GFI Ultra in the studio

Brian Batoosingh · From: Nevada County, California

Hi All,

I'm brand new and don't even own a guitar yet, but leaning towards investing in a GFI Ultra (w/ Quilter amp) because that's what I saw a musician playing at a Kacey Musgraves concert. I don't recall if it was keyless or not, but I'm leaning towards keyless with a pad. I figured, if it's good enough for Kacey, it's good enough for me!

However, I also learned that Dan Dugmore did not use a GFI Ultra while recording Kacey's Golden Hour album, which has me wondering how well they do in the studio.

I want a great tone, and craftmanship is so important too. For reference, some of my favorite influences are George Strait, John Prine, Emmylou Harris, and Kacey Musgraves.

1. Do you think I'll be in good hands with a GFI Ultra w/ keyless tuning? I may not know how to play, but I know I want a professional setup that will serve for years to come.

2. Does anyone know any albums that were recorded using a GFI Ultra? I understand pickups and recording techniques, even the year of the guitar, make a big difference.

Any guidance is much appreciated. Thank you!

Tucker Jackson · From: Portland, Oregon, USA

Welcome aboard.

A GFI will be fine in the studio -- as will any other currently-made guitar. The important thing for studio work is that you consider a humbucking pickup to keep it dead-quiet. But even that isn't a requirement, depending on the nature of the project.

Here's Ralph Mooney (who played with Waylon) on his GFI, on this solo album:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49JltSOoE3M

If you're coming from the guitar world, it would be logical to assume that different pedal steels sound super different -- the way a Tele is night-and-day from, say, an ES-335.

But most modern all-pull guitars sound quite similar. Think American-made Teles versus Japanese-made. Different... but usually not radically different. With all-pull pedal steels, the pickup selection has as much to do with the sound as anything. Note that the vintage push-pulls do sound a bit different, and presumbably the new reboot of the push-pull, the Emmons Resound '65's, do too, but I haven't heard one in person yet.

Listen to the six steels on the video below. Some are vintage push-pulls, some are all-pulls. Though you can definitely hear differences in them, please note how similar they sound. There's no GFI here, but I think it would sound similar to the LeGrande, though a tad brighter assuming it had the same pickup.

https://youtu.be/Fpn55HVAoEg?si=QFWZA3VUmr4wfFr1

Bottom line (especially for a new player) is that any current-production guitar you get will work just fine. After you've played a while, you'll develop all kinds of preferences and biases in different areas, but you can't know what they'll be until you just get a guitar and start playing.

Quentin Hickey · From: Nova Scotia, Canada

Check out Mike Sigler, he played GFI exclusively. GFI's have a lovely tone, very smooth pedal action, precise stops, and stay in tune well. I wouldnt second guess an ultra. Lots around too so just wait and you will find one used.

Bobby D. Jones · From: West Virginia, USA

I have 2 GFI Ultra S12 7X5 steels. 1 keyed and 1 Keyless. To my ears the Keyless has more sustain. What I like about gigging a keyless, Small, Light and take little space on stage.

GFI's Are easy to work on, And easy to get parts for. I have ordered parts from them, In my mail box about 2 or 3 days from order.

The folks at GFI are good to help too, With mechanical problems.

Quentin Hickey · From: Nova Scotia, Canada

A quick clips I recorded on my gfi ultra through a Nashville 112

https://youtu.be/UGcOcEmLc6o?si=SiuwprQy_4tjxVJz

K Maul · From: Hadley, NY/Hobe Sound, FL

GFIs are well designed and built. Their keyless system is super easy to use. Tuning the open strings is great because of the knurled nobs. You don’t need a tuning wrench like other keyless models. They have smooth action, good sustain and are mechanically excellent.

_________________
KEVIN MAUL: Airline, Beard, Clinesmith, Donner, Evans, Excel, Fender, Fluger, GFI, Gibson, Hilton, Ibanez, Justice, K+K, Live Strings, MOYO, National, Oahu, Peterson, Quilter, Rickenbacher, Sho~Bud, Supro, TC, Ultimate, VHT, Williams, X-otic, Yamaha, ZKing.

Larry Dering · From: Missouri, USA

Boo Miller played a GFI with Charley Pride. Mike Sigler played GFI with several artists. I play a GFI Ultra SD10 4x5 regular keyhead and I think it's excellent.

Eric OHara · From: Port Kent, NY

You can’t go wrong with a GFI. Great guitars that stay in tune and are reliable. Great for both live and studio use.

Here’s a cut with an Ultra single 10 that has a keyed headstock played through an Evans amp.

https://youtu.be/w6LebICI1WM?si=M5BdcEDnvC3elbOc

Eric
_________________
GFI S-10 Ultra (GFI II pickup)
Sho-Bud Super Pro (wood necks) w/BL Pickups
RQ Jones Retrofit
Beard Decophonic 57/ Fishman JD preamp
Goodrich 6122-R
Walrus Slotva Reverb, JHS Thunderbolt, ZVEX fuzz factory
Evans JE-200, RE-150
Peavey Nashville 112, 400
Keal Cases

Brian Batoosingh · From: Nevada County, California

Thank you all so much for your encouraging and supportive responses! I'm feeling very blessed. It's so expensive, but I think I'm about to pull the trigger and make it happen!

Carl Walden · From: Diamond Bar,Ca USA

Hi. I have a double neck keyless GFI that I bought from Blacky Tayler music store years back for around 2,000.
I have been playing steel since I was a teenager on many different sessions and gigs and this steel is best ever.
Anyway, I only got to play it for a couple of years before I
had a heart problem, now it sits in my music room like new waiting for me to find it a good home. I'm not in it for the money and you sound like you love this steel. I have a great amp also that I can't lift.

Carl Walden...in California.

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

All times are GMT - 8 Hours	Jump to: