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Author
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Topic: Will Fender ever revive the "Sho-Bud" ?
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Nick Reed
Member From: Springfield, TN
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posted 17 September 2003 06:35 PM
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Many of you know that awhile back Fender Musical Instruments bought Gretch Guitars and I think inherited the rights to the Sho-Bud name. Back in the 1960's & 70's, Fender was in the pedal steel guitar business themselves. In fact Gene Fields from GFI was one of their guitar builders, and Bobbe Seymour was one of their consultants. Now my question is. . .Since Fender can use the Sho-Bud name, do you think they would ever go back to making pedal steel guitars as Sho-Bud. I think they could hire a talented Steel Guitar builder & designer like Duane Marrs or Ed Fulawka to build them. Maybe some new designs in mechanics and options like a mica cabinet along with the traditional Sho-Bud laquer could be made available. I think it could make a new, exciting & marketable product for Fender. Since I'm a Sho-Bud owner myself, I think it would be great. What do some of you other Sho-Buddies think about the idea? Nick[This message was edited by Nick Reed on 18 September 2003 at 03:42 PM.] |
C Dixon
Member From: Duluth, GA USA
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posted 17 September 2003 06:55 PM
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ANY thing's possible. But IMO, unless the thinking at the top (in the Fender corp) is radically changed since they quit making Steel Guitars, I believe there is about as much a chance of them reviving the Sho-Bud Steel guitar as there is the proverbial snowball's chance in hell..But I would love to see it in any case, carl
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Donny Hinson
Member From: Balto., Md. U.S.A.
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posted 17 September 2003 07:14 PM
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Ten years ago, I'd have said "No way". But today, companies like Fender are discovering that there's money in "custom-shop" instruments and amps. All of a sudden, they can price these items at twice what they might normally bring in the market. All of a sudden, "low sales" doesn't have to mean "low profits". Mass marketing is gradually giving way to customized high-end products. In the world of computers, Dell's sales are 'way down, and Alien's are 'way up. Nowadays, you can get a great computer for $800. And yet, many are opting to pay $3,000 to $4,000 for a home computer! Enzo Ferrari new this decades ago. "Make it perform like no other, and people will gladly pay any price to have it!" [This message was edited by Donny Hinson on 17 September 2003 at 07:15 PM.] |
Nick Reed
Member From: Springfield, TN
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posted 17 September 2003 07:17 PM
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Carl,
Since Fender already offers "Custom Shop" guitars for their tele & strat lines, I think it would be a very feasible project for Fender to consider. They could offer Pedal Steels as a catalog item, only available through special order. And maybe have a few floor models for people to try-out. Fender dealers could buy one for their store as a demo. Then possibly someone good like Bill Rudolph in Minnesota or Bobby Boman in Texas could bt contracted out to build their Sho-Bud line.
b0b, if you're tuned in what's your feeling on this? Nick [This message was edited by Nick Reed on 17 September 2003 at 07:23 PM.] |
Larry Harlan
Member From: Thomas, OK, USA
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posted 17 September 2003 07:23 PM
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Nick, I could be wrong here--that is, the deal between Gretsch and Fender could have taken on more, but one of my contacts very close to the Gretsch Co. told me right after the story broke that Fender had acquired Gretsch, that all of Sho~Bud did not go with nor was in the deal. Hence, it is my understanding, unless something has further changed, Sho~Bud is still intact with Gretsch Co. But this was probably 6 months ago now or more. If you have further, later information, I will stand corrected. Best regards.[This message was edited by Larry Harlan on 17 September 2003 at 07:24 PM.] |
Nick Reed
Member From: Springfield, TN
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posted 17 September 2003 07:33 PM
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Larry,
Well I could be wrong myself. But if Fender does have the Sho-Bud rights, I wish they would start it back in production. Since the MSA revival is showing alot of success I think it would be a great to see the BUD re-surface with a new modern design! Nick[This message was edited by Nick Reed on 17 September 2003 at 07:37 PM.] |
Larry Harlan
Member From: Thomas, OK, USA
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posted 17 September 2003 07:47 PM
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Well, how would you change it for the better? I guess we could make a collective list here.
I do realize there have been some various mechanical updates-inhancements to the psg in general since Sho~Bud's last technology which was about 1986 (maybe?) when they came out with the Super Pro?
I have felt all along that they probably could have sold all they could build of the Super Pro simply because the Sho~Bud name is synonomous being the first pedal steel that pretty well "started" the foundation of the world of psg.
One of the main things I've read here on the forum and talking to owners of Super Pro's is that the changer fingers needed to be made out of a good quality alumn. instead of pot metal. Other than that, with the option of either wood or alumn neck inserts, (now there would be the choice of any kind of pickup you might want in either or both necks) the 8x6 standard for a D-10 seeemd to be a seller. While there are now many good psg's on the market, I never could figure why they quit production, unless it was just a money thing.
But to my knowledge, anyone building a good, solid, modern steel, seems to stay fairly busy and I really do think there aren't any bad ones out there. I think my brother-in-law said it best. When you sit down to one and it fits right, feels right, and sounds right "to you," regardless of what anyone else thinks, for Pete's sake, buy it![This message was edited by Larry Harlan on 17 September 2003 at 08:14 PM.] [This message was edited by Larry Harlan on 17 September 2003 at 08:15 PM.] |
Nick Reed
Member From: Springfield, TN
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posted 17 September 2003 08:24 PM
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Larry,
You are sooooooo right about the POT METAL being a problem. My pro-1 has all re-manufactured knee levers made out of heavy polished aluminum channel. They are exact duplications (looks-wise & size-wise) but much stronger and more dependable then the factory ones. The Sho-Bud levers kept breaking to easily so I had them replaced when I had my guitar re-built.Nick[This message was edited by Nick Reed on 17 September 2003 at 08:25 PM.] |
Rick Johnson
Member From: Wheelwright, Ky USA
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posted 18 September 2003 06:44 AM
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Since Fender is considering the
Hor Rod Deluxe with a JBL for LLoyd
to endorse, don't be surprised if
the Sho-bud LDG doesn't surface soon after.
If I got the amp model wrong let me know.
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Rick Johnson
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Rick McDuffie
Member From: Smithfield, North Carolina, USA
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posted 18 September 2003 07:11 AM
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Larry Harlan is right. I'm a Fender dealer, and my rep says that Fender acquired the marketing and distribution rights for Gretsch guitars. However, Fred Gretsch, Jr. is still an entity unto himself. As far as I know, Gretsch drums, which are made down (at least the USA series, though they do have some imports) near Charleston, SC, aren't tied to the Fender deal either. But... I'm sure this doesn't preclude a deal that could happen later. I expect ol' Fred would be open to an offer on Sho-Bud, don't you? It will take someone like Fender getting behind the steel guitar... with the money, promotional power, etc., to make pedal steel a going concern again and to get more young steel players motivated and learning. Hard to say this, since I'm now "middle-aged", but unless some young, fresh role models emerge and a company with Fender's power gets behind the instrument... there's no point in ANYBODY making many more steels... there are more than enough to go around. Young players are not gonna be motivated by us 50-80 year-old guys sitting around at steel shows playing "Your Cheatin' Heart", as great as that may be. I DO think the market is wide open, and could be developed, but it's going to take a lot of money. The question is... is it WORTH the investment? In the end, Fender is just a business- which is currently being adminstered by some very astute businessmen.But I'd LOVE to see Sho-Bud revived... and I'd be first in line for a dealership!
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Rick McDuffie
Marlen SD-10, Sho-Bud Professional S-10, Paul Reed Smith McCarty, Hofner New President, Fernandes LE2G
Rick's Music Photo Gallery
www.tarheelmusic.com
[This message was edited by Rick McDuffie on 18 September 2003 at 07:12 AM.]
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Ricky Davis
Moderator From: Spring, Texas USA
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posted 18 September 2003 11:41 AM
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All the ShoBud fingers through the years were Aluminum......it was some of the other brackets in the mechanism that were Pot metal...>but not the fingers. I personally would NOT like to see the ShoBud re-surface.........Unless Duane Marrs was contracted to do them...otherwise...to me; They would not be ShoBud. There is someone already building a All birdseye Maple steel guitar with Modern mechanics and his name is Ed Fulawka.
Ricky |
Joey Ace
Sysop From: Southern Ontario, Canada
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posted 18 September 2003 11:54 AM
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Amen Ricky!
No commercial enterprize, such as Fender, could produce a Steel with the quality of Eddie's.If they did, expect to pay $20K. |
Kevin Hatton
Member From: Amherst, N.Y.
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posted 18 September 2003 12:28 PM
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Amen, Joey and Ricky. Some day I will purchase one of Ed's guitars. To me they are the finest sounding and best looking lacquer bodied guitars being made. Just oustanding tone. To me they are what Sho-Bud should have become. |
Rick McDuffie
Member From: Smithfield, North Carolina, USA
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posted 18 September 2003 03:03 PM
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I understand the reasoning behind what my friend Ricky D. is saying... but Fender is doing a first-class job at (nearly) everything they're attempting these days. I'm confident that, if they were to take on a project like this, they'd hire the top people in the steel guitar community to head it up... and this would include people like those just mentioned (who also have my great respect). But this discussion is purely academic because, between me, you and the gatepost, it probably ain't gonna happen.Rick Mc |
Tony Prior
Member From: Charlotte NC
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posted 19 September 2003 01:49 PM
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Interesting thought Nick,but lets say they did do it..would we now have the typical Fender mode of operation..ok lets have some fun... American Standard Steel
Made In Mexico Steel
Made In Japan Steel
or the Hybrid Highway 1 Steel Or is it "Made in USA by Mexicans" whats the difference? I mean Corona is in the USA ... And then of course the Custom Shop Steel.. and then we would have the re-issues.. Would they re-issue the 8+1 Professional ?
How about the Crossover..?  I think if they can't get it done without the big profit margin the recommendation would be to just buy one of Eddie's Steels or any other known brand. I suspect that Fender is not going to pay a craftsman the well deserved salary to build an Instrument which has a very limited market, costs a lot to build and takes a long time to build. Tele's and Strats..now thats a living... tp |
Ed Naylor
Member From: portsmouth.ohio usa
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posted 19 September 2003 02:11 PM
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Riccky-I am not trying to be argumentative,but Sho-Bud used the "Pot Metal" on lots of their guitars. The later Mavericks, Super Pro and any that had a "Slot" for the string to hook to.They were chrome plated. Several years ago I contacted the manufacturer of these parts but decided the practical answer was to manufacture parts out of solid aluminum.Since I do alot of this repair I had special dies made for these parts. Ed |
Damir Besic
Member From: La Vergne,TN
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posted 19 September 2003 07:13 PM
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I played Pro I ,II ,III ,LDG`s and Super Pros for years and never broke anything on any of my guitars.They are great guitars and next to p/p Emmons probably the only guitars with unique tone.  ------------------
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Jim Smith
Member From: Plano, TX, USA
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posted 19 September 2003 07:22 PM
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Ricky, I'll have to agree with Ed on this one. Jerry Fessenden recently made two sets of aluminum fingers to replace the pot metal ones in Ronnie Miller's Sho-Bud. The E9 3rd string rivet hole had almost worn completely through!  |
chas smith
Member From: Encino, CA, USA
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posted 19 September 2003 08:02 PM
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My Super -Pro which I believe was made in 1978 had pot metal fingers, which was the first thing I repaced. It also had pot metal keyheads and the majority of the undernieth machanics were of the pot metal variety. |
Nick Reed
Member From: Springfield, TN
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posted 19 September 2003 08:41 PM
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Now, by seeing the responses on this post it's apparent theres and interest in Sho-Bud Steel guitars being revived. It's also obvious that a better & more durable mechanical design could be placed in them. If Fender wanted to carry through with this fantasy of mine, they could produce one hell of a Steel Guitar line. This post is not intended to put down Shot Jacksons orignal designs but to just make them better. As technology improves, so do the products from that technolgy. Also pertaining to the non-pedal market. Wouldn't it be cool to see guitars like the Fender Stringmaster, Triple 8, and the Dual Custom having the Sho-Bud name on them. Lots to dream about here guys. [This message was edited by Nick Reed on 19 September 2003 at 08:44 PM.] |
Dyke Corson
Member From: Urbana, IL USA
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posted 19 September 2003 10:22 PM
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I too am a Gretsch Dealer, and I was quite suprised when the Fender deal went down. When I became a Gretsch dealer, Fred himself called me and we talked for quite some time, Fred indicated he did not want his guitars on the internet for sale, was not going to open up a ton of dealers, wanted to keep things "clean", etc. I asked him about Sho-Bud and he said he would love to talk about it (this was before the Fender deal)so he was open to discussion, like he was keeping the option open. I talked with Duke Kramer and it was his opinion that Gretsch was not sold to Fender, but they had a distribution deal, and Fred was still very much a part of things....maybe someone needs to call Fred? |
Ricky Davis
Moderator From: Spring, Texas USA
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posted 20 September 2003 12:31 AM
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Ed; Jim and ya'll are correct....I guess I forgot to mention yet again....that to me...>"There was no more Shobud after the Pro II....ah..ha.  .
For some reason...I just continually neglect the Shobuds(eventhough I work on them..)after the double raise/double lower changer and mechanics....>so I appologize for grouping the later model Shobuds in with saying "All Shobuds"...
I'll say it again...>I do not like the Shobuds after the Pro II > eventhough they are fine guitars....>I just never considered them the "ShoBud" sound> hence the materials and mechanics.
Ricky |
Ed Naylor
Member From: portsmouth.ohio usa
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posted 20 September 2003 05:32 AM
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Even though I have built guitars for over 35 years, the Super-Pro Sho-Bud in my opinion was one of the best looking and playing guitars. Because ot the 'Die Cast" parts they were prone to breakage and lacked "Tone". With all this said "People love Sho-Buds". That is why I have so many Sho-Bud part options to owners. Had it not been for Sho-Bud where would the Steel industry be today??? ED |
Damir Besic
Member From: La Vergne,TN
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posted 20 September 2003 07:18 AM
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This Super Pro sounds as good as any old Sho~Bud I ever had.------------------
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chas smith
Member From: Encino, CA, USA
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posted 20 September 2003 12:28 PM
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My Professional walks all over my Super-Pro. |
Lem Smith
Member From: Fulton, MS. U.S.A.
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posted 20 September 2003 09:43 PM
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Nick Reed emailed these pics to me, and asked me to post them here for him.
Lem
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Nick Reed
Member From: Springfield, TN
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posted 20 September 2003 11:47 PM
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Thanks Lem!
Guys, this is my '78 Sho-Bud Pro-1 bought from Bobbe Seymour about 16 years ago. It has my copedent . . . 3 x 4 with the standard emmons set-up. This guitars undercarriage has been completely re-built and the knee levers are made from aluminum channel instead of pot metal. It's a HOSS and plays as smooth as any new steel guitar I tried out in St. Louis. [This message was edited by Nick Reed on 21 September 2003 at 08:22 AM.] |
Damir Besic
Member From: La Vergne,TN
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posted 21 September 2003 06:07 PM
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I bet it does Nick.I had a nice Pro I 3+4 red wine color that sounded amazing and Sheila almost divorced me when I sold it.
Chas you have to tide`em up in the corner.------------------
[This message was edited by Damir Besic on 21 September 2003 at 06:09 PM.] |
KENNY KRUPNICK
Member From: Grove City,Ohio
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posted 21 September 2003 07:48 PM
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Nick, Nice Sho~Bud you have there. Nice vintage Princeton Reverb amp also.  |
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