| Author |
Topic: My new Williams S10 |
Nick Waugh
From:
United Kingdom
|
Posted 25 Aug 2022 7:43 am |
|
I took delivery of my new Williams S10 a few months ago. The issues with it started on day 1. These are the issues so far:
1. I asked for my guitar to be the same height as my Carter. Carter adapted the legs and rods to my height - 5 feet 6". Bill Rudolph promised me that the standard size would be ok. Well it wasn't and I spent months trying to sort this out, which I did at my own expense.
2. One of the machine heads broke and had to be replaced.
3. On Tuesday this week, at a rehearsal, the LR knee lever fell off when I tried to operate it. This knee lever, and the RR KL are attached directly into the wood. The screws are too small the LR KL screws have now threaded the wood, and the RR KL is also going the same way. Bill Rudolf has told me to move the knee levers slightly and re-screw them. But obviously they will rip out again, and also the KLs are in the perfect position, why would I want to move them.
Anyway, I could do with some advice on this. I have told Bill that the shoddy workmanship is a total shock to me, given the reputation of Williams guitars. I imagine it will be near impossible to get a refund given that Bill in the USA. That's what I would like to do though, just get my money back. I paid over £3000 to get the guitar here. What would you guys do?
highrisejesus
Member
Member
Posts: 87
Joined: Fri Sep 27, 2013 1:16 pm
Real Name: Nicik |
|
|
 |
Tim Lancaster
From:
Kentucky, USA
|
Posted 25 Aug 2022 8:20 am
|
|
| This is the first time I’ve read a poor review on a Williams guitar and service. I just placed a deposit down on an S10 in July. I’m 5’6” as well and Bill recommended going with 25” though I’ve been playing at standard height thus far. Hopefully you’re able to get this sorted out with the company and sorry for your troubles. |
|
|
|
Nick Waugh
From:
United Kingdom
|
Posted 25 Aug 2022 2:37 pm
|
|
| If you are ok with standard size, then you should be ok with the 25". Hopefully the issues with my guitar are a one off. |
|
|
|
Tim Hurst
From:
Newport, TN
|
Posted 26 Aug 2022 10:49 am
|
|
| I have a Williams D-10 that I bought maybe 20 years ago, a 400 series. I've never had a problem with it, and I play either it or my Zum pretty much every day. I decided to check under the guitar after seeing this post. All seven knee levers are as solid and secure as they were the day I took delivery. |
|
|
|
Ian Rae
From:
Redditch, England
|
Posted 26 Aug 2022 3:52 pm
|
|
Perplexing. I've had my S12 for 4 yrs now and it's good as new.
_________________
Make sleeping dogs tell the truth!
Homebuilt keyless U12 7x5, Excel keyless U12 8x8, Williams keyless U12 7x8, Telonics rack and 15" cabs |
|
|
|
Steve Mueller
From:
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
|
Posted 27 Aug 2022 11:41 am
|
|
I've had 3 new Williams built since 2011, waiting on #4, all solid as a rock. As with any steel, regular maintenance is critical, including checking tightness of all screws, lubrication, checking rollers, keeping fingers free of scoring, etc. A knee lever could not fall off without being pretty loose for awhile first. With regular upkeep, you'll have a great steel for a long time.
_________________
2016 Williams D12 8 x 8, 2015 Williams D12 8 x 8, 2023 Williams S12 4 x 5, Milkman Amps, 1974 Gibson Byrdland |
|
|
|
mike nolan
From:
Forest Hills, NY USA
|
Posted 27 Aug 2022 2:10 pm
|
|
| I’ve been playing the same S-10 Williams since about 2004 might have been 2003. I have never had an issue with it. The levers are mounted on cross bars and not screwed into the wood body. Maybe Bill changed that over the years. I have a lot of other great guitars, but the Williams has always been the gig monster. Maybe cause the others are vintage or otherwise not replaceable. I am assuming that you bought this new from Williams. |
|
|
|
Larry Hobson
From:
Valley Grande (Selma) Al USA
|
Posted 28 Aug 2022 12:20 pm New Williams s10
|
|
| Like my 3 year old Williams. No major problems great support from Bill . Would have no problem getting another one. As far as leavers falling off,none yet although the screws do seem a little short, maybe to not come through the top, don't know. Factory leavers hinging to the right seem to be mounted on a bracket with 2 screws. Left hinging leavers on the cross rods. Just saying. |
|
|
|
Ian Rae
From:
Redditch, England
|
Posted 28 Aug 2022 3:26 pm
|
|
The screws are short so as not to penetrate the deck.
When I got mine the left knee levers were too far to the left so I moved them over. Despite it being a Day setup they seemed to be in the default Emmons position.
No big deal but I drilled the new holes with extreme caution.
All screws whether in wood or metal should be periodically checked for tightness.
_________________
Make sleeping dogs tell the truth!
Homebuilt keyless U12 7x5, Excel keyless U12 8x8, Williams keyless U12 7x8, Telonics rack and 15" cabs |
|
|
|
