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Topic: What determines a professional vs. a student model steel |
Mac Knowles
From:
Almonte,Ontario, Canada
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Posted 23 Dec 2010 7:26 pm |
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| Where does the dividing line between a "student" steel and a "professional" steel lie. On an E9th guitar if a "student" model has 3 floor pedals and 4 or 5 knee levers and stays in tune fairly well, why is it called that, while let's say an Emmons, a Bud or a ZB with the same configuration is a "pro" model. Is it the tone? Is it the feel of it? Is it because you can change the setup more easily....or is it really mostly all in your mind! |
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Bob Hickish
From:
Port Ludlow, Washington, USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 24 Dec 2010 6:33 am
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Mac
what is referred to as a student guitar is manufactured with a very simple set up , in the early days a fender student was built by Sho-Bud but it was a pull/release system where the “pro” modal had an all pull changer -- student guitars had one knee lever - now day i see the 3 plus 4 student guitars -- I would venture the same thing goes for these guitars -- simpler less expensive parts -- I see no reason for not gigging with one of these , they play just fine --- I gigged with a Fender student for several years - i didn’t have the bucks for a better one -- it all worked fine , no one knew it was a 300 dollar steel --- except another steeler  |
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Ben Jones
From:
Seattle, Washington, USA
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Posted 24 Dec 2010 7:23 am
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I only have experience with one student model guitar, but the differences between it and my pro guitar are:
tone
stability
feel
durability
ease of modification or adjustment
resale value
and least importantly, looks
both guitars had 3 pedals and 4 or 5 knees
looking back, I'd get a pro model and skip the student, but thats with the hindsight knowledge that I stuck with the instrument and gig it. Its tough to take that kind of financial leap of faith I understand beleive me.
on the other hand Ive seen people killing it live on a student model too. whatever works for you.
Im glad student models exist to bring in new players. |
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Mac Knowles
From:
Almonte,Ontario, Canada
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Posted 24 Dec 2010 7:39 am
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| Thanks Bob for your input. I think what I was after were any opinions on the current crop of "student" steels out there....most have 3/4 and are built pretty good. In fact they're likely better overall than the "pro" ones of only a few years ago. I built my first D10 with 8/3 in 1962, and played it all over for 25 yrs or so. I've built pull/release, all pull, and double changer guitars, 18 in all. They all have their pros & cons. I remember being asked a few years ago to try a friends new Emmons S10. I thought the name was the best part but the guitar wasn't that great...sounded noisy, harsh and whiney, pedal action was hard...but accurate. I've worked on lots of steels in the past few years, some good and some not. I think it's a bit of a shame to classify a guitar as a student model if it has the standard nowadays setup, is accurate and has a decent tone. But then again, some folks won't settle for less than a Cadillac when a Honda will get you to the grocery store just as well. |
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Bob Hickish
From:
Port Ludlow, Washington, USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 24 Dec 2010 8:26 am
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| I think you nailed it Mac , marketing -- the key to success for any company . a price range for everyone . maybe the name “student” entices a player to expect to buy the more expensive guitar --- I have rebuilt my old Fender and enjoy it more than playing my very expensive D10 8/5 |
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Michael Johnstone
From:
Sylmar,Ca. USA
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Posted 24 Dec 2010 10:32 am
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| If you can make a living with it - it's a "professional" steel. |
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Edward Meisse
From:
Santa Rosa, California, USA
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Posted 24 Dec 2010 11:43 am
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| Michael Johnstone wrote: |
| If you can make a living with it - it's a "professional" steel. |
 In that case, there is no such thing as a professional model as far as I'm concerned.
_________________
Amor vincit omnia |
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Pat Comeau
From:
New Brunswick, Canada
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Posted 24 Dec 2010 12:07 pm
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As a builder myself and from what i have i've observed and studied from some of the student models being build today, they all have something less than a pro model but doesn't mean they don't play or sound as good as some pro models.
1).some don't have adustable and chrome legs
2).some have limited changer functions
3).some have fix copedent
4).some have cheaper tuning keys and keyheads
5).some with no adjustable spring tension
6).some with limited pedals and levers( $...extra to add pedals or levers)
7).some aren't buffed, just powdercoat paint (endplates)
 . most models are formica covered
ect,ect...
to keep the cost and labor down builders has to cut somewhere to be able to sell it cheaper  .
Pat C 
_________________
Comeau SD10 4x5, Comeau S10 3x5, Peavey Session 500,Fender Telecaster,Fender Stratocaster, Fender Precision,1978 Ovation Viper electric. Alvarez 4 strings Violin electric.
Click the links to listen to my Comeau's Pedal Steel Guitars.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIYiaomZx3Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2GhZTN_yXI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvDTw2zNriI |
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Mac Knowles
From:
Almonte,Ontario, Canada
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Posted 24 Dec 2010 1:11 pm
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Pat... you pretty much nailed it. I know your guitars are "pro" quality since you've tried to address all the things you mentioned and make them as best you can. That's what I do too. Sometimes it all comes together resulting in a really good guitar, and after you've got it done it's something you can be proud of. For all it costs extra I can never figure out why even some pro models are finished with "counter top" formica. The two guitars I'm building right now are solid 3/4" butternut lumber that's over 50 years old....can't beat real wood!
I'd like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2011
PS. Did you have problems with the flooding etc. last week?
Cheers,
Mac |
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Kevin Hatton
From:
Buffalo, N.Y.
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Posted 24 Dec 2010 10:38 pm
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| The professional models have a drink holder on the leg. |
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