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Topic: Marlen S-10, eBay |
John Billings
From:
Ohio, USA
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Posted 26 Mar 2007 2:11 pm |
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Is this guitar really a '72? Why does it look older to me? Is it just the kitchen cabinet handles? I didn't think anybody was still usin' those in '72???
http://tinyurl.com/27nhf4 |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 27 Mar 2007 8:17 am
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Well, it's a shame the pictures aren't better.  The vintage seems about right (as I recall, the earlier '60s models didn't have the aluminum stub). Re: those handles; the Marlens of that period always tended to be somewhat "behind the times", as designs go. Those older model Marlens, IMHO, leave a lot to be desired. (I know that because I own one.) |
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John Billings
From:
Ohio, USA
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Posted 27 Mar 2007 8:26 am
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| Thanks Donny. The seller's camera is terrible. I've been lookin' for a real old pedal steel, and was just curious. |
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b0b
From:
Cloverdale, CA, USA
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Posted 27 Mar 2007 9:41 am
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Those old Marlens sound great and the pedal action can be real smooth. The changer is very limited - you can't easily raise and lower a string - but that simplicity gives the pedals a very direct feel.
I played one, the "Speedy West Custom" model, in a classic country band for a few years and really enjoyed it. I wouldn't recommend it to a beginner, but for an intermediate player willing play it on its own terms, it's a real nice instrument.
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 27 Mar 2007 1:28 pm
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Bobby, the Speedy West Marlens came along a lot later (I'm thinking the '80s). The '60s to early '70s models were about the cheapest built guitars around. Mine is a '69 D10, and just about everything about it is 3rd rate, except for the body. These guitars are a nightmare to keep in tune or upgrade, and a lot of the parts look like they were made in a high-school shop by some teenager. If someone is very experienced in building and metalwork, and has the proper tools, they could probably make one of these into what some might consider an "acceptable" guitar.
Definitely not for the inexperienced, un-equipped, or unskilled buyer...no way, no how. |
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Ernie Pollock
From:
Mt Savage, Md USA
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Posted 28 Mar 2007 4:15 am Well?
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I have a 70 SD-10, I changed it around to operate like the GFI Pull Release system, works much better for me that way. I added 3 more knee levers for a total of four, I play it just about every week in church. I also have a 1976 D-10, which I left as it was, after you figure out the Marlen System, they play & sound pretty good. I like the D-10 the best, its in natural finish w/inlays & looks like Lenard did a pretty good job on this one. It was bought new by a very good friend, now passed away, he let me play it and thats the guitar that got me started on steel.
Ernie 
http://www.hereintown.net/~shobud75/stock.htm |
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