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Author
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Topic: ZB Pedal Steel Guitars - Please help!
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Duncan Hodge
Member From: DeLand, FL USA
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posted 18 February 2006 01:40 PM
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Thanks for all the nice words on the blue ZB, guys. I believe that it may have been refinished and reblued by Greg before I got it. It also supposedly has a finish that can withstand a near miss with a nuclear weapon.
Russ, I already said that I have all the ZB's a rational man could want. I decided to leave a few for everyone else. I'm not sure where I stand on the rationality scale, though. I still have been hesitant to monkey with the setup on the blue one, but I have to get it closer to the red one, or I'll lose what little mind I have left. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions about what I did wrong.
Duncan |
Kevin Hatton
Member From: Amherst, N.Y.
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posted 18 February 2006 01:47 PM
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Duncan, that finish was put on your guitar up here by Marvin Fluger of Fluger Resonators. I watched it happen. Its hard body polyurethane. It won't ding, scratsh or check. Marvin does the best finishes I've ever seen. |
Russ Tkac
Member From: Waterford, Michigan, USA
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posted 18 February 2006 02:14 PM
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Larry,I sold my D-10 to Rusty Rogers in California and I'm a one ZB guy right now. The D11/10 has more than I know what to do with. It does have the white fret boards and sounds great. I may need to do a split case when I get some money. Duncan two ZB's... you are a lucky man. Russ |
Ben Elder
Member From: La Crescenta, California, USA
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posted 18 February 2006 03:25 PM
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I was going to wait until mid-week to post, but the direction here is perfect for this. For a real-world blue ZB, here are some pics of an S-10 (the one on eBay in late December; s/n 0064) fairly* unaltered (and apparently largely unattended, but for the discarding of its case) for most of its 36 years: 
Nixon-era dust and Ford Administration crazing, I'm guessing:
"That can't really be an original blue ZB...":
And just for some comedy relief, someone thought the single factory KL* (which is RKR; the one below is apparently LKWhatever) wasn't enough:
 [This message was edited by Ben Elder on 18 February 2006 at 03:27 PM.] [This message was edited by Ben Elder on 18 February 2006 at 03:28 PM.] [This message was edited by Ben Elder on 18 February 2006 at 08:51 PM.]
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Henry Nagle
Member From: Santa Rosa, California
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posted 18 February 2006 03:40 PM
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That'll be a really cool guitar, Ben. Are you going to attempt the setup yourself? Refinish or "shabby chic"? |
B. Greg Jones
Member From: London, KY USA
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posted 18 February 2006 03:42 PM
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Duncan, your guitar was originally blue/blonde. I sent the body and necks to Marvin Fluger and he matched the original blue right on. As Kevin said, his finishes are flawless and very durable. I have a Fluger Reso that has been knocked off its stand on stage. The only thing that was damaged was the speaker cabinet that it hit!!! Thats how tough the finishes are. Your guitar by the way, is a 69' model built in Bakersfield and the original dye color WAS food coloring. Thats one reason they fade so bad. Your guitar is gonna look like new long after you and I are gone!!!!Russ, the Harley is sitting, not working on it. Aint had the time to mess with it, got too many ZB's here and more on the way. You gonna make it back to Renfro Valley this year?? Greg |
Duncan Hodge
Member From: DeLand, FL USA
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posted 18 February 2006 03:56 PM
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I'm sorry about the misinformation about Mr. Fluger refinishing my blue ZB. I remember Greg telling me about it, but that was a year ago. Who can remember things a year ago. In any event, I can attest that a dropped tone bar does not equal a bar ding with this finish. It is absolutely perfect. Thank you Marvin Fluger.
So, Greg, as I change the copedent of this fine instrument, any words of wisdom, or advice? Anything I should keep in mind? I can't break the whole instrument by moving a few rods...can I? I know that I must sound like some kind of a whiner, which I probably am, but I have only attempted some minor repairs and changes on my ZB's. I plan on completely changing at least three, and possibly four, knee levers. The only thing I am planning on keeping is raising the E's on the LKL. I forgot to mention that I am mechanically inept, but I do have a lot of tools that appear to work.
BTW, Henry, how's your new ZB?
Duncan[This message was edited by Duncan Hodge on 18 February 2006 at 03:58 PM.] |
Ben Elder
Member From: La Crescenta, California, USA
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posted 18 February 2006 04:52 PM
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I've been given a temporary reprieve from house fix-up for our Tuesday inspection, so I'll elaborate a bit more on what I'd intended to hold until mid-week.Addressing Henry's question: While I cleave strongly to the vintage acoustic guitar sensibility of retaining an instrument's original finish except in the most dire and extreme circumstances (imminent disintegration of the guitar at a minimum), I expect I will eventually have this re-done in the original blue/natural scheme. (But with some disquiet, I notice a recent post mentioning the diversions that are presently occupying the attentions of Messrs. Jones and Knowles.) From the pictures previously posted, it is a given that a white fretboard will be ordered from Kevin Hatton. (This one's plastic or vinyl--I think my old D-10 #0131 had metal fingerboards...?) First things first, I will be trying to get this up to Bakersfield for an audience with this ZB's likely father--John Rutledge--for a mechanical look-see and perhaps some long rods. It's obvious that a disassembly, cleaning and lubricating of metal parts should be done immediately. (I am, however, putting on new strings to see if I can get it approximately into tune.) I will undertake mechanical upgrades (adding KLs, for one example) based on whatever John's observations may be. While I did post the photo of the cockamamie second KL, otherwise it looks like the mechanics and undercarriage are mostly unmolested. 5 pedals, 1 (real) KL just as the catalogs of the day show and state. I took 29 or so digital photos (some redundancy of angles and views) to document its "Before" condition and I am sending a CD of these to Larry, keeper of the archive and fount of knowledge, for whatever value these may have to that end. |
Russ Tkac
Member From: Waterford, Michigan, USA
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posted 18 February 2006 08:13 PM
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Hi Greg,I had a great time last year. I'll sure look at driving down for a few days. We need to find a day and have all the ZB nuts come to Renfro Valley to hear that nice Mullen! Oops! Russ  |
Henry Nagle
Member From: Santa Rosa, California
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posted 18 February 2006 08:44 PM
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Hey Duncan!
I talked to Greg a few hours ago. He's changing the setup for me and adding a knee lever. He thinks it'll be ready to ship early next week. I'm eager- to say the least.[This message was edited by Henry Nagle on 19 February 2006 at 12:46 AM.] |
Kevin Hatton
Member From: Amherst, N.Y.
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posted 19 February 2006 12:41 AM
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Ben, breath new life into that puppy. We will help you. I have adjustable mirror polished aluminum knee levers if you need them. If you need it refinished email me. Marvin Fluger's finishes are flawless. If anyone gets a chance to see Greg Jones at Renfro Valley, go. The band is amazing. Full featured country complete with Bun Wilson a classic comedian. Greg's playing is right on the mark for the classic country songs. Thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining. If you are lucky Greg will take one of his ZB's out and play it on the show for you. Amazing sound.[This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 19 February 2006 at 12:43 AM.] |
Chuck Hall
Member From: Bonaire, Georga, USA
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posted 19 February 2006 10:03 AM
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You guys going for a thousand??
Good luck and keep on ZB'ing
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Chuck
Country Fever Band[This message was edited by Chuck Hall on 19 February 2006 at 10:07 AM.]
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B. Greg Jones
Member From: London, KY USA
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posted 19 February 2006 10:06 AM
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Duncan, send me an email on what you want to do. I still have the set-up on your guitar written down so I should be able to get you through the knee lever changes OK.Russ, hey the Mullen has angled endplates kinda like a ZB!!!! Next time you are down there will be a ZB onstage. The one I have been wanting to use is my D-11-10, 8 & 8. All the knees need moved to the right and I just haven't had the time to work on my own stuff. WHich reminds me, Marvin has one of my bodies that he is refinishing and I would like to send him my 66' D-10, but thats down the road. Kevin, thanks for the kind words. The old ZB does fit right in with the classic country we play at Renfro. Actually plan on playing the ZB's alot more this year and my Sho~Bud when it gets finished. Greg |
Kevin Hatton
Member From: Amherst, N.Y.
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posted 21 February 2006 10:45 PM
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ZB tip of the month. Next time you change strings, inspect your changer caps for grooves worn in by the strings. If you have any grooves you can sand them out using sand paper and finish off with light emory paper. Some changer caps are aluminum and some are stainless steel. The aluminum ones obviously where out easier. I put a drop of oil on them when I'm finished. I find that the worn grooves can cause the string to sound like a zither and you lose sustain. Hope this helps. Keep me in mind for split cases with wheels if you need them. Plush velour interiors. |
Pat Kelly
Member From: Wentworthville, New South Wales, Australia
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posted 22 February 2006 02:46 AM
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That's cool Kevin. A ZB Zither! |
Ben Elder
Member From: La Crescenta, California, USA
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posted 25 February 2006 12:44 AM
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Anyone have or know of a good headshot photo of our Mr. Beck? I don't know that I've seen anything except the SGHOF plaque and the Student ZB LP cover... |
Pat Kelly
Member From: Wentworthville, New South Wales, Australia
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posted 25 February 2006 01:09 AM
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There's a reasonable profile shot on page 81 of Winnie Winston's Pedal Steel Guitar.
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Lyle Clary
Member From: Decatur, Illinois, USA
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posted 26 February 2006 04:07 PM
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There is pretty good shot of him sitting at his universal keyless is Scotty's E9th book.------------------
1969 ZB Custom D10, BMI S10, 1981 Peavy Musician Mark III, 15 Inch Black Widow, custom enclosure
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Lyle Clary
Member From: Decatur, Illinois, USA
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posted 26 February 2006 04:09 PM
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By the way ,instead of sounding like a zither, I think you mean sitar do you not? |
Pat Kelly
Member From: Wentworthville, New South Wales, Australia
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posted 26 February 2006 04:33 PM
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ZB sitar just doesn't have the same ring to it. Call it poetic licence. |
Lyle Clary
Member From: Decatur, Illinois, USA
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posted 27 February 2006 10:30 AM
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I guess we Yanks have always had a problem with the Queen's English. |
Dave Seddon
Member From: Leicester, England.
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posted 27 February 2006 11:53 AM
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Only 19 more replies and this is the Z B Bible. AMEN. Keep it goin' Larry. |
Henry Nagle
Member From: Santa Rosa, California
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posted 02 March 2006 07:05 PM
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Hey everyone... I just got my ZB s10 from Brad Sarno, via Greg Jone's shop. It's pretty sweet. Sounds and plays great. Needs a lift kit and new strings and I'm good to go! |
Russ Tkac
Member From: Waterford, Michigan, USA
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posted 03 March 2006 04:53 AM
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Henry,Enjoy your new S10. You will love the sound and feel. I was playing my ZB last night and it just sounded fantastic. Russ |
Brad Sarno
Member From: St. Louis, MO USA
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posted 03 March 2006 06:41 AM
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Henry. The "lift kit" on a ZB is pretty simple. The front legs, which need to be rigid, use a wooden dowel rod inside to prevent the legs from collapsing any further. So you don't need legs. You will however need 3 longer pedal rods. Enjoy that beauty. It hurt to let her go, but that cracked water heater of mine didn't give me much choice. Here are some old pic's of it from when I first got it. This is before the 4th lever was added and before the thing was cleaned up.
http://home.earthlink.net/~bradsarno/ZBpage.html
Brad
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Chris Erbacher
Member From: Sausalito, California, USA
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posted 03 March 2006 09:10 AM
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enjoy that s-10 henry looks great, man it seems like s-10's are hard to come by, but that is as nice as i have seen. enjoy it. between you, dave zirbel, larry chung and i, i think there are like 9 or so zb's within about an hour of each other... |
Pat Kelly
Member From: Wentworthville, New South Wales, Australia
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posted 03 March 2006 11:48 PM
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Just noticed after all this time that the #1 strings on both my necks don't run straight on to the tuning peg. They are rubbing against the retaining bracket behind the nut rollers. Could be something less than a mm deflection but evident to the naked eye. Seemed a bit odd to me. Is this normal? Does it matter? |
Brendan Mitchell
Member From: Melbourne Australia
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posted 04 March 2006 12:17 AM
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That blue S10 is one of the nicest looking guitars I have seen . I wish it was mine .
Brendan |
Henry Nagle
Member From: Santa Rosa, California
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posted 04 March 2006 06:20 PM
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Hi Chris... Don't forget, Chip McConnell still has my old ZB s10 in San Francisco.
Does anyone know if Billy Knowles has a new e-mail address? I've been trying to get in touch with him and have recieved no reply. |
Duncan Hodge
Member From: DeLand, FL USA
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posted 04 March 2006 06:54 PM
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Hello Henry. Mr Knowles just posted on another topic this week and this was the email that was on his post. cknowles@intrstar.net
Hope this was helpful.
Duncan |
Dave Zirbel
Member From: Sebastopol, CA USA
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posted 05 March 2006 07:27 AM
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Rob Bleestien in San Rafael has an S-11 that he hardly plays! He won't sell the darn thing either. I've been trying to talk him into it for years. |
Russ Tkac
Member From: Waterford, Michigan, USA
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posted 05 March 2006 02:32 PM
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Keep on him Dave...one of these days he'll give in! An S-11 would be sweet! Russ |
James Cann
Member From: Phoenix, AZ (heart still in Boston)
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posted 05 March 2006 04:53 PM
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Not to give offense, but let me be the first to offer pre-congratulations on the "millenium." Well done,and no jinx intended! |
Duncan Hodge
Member From: DeLand, FL USA
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posted 05 March 2006 07:33 PM
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Good evening gentlemen.
I hate to waste a post with a comment about not making a post...But, I believe that we should leave the big uno, zero, zero, zero (1000) for the very fine gentleman, and friend to all us all, Larry Chung. I can't thank him enough for all of the information and great fellowship I have encountered as a result of his first innocuous post dated October 28, 2002, at 3:12PM California time. It all began something like this:
__________________________________________
"Hello Fellow Forumites:
As a pet project for my copious free time, as a labor of love, and as a service to all of you, I've decided to compile a database of all information pertaining to ZB guitars that I can find."
__________________________________________I for one have enjoyed this post above all others on the Forum. The ZB Custom pedal steel sound was the sound in my head that originally drove me to pick up the steel guitar in the first place. ZBs are not an easy steel to play. I can only compare them to playing a Telecaster. You, or more accurately, I, have to work for each note, but when the note is hit correctly the result is chilling. My ZBs have driven me crazy when I work on them, but I suppose that is part of the ZB "experience". I, for one, will continue to scrape my knuckles on my ZB for the beautiful sound I get when I turn it right side up.
Larry, I hope that you have achieved your original goal of finding out "all information pertaining to ZB guitars that I can find". As a person along for the ride I know that I have. I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the ride.
Duncan
[This message was edited by Duncan Hodge on 05 March 2006 at 07:34 PM.] |
Pat Kelly
Member From: Wentworthville, New South Wales, Australia
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posted 05 March 2006 07:53 PM
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I'd like to second the motion put in the last post. Hold off y'all and let Larry get the millenium. In case anyone missed it here is a thread posted elsehere: quote:
Topic: Hey b0b,are ya gonna close....the "ZB" thread when it reaches 1000??
Smiley Roberts
MemberFrom: Hendersonville,Tn. 37075
posted 28 February 2006 10:08 AM ------------------ ~ ~
©¿© It don't mean a thang,
mm if it ain't got that twang.
www.ntsga.com b0b
Sysop From: Cloverdale, California, USA
posted 28 February 2006 11:21 AM profile send email edit Naw, I think I'll wait until it reaches 10,000.
So let's not forget dear old b0b in this celebration. He's da man that makes it all possible. I only came in here on page nine or so, but I feel like this is part of my day - checking in. Love ye's all. ps. haven't seen too much ill feeling on this thread either. Seems ZB men are a friendly bunch.[This message was edited by Pat Kelly on 05 March 2006 at 08:58 PM.] |
Russ Tkac
Member From: Waterford, Michigan, USA
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posted 06 March 2006 07:27 AM
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I've enjoyed the ZB thread and all the helpful people here.Larry, you deserve our thanks. Russ |
Bo Borland
Member From: Cowtown NJ
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posted 06 March 2006 09:57 AM
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I saw one once.. in Vineland NJ |
Pat Kelly
Member From: Wentworthville, New South Wales, Australia
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posted 06 March 2006 12:17 PM
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Seems my my post above got swallowed by the millenium bug. Is it normal for the #1 string to drag on the steelwork behind the roller nut on its way to the tuning peg?ps: 11 string neck.[This message was edited by Pat Kelly on 06 March 2006 at 12:18 PM.] |
Henry Nagle
Member From: Santa Rosa, California
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posted 06 March 2006 05:28 PM
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On my ZB the saddle that the roller nut sits in is "carved" out for the 1st and 10th strings. I think mine is a 73 or so? It's #0554. |
Jim Walker
Member From: Florida Panhandle
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posted 06 March 2006 07:39 PM
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Does all ZB's have a balance pull system?------------------
Clark D10 8&6
B-bender Telecaster
www.jimwalkeronline.com
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