Zum Stage One Question

Brad Weeks · From: Cedar Rapids,Iowa

I am going to be buying a new steel and want to know if anyone has ANYTHING negative to say about the Stage One. I will be totally starting from scratch, but have always had a wish to play a steel. In fact as of right now I hate to admit it, but don't even know how to tune one.....but I will. I have been in contact with Doug Earnst and will be moving forward if you experts in this field think this is a good choice.
Thanks Gentlemen

Calvin Walley · From: colorado city colorado, USA

its a great choice for a 1st guitar !!!!
_________________
proud parent of a sailor

Mullen SD-10 /nashville 400
gotta love a Mullen!!!

Guitars that i have owned in order are :
Mullen SD-10,Simmons SD-10,Mullen SD-10,Zum stage one,Carter starter,
Sho-Bud Mavrick

Stu Schulman · From: Ulster Park New Yawk (deceased)

Brad,I have not heard anything negative about the Stage One,it's supposed to be a great guitar. Winking

_________________
Steeltronics Z-pickup,Desert Rose S-10 4+5,Desert Rose Keyless S-10 3+5... Mullen G2 S-10 3+5,Telonics 206 pickups,Telonics volume pedal.,Blanton SD -10,Emmons GS_10...Zirctone bar,Bill Groner Bar...any amp that isn't broken.Steel Seat.Com seats...Licking paint chips off of Chinese Toys since 1952.

Allan Jirik · From: Wichita Falls TX

I've had my red Stage One for a month now, and I haven't found anything not "up to par." It looks great, plays wonderfully and stays in tune. As long as you're happy with the 3-pedal & 4-lever setup, then I'd say go for it. Get yourself a good volume pedal and a steel-friendly amp, and you'll be set for a long time.

I painted the pedal bar black to match the end plates and I added black rubber on the pedals- no reason, other than my choice.

If anything, it would be nice if the RKR had the double stop (D/C#) but I've found a way to compensate for that. Also, Doug has a prototype vertical knee lever- if enough Stage One'ers prod him to put it into production as an add-on, I would definitely get that.

Good luck, and be sure to post your insights after your purchase.

One other thing that I had not thought of- reading Forum posts I learned that playing on carpet isn't optimum, a hard surface is best. I purchased a 3'x4' heavy duty chair mat and it has plenty of room for both the guitar and my seat.

John Burton · From: Manassas, Va

I've had mine since December.
Nothing but positive things from me.
It's my first pedal, but I did go and "try" a few others before picking the Stageone. Ordered one based on forum info, and still feel I made the right choice.
Easy to set-up and stays in tune. Sounds good. Sturdy build. I can't (at this point in my newbie playing) think of a reason to "upgrade" for a very long time, even though this is considered a "starter".
I got a feeling I'll be playing mine for years.

Good luck.

Dave Van Allen · From: Doylestown, PA , US , Earth

I have played PSG for decades, and chose the StageOne as a lightweight alternative guitar to my ZumSteel for travel gigs.

my StageOne plays well, sounds good and is physically stable (doesn't hop around when I use knee levers).

So, no negatives aside from the permanent pedal setup. the set up is what it is, but was well considered for learning "standard" E9th; the from the factory setup is as much as a person might need for a looooong time; and by the time you "outgrow" it you may well want to purchase a guitar you can change the changes on. but I'd almost bet you'd want to keep the StageOne as a spare.
_________________
"I just came in here from force of habit... I don't intend to spend too much time in here."
"I've got the 'ZB Jeebiesï¿½' !"
<small>1998 Zumsteel U12 "Loafer" 8&6 :: 1973 ZB Custom D-10 8&5 :: 2007 StageOne3&4 :: '69 Thinline Tele RI :: Vintage Fender 'Tube' Amplification
www.davevanallen.net :: ::Last Train Home

Ben Lawson · From: Brooksville Florida

I just ordered a Stage One for one of my students. We're looking forward to getting it. Doug is away for a few weeks so it won't be here until sometime in May as he has others to finish first. I've spoken to Doug twice, he's a real good guy and very helpful.
When I get done with my old car expenditures I'll probably get one for myself.

Danny Bates · From: Fresno, CA. USA

Brad,

If you get the Stage One, I think you've made a wise decision.

It's lightweight, has a user friendly setup, great tone, humbucking pickup, great action and it's sold at a great price with a good resale value.

You'll love it! Smile

Brad Weeks · From: Cedar Rapids,Iowa

gonna do it guys......hopfully I can figure one out enough to play it at least a little bit in my lifetime. I know it doesn't happen over night, but were gonna see what happens. Thank you very much for your resposes.

Roger Dillingham · From: Kentucky, USA

Brad, I have played 6 string guitar since I was about 12, I am 57 now & just started last July with one of Doug's Stage Ones with no previous pedal steel guitar experience. I can almost guarantee that if you choose the Stage One, you will have NO regrets at a later date! The tone on this guitar is great, especially for something so compact! It really plays accurate and easy; I did recently try a friend's Fessy and I couldn't get much music out of it, but I think his pedal setup was a little bit different than standard. IMHO there is WAY more music in this little steel than what I am able to get out of yet---but I am in no way limited by this guitar...unfortunately it is definitely the other way around. I totally agree with Dave Van Allen, if at some point you later decide to get a more "Pro" model, more than likely you will keep the Stage One for a backup, or for a light "grab & go travel guitar"! I say go for it!!! Smile

Brad Weeks · From: Cedar Rapids,Iowa

Took the no turning back step today and placed my order with Doug. It'll be a while before I actually have one but I think it will be worth the wait. Looking forward to a fun challenge. I am a believer that if you want something bad enough, you will find a way.....I have always wanted to try and learn a steel, so here we go. There are a lot of people here in my area that will help, I am sure. Should be fun and challenging!!!

Karen Sarkisian · From: Boston, MA, USA

I love mine Very Happy

_________________
Emmons, Franklin, Mullen

Mitch Adelman · From: Pennsylvania, USA

I bought my stage one way back when they first came out in 1986 built by Bruce Zumsteg.The great Jeff Newman told me about them. It was my first steel. I still have it! They looked different back then, 3 knees, no neck, just fretboard. Still plays great, sounds great, stays in tune. Never an issue!Amazing!

Chris Dorch · From: Wisconsin, USA

There's one on Evil-bay right now with a Steel King amp... Unfortunately, the seller has 0 feedback... Iowa to Tenn is a far drive to ensure a safe transaction...

No affiliation...

Doug Earnest · From: Branson, MO USA

I talked to the gentleman selling the one on Ebay quite a few times when I was building his guitar. He is a well established local businessman, I would not hesitate to buy something from him.

Gregg Laiben · From: Kansas City, Missouri, USA

Brad,

I too started out similar to you, just 8 months ago. My only previous musical experience was 7 years of school band in the late 60's to mid-70's playing a tuba Whoa!

I spoke with Doug Earnest on the phone and immediately ordered a black StageOne and LOVE it. Over the last few months, I've been hankering for a pro model, but frankly after moving my amp (NV112) around the room a bit, and dialing it in, I've put that upgrade out of my mind because my current setup just sounds so good. The StageOne plays great, sounds good - there are some things that are not high end, but all the stuff that matters _is_ high end. Even the legs are adjustable front and rear. The tuning keys are smooth as silk, the mechanisms work solidly (I did wrap the pedals with gaffers tape because I play without shoes).

The StageOne is lightweight to carry, doesn't take up much space (we live in a condo so that's important) yet doesn't dance around much on the floor when you start getting into it (we have hardwood floors).

I also didn't know how to tune a steel - Doug advised getting a Peterson StroboFlip, which I did. With Doug's printed instructions and the Peterson, tuning is a breeze. And you don't have to tune it very often.

I've been VERY fortunate in terms of learning - I grabbed a few videos online, but the best part was conversing with a few folks on this board and lucking out to find one of the best PSG instructors in the country just a few miles away (Russ Wever). I've spent about 15 hours with him and I can pick stuff out (slowly, but it takes a lot of woodshedding). However, with Russ' great instructional style and all of the PSG tab that's available, it's pretty amazing how fast you can progress in a short amount of time.

The folks here are super nice and just reading the forum increases your knowledge base tremendously fast.

...gregg

Calvin Walley · From: colorado city colorado, USA

Gregg said

because I play without shoes).

Put your shoes on ...it will take a little getting used to but you will be glad you worked thru it
_________________
proud parent of a sailor

Mullen SD-10 /nashville 400
gotta love a Mullen!!!

Guitars that i have owned in order are :
Mullen SD-10,Simmons SD-10,Mullen SD-10,Zum stage one,Carter starter,
Sho-Bud Mavrick

Don Drummer · From: West Virginia, USA

Brad, the wait for Stage One is nothing compared to any other pro steel. Don D.

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