgensen that had some of the best sounding steel guitar on it that I've ever heard! When I looked at the credits, the player was Tommy Detamore, and he was playing a Carter through a Fender Twin. The tone was reminisent to things I heard from Buddy Emmons when he was playing an Emmons Push-Pull. Absolutely amazing. As another example, John Hughey on a ZumSteel, Herby Wallace on a Mullen, and Tommy White on an MSA Millenium. Here again, Tony, they have tone to the walls that could definately be described as the "Holy Grail", and few would argue that.
So bottom line here, although the type of equipment you use to accomplish what you want to hear is indeed a very important ingredient in the mix, and really does make a big difference, my true belief of tone is, "It's in the hands!"
There are many guys who will come here to the Forum who are genuinely concerned and want to help you in your decision. Some are extreamely biased, and some are truly genuine from those who have played many brands of guitars, and many of these guys are real pros who are very qualified to truly know the difference in what they hear. On a sad note,(and as you've seen) some will just argue with each other, get way off the topic, and start flame wars. My advice, ignore those completely and listen to those who seem to have a genuine interest in trying to help you. However, when all is said and done, only "you" can make the "final decision" on what's right for you, and what gives you the "Holy Grail" in the tone you're looking for, and the best way to do that is to visit some of the builders personally if at all possible, and listen to and play as many brands as you can.
I can't personally give you my personal opinion on the Mullen G-2(yet)but if the new G-2 is anything near the tone of the Pre G-2's I've played and heard, then you most definately have winner for sure, both in great tone and function. I would have to say that the Mullen guitars have the smoothest action of any I have played. They are very precise, repeatable, and dependable guitars, and that is indeed a big ingredient to consider and equal in importance of the tone. From what I've been hearing from recent Mullen G-2 owners, they say that this guitar is the best playing and sounding they have ever had, and that it far surpasses even the best that Mullen has ever produced. My guess is that you'll probably start hearing seeing a lot more of the G-2's up on the stages and in the studios in the very near future. By all means, take the time to check it out if you can. You can bet that I will be doing that for sure!
You're already on the right track Tony, you're doing research to find out as much as you possibly can here about the new Mullen G-2, and that's just plain smart thinking to me. It's a big investment, and it needs to be "the right one" for YOU, Tony, and I have no doubt it will be in the end when all is said and done. |
|
|
|
Al Marcus
From:
Cedar Springs,MI USA (deceased)
|
Posted 5 Nov 2007 8:36 pm
|
|
I have a wood lacquer Mullen S12, that has a beautiful body like the old Sho-buds had, but the underneath pulling system is Pure Mullen. Easy action and easy to change setups, stays in tune. Mullen builds a high quality guitar, so I imagine the G2 must really be great.
There are now several good high quality guitars on the market. I only wish some of these were available back 50 or 60 years ago....al.
_________________
Michigan (MSGC)Christmas Dinner and Jam on my 80th Birthday.
My Email.. almarcus@cmedic.net
My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus |
|
|
|
