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Author
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Topic: ''How many play Williams Steel Guitars ''?
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stingray
Member From: maplewood ohio
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posted 23 December 2003 04:24 PM
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How many have the Williams 400 changer?
anyone having trouble keeping string in fork, while changing strings?I had a U/12 player tell me that it took 4 strings before he got a 3rd string to pitch
without braking.....???? ------------------
Gary L.Converse
(teach a kid how to play steel) KEEP PICKING! |
Gary Preston
Member From: Columbus, Ohio, USA
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posted 23 December 2003 04:41 PM
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Hi Gary . I have the 400 changer and i really dont have any problem with that . I love it when the string breaks and i dont have to get a screwdriver and dig out the brass end from the changer . That baby just falls onto the floor just where it belongs !
Keep up the good work Bill . Regards ,,Gary. |
Bobby Lee
Sysop From: Cloverdale, North California, USA
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posted 23 December 2003 11:51 PM
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I don't have any trouble with it, and I've never broken a string on my Williams.
I use Jagwires, by the way.------------------
 Bobby Lee - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs, Open Hearts
Sierra Session 12 (E9), Williams 400X (Emaj9, D6), Sierra Olympic 12 (C6add9),
Sierra Laptop 8 (E6add9), Fender Stringmaster (E13, A6),
Roland Handsonic, Line 6 Variax |
Harley Morris
Member From: Riverside, California, USA
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posted 24 December 2003 02:21 PM
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I don't own a Williams pedal steel, but the guy that played steel on our CD called "Our Kind of Country" does, and let me say this---I have never heard a better sounding steel than that D-10 keyless that he used on the session. He is a personal friend of Bill Rudolph, as am I. In fact, he helped Bill design some of his first guitars back in Minnesota years ago. Dave Knight is who I'm talking about, and a finer steel player would be pretty hard to come by. Info. on the CD can be obtained at hmfiddler@yahoo.com on your friendly computer. Regards, Harley, and a MERRY CHRISTMAS to all. |
Larry Beck
Member From: Pierre, SD
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posted 24 December 2003 05:55 PM
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Same experience as b0b, yet to break a string on my keyless d-10 in the year and a half I've had it. I've never had a steel that didn't break G#s at least every 3rd gig except this one. Bill just rebuilt a 72 Emmons PP S-10 for me and I hope the lack of string breakage rubs off on it, but I'll be suprised if it does.[This message was edited by Larry Beck on 24 December 2003 at 05:56 PM.] |
Gary Preston
Member From: Columbus, Ohio, USA
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posted 03 January 2004 10:32 AM
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Is this all of the Williams players that we have ? Surley not ! Gary. |
Steve Benzian
Member From: Burlingame, CA USA
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posted 05 January 2004 12:24 PM
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Well, here is one more. I have a Williams....great guitar...check out the new website with pictures of guitars and sound files of Albert Svenddal playing a Williams with some nice tunes including Danny Boy, Crazy Arms, Amazing Grace and others. http://www.williamsguitarcompany.com/Sights%20and%20Sounds.htm?Sights+%2B+So unds=Sights+%26+Sounds To see a picture of my light blue D-10
http://www.benzianlist.com/williams14.jpg
To see a closeup of the 400 changer.....sorry to report I have broken strings with it.
http://www.benzianlist.com/williams10.jpg
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Gary Preston
Member From: Columbus, Ohio, USA
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posted 05 January 2004 04:07 PM
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Some nice pictures of the ''Willys''. I really like the ''400''series changer .Some may not but i do . And i think that you will break strings on any steel made . ''Bar'' none!! Here goes . G.P. |
Steve Schmidt
Member From: Ramsey, MN, USA
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posted 05 January 2004 05:05 PM
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I have owned and played Williams guitars since 1979. I currently play an older D10 8x8 guitar that has an earlier prototype 400 changer. He has made improvements on the 400 changer since mine, but I can honestly tell you that in about 10 years since I've had my 400 changer, I have yet to break a string. It is a fantastic guitar and has tone that takes a back seat to none. Of course, it is Black mica. I plan to have another one made this year, funds permitting.
Bill is a great guy and makes a really nice guitar. |
John Bechtel
Member From: Nashville, Tennessee,U.S.A.
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posted 05 January 2004 11:09 PM
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I've read each comment and I haven't seen (1) instance where more than one person played a Williams Steel! They've all been one-on-one!  “BJ”------------------
“Big John” Bechtel
http://community.webtv.net/KeoniNui/BigJohnBechtels
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Tom Wicks
Member From: Coombs, British Columbia, Canada
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posted 06 January 2004 04:08 AM
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my willy is blue laqure birdseye, 400 D-10
keyless,and has the best E-9 tone I have ever played and it only weghts 36 lbs. |
Tom Wicks
Member From: Coombs, British Columbia, Canada
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posted 06 January 2004 04:25 AM
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also I never break a string if I change once every month, and I really like that changer,I can change a set in half the time
it takes to string up my Emmons,good stuff
Tom |
Gary Preston
Member From: Columbus, Ohio, USA
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posted 06 January 2004 05:32 PM
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Hi Big John . I guess i really do'nt know what you are looking for . But i have a new Williams and an old Sho-Bud that i still love . And i know several players that have Williams guitars here in Columbus . And for me i think that the Williams is a great looking and sounding steel . And it is'nt that heavy to carry and also stays in tune with the best of them . Maybe you can enlighten me please .And Bill Rudolph is a great guy to work with . God bless you all .
Regards ,,,Gary. |
Rex Thomas
Member From: Thompson's Station, TN
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posted 06 January 2004 06:02 PM
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Hey, nice read on this thread.
What seems to be the pickup of choice (best overall; makes the Williams sound like a Williams) on these steels?[This message was edited by Rex Thomas on 06 January 2004 at 06:02 PM.] |
Gary Preston
Member From: Columbus, Ohio, USA
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posted 06 January 2004 06:52 PM
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Hi, Rex . I like the ''E-66'' in my Williams . But i'm sure there are other pick-ups that are just as good . I have a 10-1 in my Sho-Bud . And it seems to sound ok also . Gary. |
Gary Preston
Member From: Columbus, Ohio, USA
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posted 13 January 2004 06:11 PM
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Hey, Big John i think that i finally got it !!. It's a little cold up here so it takes a little longer to sink in !. Gary. |
Steve Benzian
Member From: Burlingame, CA USA
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posted 13 January 2004 11:14 PM
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Bill winds his own single coil pickups which are real good.....! |
B.Jenkins
Member From: Parkersburg, WV...U.S.A
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posted 14 January 2004 12:20 AM
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I just placed a order for a new Williams A SD-10
Bill; said I would have it by mid to late Feb.
It will have 3 floors and 6 knees. the color will be Burnt red stained aprons, and a natural top with E-66 pickups. I'll have photos when I get it to post..
Billy.. |
Erv Niehaus
Member From: Litchfield, MN, USA
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posted 14 January 2004 07:10 AM
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Billy,
I also am thinking of having Bill build me a guitar. You picked the same colors as I had decided on. I really like that burnt red color with the natural top. Are you going to get a wood or metal neck? Key or keyless?
Erv[This message was edited by Erv Niehaus on 14 January 2004 at 07:11 AM.] |
Rex Thomas
Member From: Thompson's Station, TN
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posted 14 January 2004 07:56 AM
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Thanx, Steve B. Just wondering what the default pup would be. I see a couple of E 66's & a vote for Bill's single coil. Anybody else? Steve Schmidt? What pickup works for you in your Williams?
Thanx! |
Steve Schmidt
Member From: Ramsey, MN, USA
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posted 14 January 2004 09:51 AM
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A couple of years ago I had Bill install BL-710s in my guitar. I used them for a couple of months and decided to go back to Bills stock single coil pickup. In my opinion, his single coil pickups sound great and I will have them put in my new guitar when I order it. |
Rex Thomas
Member From: Thompson's Station, TN
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posted 14 January 2004 10:27 AM
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THAT'S the stuff I'm wanting to hear. Thanx for your time, Steve.  |
Gary Preston
Member From: Columbus, Ohio, USA
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posted 14 January 2004 04:50 PM
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When i had Bill build my new steel i had the ''E-66'' pickup put into it and i'm real happy with that . Mine is a SD-10 with 4 floor pedals and 5 knee levers with an add on ''pull train'' that Bill will make for you which i guess makes it 6 knee levers . Mine is a real pretty ''windsor'' blue . Or at least i think that is what Bill called it . I have the aluminum insert in the neck also . Anyway it is a very nice guitar . I would suggest that if you have a chance to try one you may like it . Regards,,,Gary . |
Rex Thomas
Member From: Thompson's Station, TN
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posted 14 January 2004 07:12 PM
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Thanx, Gary! |
B.Jenkins
Member From: Parkersburg, WV...U.S.A
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posted 15 January 2004 01:51 AM
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Mr. Preston
Would you post some photos of your Blue Williams?
Thanks
Billy...[This message was edited by B.Jenkins on 15 January 2004 at 01:52 AM.] [This message was edited by B.Jenkins on 15 January 2004 at 01:53 AM.] |
Gary Preston
Member From: Columbus, Ohio, USA
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posted 15 January 2004 04:47 PM
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Hi Billy . I think you have to have a web site to post pictures and i dont . But i will send you a picture to your e-mail . I hope that you enjoy it ,dont look at the goofy guy behind it . Gary. |
Bill Waskiewicz
Member From: Deerfield Beach, Florida, USA
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posted 17 January 2004 02:16 PM
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Hi Gary: I wouldn't mind seeing a photo of that new xmas williams myself.
Thanks, Bill W. |
Gary Preston
Member From: Columbus, Ohio, USA
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posted 17 January 2004 02:45 PM
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Hi, Bill i will send you a couple pictures of my ''Willy'' right now . Regards,,,Gary. |
Rex Thomas
Member From: Thompson's Station, TN
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posted 10 July 2004 10:08 AM
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bumperoni |
Sonny Miller
Member From: Lino Lakes, Minnesota, USA
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posted 12 July 2004 01:23 PM
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I have a 2004 Williams 400X D10,which brings the no. of Williams i have owned over the last 30 years or so to three.Never a problem with any of them. I have had ShoBuds and Emmons but always came back to the Williams.Especially nice these days with the lighter weight metals being used.
The last two steelers who tried my new Williams, have stated that the tone was almost enough to put a person into shock. They stopped playing and stared at me with a open mouth! And Stated "What Tone" I commented that the pickups were Truetone Pickups! And that Bill Rudolph was the creater of this fine guitar. And lives 20 miles away! I am fighting Carpal tunnel and a broken bone in my left wrist, and my right hand is fighting the leftovers from a stroke years ago. I am playing the steel with a thumb pick only at this time. Sounds almost passable too!
I have something to look forward to after the operation on the 22nd of July. Keep a positive outlook! A lot of times I wanted to give up on the steel but that beautiful steel keeps telling me to go for it one more time. It is a very inspiring guitar just to look at.
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Gary Preston
Member From: Columbus, Ohio, USA
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posted 12 July 2004 02:19 PM
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Sonny i wish you well . This is one instrument that gets into your blood real fast . It is sweet music to my ears . Good to see this thread is still alive . I dont know where it came back from ! Regards ,,,Gary . |
Erv Niehaus
Member From: Litchfield, MN, USA
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posted 12 July 2004 02:55 PM
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Bill is presently building me a D-10 guitar. It will have 9 foot pedals and 10 knee levers (separate right knee levers for C6th neck). I am putting TruTone pickups on it.
I would like to pick up a Sho~Bud LDG but the price has risen out of sight so I am talking to Bill about a new SD-10.
Erv |
Gary Preston
Member From: Columbus, Ohio, USA
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posted 12 July 2004 03:08 PM
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Hi, Erv , thanks for the tab .My 'Willy' is sounding better each time that i play it ! It has all the bite that anyone would want . I can get the ''west coast '' style and just about any other type of steel that i want to . I am using the ''Jagwire'' strings and i love them . I like the Stainless Steel Strings with a 38 for my tenth . I am using the E-66 pick-up . Thanks for your reply . Regards,,,Gary . |
Bobby Lee
Sysop From: Cloverdale, North California, USA
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posted 12 July 2004 03:14 PM
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I talked to Bill today and found out that the guitar he's building for me will be the first Williams D-12 crossover guitar. Think about it - it might be the only D-12 crossover ever made by anyone. Looks like I'll be getting it next month.
I guess you could say I'm excited.  ------------------
Bobby Lee - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs, Open Hearts
Sierra Session 12 (E9), Sierra Olympic 12 (C6add9),
Sierra Laptop 8 (E6add9), Fender Stringmaster (E13, A6) |
Sonny Miller
Member From: Lino Lakes, Minnesota, USA
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posted 12 July 2004 03:26 PM
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I have used three different pickups that cam from Bill Rudolph, of Williams guitar and all have been Awesome!
My current brand new D10 400X came with Truetone pickups and my experience with Jerry Wallace PU's have all been excellent.I have had Bill wind some wonderful pickups for guitars i have used in the past. I have metal fretboards because i got used to the metal necks from my experience with other Steels in the past.And the guitar just happened to have metal necks when i first saw it.
I have been admiring Steve Schmidts guitar here in MN for a long time, and finally i got my chance and ordered one. Best thing that ever happened to me.
I have some pictures of the 2004 Willie, for anyone who wants some.
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Gary Preston
Member From: Columbus, Ohio, USA
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posted 12 July 2004 03:34 PM
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Hi, Sonny . Please shoot the pictures whenever you get the chance . These guitars are a looker to say the least ( or at least i think so ) . How long have the crossover guitars been made ? Is Bill the first to do so ? Thanks Gary . |
Bobby Lee
Sysop From: Cloverdale, North California, USA
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posted 12 July 2004 03:55 PM
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Sho-Bud/Baldwin made a primitive crossover D-10 in the 1960's, but it didn't work very well. I'm not sure if anyone else has made one. Bill's crossover design is revolutionary, in my opinion. He didn't copy it from anyone.------------------
Bobby Lee - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs, Open Hearts
Sierra Session 12 (E9), Sierra Olympic 12 (C6add9),
Sierra Laptop 8 (E6add9), Fender Stringmaster (E13, A6) |
Gary Preston
Member From: Columbus, Ohio, USA
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posted 12 July 2004 04:14 PM
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b0b , please let us know when you recieve your new Willy and maybe you can show us the new arrival . I will be looking for the ''pics'' . Thanks , G.P. |
Sonny Miller
Member From: Lino Lakes, Minnesota, USA
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posted 13 July 2004 09:53 AM
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Gary, just sent you some pictures by email. My steel is not a crossover, but the crossover would of been my first choice. I took the Black Mica, because Steve Schmidt has about the same thing. His PSG is 10 years old and looks as good as mine. That is quality that lasts for sure! |
Erv Niehaus
Member From: Litchfield, MN, USA
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posted 13 July 2004 10:01 AM
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If I'm not mistaken, when I visited with Bill, he said that his patent just came through on his crossover design. It took quite a while as the patent office lost his initial application.
Erv |
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