GFI or Stage One student model?

David Ellison · From: California, USA

Hi everyone... I just joined the forum. I've been playing steel for years... I played E9 pedal steel (an MSA) in the late '80s, but got interested in western swing sounds and switched to a '55 Stringmaster doubleneck in the early 90s, which I've been playing since then.

I'm thinking of getting an E9 pedal steel again... I'm just beginning to research that. I'd love to buy an old Sho-Bud single 10 (or some other older wood steel), but I don't know if my budget will allow it.

My question here is regarding student model guitars. My understanding is that GFI and Stage One makes pretty high quality student model steels which both seem to sell for about $1000. They look to be comparable. Does anyone have a preference for one over the other? What are the good and bad of both (staying in tune, weight and portability, etc.)?

Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

Allan Jirik · From: Wichita Falls TX

Hi David,

I don't have any experience with GFI but I can tell you a little about Stage One. I've owned mine for 10 months now and quite frankly, I've yet to discover something that I don't like about it. It sounds great, pedal and lever action is spot on and it stays in tune admirably. It looks good, too. I don't know how much it weighs but it's pretty light.

One thing you need to be aware of, and that is you cannot alter the standard 3 pedal, 4 knee lever setup on the Stage One. If, for example, down the road you wanted to add a 9th string lower, you'd be SOL. However, as a former dobro player I find bar slants can bypass that limitation somewhat and I'm sure you (being a non-pedal player) would reach the same conclusion.

I played a Sho-Bud Professional in the '70s and chose the Stage One for my return to pedal steel. Initially I looked for a used Sho-Bud or Marlen but once I heard the sound clips of the Stage One I was hooked. You can find a good used "pro" S-10 steel right here in the For Sale section if that's your preference. Good luck with your decision.

Karen Sarkisian · From: Boston, MA, USA

Stage One has 4 knee levers while GFI has 2. I think the Stage One sounds better too. I am glad I went with Stage One over GFI when I was debating the two. Plus Doug Earnest is super helpful if you have any questions about the guitar. Its a very well made instrument and sounds great. Easy to tune, and stays in tune really well too.
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Emmons, Franklin, Mullen

Bob Vantine · From: Freeville, New York, USA

I have to agree with Allan & Karen 100% .

I listened to both of these folks before buying my StageOne ( Karens and mine are both Teak Mica )

I made a list of what I wanted & expected from a used or new steel . Weight , price & reliability were the key issues for me . I could not deal with a boat anchor or having to do repairs on a used one. As far as $$$$ goes , I didn't know just how much I would love getting back into steel . Now I don't want to play the other instruments at all anymore jusy my SO , but I don't regret not paying more..... this is a good guitar ! Also , I worry to much with a expensive instrument of something happening to it....besides I get to have more / different less expensive ones .

My final decision came after listening to & talking to Mikey Douchette . The sound quality is good & he has even used his in the studio . Doug is as nice and helpful as any one could be . Can't go wrong !

GOOD LUCK ..... HAVE FUN !
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EQUIPMENT:
"TEAK" ZUM STAGE-ONE Steel / C6th Lapsteel
Peavey NV112 , CLASSIC and EFX112 amps
Peavey Guitars

Mike Perlowin · From: Los Angeles CA

Those are both good choices, but they are not your only choices. There are a lot of good used steels available, and you might want to look through the classified ads before making any final decisions.
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David Ellison · From: California, USA

Thanks everyone...

I'm definitely going to do some more research before making a decision... I know there will be lots of other choices. I have to say, though... it looks like student model steels have come a long way since the late '80s!

Rick Winfield · From: Pickin' beneath the Palmettos

I would suggest,for a few more $$$,you may invest in another
"used" MSA.
They can't be beat, IMHO
Rick

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