Z b Conversion....yes? no? Why?

steve takacs · From: beijing, china via pittsburgh (deceased)

I'm thinking of sending my ZB D-11 (serial no. 2009) for major surgery by grafting a more modern pull mechanism and changer onto the body. I've emailed two guys with tons of ZB experience who were very helpful and though both said it'd be my choice, they felt the ZB sound would be compromised.

A major concern for me is that I be able to change the copedant or repair the guitar when it needs it. I'm also wondering how much the sound will be changed by the alteration and even if it is changed, if that would necessarily be a bad thing.

I'm asking for any input on this but am particularly interested in people who have changed a ZB by adding a more modern mechanism and changer and their views of the pros and cons. I would add that presently the pulling mechism does not have the traditional cross straps that one sees on most ZBs. If you care to look at and read about this ZB, there was a thread started by Bill C. Buntin on April 4, 2002 on The Forum. (The link is below) Thanks, steve [URL=http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum5/HTML/003855.html]

[This message was edited by steve takacs on 22 July 2003 at 09:15 PM.]

Dave Zirbel · From: Sebastopol, CA USA

Tom Bradshaw did a conversion with MSA parts and claims it still sounds like a ZB should. E-mail and see what he has to say about it. I've been thinking about doing the same thing but I don't want to lose the tone. I have issues with the pedal action.

DZ

smike · From: oakland, ca

i am currently playing my second such conversion done by bradshaw... a zb universal with new guts... sounds like a zb, plays like a dream.

i say, go for it.

smike

Kevin Hatton · From: Buffalo, N.Y.

I understand the concern. All I can say is that my ZB plays as smooth as butter after it was setup by Greg Jones. Its one of the long throw changers so I can't change that, but part of the fun of playing a ZB is the mechanics. I took the time to understand the mechanism. It really does work well if it is balanced out and equalized. My C6th went from clutch pedal to butter smooth. I love it. Still if Tom can do a conversion without losing the tone it would be something to consider. Interesting decision. I wouldn't want to lose the changers though.

Dave Zirbel · From: Sebastopol, CA USA

Hey Smike,
Is Tom still doing conversions?

DZ

Ed Naylor · From: portsmouth.ohio usa, R.I.P.

I have converted many old ZB to a 3/R3/L system over the years. As far a sound I don't think you would notice any difference. Mechanically it would improve 1000%. From a practical standpoint I would not do it because you can trade up to a newer type guitar for probably less money than the conversion. Also it would cost an arm and leg to ship to China. Hang on to it because it will hold or gain in value.If you don't use C6 a lot I would buy a good S-10 and have your ZB for that occasional C6 Gig. Just my humble opinion. Ed Naylor Steel Guitar Works.

richard burton · From: Britain

I think that the way that the changer fingers stop positively at the end plate contributes to the ZB tone (IMHO). Modern all-pull changers float, so possibly the ZB tone may suffer if you did a mod.

Winnie Winston · From: Tawa, Wellington, NZ * R.I.P.

Having played a Kline which also uses a yoke system like a ZB, I'd say that once you understand how to set it up, it should play really easily.
Everyone undestands that an Emmons p/p is very different than an all-pull changer, but the ZB is equally different, although it is an all-pull.
The ones I've seen are pretty easy to change once you understand how they work.

JW

Shoe · From: Richmond, KY USA

I have owned the same ZB sense 1974 and it was pretty well worn. Billy Knowles did a complete restoration for me and it plays like a dream. To each his own but I prefer the original ZB all pull design to any other I have played. See pictures at http://www.masga.org/zbcustom/page3.html
Good luck,
Ed

------------------
Edwin G. Shoemaker
ZB Custom D10 8/5
'75 Session 400 w/JBL Session 500 w/BW

Brad Burch · Posted 17 Jul 2003 7:49 am

Damn! That restoration looks beautiful......incredible job.

Jody Cameron · From: Angleton, TX,, USA

Ed, that is one beautiful ZB!! Billy Knowles
is absolutely the man when it comes to ZB restorations. He did a ZB S-10 for me and it was incredible...better than new.

Steve, I suggest having Billy work his magic on it rather than doing a conversion...it would be cheaper too, I'm sure. I don't know about the shipping charges to and from China though...that's also something to consider.

JC

Chick Donner · From: North Ridgeville, OH USA

I can't believe that no one has yet suggested that you send the guitar to Greg Jones in KY and have him rehab it. The ZB is probably the best playing action out there (having played one for 29 years). If you're looking to PLAY the guitar, have Greg look at it. If you're one of those who makes major changes in your pedal setup every couple of weeks, then maybe you should "update" it. Other than that, the system Zane designed so long ago has yet to be really significantly improved upon.

Larry Chung · From: San Francisco, CA, USA

Thanks, Chick!

Let me be the "first official ZB notice" on this thread - Steve, talk with Greg Jones before you do anything.

He's in Kentucky, which is a long, long way from Beijing, but he's the MAN as far as setting ZBs up. I've seen alot of happy ZB folks here on the Forum thanks to Greg. Kevin's right on - properly set up and balanced, ZBs are great playing, great sounding guitars.

I don't doubt that a more modern pull mechanism may make it play differently (and more easily?), but a properly set up ZB has a smooth, buttery feel all its own.

Just promise us that you won't change the pickups...or you could just send them to me! (:

Good luck and keep asking on the Forum - there's alot of good info out there.

------------------
Larry Chung
ZB D-10 8+4; ZB Custom S-11 4+4; ZB Student Model 3+1 Yeeeeahhh, Bay-Bee.

Larry Chung · From: San Francisco, CA, USA

And Billy Knowles, too!!!
lc

ZBZBZBZBZBZB!

Earl Yarbro · From: Bowie, Texas, USA

Anyone have Billy's email address? Thanks

Earl

ZB Custom D-10
Zum D-10

Dave Van Allen · From: Souderton, PA , US , Earth

Billy's info is here:
http://www.masga.org/zbcustom/

greg jones' email:
zbmul65@aol.com

I have used greg, others have used billy; all seem happy with the results.

Dave Van Allen · From: Souderton, PA , US , Earth

here is the correct link from the first message in this thread:
http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum5/HTML/003855.html

Wayne Cox · From: Chatham, Louisiana, USA * R.I.P.

SHOE,if I can quit drooling long enough,maybe I'll think of something intelligent and complimentary to say about that ZB. Thanks for sharing the pix! WOW!
~~W.C.~~

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