Were Marlens "custom" guitars?

Tim Russell · From: Pennsylvania, USA

I was talking to a gent on another forum & he mentioned that Marlens were custom built guitars, that they were not produced in the "hundreds" like your Emmons, MSA, others.

Also, that "LAMAR" was the precursor to the Marlen, and that the Marlen largely used Sho-Bud parts.

Does that all ring true with you guys?

I've only ever played one Marlen, about 35 years ago in a music store, and it was in sad, neglected shape, so I didn't get a good feel for them at that time.
_________________
Sierra Crown D-10

Chris Lucker · From: Los Angeles, California USA

I have never seen a Sho-Bud part on a Marlen.

I have seen Emmons parts on Marlens, just as I have seen Marlen parts on early Emmons guitars -- for example, on the early Emmons guitars the brackets that support the player side of the pedal cross shafts are Marlen parts.

Of course, Stadler had a part in providing the original Emmons castings -- hence the SA (Stadler Aldrich) in the castings such as the underside of pedals and also stamped in other castings.

As for Marlen guitars being custom only, that does not make sense. I have a Marlen brochure that talks about going to dealers to look at the available models -- pick up yours today.
_________________
Chris Lucker
Red Bellies, Bigsbys and a lot of other guitars.

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

Most pedal steel guitars have been custom, with the possible exception of Bud and MSA, who would have produced a mess for dealer stock.
Most dealers probably still ordered them specific.
I don't think Lamar and Marlen were related.
Most Marlens don't look anything like Bud.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

Tim Russell · From: Pennsylvania, USA

Lenard Statler & Marvin Hudson were in the venture together? Statler music company in Reidsville, NC.? This is the info. that I am being given on another site. Seems this fellow I'm talking to, his dad had two Marlens custom built, that they would go to the shop & visit with Lenard & Marvin every month or so. One is a 1976 Bicentennial D-10 model.

Just curious; I know there is mis-information floating around out there in regards to just about every steel ever built, I thought the best place to ask the questions would be right here on the SGF!
_________________
Sierra Crown D-10

Chris Lucker · From: Los Angeles, California USA

Stadler, Leonard.

The Marlen brochure I have is a four page four color glossy thing that was produced by the Marlen distributor at the time, Hohner. The brochure shows lots of all pull models, otherwise, I cannot date the piece.
_________________
Chris Lucker
Red Bellies, Bigsbys and a lot of other guitars.

Clyde Mattocks · From: Kinston, North Carolina, USA

The partnership of Leonard Stadler and Marvin Hudson did not last very long. Marvin's main contribution was winding the pickups. I have his original winder. When Marvin left, they were still buildng pull/release guitars. As to the "Custom" issue, Marlen built many special orders. In those days, they might have a new guitar under construction on the bench, but someone would come by before it was finished and specify certain features.
_________________
LeGrande II, Nash. 112, Fender Twin Tone Master, Session 400, Harlow Dobro, R.Q.Jones Dobro

Brett Lanier · From: Madison, TN

Thought this thread could use a picture.

Scott Duckworth · From: Etowah, TN Western Foothills of the Smokies

No matter what, Marlen Guitars have T O N E to the B O N E!
_________________
Amateur Radio Operator NA4IT (Extra)
http://www.qsl.net/na4it

I may, in fact, be nuts. However, I am screwed onto the right bolt... Jesus!

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

Marlens were produced in the hundreds (a few per month for decades, mostly custom ordered). Later on, when they went to the all-pull design, the numbers increased for a short time. I don't have any doubt that Emmons, MSA, Sho~Bud, and Fender were produced in the thousands. I don't believe Marlen used Sho~Bud parts, as I have an early Marlen, and it makes an early Sho~Bud look like a Swiss watch. Laughing

Also, I think it's important to keep in mind that the word "custom" doesn't always mean "quality". I've seen some custom-made guitars that were horrendous.

Tim Russell · From: Pennsylvania, USA

Brett, nice pic. I like the decorative aprons/keyheads/changers/etc. on the early guitars, Marlens, ZB's, others. Nice way to dress up the instrument, give it some added class!
_________________
Sierra Crown D-10

Chris Lucker · From: Los Angeles, California USA

I don't think I would call a 1957 Sho-Bud a Swiss watch.
_________________
Chris Lucker
Red Bellies, Bigsbys and a lot of other guitars.

Tim Russell · From: Pennsylvania, USA

Scott,

I recall from previous threads that you rebuilt a Marlen or two... do you have pics of those to share?
_________________
Sierra Crown D-10

Bob Carlucci · From: Candor, New York, USA

Beautifully built pull release guitars.. I haven't touched the endplate in a year, and the strings are at least 3 years old... NEVER goes out of tune even a tiny bit, and never ever breaks a string..
The undercarriage looks a bit dated and clunky by modern standards, but it is stoutly built out of well designed and very robust parts, and once dialed in, [took some time and effort], it is flawless, and plays softer than any "modern" design I have ever sat behind, by FAR.... bob
_________________
I'm over the hill and hittin'rocks on the way down!

no gear list for me.. you don't have the time......

Thiel Hatt · From: Utah, USA

I became personally acquainted with Leonard Stadler during the latter years of his life, before he had his heart attack. At the time he was still building guitars but they were not the old pull/release type. They had a triple raise/ double lower changer that was made for him at a machine shop near his business in Reidsville. They manufactured all his parts , exclusively for him (even the legs) I have never owned a Marlen but I did play Leonard's personal guitar on several occasions. He played the Day configuration. (So do I) His guitar was equal to any of the top brands being manufactured at that time. I got to visit him in the hospital after his by-pass surgery. He passed away shortly after that. He definitely earned a spot in the history of the Pedal steel guitar. At one time Jeff Newman had possession of one of his 12 string guitars. I can claim him as one of my friends. A real nice, genuine Christian fellow and a maker of a quality guitar.

Scott Duckworth · From: Etowah, TN Western Foothills of the Smokies

Here you go Tim, I redid a Marlen D10W, serial # S-157791.
I sold it because it was too heavy, wish I had kept it and made a house king out of it...

Played like butter, stayed in tune, rang like a bell...

This is before:

And here's the after:

Here's an underneath shot. Relatively easy to work on...

_________________
Amateur Radio Operator NA4IT (Extra)
http://www.qsl.net/na4it

I may, in fact, be nuts. However, I am screwed onto the right bolt... Jesus!

Michael Lee Allen · From: Portage Park / Irving Park, Chicago, Illinois

Deleted

Chris Lucker · From: Los Angeles, California USA

MLA, I have the same brochure but the Stadler Misic Co. is replaced by Hohner. See my post above.
_________________
Chris Lucker
Red Bellies, Bigsbys and a lot of other guitars.

David Nugent · From: Gum Spring, Va.

I was informed that it was Marlen that produced the, 'Speedy West Custom' guitar? Had a friend that purchased one new but unfortunately it was heavily damaged when his basement flooded (it was in its case sitting on the floor at the time), he sold it shortly thereafter for very little money.

Forum Index > Pedal Steel		Next oldest topic :: Next newest topic