Excel Superb Question

Gary Cosden · From: Florida, USA

Very interesting guitars. Does anyone know of any sound clips or have an opinion on the tone? Thanks

C Dixon · From: Duluth, GA USA

Excel's do not sound like a:

1. Emmons' P/P's or All/Pull's

2. Sho-Bud's

3. ZumSteel's

4. Mullen's

5. MSA's

6. Or any other PSG I know about.

Excels have their own unique sound.

If ya wanna see and hear one, Excel is having their own room in St. Louis this year, for the first time; and Scotty told me, "they are bringun a bundle of 'em!". Come by and "set a spell". I would like that. I am sure Mitsuo would too! Bill Stafford, I understand, will be there. And there ain' none smoother. He of course plays an Excel.

I will be pleased to show you and explain any questions you might have. I can't wait to receive mine there.

carl
_________________
A broken heart + † = a new heart.

James Quackenbush · From: Pomona, New York, USA

Carl ,
Good to see you post .....Either I missed your posts, or haven't seen you post in a while .....So you had Mitsuo build you another Excel huh ? .....No major modifications on this one ???.....In case I don't make it , please tell Mitsuo to PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE incorporate an interchangeable pickup system into the Superb ......I have a Superb now , but will buy another one if he includes the interchageable pickup system .....Thanks for your time, and good to see you posting again ...Sincerely, Jim

C Dixon · From: Duluth, GA USA

Thank you Jim for the kind words.

It is my understanding that Mitsuo is considering that as we speak. When it will become a reality I have not a clue. I think it should have been on all PSG's from the onset.

Incidently, I will be in the Excel room this year having a ball seeing all the new ones they are bringing. Scotty told me, "They are bringing a bundle of 'em". I can't wait.

The new Excel I am getting is not as radical a departure (from standard) as my first one. Mitsuo has made SOOOO many improvements, that there was little need to make the major changes I did before.

My most ardent "desire" is to see the day, wnen it is standard that ALL PSG's will have infinitely adjustable up and down nut rollers, that can be adjusted from the top of the guitar. To me, the lack of having this in this late stage, is the single GREATEST failure of all PSG manufacturers from the beginning.

If I owned a PSG manufacturing facility, that would be my TOP priority the day the doors opened. And wo be the engineer(s) that did not heed that priority.

When one considers the wide spread and myriad of string gauges on a 10 string Steel guitar; particularly the C neck and for sure a 12 or 14 stringer; to me it is ludicrous that we are still in the dark ages; when it comes to string rattle at the first few frets with normal bar pressure.

It has been and it shall remain my most vociferous "pet peave" in the world of steel guitar. I would buy a "log stump" guitar with this feature over a guitar with the most beautiful esthetics imaginable, hands down.

Oh well Very Happy

Thanks again dear friend,

c.
_________________
A broken heart + † = a new heart.

David Doggett · Posted 5 Aug 2008 7:12 pm

Carl, there are some modern manufacturers who pay pretty close attention to gauging the nut rollers, even though they are fixed. This seems to be a bigger problem on a 12-string uni than on an S10 or D10. Yet my Zum and MSA Millennium unis are flat enough at the nut that I can slide the bar past the nut and back onto the first fret again. Any slight zing is mostly due to my careless left hand technique, and it seems to be only acoustic sound that is not amplified by the pickup. Playing at the first fret is no problem at all. Since the problem is so well taken care of with fixed rollers, I'd be a little worried that adjustable ones might adversely affect tone and sustain. I use standard string gauges, but it seems to me that small changes in string gauges would not cause much problem.

C Dixon · From: Duluth, GA USA

David,

Thank you for your comments.

c.
_________________
A broken heart + † = a new heart.

Gary Cosden · From: Florida, USA

Hey Carl - I would dearly love to make it to St. Louis this year but it's just not going to happen. How about getting those of us that can't make it a sound clip or three so we can at least hear them and get an impression of their tone?

C Dixon · From: Duluth, GA USA

Hi Gary,

I would do that in a heartbeat if I knew how, and IF I can find a player. I never could play worth a flip. I am dead serious dear friend. It would be a an injustice to the guitar If I was the player, I promise you.

Would to Jesus I could play it, since I have wanted to with all my heart for over 60 yrs. But that is not one of the gifts Jesus gave* me. So IF I can find someone to play it, AND they can show me how to make a sound clip, consider it done!

carl

* When we are born, each of us was given bountiful gifts. But they are not all the same gifts. I am blessed beyond the ability to express; as is everyone else, if the truth be known. I thank Jesus often for those undeserved gifts and blessings.

However, playing a steel guitar, or any other musical instrument, was NOT one of those gifts. Again, I am dead serious.

Thank you for asking Gary
_________________
A broken heart + † = a new heart.

Bill Stafford · From: Gulfport,Ms. USA

Gary, glad to see your interest in this steel guitar.
The manufacturer of this instrument, Mitsuo Fujii, Tokyo, Japan. buiilt my first EXCEL to my specs over six years ago now. This model did not yet have a name until I received my first unit. After playing it for a few minutes, SUPERB was the only description my limited English adjective library could come up with. Mitsuo was gracious to allow my suggestion to be used for this SUPERB steel. And it is just that-SUPERB in ALL aspects.
I have just this week completed my new cd session in Nashville, Tn. at one of the major studios there. I only have a copy of the master cd. I will be more than glad to burn you an advance preview copy for you to listen to the tone etc. Send me your address. Best to listen for yourself.And pay attention to All Carl has to say. He is probably one of the very few world's best in our steel guitar world. And, Carl, should you see this, please send me your address and I will send you a copy for your hopefully listening pleasure. I was impressed with the tone I got from this studio-best I have ever sounded. Had some greap session players who gave me that. See you in St. Louis and save me one of your new books.Anxious to see you again, my friend.
Bill Stafford

Billy Carr · From: Seminary, Mississippi, USA (deceased)

There it is, straight from Mr. Smooth himself about the EXCEL guitars. You won't find a cleaner or smoother tone than what Bill Stafford gets out his 14 stringer. I'm amazed everytime I get to sit and listen to Bill. Great player, should be in the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame.

chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

carl...did you see the beautiful work martin weenick did on a steel he's making...adjustable nut rollers!!
do a search under pedal steel for 'adjustable nut rollers'!

C Dixon · From: Duluth, GA USA

For some reason, I am intermittently not getting a notice when someone posts on a thread I have visited. So I did not know Bill, Billy and Chris had posted since I last posted.

I am sorry about that gentlemen.

Bill, I can't wait to see you dear friend. I am going to be in the Excel room as excited as a kid let run wild in an ice cream parlor. Scotty told me, "They are bringing a bundle this year". And the fact they are having their OWN room this year thrills me to no end. I will be looking closely at EVERY one of them. Not to mention the box that has my name on it. Praise our blessed savior!

Also, I will send you an email and give you my home address, I always LOVE listening to any thing my precious brother Bill Stafford plays OR says. The coined "Mr Smooth" could NOT be more appropos.

Besides you are one of my dearest friends ON this planet. Such a gentleman few ever meet.

Chris I did see a thread mentioning "adjustable nut rollers". Not sure it was the one you are referring to. But I will check it out. Thanks.

Considering the inordinate number of times I have broached the subject over the last 10 yrs on this forum, it should be a well known fact, that my NUMBER one "pet-peave" on Steel Guitar is string rattle at the lower frets.

And I stand on every word, that PSG builders should have tackled this malady and SOLVED the problem eons ago. I do not back down from that belief.

I only hope I live long enough to see it become standard "baggage" on EVERY steel made.

Praise Jesus and hallelujah.

Thanks again Bill, and all of of tha rest of "yuz" Very Happy

c.
_________________
A broken heart + † = a new heart.

Rick Nicklas · From: Verona, Mo. (deceased)

Gary, here's a clip from Bobbe Seymour.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xu_oMSCOh4c

C Dixon · From: Duluth, GA USA

No disrespect at all, but that is an Excel Jerry Byrd model, non pedal steel guitar.

It was expressly designed to emualate as best as possible the sound JB got on his Sho-Bud D-8/7 that Shot Jackson built for him.

A number of Hawaiian type players love and play this model. And as far as I know, it has been sold at the ISGC every year since Jerry put his approval on it, "circa" 15 yrs ago. I have no doubt that Mitsuo will have it in the Excel room this year as well.

The Excel Superb keyless PSG that Mitsuo came up with in 1996, has an entirely different bridge ass'y, cabinet and Keyhead, etc.

So I am not so sure this video would be a good test of what they sound like.

Again, I mean NO disrespect to Rick.

c.
_________________
A broken heart + † = a new heart.

Rick Nicklas · From: Verona, Mo. (deceased)

Mr. Dixon, None taken. I noticed a lot of bar bends for voicing and chord changes and an island sound mixed with the Don Helms sound.... not to mention the unbelievable sustain. But it was the only video I could find and I just thought Bobbe was showing off on a pedal steel. Very Happy

I personally thought I would be a keyless man until death until I tried the G2. I purchased mine because of the mechanical feel and great tone. I do wish they made a keyless though. I currently have a Kline-12 and have been happy for many years as I'm sure most Kline owners are. Very Happy

chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

oops...i mean 'adjustable roller nut'..

Roland Buras · From: Kiln, MS, 45 miles east of New Orleans off I-10 USA

Hi Gary, i am an Excel player. I play a 12 string 5x7 and a 12 string 7x9 both universal guitars. the feel of the neck on the excels or true commercial feel. I get no fretting out on my guitars from the F 1st fret to the last fret. The pedals or very easy actually smooth. the knee levers or right where you ask Mitsuo to place them and very comfortable. If you or experincing fret noise you may want to consider another bar, maybe a tad heavier or a little more hand prussure. At least everyone tells me my tone is Awesome.. I own at present 3 excel Superb Universal guitars, I really play a lot!!!!!
at Church on Sunday AM & PM. Tuesday night in Slidel La. Friday night Diamondhead Mississippi
Every other saturday night with two different groups in the tri state area.

A very Satisfied Excel customer:

R J Buras
Mississippi Gulf Coast

Roland Buras · From: Kiln, MS, 45 miles east of New Orleans off I-10 USA

Hi Carl, posting a couple of my guitars

Gary Cosden · From: Florida, USA

Thanks everyone for your responses. Roland - you've got some really beautiful guitars! I personally like the look of keyless guitars (I have a Sierra 12 string) but I think these are some of the prettiest mica guitars I've ever seen. I really like the fretboard design as well. Can't wait to get Bill's CD for a listen!

Michael Johnstone · From: Sylmar,Ca. USA

When I first got my Excel Superb back in 2002,the nut rollers weren't quite level with the strings that came on it - which were almost the same as I would have put on it. I sent a list of my ideal string gauges to Mitsuo and he sent me another set of rollers. I put them on and they were better but not exact either.So I tried experimenting with blending the two roller sets and was able finally to come up with a perfectly level nut setup. Now with that,a consistant brand of strings like Jagwires and a TT pickup,I'm good to go. I love this guitar.

I too would like to see adjustable nut roller heights and interchangable pickups on all new guitars.

Here's an interesting pic of Jay Dee trying out my guitar at a party in L.A. with Mitsuo looking on.

Erv Niehaus · From: Litchfield, MN, USA

I don't have a Superb but I am in the process of rebuilding and refinishing this Excel that I recently bought.
I tried to find a white guitar but to no avail.
I received a suggestion about recovering a guitar in white and that's what I'm doing.
The guitar is presently disassembled and waiting for a re-mica job. I located some gloss white Formica on e-bay and have that on hand already.
I'll post some more pictures at a later date.

C Dixon · From: Duluth, GA USA

Thanks to: Roland Buras, Michael Johnstone, and Erv Niehause for those great pictures.

carl.
_________________
A broken heart + † = a new heart.

Roland Buras · From: Kiln, MS, 45 miles east of New Orleans off I-10 USA

Thanks Carl i will add another pic or two if ok. Hello Mr Erv. Been a long time since i've heard from you. hard to get on the Gospel forum anymore so i stay over here. That is a real nice guitar you have. All Mitsuo guitars or superb to me.

Mitsuo at my home in 2003 on a visit from Japan to See Mr. Bill Stafford then Hospitalized

Bill Stafford with his new 14 string here on the MS Gulf Coast at our local steel guitar Jam

Gary Cosden · From: Florida, USA

I found Bill Stafford's CD waiting for me when I got home from work today and spent the last 90 minutes listening. I am almost but not quite speechless! First of all they don't call him "Mr. Smooth" for nothing. Bill has a unique style - he has a way of sneaking in and out in a delicate and imaginative way that makes me think I would recognize his playing in a blind test. "Smooth B" has a great new CD that is really worth a listen with consistently good production and sound quality. But as to the Excel Superb: While it is true (as Carl said earlier) that it does not sound like any other particular brand of guitar and also that "Smooth B" prefers a very mellow tone the single coil quality comes through in spades. Even with the mellow EQ you can clearly hear the high frequency content in both the low and high notes. I have always felt that any guitar needs to have good definition and note separation in the low notes on the wound strings in order to achieve a good overall "tone balance" between the wound and plain strings and this really comes through on Bill's CD. It may not sound like any other guitar but I definitely heard elements from every vintage single coil pedal steel sound including every brand you could name and especially one in particular. (No - not Emmons P/P) I will not say more since it would almost certainly lead one to conclude that I think it sounds like a "fill in the blank" which would do the Excel Superb an injustice. Judging from the steel work on this CD it's a very sweet sounding guitar. Bill, you've made a believer of me and Excel is now at the top of my short list. The name "Superb" seems appropriate indeed.

James Quackenbush · From: Pomona, New York, USA

Gary,
Your words about Bill and the Excel are spot on ....Because of the length of the scale the strings are under more tension , and by doing that , the lower strings are not at all muddy sounding , and will sound like a note rather than a bunch of flab as I call it .... The Superb has more of a "Piano" type tone to it rather than it sounding like mush .... Bill IS Mr Smooth, and played a HUGE roll in me getting my Excel Superb ....I even have some of the mods that he has on his .... My style is nothing like Bills style ...I can only hope to have his ability in time .... He is the "go to " man when it comes to the Excel .....Michael Johnstone is also very knowlegeable on the Excel .... The beauty of the Excel is the mechanics are top notch and with the scale the way it is , every note is clearly heard ...It's so bright and clear that you can turn the tone knob ( comes with the steel ) to smooth the tone out if so desired .....You can take a bright steel and tone it down, but you cannot take a muddy steel and make it bright .... Just like with a great sounding clean amp ...You can add effects to it , and make it sound like anything you want , but take an amp that is distorted or dull sounding , and you will end up with a worse sounding amp with effects added .... There are adjustments on the Superb for just about anything you want to do , and you can set it up to handle any copedant you can think of ....It's a very versitile steel ..... Last but not least , it's always a pleasure to talk to , or read anything that my buddy Carl Dixon writes about .... He truely delves deep into his quest for anything that has him wondering ....He continues to keep me thinking ... He's an adventurous soul and a better man you would never meet ....Sincerely, Jim

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