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Author
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Topic: ZB Pedal Steel Guitars - Please help!
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Chris Rohde
Member From: Portland, ME, USA
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posted 29 April 2005 03:05 PM
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Thanks for the advice all....Any thoughts on string gauges for C6 neck? |
Joe Shelby
Member From: Walnut Creek, California, USA
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posted 29 April 2005 10:41 PM
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Anyone ever see what you might call the "anti-ZB?" This, to the best of my recollection, was a polished aluminum cabinet
D-10, probably 8&2. I saw this guitar in summer 1974, at Leo's Music in Oakland (CA),
when they were located on College Ave. It
looked as if it were all chrome-plated; very
striking.
It was being sold on consignment for Carlos
(aka Carco) Claveira (a forumite, I believe).
I have no recollection if this was a wood
cabinet guitar cloaked in aluminum or what...
I can only imagine the tuning anomalies of this particular horn. Anyone ever see it? |
Duncan Hodge
Member From: DeLand, FL USA
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posted 02 May 2005 06:05 PM
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Hey Guys,
I just completed a very successful reattachment and adjustment of my verticle knee lever on my ZB. It now works perfectly and even looks right. The amazing thing is that it only took about 30 minutes, with much advice from Greg Jones beforehand. I feel like Mr. Fixit. This may not be a big deal to most of you, but I usually have trouble unscrewing a jar of peanut butter. Just thought I'd share.
Duncan |
Kevin Hatton
Member From: Amherst, N.Y.
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posted 02 May 2005 09:10 PM
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Duncan, thats great! I'll say this. I don't really think that you could be a happy owner of a ZB without knowing how to work on them. Not that they are a bad guitar, its just that when things need adjusting or fixing you'll feel much better knowing how to do it yourself without going into that panicking lost in the woods mode. ZB's are like owning a Studebacker. As long as they are setup and maintained they play well, and they do have idiosynchrosis that other guitars don't. I took the time over the last couple of years to familiarize myself with the mechanics and they don't scare me at all now. Lowering return spring adjustment is critical on strings four and eight. The fourth string can tend to return sharp in its too tight. Also, making sure that the strings are wrapped with enough wraps (4-5)especially on the sixth string I find this also critical on a ZB. I'm sure that you feel much more confident about your ZB now Duncan now that you took one of the mysteries out of fixing it.[This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 02 May 2005 at 09:19 PM.] [This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 02 May 2005 at 09:58 PM.] |
Chuck McGill
Member From: Jackson, Tn
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posted 03 May 2005 03:35 AM
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Duncan you the man. I am very impressed. Next
I want you to come to Jackson Tn and assist me with the 12str rebuild. I have put it off
as long as I can. I start today. |
Russ Tkac
Member From: Waterford, Michigan, USA
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posted 03 May 2005 05:11 AM
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I will say a prayer for you Chuck. I am in process of fixing a broken finger on my D11/10. Greg Jones and Billy Knowles have been very helpful with advice, information and parts. Billy was telling me last night that every time he finishes a ZB he says "never again!" By the way, Billy says he has a 66' D11/10 that he is suppose to rebuild for himself...and he can't even bring himself to do it. Too much work.  Russ
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Russ Tkac
Member From: Waterford, Michigan, USA
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posted 03 May 2005 05:15 AM
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Also... any thoughts about this? I'd say not an 84'Russ
http://white.falcon.free.fr/84zb_1.html |
Kevin Hatton
Member From: Amherst, N.Y.
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posted 03 May 2005 09:39 AM
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Its a seventies guitar. If you could see the changer enplate or the serial number you could tell more. |
Gibson Hartwell
Member From: Missoula, Montana, USA
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posted 03 May 2005 10:23 AM
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I just wanted to thank Kevin Hatton here on this thread. I just became a ZB player thanks to him. I bought his green D-10. What a gem!This is a beautiful guitar and has been cared for with an incredible attention to detail. The guitar, cases, and Kevin's ability to answer questions about it are all fantastic. Packing was done with incredible care and evrything showed up without one scratch or ding. I wouldn't hestitate to recommend doing business with Kevin if anyone gets the chance. Now the real adventure begins for me. This is my first pedal steel. I've been on non-pedals for a couple of years now and regular 'ol guitar for, ahem, quite a while.
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Andrew Buhler
Member From: Maryland, USA
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posted 03 May 2005 11:28 AM
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Send me that 12 string, Chuck. I'll set her up but I may hang onto it for a while! Actually, I was working on my SD-10 this weekend after the lower spring for the 2nd string lower finger broke. I removed the lower spring for the 1st string (I don't lower the high F#) and used that for the 2nd string lower. I also recalibrated my LKV that lowers the G#s a half tone. The most difficulty I've ever had is reattaching the pull rods that are connected underneath those cross strap puller things. The B pedal rods came loose and it was an absolute bear to get them reattached. I feel your pain, Chuck. So does my local hardware store sell ZB lower springs? [This message was edited by Andrew Buhler on 03 May 2005 at 11:30 AM.] |
Lyle Clary
Member From: Decatur, Illinois, USA
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posted 03 May 2005 12:10 PM
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I am thinking of adding a new knee lever to my 1969 ZB Custom Serial 0154. It will be LKR, but here is the problem. There is no hole for the crossrod in the front part of the cabinet. Any ideas. I am a do it your selfer. Also a hobby Blacksmith whose motto is, "If it does not fit then you must aquit." No that is not right, "If it does not fit, get a bigger hammer."------------------
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Kevin Hatton
Member From: Amherst, N.Y.
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posted 03 May 2005 12:57 PM
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Century Springs in California. 800-237-5225. Ask for a length of #E16. It is an exact replacement except you have to cut it to length from the three foot piece and then bend the last coil. |
Duncan Hodge
Member From: DeLand, FL USA
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posted 03 May 2005 04:55 PM
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I'm ready Chuck, but why don't we do it here in DeLand? Since you're choosing an inept partner we should at least perform the task where the fishing's better, namely my backyard.
Duncan |
Russ Tkac
Member From: Waterford, Michigan, USA
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posted 08 May 2005 06:56 PM
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   BUMP^^^^^^^^^^^^^ |
Dave Van Allen
Member From: Doylestown, PA , US , Earth
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posted 08 May 2005 07:25 PM
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oh RUSS... that's purtyMy ZB's getting jealous of me looking at your ZB Porn pix... |
Kevin Hatton
Member From: Amherst, N.Y.
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posted 08 May 2005 08:34 PM
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Now that's what I'm talking about. |
Larry Chung
Member From: San Francisco, CA, USA
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posted 08 May 2005 10:00 PM
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Hey Russ:That is one beautiful steel guitar. It actually looks almost exactly like one of my D-10s, same era, same faded blue to gray finish, border inlay, pedals, etc. If yours sounds even half as good as mine, then you're a happy man... (: And excellent photos, too - why to lacquer guitars just look so darned pretty? All ZBest!
Larry |
Russ Tkac
Member From: Waterford, Michigan, USA
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posted 09 May 2005 05:08 AM
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If you look through the deck (top left corner of picture one) you can see my neighbor's vintage 1970 Triumph motorcycle. Two 1970 vintage instruments in one picture!Russ
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Ben Elder
Member From: La Crescenta, California, USA
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posted 15 May 2005 09:24 PM
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^ |
Brad Sarno
Member From: St. Louis, MO USA
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posted 17 May 2005 07:52 AM
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Need Help. I've successfully moved my right 2 levers to a better and more ergonomic position, but now I need some hardware made. I need 3 standard pullrod/turnbuckle assemblies made with the right angle/lock-pin at one end and the motorcycle spoke at the other. I'll get the details together. Just checking to see who's set up to whip these babies out.Anyone??? Thanks,
Brad |
Steven Welborn
Member From: Ojai,CA USA
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posted 17 May 2005 03:08 PM
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 [This message was edited by Steven Welborn on 17 May 2005 at 03:11 PM.] [This message was edited by Steven Welborn on 17 May 2005 at 03:15 PM.] [This message was edited by Steven Welborn on 22 May 2005 at 11:23 AM.] |
Brad Sarno
Member From: St. Louis, MO USA
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posted 18 May 2005 01:55 PM
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Anyone making pullrod/turnbuckles?Brad |
Duncan Hodge
Member From: DeLand, FL USA
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posted 18 May 2005 05:46 PM
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Steve,
I'm sorry to be the one to inform you of this, but your ZB is broken beyond repair and possibly dangerous to national security (although I am not at liberty, nor required under The Patriot Act, to explain to you exactly why). The only solution is to immediately securely box up your ZB, case included, and send it to Duncan Hodge in DeLand, Florida. Again, I am sorry.
Duncan Hodge in DeLand, Florida |
Brad Sarno
Member From: St. Louis, MO USA
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posted 18 May 2005 06:14 PM
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Yea Steve. Sad but true. Duncan is the only federally licenced toxic ZB Custom disposal/incineration service in the continental US. It's the only proper thing to do. Brad Sarno |
Russ Tkac
Member From: Waterford, Michigan, USA
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posted 18 May 2005 06:59 PM
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Or, if you buy a second one you too can be considered a dumping zone. Duncan is more of a recycler. Russ |
Duncan Hodge
Member From: DeLand, FL USA
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posted 18 May 2005 08:01 PM
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Russ, I have to warn you, in all fairness, that I only recycle in order to neutralize a threat to national security. You, sir, are treading into waters that are better left untreaded. As we both know, ZB’s have been a well-kept secret for many a year, for good reason I might add. I “recycled” one that eventually ended up in the hands of someone in Arlington, VA and have lived to regret it.
D.C., the man who we know really runs everything in this country, has empowered me to issue a “cease and desist” order directed toward you, for whatever you are doing, or for whatever you are thinking of doing for that matter. In the spirit of orderliness in this great nation of ours, I call on you and all others to immediately comply and send all “defective” ZBs to the aforementioned person. Remember, our nation depends on this...
Duncan from DeLand Florida
[This message was edited by Duncan Hodge on 18 May 2005 at 08:03 PM.] |
Steven Welborn
Member From: Ojai,CA USA
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posted 19 May 2005 06:53 PM
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I just completely dissassembled the S10 for cleaning and refinnishing. What fun to work on a ZB. Its nice to get a detailed look at the changer and things. Very cool design.
I love how tha cab comes apart.
Somebody decided to bolt a slab of wood to the inside deck for an armrest creating an ugly hole wich I'll need to drill out (3/8")and plug with birdseye and attempt some cosmetic magic. Why do people do these things?
I think send it off to someone like G.Jones for a final set up so I can see how its really spoz to be done.
If a ZB really can play and feel like a well set up P/P than there could be another desparate addict out on the streets looking for a D10 fix.
So, what the prefered changer lubricant?
For a small job like this I would think finish the cab with laq. arisol cans should work fine.
And gee....how many ZB's are out there where they forgot to stamp a serial #. No pots either(there plugged)The previous owner was told be the previous owner to him that it came from Oklahoma. Did ZB's come out of there?[This message was edited by Steven Welborn on 19 May 2005 at 06:59 PM.] [This message was edited by Steven Welborn on 19 May 2005 at 07:03 PM.] |
Steven Welborn
Member From: Ojai,CA USA
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posted 19 May 2005 07:07 PM
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oops[This message was edited by Steven Welborn on 22 May 2005 at 11:25 AM.] |
Duncan Hodge
Member From: DeLand, FL USA
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posted 19 May 2005 08:52 PM
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I believe that the preferred lubricant, as per Greg Jones, is "mystery 3 & 1" oil. If not, email Greg and get the right stuff.
Duncan |
Dave Zirbel
Member From: Sebastopol, CA USA
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posted 19 May 2005 10:46 PM
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I believe the first ZBs came from Arkansas, like around 1964 to 1968 or 1969, and then moved to Bakersfield when Tom Brumley took over. They eventually wound up in Phoenix, AZ.DZ |
Andrew Buhler
Member From: Maryland, USA
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posted 20 May 2005 06:02 AM
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Thanks for illustrating the positive effects of recycling, Duncan! |
Russ Tkac
Member From: Waterford, Michigan, USA
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posted 20 May 2005 10:23 AM
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  Enjoy^^^^^^^^^^^^^ |
Duncan Hodge
Member From: DeLand, FL USA
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posted 20 May 2005 01:34 PM
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Think nothing of it Andrew. If I had to kick myself over selling that ZB I'm glad it went to you. And Russ, those pic illustrate exactly the type of ZB that should be recycled through DeLand.
Duncan |
Chuck McGill
Member From: Jackson, Tn
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posted 22 May 2005 03:58 PM
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Am I reading the tone pot of my D10 right at
1 Meg? Sorry. I know this changes the subject
but I have a ZB need.[This message was edited by Chuck McGill on 22 May 2005 at 04:01 PM.] |
Brad Sarno
Member From: St. Louis, MO USA
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posted 22 May 2005 06:10 PM
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Well I just got my ZB working again. I had to move the right knees over to the right another 4" or so. The far right knee shaft is under the changer so I had to make a linkage that went from there back to the left to activate another shaft that had a rod connection to the changer. Works great. I also wax potted the pickup to reduce microphony. I didn't eliminate it, but it's greatly reduced. If you ever take those pickups apart, take GOOD notes and keep the magnets and their polarities well marked. I can imagine that it would have been a real PITA if I hadn't been systematic in taking that pickup apart. So now my ZB has the right knees in just the right spot so I can sit at the guitar comfortably and be centered correctly. It used to have me sitting way left which just felt wrong. I've also got Tom Brumley's '59 Bassman here for servicing (his classic steel amp) so I couldn't resist checking out the ZB/Brumley Amp combo. What a sound!!! Now if only I could play the darn thing...
Brad
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Larry Chung
Member From: San Francisco, CA, USA
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posted 22 May 2005 06:30 PM
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Hey Russ:Thanks for posting the photos of your two ZBs. Very different aesthetics, for all of you keeping score - mostly, that the later ones lost the horns on the ends of the guitar. Which I believe resulted in a shorter body - notice the reinforced aluminum backing on the later one. For you fanatics, also notice that the earlier ZB has a more rounded metal plate with the pickup selector and tap switches, also that the earlier one has the sliding switch in between the two knife switches that engage the tone/volume knobs on the changer side of the guitar. Oh yeah, the tuning machines are different, too, with the older ones having Kluson Deluxe butterbean keys and the later ones having ??? (Schallers?). Cool stuff on both of 'em. White fingerboards and pickups = more cool stuff, BTW. All ZBest!
Larry[This message was edited by Larry Chung on 22 May 2005 at 06:33 PM.] |
Russ Tkac
Member From: Waterford, Michigan, USA
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posted 22 May 2005 06:33 PM
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Chuck,We hadn't heard from you in a while and I was wondering if that 12 string rebuild had caused you to do something drastic? I've found that cussing helps. Sorry, cant help with the pot. Hi Larry! I didn't see you there. The newer one is 3" shorter. I'm no ZB mechanic but with some help I fixed the darn raise finger I broke. The newer one sounds great too. Lets see a post of your ZB family. Russ[This message was edited by Russ Tkac on 22 May 2005 at 06:39 PM.] [This message was edited by Russ Tkac on 22 May 2005 at 06:41 PM.] |
Larry Chung
Member From: San Francisco, CA, USA
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posted 22 May 2005 09:22 PM
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Hey Russ:I don't have enough memory in my digital camera... (: Seriously, I'm still living in the stone age - particularly for being here in the middle of Silicon Valley. Once I have a digital camera (later this summer, if I just stop buying ZBs), I'll post away! ZBest,
Larry |
Steven Welborn
Member From: Ojai,CA USA
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posted 22 May 2005 10:27 PM
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Larry or anyone, whats the story on the white vs black fretboards and pickups? Were they both optional at any point in ZB history or???
Also, taking one apart really helps to understand what factors into the ZB sound. Along with stainless caps,stops, and thick wood of course, that round, hollowed,cool looking horned plate, on which the changer mounts, really chimes and rings like a bell. Much more than the endplates.
I hope Im able to get to get this thing set up and running as well as others are.
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Russ Tkac
Member From: Waterford, Michigan, USA
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posted 23 May 2005 07:47 PM
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Rusty and ZB!!!!!!!!!!  |
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