|
Author
|
Topic: Marlen D-10 "My Tribute to Leonard Stadler"
|
Ricky Davis
Moderator From: Spring, Texas USA
|
posted 05 May 2003 11:11 AM
profile
This is the Finest Pedal Steel that I've ever had the pleasure to be part of. Those that know me; know I have a soft spot in my heart for the Marlen Steel guitar and for the late Leonard Stadler who designed and built these pieces of History. So this is my Tribute to Mr. Stadler(God rest his soul); that his Memory lives on through the restoration of this Vintage Marlen Double-10 Pedal Steel.
I'll have to say; this is the best Job I have ever done in Restoration....as I worked countless hours on this special pedal steel; as I believe this one to be Leonard's Finest Work in appearence and sound and playability.
Damir sent me this Marlen to restore for him; but unfortunately he will not be able to keep it....as he has to fix his Car and pay a mortgage; so it is up for sale in the Buy and Sell.....>and someone has a chance to own one of the finest playing and sounding and looking steel guitars that has ever been at my house.
More info on this Marlen and pics will be within that posting in the Buy and Sell.
There are more pics and my tribute in the "House of Wood" by clicking Here>Mighty Fine Music's House of Wood
Ricky |
Bruce Derr
Member From: Lee, New Hampshire, USA
|
posted 05 May 2003 11:45 AM
profile
gasp...wheeze...pant...
Yikes, that's gorgeous. |
Bill Ford
Member From: Graniteville SC Aiken
|
posted 05 May 2003 05:05 PM
profile
Rick,
Don't you just love the geomentry(sp) on that changer,I do.BTW I got to see/hear the Sho-Bud you did for Russ,I especialy like the treatment on the fretboard.
BF ------------------
Bill Ford |
Roy Thomson
Member From: Wolfville, Nova Scotia,Canada
|
posted 05 May 2003 05:36 PM
profile
Another beauty Ricky.
Was Marlen before Sho-Bud? ------------------
http://www.clictab.com/royt/tabmenu.htm
|
Jim Cohen
Member From: Philadelphia, PA
|
posted 05 May 2003 08:55 PM
profile
My word! That is drop-dead gorgeous! I'm drooling. |
Ricky Davis
Moderator From: Spring, Texas USA
|
posted 05 May 2003 11:36 PM
profile
Thanks guys...and Bill; yep> Killer guitar. Roy....there was NOTHING before ShoBud pal..ah..ha...In my mind that is.
Leonard Stadler; Shot Jackson; and Ed Fulawka...were building Steel guitars Long before time began....so it's hard to say....ha.
Ricky |
Sigi Meissner
Member From: Duebendorf, Switzerland
|
posted 06 May 2003 02:11 AM
profile
Hi RickyWhat a beautful guitar. In case you wanna sell it bring it to a jeweller's shop. |
RON PRESTON
Member From: Dodson, Louisiana, USA
|
posted 06 May 2003 03:40 AM
profile
MERCY!  |
Jay Ganz
Member From: Out Behind The Barn
|
posted 06 May 2003 10:09 AM
profile
They sure don't come much nicer than that! |
Jack Anderson
Member From: Scarborough, ME
|
posted 06 May 2003 11:00 AM
profile
Ricky, while you have that baby there, and since you take such great photos, how about some of the undercarriage? |
Bruce Derr
Member From: Lee, New Hampshire, USA
|
posted 06 May 2003 11:49 AM
profile
There's a shot of the undercarriage (before restoration) in this thread from a few weeks back: http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum3/HTML/016270.html |
Ray Rasmussen
Member From: Santa Rosa, CA,
|
posted 06 May 2003 05:19 PM
profile
Hey, what happened to the red pickup? |
Damir Besic
Member From: La Vergne,TN
|
posted 06 May 2003 05:49 PM
profile
Mr.L StadlerRay,pick up has been replaced with Bill Lawrence 710`s ------------------
 [This message was edited by Damir Besic on 06 May 2003 at 05:52 PM.] |
Rick McDuffie
Member From: Smithfield, North Carolina, USA
|
posted 06 May 2003 06:33 PM
profile
Maybe it's just me... but formica just doesn't have the same effect.Damir, you'd BETTER keep that one! It's the "pearl of great price," baby. Sell everything else!  I wouldn't be surprised if the value of all Marlens goes up sharply, now that Mr. Stadler's not with us anymore. His webpage is still up, if anyone is interested in viewing it- http://www.reidsville.net/stadlermusic/ Best of all- those guitars were made right here in North Carolina! Rick[This message was edited by Rick McDuffie on 06 May 2003 at 06:41 PM.] |
David L. Donald
Member From: Koh Samui Island, Thailand
|
posted 07 May 2003 04:50 AM
profile
An instrument worthy of all Rickys efforts and his efforts are = to this lovely intrument.
Wonderful wood!!!  |
Ricky Davis
Moderator From: Spring, Texas USA
|
posted 07 May 2003 01:17 PM
profile
Jack; underside pics are coming.
Great pic of Leonard...how cool is that??ha..
Ray; the "Red" pickup is here at the house and will go back to Damir with the guitar...and he may want to sell both pickups and Grover tuners....as they are all in great shape and are well sot after.
Damir is lettin' me keep the guitar till next Wed. > as I'll play the Marlen Tues..at my show with Redd Volkaert(Damir&Wife's favorite guitar picker)(MiNE TOO..)...and he wants some pics of me and Redd together with this Marlen....Jammin'...so look for them next week...
Thanks everyone for the very nice remarks as it means so much to me to bring these great classics out of Storage and get them back on stage where they belong....and I know Leonard would of wanted that in a BIG way...
Ricky |
Gino Iorfida
Member From: Oakdale, Pennsylvania, USA
|
posted 07 May 2003 01:22 PM
profile
I know of a Marlen D-10 (think 8+4), that has been sitting in a case for about 10-15yrs, that could be had for $900-$1000. Guy told me about it when I was looking for my first psg, and passed on it, due to not being familiar with the Marlen name. Haven't seen it, but supposedly it's in pretty good shape. Hmmm wonder if I should pester the wife to allow me to buy another geetar |
Ricky Davis
Moderator From: Spring, Texas USA
|
posted 07 May 2003 03:37 PM
profile
Gino; I'd like to know of that Marlen in question.
Can you get pictures?? and or more explaination of what changer is in it and what color it is??
Ricky |
Damir Besic
Member From: La Vergne,TN
|
posted 07 May 2003 05:18 PM
profile
One thing I don`t understand is why are those guitars not more popular?They sound great and they sure are pretty creatures.I wouldn`t sell mine for nothing (I figured out how to take care of my car so I could keep this one he..he).There was beautiful red single neck on the forum few days back but it`s not for sale anymore.What a great guitars.And if Speedy West ahd played one that only proves the quality of this instrument.I did bid on that Bob`s guitar when it was on here for sale,but didn`t win,unfortunaly.------------------
|
Ricky Davis
Moderator From: Spring, Texas USA
|
posted 08 May 2003 11:07 PM
profile
Ok Here is two shots of the under-carriage>
This is the early single finger "Pull-Release" system and tunes like a push pull.
These fingers are either pulled by a rod...or released by a rod going the opposite direction. It really is a very stable tuning system when set up properly...and by properly I mean> "the right leverage on the finger for it to raise and lower....and spring tension on rods and pullers is so important so that there is no un-neccessary slack; which causes tuning problems.
I've played this guitar now for a couple days and it is Ssoooooo incredible how perfect she plays and sounds...and now all you have to do it tune the note up on the tuning key and never have to touch the end plate.....It's that perfect(I know it sounds overconfident...but you should of seen me fight with setting this baby up to do that...>for DAYS..ha)
When I was finished...I actually stood up and applauded myself...ha...because this guitar should not do what it does...and I was so happy that I got it to play as any brand new top of the line state of the art Modern Steel.
Ricky |
Damir Besic
Member From: La Vergne,TN
|
posted 09 May 2003 05:27 PM
profile
Hey Ricky,
can I have it or you`re keep in it?... ------------------
|
Leslie Ehrlich
Member From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
|
posted 09 May 2003 09:54 PM
profile
I will ask again: now that Mr. Stadler is gone, will there be any more Marlens made? They were works of art. Ricky, I like that guitar, but I hate those Kluson tuners with the plastic keys. |
Ricky Davis
Moderator From: Spring, Texas USA
|
posted 10 May 2003 12:10 AM
profile
Damir; I just played this baby tonight opening for Jr. Brown....and she is the best sounding/playing steel that I've had on stage so far....WOW!!!!
Leslie; those are Top of the line Grover tuners with Bone tops....so NO plastic here pal.
They work way better than any tuner I've used....they hold true and they are so perfectly geared....but looks and taste is another subjective thing for each person....and it only matters that Damir wanted them and likes them....and now that they are on this Marlen...."I like them"..
Leslie; Leonard's Brother and family have the keys to the business now and they are keeping the doors locked until they figure out what to do with it.
"I'll take It"...ha....actually me and Ken have talked a bit about it...and hopefully in time; the Marlen steel guitar will bread again> Keep your fingers crossed.
Ricky[This message was edited by Ricky Davis on 10 May 2003 at 12:12 AM.] |
Damir Besic
Member From: La Vergne,TN
|
posted 10 May 2003 06:13 AM
profile
Hey Ricky,
I`m glad to hear that.I can`t wait to play that guitar myself.You did a great job.And congratulations on continuing with the Marlen tradition I hope that will work out for you.I really do.Tuners??Well,they are kinda different but that is what I wanted,I didn`t wont them to be all gold,I tought it would be little too goldish for me I guess.They are most expencive and the best Grover tuners I could find,I know that.------------------
|
Rick McDuffie
Member From: Smithfield, North Carolina, USA
|
posted 11 May 2003 04:30 PM
profile
This is OT, but it's interesting that Mr. Stadler's son, Lennie, was the original bass player in Blackfoot, the well-known southern rock band. Lennie now has a couple of degrees from Duke Divinity School and is pastor of a United Methodist Church near Charlotte, NC.I'd love to see someone keep the Marlen name going, as long as it can be done up to the standards of Mr. Stadler. I think Ricky could do it.
------------------
Rick McDuffie
Tarheel Jazz Q-tet
Debbie Elam Band
www.tarheelmusic.com |
Damir Besic
Member From: La Vergne,TN
|
posted 11 May 2003 04:42 PM
profile
yeap,he is the man for the job.And I hope with all my heart to see him one day in the captain chair of the Marlen.------------------
|
Ray Rasmussen
Member From: Santa Rosa, CA,
|
posted 12 May 2003 08:59 PM
profile
Damir, Are you going to change the Emmons graphic on your signature to Marlen?Ray Rasmussen |
Bob Knight
Member From: Bowling Green KY
|
posted 13 May 2003 06:39 AM
profile
Bill Ford said: quote:
BTW I got to see/hear the Sho-Bud you did for Russ,I especialy like the treatment on the fretboard.
BF
Bill if you are referring to Russ Hicks' "EL DORADO" Sho~Bud. It was restored by the late Dick Miller, not by RD. 
Click image to view larger version
Over 100,000 sellers accelerate their sales with Vendio. FREE TRIAL!
Regards,
Bob [This message was edited by Bob Knight on 13 May 2003 at 06:46 AM.]
|
Ricky Davis
Moderator From: Spring, Texas USA
|
posted 13 May 2003 08:41 AM
profile
Oh Russ Hicks?? Yeah I've never seen that Shobud....AWESOME!! I've only heard about it> thanks Bob for putting that pick up.
I of course thought Bill was talking about another Russ...ah...ha.
Ricky |
Damir Besic
Member From: La Vergne,TN
|
posted 13 May 2003 05:38 PM
profile
Ray,my favorite steel will always be Sho~Bud.Emmons is great and Marlen is,well,don`t know yet,it seems that Ricky has too much fun playing it so I didn`t get a chanse to try it yet... ,but I will,one day.He is getting offers on that guitar all the time but for right now it`s not for sale.But like I said,never know what future holds.When I got the Marlen I tried it for a second and it sounded very interesting,something in between Sho~Bud and Emmons,but very very nice,right now Ricky had put a new 710`s on it so I don`t know what does it sounds like, but Ricky is very happy with the tone.So I`m sure it does sound great.I will be buying one last steel soon and it will be a Sho~Bud of course.So with all three of those guitars I should have all the sound I have ever dreamed of.But I couldn`t have never afford it because I was just a road musician making those $350 a week.Right now I have a good job and I will take advantage and buy what I couldn`t bought before.To Emmons signature will be addeda Marlen logo and when I get a Sho~Bud,a Sho~Bud logo also.My favorie amp is Peavey so I`ll try to fit that somewhere in between I guess.Dang,well I guess Hilton (since that is the best pedal money can buy)will have it`s plays too.Uff,geting too much gear here,it wont fit in my signature... ------------------
sorry,forgot about Stelling,Digitech 2120,etc...
[This message was edited by Damir Besic on 13 May 2003 at 05:42 PM.] |
Damir Besic
Member From: La Vergne,TN
|
posted 14 May 2003 09:34 AM
profile
Ricky and his work of art 
pickin` 
Redd and Ricky (wish I was there to see that show..  ) ------------------
|
Damir Besic
Member From: La Vergne,TN
|
posted 19 May 2003 05:41 PM
profile
update...finaly here...      pictures are not perfect,this thing looks even beter in "person"...
Ricky Davis...what can I say...Bravo...and thank you.
your friend,Damir ------------------
|
Rick McDuffie
Member From: Smithfield, North Carolina, USA
|
posted 24 May 2003 11:08 AM
profile
Damir and Ricky, I've decided to put my Marlen S10 back on the block. Here's the link:
http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum3/HTML/017085.html I've agonized over this, but my Professional is doing a fine job for me, and I can't justify keeping all these steel guitars- they need to be played, not hoarded. ------------------
Rick McDuffie
Tarheel Jazz Q-tet
Debbie Elam Band
www.tarheelmusic.com
 [This message was edited by Rick McDuffie on 24 May 2003 at 11:10 AM.]
|
Damir Besic
Member From: La Vergne,TN
|
posted 24 May 2003 04:22 PM
profile
yes Rick,they need to be played and restored and loved,since they are great vintage instruments with a beautiful tone.If someone thinks that his new 5K guitar can look or sound beter than those old girls...more power to him.I`m sorry to see you seling your guitar but you do what you got to do,I hope I`ll never have to sell mine.Wish you luck with seling it and I know whoever buys it,it will have a great instrument.------------------
|
Bill Ford
Member From: Graniteville SC Aiken
|
posted 25 May 2003 06:50 PM
profile
Bob K/Ricky,
I thought I read somewhere that Ricky restored RHs Sho-Bud,sorry bout that (CRS)kicked in that day...------------------
Bill Ford
Russ at Saluda SC
http://www.msnusers.com/WilliamsHandywork/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=29 [This message was edited by Bill Ford on 26 May 2003 at 06:53 AM.] |
Rick McDuffie
Member From: Smithfield, North Carolina, USA
|
posted 30 May 2003 08:15 PM
profile
Here Damir, put this under your signature, instead of that Brand X logo!  Rick |
Arty Passes
Member From: Austin, TX
|
posted 01 June 2003 10:52 AM
profile
Ricky -
I thought I was the only Marlen guy in town - I bought my black S-10 in 1975 after seeing Jeff Newman play one at at his seminar (his was red, white and blue). I still play it, as well as my Emmons D-10 I bought from Bobbe about 3 years ago. (I still haven't gotten around to learning that other neck)
but I still love that Marlen, and there are way too many memories in it to ever let it go. I keep meaning to make it out the Continental Club one of these Saturday afternoons.....
Arty |
Ricky Davis
Moderator From: Spring, Texas USA
|
posted 01 June 2003 09:36 PM
profile
Arty; that's too cool man...I didn't know you had a Marlen....?? Yes they are fine sounding guitars.
Have you played a single finger pull-release Marlen like the one pictured above?? Now that is Tone.
Eventhough yours is a fine sounding Marlen; and plays/tunes a little easier than this one> there is just something so very very special in the tone of these first Marlen's Leonard put out.
Like to see yours sometime...and all Marlen's have a special place in my heart; being it was the first pedal steel I ever played/owned.
Oh and I won't be there this Sat. with Redd; as I'll be out for the weekend with Heather Myles.
Ricky
Ricky |
Paul Graupp
Member From: Macon Ga USA
|
posted 02 June 2003 01:01 PM
profile
Ricky: A while back a friend sent me a tape made in 1963 when I was with the Cimmaron Cowboys in Europe. At first I thought I had been using one of the Fender 1000's I had back then but as I listened closer I realized the tone had to be the T-10 Marlen Leonard made for me. Jerry Murhar (SP ??) came over with one of the Opry acts and was dying to get the Marlen from me. He also wanted the JBL system I had built up but there was only one of those and I couldn't part with it.Instead, I got his sunburst 1000 and he crossed the Day pedal rods on the Marlen to his Emmons set-up and we went our seperate ways. We had no knee levers at that time but in a few months I had one I put on the Fender that I made out of a towel rack hanger I stole out of the wife's kitchen.
Although I was writing for the Fender company, I didn't want to send the 1000 back to them to see if they could do it so I rigged up my own thing a ma jiggy !! Regards, Paul |
Ricky Davis
Moderator From: Spring, Texas USA
|
posted 02 June 2003 11:02 PM
profile
Hey that's Cool Paul. |
The Steel Guitar Forum
