| Author |
Topic: Keyless GFI |
Bobby Bonds Sr.
From:
Texas, USA
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Posted 2 Sep 2017 7:19 am |
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| Hey guys, I'm about to buy a new GFI Ultra, and I'm thinking about going keyless on it. I use the Sperzell locking turners on my guitars and really like them. It appears that the keyless system on steels is about the same idea. Any pros or cons? Thanks |
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Steve Spitz
From:
New Orleans, LA, USA
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Posted 2 Sep 2017 7:31 am
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I had one, and found the system to be very stable and accurate.
I dont think you will regret it. Great guitars. |
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Georg Sørtun
From:
Mandal, Agder, Norway
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Posted 2 Sep 2017 8:37 am
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| Have one. Stringing and tuning it up is easy enough, and it doesn't need much retuning when settled. The solid 'nut-bolt' on mine causes string-hang (hysteresis) though, so get one with proper 'nut-rollers' if available. |
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Ken Pippus
From:
Langford, BC, Canada
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Posted 2 Sep 2017 2:00 pm
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| And of the keyless guitars, that's one of the easiest and least hassle. Great system. |
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Bob Carlucci
From:
Candor, New York, USA
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Posted 2 Sep 2017 6:46 pm
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I had one and was underwhelmed.. It didn't sound that good, very middy and harsh, and played and tuned no better than anything else out there.. I really wanted to like that guitar, but it didn't cut it for my taste... bob
_________________
I'm over the hill and hittin'rocks on the way down!
no gear list for me.. you don't have the time...... |
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Larry Weaver
From:
Asheville, North Carolina, USA
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Posted 3 Sep 2017 5:43 am
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| I had one as well, and like Bob, I too was underwhelmed. I didn't care for the tone, no matter what pickup went in, and the tuning stability was less than marginal. I've heard the opposite from other guys that loved them, so it's possible I just got a lemon. On the plus side, it was super easy to work on and change setup, super easy short throw pedal action, and I agree, very easy for string changes. For keyless, I've had a Williams (awesome) and currently have an Excel (better than awesome). |
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Jim Eller
From:
Kodak, TN (Michigan transplant)
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Posted 5 Sep 2017 9:43 am
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| Have one(SD10) Like it. When I need to grab something and go. That's it. JimE |
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Ken Pippus
From:
Langford, BC, Canada
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Posted 5 Sep 2017 8:23 pm
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I've had a couple of their keyless guitars, and I thought they played and sounded just fine.
YMMV |
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Marty Broussard
From:
Broussard, Louisiana, USA
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Posted 10 Sep 2017 7:26 pm
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I'm playing a red D10 on stage and I find it to be easily adjustable and experimental(due to the bellcranks) and an all around solid guitar. I think it was the 9th one Gene built and I can't find any drawbacks in stability, sustain, and overall reliability versus my Emmons....and it's lighter. Lol.
YMMV
Good luck!!
_________________
RETIRED
"Technique is really the elimination of the unnecessary..it is a constant effort to avoid any personal impediment or obstacle to achieve the smooth flow of energy and intent" Yehudi Menuhin |
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Ken Pippus
From:
Langford, BC, Canada
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Posted 10 Sep 2017 7:39 pm
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That's my old one Marty: glad it's found a happy home.
I paid a little more for the toy which replaced it! |
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James Quackenbush
From:
Pomona, New York, USA
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Posted 13 Sep 2017 3:17 am
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| My Ultra was OK.....Not bad, but not great... I used it in my early pedal steel career to change copedants. It was great for this...... |
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Bobby Bonds Sr.
From:
Texas, USA
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Posted 15 Sep 2017 6:34 am Gfi
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Thanks for the info. Guess I'll flip a coin to decide.
Changing strings on my keyed steels in a pain in the drain. |
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John Billings
From:
Ohio, USA
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Posted 15 Sep 2017 11:09 am
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My K;ine U-12 was great in all respects.
_________________
Dr. Z Surgical Steel amp, amazing!
"74 Bud S-10 3&6
'73 Bud S-10 3&5(under construction)
'63 Fingertip S-10, at James awaiting 6 knees
'57 Strat, LP Blue
'91 Tele with 60's Maple neck
Dozen more guitars!
Dozens of amps, but SF Quad reverb, Rick Johnson cabs. JBL 15, '64 Vibroverb for at home.
'52 and '56 Pro Amps |
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ajm
From:
Los Angeles
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Posted 15 Sep 2017 1:32 pm
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Bobby: "Changing strings on my keyed steels in a pain in the drain."
Please elaborate.
Are you speaking of the pain on your guitars with Sperzel LOCKING tuners?
What is it that doesn't work right?
I've always thought that the locking tuners would make things much simpler.
Note: Unless you're Sarah Jory, who in a recent video changed a string and retuned while singing lead in mid song and never missed a beat. That one still makes my head spin. |
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David Higginbotham
From:
Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA
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Posted 15 Sep 2017 2:47 pm
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Marty Broussard wrote:
| Quote: |
| I think it was the 9th one Gene built |
It's actually the first keyless that Gene built so this was the one that set the standard.  |
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