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Author
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Topic: Jim Smith & Dekley
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Wayne Cox
Member From: Chatham, Louisiana, USA
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posted 21 August 2002 09:43 AM
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Hi Jim,
I just wanted to say that I still have my old
S-12 Dekley. It's still just as heavy as it ever was, but it has been low maintenance and very functional for over 20 years,now.
Personally, I think that's quite a tribute to both you and Bob Dekam. Few instruments would have held up as this one has. Just wanted to say thanks!
W.C. |
Doug Rolfe
Member From: Indianapolis, IN
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posted 21 August 2002 10:15 AM
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I too own a s-12 on a double neck body. It originally was an extended e-9th but I converted it to a universal. It plays so well and stays in tune. It would be difficult to justify buying a new steel since my Dekley does so well.------------------
Doug
Dekley 12U 4k & 7p
2-Nash 400 & Quadraverb
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Jim Smith
Member From: Plano, TX, USA
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posted 21 August 2002 10:47 AM
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Thanks for the compliments guys!  I still play my 20+ year old D-12 and have spent exactly $0.00 in repairs. Funny though, mine seems to have gotten heavier over the years!   ------------------
Jim Smith jimsmith94@attbi.com
-=Dekley D-12 10&12=-
-=Fessenden Ext. E9/U-13 8&8=-
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Marty Pollard
Member From: a confidential source
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posted 21 August 2002 07:23 PM
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Ditto!
My Slimline S-10 3/4 is a tank.
If I can ever afford to order a new guitar (I want one for the studio and one for the road), it will be modeled on my Dekley. Same changes; travel; string spacing; all ergonomic aspects.
Truly a great instrument. |
chas smith
Member From: Encino, CA, USA
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posted 21 August 2002 08:57 PM
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I'm modifying my D-12 to be my "heavy metal" guitar. One of the reasons I stopped playing it about a dozen years ago was I made solid aluminum necks for it (toooooo heavy), along with a lot of other changes. So now I've 'pocketed' the necks which has lightened them up a lot, the keyheads are now one piece and are bolted directly into the ends of the necks, there are no changes on the C6 neck which is tuned for power chords (so no ps & ks and crossrods for that neck) and I have George L 5-way pickups that go to Carvin active-passive electronics. I made a complete end plate assembly for the changer end and welded all the corners to the end plates on each end. All of which made a noticeable improvement on the tone and sustain. I don't have any pictures yet. |
Joe Henry
Member From: Ebersberg, Germany
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posted 22 August 2002 10:51 AM
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The only reason I sold my Dekley was because S-12 on a double 12 body is a configuration I don´t particularly care for. Its mechanical stability was amazing and it would stay in tune even under the "hottest" situations. Also the way the crossrods were mounted so you could take them out easily seemed a good idea, made it a lot easier to make changes to the setup, which I often did. If it had been a D-10, I´d probably have kept it.Regards, Joe H. |
Ed Miller Jr
Member From: Coldwater,Mi USA
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posted 22 August 2002 08:19 PM
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From another happy Dekley owner,Jim, thanks
Ed Miller
Dekley S10 |
Jim Smith
Member From: Plano, TX, USA
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posted 22 August 2002 08:29 PM
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Dang it guys, I sure appreciate it, but it's a good thing I don't wear a hat, I'd never get it on now! |
Reggie Duncan
Member From: Mississippi
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posted 22 August 2002 09:30 PM
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I bought an S-10 in 1989. I think it was built around 1982-3. A FINE instrument. Wish I had kept it. |
Jerry Hayes
Member From: Virginia Beach, Va.
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posted 23 August 2002 04:33 AM
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Jim,
Are you the same guy who came to LA around 1978 or '79 for the NAMM show at the Disneyland Hotel? I was teaching at Blackie Taylors store and a tall guy named Jim and a gray/white haired guy from Dekley came by the store along with Tommy Roots who was their player at the time. We went to the show with them and then they came to the club (Bonnie Price's Foothill Club) where I was playing at the time after the show. Tommy Roots played a set or two and just tore the place apart. What a great time. Jim Bob Sedgwick of the Forum was on lead guitar at that time.------------------
Livin' in the Past and the Future with a 12 string Mooney tuning. |
Jim Smith
Member From: Plano, TX, USA
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posted 23 August 2002 06:14 AM
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Jerry, they wouldn't let me get that far from the shop. That was Jim Gurley, the "ley" of Dekley, while Bob DeKam was the "Dek". |
Jerry Hayes
Member From: Virginia Beach, Va.
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posted 23 August 2002 08:06 AM
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Hey Jim,
What ever happened to Jim Gurley? Is he still in the music business? He got up with us that night I mentioned and played bass and sang a couple as I recall. Thanks |
Jon Light
Member From: Brooklyn, NY
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posted 23 August 2002 08:12 AM
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quote:
....Jim Gurley, the "ley" of Dekley, while Bob DeKam was the "Dek"
well gee, Jim. You must be mistaken. I mean, otherwise, how come everyone spells it, like, Deckelee and all? (Even owners who have the guitar sitting there in front of them). They can't be wrong can they? |
Jim Smith
Member From: Plano, TX, USA
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posted 23 August 2002 08:28 AM
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Last I heard he's in Tennessee working in sales, but not in the music business. |
Peter Siegel
Member From: Belmont, CA, USA
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posted 23 August 2002 04:15 PM
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OK I've gotta weigh in. I too have nothing but great things to say about my Dekley D10.
Stay in tune like a dream, really great tone live and also sounds great direct into the board for recording. The case is the only thing that has not held up, but let's not pick nits.
A terrific guitar. |
Marty Pollard
Member From: a confidential source
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posted 23 August 2002 07:49 PM
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Wellll...
Now that you mention it, the case is/was A PIECE OF SH*T.
The guitar is safer out of it than in it.
I really ought to spring for a new one.
wanna help, Jim?
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Jim Smith
Member From: Plano, TX, USA
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posted 24 August 2002 10:22 AM
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As I recall, when Thomas Custom Case couldn't keep up with our case needs, we used some Fender type cases for a while. Otherwise, all our cases were Thomas, who makes Emmons and others cases, and the same as the one shown in this eBay ad: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=900958208 FYI, I used to use two S-12 cases for my D-12. After removing the pedal bar divider from one and reblocking it, my guitar fit perfectly. For a while I carried the guitar in that case and the pedal bar, legs, and accessories in the other. Later I got lazy and found that the leg bag would fit on top of the guitar and I just carry the pedal bar by itself. That case is also 20+ years old, some of the fabric covering is coming off, and some of the plastic on the handle came off. I just duct taped some foam pipe insulation over the handle and it's still going strong. |
Smiley Roberts
Member From: Hendersonville,Tn. 37075
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posted 24 August 2002 05:28 PM
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I've had my Dekley since '78. Got it new,& it's still kickin' ass. Have not put a dime in it. Not so much as a return spring. I had Sammy Gibson,in Ct.,"midify" it for me,so I can use it w/ an IVL "SteelRider". And,as beat-up as the case is,it's still the original. They must've been good,'cause ya don't see too many of 'em on Ebay,or "buy & sell". That's gotta say somethin' for 'em.
Them that's got 'em,usually keep 'em.------------------
~ ~
©¿© ars longa,
mm vita brevis
www.ntsga.com
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Wayne Cox
Member From: Chatham, Louisiana, USA
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posted 25 August 2002 03:50 PM
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Gosh Jim,guess I did a good thing for once!
That's O.K. You deserved a good pat on the
back for helping create something with quality built in. That's a rare thing these
days.
W.C. |
Lefty
Member From: Grayson, Ga.
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posted 17 August 2003 01:50 PM
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I know this is an old thread, but I had to dust the cobwebs off to offer my two cents.
I just bought a Dekley D-10 from Greg Dwinell up in Mass. I bought this guitar with the thinking that this is not my dream guitar, but a decent Lefty D-10 at a pretty good price, and there is just not that much for us to choose from. Greg turned out to be a very helpfull, and good person to deal with.
I have to say after having the guitar for less than a week, I am thrilled everytime I sit down at it (which has been a lot). The guitar is quality all the way, and it has given me new intrest in playing. It might be my dream guitar. Incedently, my case is the Fender type, and is a good heavy duty case.
Time to get back and play again.
Thanks,
Lefty
Dekley D-10
Sho-Bud LDG
Rickenbacker Lap
Session 500 |
Jim Smith
Member From: Plano, TX, USA
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posted 17 August 2003 02:53 PM
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Lefty, thanks for the kind words about Dekley. Greg and I used to play in a band together and he is indeed a very nice guy. I got a chance to visit with him again at the Mass Bash year before last and he even gave me some free stuff! ------------------
Jim Smith jimsmith94@comcast.net
-=Dekley D-12 10&12=-
-=Fessenden D-12 9&9=-
-=Emmons D-12 push pull 9&4 (soon to be 9&9)=-
Stereo Steel rig w/Boss GX-700
IVL SteelRider w/JV-880 |
Jeff Evans
Member From: Fort Worth (not that other place 30 miles east)
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posted 17 August 2003 03:13 PM
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Who knew there are so many Dekheads on the Forum? |
Scott Henderson
Member From: Eldon, Missouri, USA
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posted 18 August 2003 05:21 AM
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I too have owned a dek for over twenty years
the only problem i have had with it is breaking off the connectors at the pedals. but outside of that have loved the guitar to death. it's in semi retirement now as I only play it one day a week. (it did it's time 5 nights a week for 11 years)
great guitar Jim.
Oh it's a S-12 Uni. Pics are on my website
scottyhenderson.com ------------------
Steelin' away in the ozarks and life,
Scott
www.scottyhenderson.com |
Chris Brooks
Member From: Providence, Rhode Island
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posted 18 August 2003 06:34 AM
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Jim Roule up here in New England (still)plays the living fire out of his Dekley . . . Chris ------------------
now living in the Ocean State .... |
Jim Smith
Member From: Plano, TX, USA
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posted 18 August 2003 07:08 AM
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Yep, Jimmy Roule is one fine player for sure! Someone posted a while back that he ordered a new Fessy at the last Mass Bash. Good choice!  ------------------
Jim Smith jimsmith94@comcast.net
-=Dekley D-12 10&12=-
-=Fessenden D-12 9&9=-
-=Emmons D-12 push pull 9&4 (soon to be 9&9)=-
Stereo Steel rig w/Boss GX-700
IVL SteelRider w/JV-880 |
Glen E. Lanning
Member From: La Grange, North Carolina, USA
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posted 18 August 2003 05:06 PM
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I also have a D10. I purchased from a non-musician that somehow got it from a person who moved to Raleigh, NC from Connecticut. The steel was about 6 months old (the original sales receipt indicates it was delivered on 3-16-1984). At the time I had only heard the of name, but the steel was in new condition so I took the plunge. I have not done a thing to that steel except add a George L PF-1 pickup on the E9th. The steel is as solid as the day I bought it. A real dream to change pedal setups. Thanks Jim for almost 20 years of enjoyment.------------------
Dekley 8/4 (1984)
ShoBud Professional (1969?)D10 8/4
SOON to BE: Mullen U12 |
Smiley Roberts
Member From: Hendersonville,Tn. 37075
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posted 19 August 2003 02:26 AM
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Like I said in my earlier post,"Them thats got 'em,usually keep 'em!" They're solid as a rock! (& almost as heavy) Nevertheless,thanx for a quality steel,Jim.------------------
~ ~
©¿© It don't mean a thang,
mm if it ain't got that twang.
www.ntsga.com
[This message was edited by Smiley Roberts on 19 August 2003 at 02:28 AM.]
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Randy Pettit
Member From: Van Alstyne, Texas USA
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posted 19 August 2003 08:05 AM
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I had an early 80's S-12, 7&4. It's on my, "Dang, I wish I'd never sold that!" list. |
Al Marcus
Member From: Cedar Springs,MI USA
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posted 20 August 2003 09:54 AM
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When I was spending winter in Florida, I met a very fine steel E9/e6 player, Ray Byrd, and he had a Dekley D10. He wanted to learn some of my C6 stuff on my E6, so he set up the bottom neck to E6 with 4 pedals and 4 knee levers. That was in 1993. He used my camcorder and made a video of my knees and feet so he could learn the combinations I was using. I played everything from Stan Kenton's Eager Beaver to Woody Herman's "Early Autumn", "Four Brothers". The guitar played in tune and sounded good. The only thing bad was the tired old man playing,I was beat that day and it showed. I played the right chords, etc. but the spark was not there that day. My wifes Mother just died at age 96 and we left the next day for the funeral in Michigan. Bottom line the Dekley was a high quality guitar, but Heavy !....al ------------------
My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus/
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Buddie Hrabal
Member From: Arlington,Texas USA
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posted 26 March 2005 09:34 PM
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I have a Dekley D-10, it still works great. did have to get a new case but only because of use did the old one wear out. I recently got a new case from Thomas Case Co. and it fit like a glove. Contact Thomas Case Co @ 336-226 6811, or write to them at PO Box 1941, Burlington,NC 27215...Price for a new case is around $150/175 |
Marty Pollard
Member From: a confidential source
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posted 26 March 2005 10:33 PM
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I just got my new case from http://www.texascase.com/ and I can hardly believe the quality of materials and workmanship provided by Joe Broughton! The guitar settles in slowly as the air escapes from the compartment.Recessed latches, dense foam lining and compression blocks, metal corners and edges, WHEELS, rack type flock carpet covering, perfectly constructed, AWESOME! Thanks Joe. Texas Case Mfg.
Linda Laughlin
Phone: 254-968-4220
Second Phone: 254-968-4711
Fax: 254-968-4725 texascase@htcomp.net
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www.martypollard.com
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vf14
Member From: south hadley, ma, usa
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posted 02 January 2006 09:44 PM
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You guys slipped this one past me!I have to use this alias in case people find out that I played with Jim Smith & Joe Casey back in the early 80s It was great seeing Jim at that steel bash in Mass. He wasn't too impressed with my beat up MSA converted to lefty but he sure liked the ashtray & cup holder! Richard, glad you like the Deckley lefty! Greg Dwinell
Lefty MSA or VSW as I like to call it. |
Bobby Boggs
Member From: Pendleton SC
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posted 02 January 2006 10:31 PM
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What's Jim up to these days?He used to be a regular here. I haven't seen him post in months. |
Bill Stroud
Member From: Dresden, Tennessee, USA
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posted 03 January 2006 10:47 AM
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Hi Jim, you did a good job on my Double 12 Dekley, 9 floors and 9 knee levers, stays in tune very well,it looks like new just like the day I bought it.
It's got a sound of its own, it's a Coffee Sunburst color, cartwheels, inlaids, and the pickups are also covered to match the body of the guitar, did not hurt the sound one bit. |
Ray Minich
Member From: Limestone, New York, USA
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posted 03 January 2006 11:04 AM
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Dekley's, gotta love 'em. I now own three of them, 2 S-10's and a D-10. The D-10 is a model 102. Anyone know when it was made? |
chas smith
Member From: Encino, CA, USA
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posted 06 January 2006 11:41 AM
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x[This message was edited by chas smith on 06 January 2006 at 11:49 AM.] |
chas smith
Member From: Encino, CA, USA
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posted 06 January 2006 11:48 AM
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I did some mods on my D-12. Aluminum necks, connected the keyhead sides and bridge, then bolted the keyhead to the neck end, changed the changer mounts rounded the corners and welded the corners to the extrusion. Here, I'm not using pedals because it's a "metal" kind of band and I have the pedalboard, that goes with a Vox modeling amp, under the guitar.
 [This message was edited by chas smith on 06 January 2006 at 11:50 AM.] |
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