I have a question about a Sho Bud pedal steel

Tami Cossey · From: Mississippi, USA

I have a ShoBud Maverick, 3 pedal, 1 knee lever guitar that belonged to my Dad. I remember going to Nashville with him and my Mom to purchase it years ago. He passed away in 1998 and my Uncle has had it untill a couple weeks ago. I am trying to find out the approx. value of it. The model # is 6138. I also have the serial # if needed. It is dirty and needs to be cleaned if any one has any advise on what to use to clean the metal and such with I would be happy to have your input! This was my Dad's pride and joy and he played VERY well! All replies appreiated. Thanks, Tami

Michael Douchette · From: Gallatin, TN (deceased)

The Maverick was a student model. It is not upgradeable with more pedals and knees. It does what it does, and that's all. It's not worth a ton of money, but I have seen some go for exorbitant prices on eBay to unsuspecting buyers. If it's in working condition, keep it and enjoy it as a family keepsake.
_________________
Mikey D... H.S.P.
Music hath the charm to soothe a savage beast, but I'd try a 10mm first.

http://www.steelharp.com
http://www.thesessionplayers.com/douchette.html

(other things you can ask about here)
http://s117.photobucket.com/albums/o54/Steelharp/

Robert Harper · From: Alabama, USA

I suggest as a memorial learn to play the guitar

Andy Sandoval · From: Bakersfield, California, USA

Here's one on eBay Click Here

Paul Redmond · From: Illinois, USA

A Sho-Bud Maverick was my very first guitar purchased in 1978. I'm a machinist and couldn't handle the limitations afforded by only one knee lever. . .I added four more and an entirely new pull system to boot. I made many mods to the guitar back then and it plays well to this day despite what it is!!! These guitars were all made out of birdseye maple, then covered with vinyl (how could they do that?). With a bit more 'push', these guitars could have been the 'Carter Starter' of the era that we now know today, only decades sooner.
Forget selling it. Keep it!!! it's only worth a few bucks as is no matter what the condition. As another poster mentioned, learn to play it!!!! They DO BTW, have that Sho-Bud sound as the pickup is all Sho-Bud. The late Jeff Newman commented to me once that the Maverick, tonally speaking, was the best guitar out there in the 'trainer/student model' category.
PRR

Tami Cossey · From: Mississippi, USA

Thanks to all who offered your input! I would like to note that there is not any vinyl on this guitar. I still need to know what to clean the metal with. I wish someone in my family would learn to play but noone is interested. I have 1 son, 1 daughter, and 2 grandaughters and the desire is just not there. I don't really want to sell it but I would love for someone to get some enjoyment out of it as my Dad did! I hate the thought of it just sitting in the closet. Thanks to all!
Tami

David Nugent · From: Gum Spring, Va.

Tami...It believe that you have an early model Maverick (which had an actual wood neck). The bodies were very similar to the Pro 1 of the day and were finished in clear lacquar without the rope body trim. Does this description seem to apply to your guitar?

Tami Cossey · From: Mississippi, USA

Yes, It does.

Bent Romnes · From: London,Ontario, Canada

Tami, you mentioned cleaning. I have found that the best bang for your buck is Autosol, found in car-parts stores. It has a fine abrasive in it so use with care.
It produces quite amazing results.

Harvey Richman · From: Georgia, USA

Hello Tami, if it is an older Maverick as David suggests, then it is more desirable and more valuable than the later vinyl covered ones, though the limitations mentioned above would be the same.
To answer your question (and this is just my opinion/experience), depends on what metal and what condition it is in. Most of the metal parts on it (pedals, pedal bar, and keyhead (if the older model) are aluminum. They will have a whitish color if in need of polishing and when you do polish them the rag or whatever you use will quickly turn black. If these parts just need mild polishing (or for final polishing), I've found that Mother's mag and aluminum polish is great (I get it at big box mart automotive section). If the parts are really dull and pitted, you may want something a little more abrasive first (I've used automotive or marine rubbing or polishing compound successfully, I'm sure there are better products specifically designed for aluminum, maybe someone who knows can chime in). Then finish with the Mother's polish. The tuning keys may be chrome or nickel plated and call for a different non-abrasive cleaner / polish. The automotive section will have these too. I think the finish of the changer (bridge) may differ depeding its age. You'll learn to identify the differnt metals pretty quickly when you start the cleanup.
Regards
Harvey

Tami Cossey · From: Mississippi, USA

Thanks for your input! Does any one know how I can research the year this gutar was made? I do have the model and serial #'s. Thanks

Andy Sandoval · From: Bakersfield, California, USA

Tami, the Maverick model was introduced in the early 70's and continued into the 80's They started with the birds eye maple finish and later to save money finished them out with the wood grain covering. It's hard to go by the serial number, but here's some more info that might help. click here

Roger Edgington · From: San Antonio, Texas USA

Tami.. You never know for sure at what age an interest may develop. My oldest daughter had left home and well in her 20s before wanting to learn. My 17 year old grandson is just now getting the bug. I wish he lived closer to me.

Herb Steiner · From: Briarcliff TX 78669, pop. 2,064

Those early Mavericks, with the large peghead and raised neck, are excellent guitars... for what they are. But having said that, they perform just as well as any Sho-Bud, Marlen, or Bigsby made before 1964. Therefore, many... if not most... of the solos we all love can easily be played on a Maverick of that era. I could play a whole evening's gig on one. Highly under-rated guitars, IMHO.
_________________
My rig: Infinity and Telonics.

Son, we live in a world with walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with steel guitars. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg?

Ron Page · From: Penn Yan, NY USA

For the metal I use some metal polish I bought with the Emmons guitar. It's a wool fabric-- not steel wool with the polish embedded in it. It cleans and turns black as it does so.

I use a full line of Meguiar's products detailing my cars. One product is a new "Hot Rims" or "Hot Wheels" All Metal Polish. It would work fine with a terry cloth towel. You can find a lot of Meguiar's products at Wal-Mart, Auto-Zone, Target, etc.

For the guitar itself if I'd use use Meguiar's Quik Detailer and a microfiber towel. That will clean it, but it's not a wax and won't leave any real protection behind. But you won't leave it out in the rain, I'm sure. Smile

Equally important is to lubricate it. Try searching this board to see if anyone has posted a general how-to on that. I'll see if I've got something written at home because it's too involved to do here in a short time.
_________________
HagFan
Emmons Lashley LeGrande II

David Fields · From: South Carolina, USA

Not sure what you want for it or even if you are interested in selling it, but I am interested in buying it.
Sent you an email and pm.
Thanks!

Dave

Ron Page · From: Penn Yan, NY USA

Here ya go!

This Steel Guitar Owner's Manual is from the good folks at Carter Steel Guitars. There is a section on lubrication.

I knew I had this saved somewhere... it was in an e-mail from Feb-2003. I know Jack Strahorn sent me some info back when he was with Emmons Guitars.[/url]
_________________
HagFan
Emmons Lashley LeGrande II

Tami Cossey · From: Mississippi, USA

Okay all you ShoBud experts, I need your input. From what you know about this guitar I have, what would be your BOTTOM dollar selling price? If you need pics to determine, I can do! Please send all responses by pm. Thanks, Tami

David Nugent · From: Gum Spring, Va.

Tami...You might try a Forum search under "Sho-Bud Maverick". I believe Duane Dunard (of Duane's Music) had a very similar guitar for sale not too long ago but I cannot recall the asking price.

Tami Cossey · From: Mississippi, USA

Thanks! I did find it and mine looks just like it. His asking price was $495.00. Does that sound like a pretty reasonable price to all?

Andy Sandoval · From: Bakersfield, California, USA

Tami, if you keep an eye on eBay you'll see them go for a little more than that from time to time.

Ernest Cawby · From: Lake City, Florida, USA, R.I.P.

I sold one in good condition for $450.00 I thought that was a fair price for both parties.

ernie

Bob Carlucci · From: Candor, New York, USA

Tami.. A nice maple Maverick should sell for about $500 or so on ebay.. I have seen them go as high as $700+... I would say you can be sure of $500 and hope for $600...

Listen to me here... This steel NEEDS to be played, NOT sit in a case in a closet because your dad owned it. If he played it and enjoyed it and had a musicians heart, it would be his wish that someone else make lovely music on it and love it as he did.

I have 4 sons, not one of them is musical.. NO interest,... when I get old, I'll leave them my estate, but the instruments deserve to be played, so they will go to people who will play them, not to my sons to keep in a dusty closet...

Don't feel guilty about selling the steel.. Some young player will own it and play the same guitar your dad played and love it as he did.. There can be NO better legacy for a steel player.... all the best to you and yours... bob

Steven Black · From: Gahanna, Ohio, USA

Hey Tami the sho-bud maverick you have can have the pedal changer updated to a pro style with 3 raise two lower for more pedals and tunning copedents, John Coop makes them for your sho-bud if you decide to keep it, you should try learning on it if nobody else does, you would enjoy it, also Ricky Davis does work on Sho-Bud's.

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