| Author |
Topic: Zum production. |
Billy Murdoch
From:
Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.
|
Posted 9 Jun 2005 12:25 pm |
|
Hello Forumites,
Does anyone know how many guitars Bruce actually sends out per week/month?
I know the waiting time is about 18 months I just cannot wait that long.
Does he have a waiting list for cancellations or does the assembly just move up if there is a cancellation?
I live in the U.K. and since Bruce is not online it makes contact a little more difficult.
Thanks for any help.
Best regards
Billy |
|
|
 |
Bob Knight
From:
Bowling Green KY
|
|
|
|
Billy Murdoch
From:
Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.
|
Posted 9 Jun 2005 12:49 pm
|
|
Thanks Bob for your early reply.
I think the site you linked is run by a fan of Zums and there is no link to Bruce.
Thanks
Billy |
|
|
|
Randy Beavers
From:
Lebanon,TN 37090
|
Posted 9 Jun 2005 2:29 pm
|
|
Billy, Bruce builds around 50 guitars a year, all pro models. That's a big number for a one man operation, and it takes some dicipline. When someone cancels the list just moves up. I knew this guy that wouldn't get on the list when it was only 6 months. Then I saw him a year later and he was still looking to buy a used one.
------------------
Randy
http://hometown.aol.com/pulltightb/home.html
[This message was edited by Randy Beavers on 10 June 2005 at 05:06 AM.] |
|
|
|
Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
|
Posted 9 Jun 2005 2:58 pm
|
|
That's a tough production schedule for someone such as Bruce that essentially works by himself, plus answer calls from customers.
I first met Bruce at Quigley's music in KC, in Jan of 74. He was dedicated back then and the last time I talked to him, in St Louis he is still dedicated to building a "craftsman's" instrument. |
|
|
|
Brian Henry
|
Posted 9 Jun 2005 3:33 pm
|
|
Billy,
Years ago I had a Zum. Now I play a Carter. I think that by comparison they are better built, sound better, look better and I got mine delivered to my door 3 weeks after placing the order and making payment. Something to consider!!!!! |
|
|
|
Paddy Long
From:
Christchurch, New Zealand
|
Posted 9 Jun 2005 5:36 pm
|
|
| To disagree slightly with TB -- I have a 3 year old Zum and a brand new Carter and they are both fabulous guitars, and the build on both of them is awesome. They have different characteristics in feel, and subtle sound differences, I have BL pickups on both guitars, but are both very easy in the feel and pedal action -- you couldn't go wrong with either!. |
|
|
|
Billy Carr
From:
Seminary, Mississippi, USA (deceased)
|
Posted 9 Jun 2005 11:52 pm
|
|
| I've got two CARTERS. a D-10 & a S-10D. Both are great guitars. I've also played some of the new Zum guitars during the past year. I think Zum is just as good as the Carters, Mullens, Emmons,Excels and most of the rest. It depends on what a person likes and wants. One thing that really pushed me towards the CARTER products was they had guitars available and anytime you called someone was there to talk about steel guitars. If they were busy then they would back when they got a chance. They also had price lists w/pictures of the guitars and all kinds of info. The waiting period is the only drawback I found with a Zum. But, if a person is willing to wait then they're going to be real pleased from what I've seen and played. I've never met Bruce but he builds a great guitar! |
|
|
|
John McGann
From:
Boston, Massachusetts, USA * R.I.P.
|
Posted 10 Jun 2005 4:12 am
|
|
The Zum Hybrid is a different animal from a Carter, or from the older Zums for that matter...
------------------
http://www.johnmcgann.com
Info for musicians, transcribers, technique tips and fun stuff. Joaquin Murphey transcription book, Rhythm Tuneup DVD and more...
[This message was edited by John McGann on 10 June 2005 at 05:13 AM.] |
|
|
|
David Doggett
From:
Bawl'mer, MD (formerly of MS, Nawluns, Gnashville, Knocksville, Lost Angeles, Bahsten. and Philly)
|
Posted 10 Jun 2005 8:44 am
|
|
Carters are good modern pedal steels, which is to say they are average. Bruce is a perfectionist in both mechanical design, craftmanship, and cosmetics. Zums have gauged nut rollers, Carters do not - little things like that add up. In addition to the mechanical excellence, the two tone designs with perloid mica inlays turn Zums into "show" guitars that look fantastic and professional on stage. For all this, the price is extremely reasonable.
Unfortunately, Bruce keeps the price down by doing all the work himself, rather than hiring help, leading to a long backlog. Also, because he is so busy building new guitars, he can't really offer adequate capacity for refurbishing older Zums. They hold up very well of course, but when older guitars are traded, the new owner often needs enough setup changes to warrant a trip to the maker. Also, as new Zum technology evolves (for example, the new type of pull rods and bellcranks), some older Zum owners would like to have their entire undercarriage converted, which is a daunting task for an owner/player, but would be a fairly simple matter for a manufacturer. |
|
|
|
Danny Hullihen
From:
Harrison, Michigan
|
Posted 14 Jun 2005 1:15 pm
|
|
| David. Just as a note of general interest, I do lots of work on ZumSteel guitars. Anything and everything from complete refurbishing, to pedal and knee lever changes or ad ons. If anyone has any interest in getting work done on their ZumSteels, feel free to contact me at Harrison Music. 989-539-4715 |
|
|
|
Farris Currie
From:
Ona, Florida, USA, R.I.P.
|
Posted 15 Jun 2005 6:26 am
|
|
| I have a 1984 ZUM Bruce built for me a universal 12,fine guitar.i have sold it 2 times,and changed setups on it.I would like to PRAISE BRUCE,he don't have time to take um back, but he will lead you thru the steps you need to do, and sell u parts to fix it up like new.and his new parts are so nice!can't go wrong with a ZUM farris |
|
|
|
Dave Seddon
From:
Leicester, England.
|
Posted 16 Jun 2005 10:45 am
|
|
Tell you what Billy I've just got a Carter and I was dreading having to change the setup because I use the Day setup, but it was a doddle. All the setup info was on the Carter site, that made it dead easy. I've only ever played a Zum once and I can't say it was any different to the Carter. The only difference is anything you need to know about Carters is all on line ready for you.
Cheers Dave. |
|
|
|
Mark Kelchen
From:
Cedar Rapids, Iowa USA
|
Posted 26 Jun 2005 1:41 pm
|
|
| Nearly 3 years ago, I ordered a new Zum and went on the "Waiting List" At that time Bruce had mentioned nearly 14 months. The Guitar came to my door in 9 months and 2 days. You will never be sorry after the wait. All good things take time. Zum also has among the BEST service after the sale in the industry. There is a reason so many on the top Pro's are playing ZumSteel! |
|
|
|
