What can I expect from a student model S-10.

Ed Boyd · From: Illinois, USA

I'm on the hunt for a local used S10 but I don't know if I will find anything.

I've only played one pedal steel. It is a heavy D-10, a 1976 blue lacquered MSA Classic. It is heavy and right now I am only playing E9 in the band.

I like the old D10 a lot. It is solid and doesn't move. As a platform it is like a rock. I will keep my D10 setup at home. Do you think I would be disappointed in a GFI, Stage One or a Carter Starter student model 3+4? Will there be serious differences in how a lighter guitar plays?

Thanks

Dick Wood · From: Springtown Texas, USA

If you are already playing in a band,I would suggest a professional S10 model. There are many good used ones for sale on the forum and they're only a fraction more in price plus they are typically better in many aspects compared to student models.
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Cops aren't paid much so I steel at night.

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

A student model would disappoint you, but the modern "economy" guitars would probably suit you just fine, although a lighter modern S-10 will feel odd after one of the heaviest guitars in existence. But there are pros that play and travel with a Stage One or Mullen Discovery.
A GFI SM-10 would disappoint you, but either of the two pro models (I forget the one that's not the Ultra).
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2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

Lynn Stafford · From: Ridgefield, WA USA

Ed,

If really great tone is important to you, a fully restored and upgraded Emmons GS-10 3x4 push-pull may interest you, depending on your budget of course.

Here is a link to a Forum post with some information and photos.

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=310012

More info and photos on my website.

http://steelguitarwest.com/guitars-currently-for-sale/
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Best regards,
Lynn Stafford

STEEL GUITAR WEST
http://www.steelguitarwest.com
Steel Guitar Technician (Restoration, Set-up, Service and Repair work)

Previous Emmons Authorized Dealer & Service Technician (original factory is now closed)

ZumSteel Authorized Service Technician
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Brett Day · From: Pickens, SC

I started out playing on an Emmons GS-10 that was built in 1974. It had three pedals, one knee lever, and it sounded awesome!

Jack Hanson · From: San Luis Valley, USA

Emmons GS-10s are awesome, but are totally different animals than old D-10 MSAs:

* push-pull vs all-pull
* quite portable vs half as heavy as a house

I have two push-pulls, a D-10 and a GS-10. It's the GS-10 that leaves the house, while the D-10 stays set up in its room.

Mike Perlowin · From: Los Angeles CA

Make sure it has 10 strings, at least 3 pedals, and at least 4 knee levers.

DO NOT BUY A GUITAR WITH ONLY 1 KNEE LEVER!!!!!
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Bobby D. Jones · From: West Virginia, USA

If you are playing a MSA D10 it will be different animal to play some of the light S10 steels. For about 15 years I played a MSA S10 on a 3/4 body. I went to a GFI S12 U. It took me a while to get used to the lighter guitar, Had to learn to be easier on the knee levers and get to the stops on the levers.

If you are playing both necks on the MSA you may want to consider a 12S Universal You will have all the E9 and can add B6 if needed.
Good Luck and Happy Steelin

Ed Boyd · From: Illinois, USA

Thanks everyone. You are a huge help. I also got some e-mails regarding some steels available for purchase. Nothing local so I will need to do some research. I will probably ask my my tech which ones he would rather work on if it would be necessary. Prices for the most tempting items are a little higher than the buy it today budget but the prices are lower than I expected on these modern guitars. I would rather wait a little bit and pay a little more get something nicer. Tempting offers include ZumSteel Encore and a Justice S10.

3+4 would be fine. I have 5 knees on my MSA because I had the parts for a 5th knee lever so Jerry set it up. But I don't use the 5th knee or at least not yet.

Mike Perlowin · From: Los Angeles CA

Jim Reynolds · From: Franklin, Pa 16323

You would not be disappointed with the Mullen Discovery. You are going to notice a big difference in the pedals, and especially in the knee levers. It will take a while to get use to them. It has been a long time since I've played a d-10, but I still have problems with the knee levers. They are just not as comfortable as a D-10.
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Zum U-12, Carter SDU-12, Zum Encore, Emmons S-10, Emmons D-10, Nashville 400, Two Peavey Nashville 112, Boss Katana 100, Ibanez DD700, Almost every Lesson Jeff Newman sold. Washburn Special Edition Guitar, Can never have enough, even at 80. 1963 Original Hofner Bass bought in Germany 1963, and a 1973 Framus Bass also bought in Germany 1974.

Karl Paulsen · From: Chicago

Ed,
I see you're in Illinois, If you're near or ever passing through Chicago and want to try out my Zum Encore you'd be welcome to do so. I absolutely love it and so does my teacher, but I'm a newbie and it's the only one I've ever played.

The Encore does have the reputation of being a cut above student models. Entirely stageworthy, but without many of the aesthetic niceties of "pro" models.

Ed Boyd · From: Illinois, USA

Thanks a lot for the offer Karl. I'm down by Springfield. I don't make to Chicago very often but ai will keep that in mind. Thanks again.

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