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Author
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Topic: older Zum verses newer Zum
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Jack Musgrave
Member From: Rogersville, Missouri, USA
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posted 01 November 2003 06:50 AM
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I am considering purchasing a mid 80's D-10 Zum. would like some feedback on these guitars verses the newer ones. Is the tone the same through the different years? are some years better than others? which pickups sound the best,and are there special things to look for considering the older guitars |
chris ivey
Member From: sacramento, ca. usa
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posted 01 November 2003 09:36 AM
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my zum is an '82 and tone has never been a problem. i'm still impressed with it's sound, function, and appearance (blue formica) after 21 years of playing it daily and beating it around from gig to gig. i've only had to replace a couple rod to pedal connectors. i can't justify buying a new steel to get anything better. |
Dennis Detweiler
Member From: Solon, Iowa, US
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posted 01 November 2003 10:32 AM
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I wouldn't hesitate in buying a Zum of any vintage. The new model that Randy is playing is probably the ultimate in tone if you're wanting to duplicate the PP. The older models can be altered to suit your taste with a variety of pickup choices. Currently, I would upgrade with a Wallace TT. I bought a new Zum U-12 in 83. At that time Bruce was experimenting with a body contact system, which is on my guitar. I will be upgrading this guitar soon with a TT pickup. It has a GL 12-1 on it now. Changing pedal setups on the Zum is a breeze also.
Dennis |
Mike Delaney
Member From: Fort Madison, IA
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posted 01 November 2003 10:56 AM
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I have a mid 80's SD10 3&5. I would highly recommend this guitar, and can't imagine that anyone would be disappointed with a Zum. |
Doug Earnest
Member From: Branson, MO USA
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posted 02 November 2003 08:06 AM
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Jack,
While working with Bruce, I had the opportunity to play and work on Zums of nearly every vintage. Just like any other brand, occasionally you will find one that is exceptional, tone-wise. The best sounding guitar I ever heard was an early '80's vintage Universal 12 on a double body. It had that growl way down deep that another brand of guitar is known for (but not all of them posess...).
But to your question, I have never seen one that when properly adjusted and cleaned did not play beautifully and sound good. There are a few variations in the changers over the years, and some other design changes made to facilitate production. Most of the older guitars can be upgraded with some of the newer parts (such as replacing aluminum pull rods with steel, the newer bellcranks, etc)if so desired. Personally, with respect to tone, I think they improve with age, based on experience working with them.
The main thing to remember is, Bruce would have never let it go out the door in the first place if he felt it wasn't right. I've seen him try three different changer shafts and four sets of pickups in the same guitar to get the best combination. Give him a call, he can tell you when every guitar was built, and remembers most of them.
I don't intend to be speaking for Bruce Zumsteg, I am just passing on what I know on this subject.
It's pretty hard to go wrong with a ZumSteel. They have truly earned their reputation, and they won't be built forever.------------------
Doug Earnest
The only Zum Keyless U12, Fender Cyber Twin
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Randy Beavers
Member From: Lebanon,TN 37090
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posted 02 November 2003 10:42 AM
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"and they won't be built forever."However, they may last that long. |
Michael McGee
Member From: Everton, Missouri, USA
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posted 03 November 2003 09:00 AM
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Jack, if the price is right, make the move. You won't be disappointed.Zum owners in SW MO have the advantage of having Bruce only 2 hours away. It's a quick trip up and back if there's anything that needs changing/adjusting. That was a part of my decision making process. But the fact is, as Doug already stated, they are so well-crafted when they leave Harrisonville that there's nothing to fix/change. I realize that you are speaking of a used one, but if you are hearing the tone that you want, jump on it! Come see me sometime, mm |
Robert Parent
Member From: Savage, MN
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posted 03 November 2003 10:16 AM
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I have owned 5 Zum steels and my favorite is a D-10 built around 1990. All have been well built steels, even one of the older models from the late 70's. As someone else mentioned they all have a personality so when you find the one you like buy it! Never played a bad one, just some I liked a bit more than others.They were some guitars from the 70's which did not have split tuning, also the pedals were not the typical cast flavor but rather an extrusion or U channel. The older model I mentioned above was like this but I did add split tuning to it. Beyond that, everything else I call refinements. As they say new is new, but in my view there is nothing wrong with models from the past.[This message was edited by Robert Parent on 03 November 2003 at 10:26 AM.] |
Jack Musgrave
Member From: Rogersville, Missouri, USA
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posted 03 November 2003 03:08 PM
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Okay, I am convinced. I pick up the steel on Saturday. The guitar has 8x8 with split tuning, I have never had this many levers so I may have to start taking lessons from your again Mike, although I doubt that I will ever make it up to 11 knees like you play. thanks everyone for you responses. looking forward to joining the Zum crowd, although I am still keeping my push-pull for now.
I almost forgot to mention, the guitar is black, that should help with the tone somewhat  [This message was edited by Jack Musgrave on 03 November 2003 at 03:13 PM.] |
John De Maille
Member From: Merrick,N.Y. U.S.A.
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posted 03 November 2003 04:45 PM
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Jack,
I just got my first U-12 Zumsteel in June, this year. I am totaly pleased with this steel. It plays like a dream, so smooth and easy, and sounds great to boot. It has plenty of sustain, also. Bruce used a Bill L. 912 pickup in it. I've had great feedback from my fellow steelplayers, about the tone. It's been 26 yrs. since I bought a new steel, and I know I made the right choice. I'm sure you"ll be happy with yours. |
Mark Kelchen
Member From: Cedar Rapids, Iowa USA
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posted 05 November 2003 03:16 PM
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I just sold a D-10 Zum that was originally ordered by Bobbe. When I bought this guitar, Bobbe had George L, T.W. pickups on it. It sounded great and played great. (MUCH more "user friendly" than what I had before. The only reason I sold it, was because the New Zum should be here towards the end of this month. I also ordered the new one with the Bill Lawrence 910 pickups. Should sound good after comments out there in reference to the guitar/pickup combination. I was sold on the Zums the first time I tried one. Ease of play and outstanding customer service from Bruce are just 2 of the reasons that stick in my mind. Welcome to the Zum Family!!!! |
Bill Simmons
Member From: Keller, Texas, USA
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posted 05 November 2003 05:50 PM
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Although I have a '79 Emmons D-10, 8+6, I also have a beautiful '79 Birdseye maple D-10; 8+5 with the original single coil pickup that Bruce rewound about 11 months ago. Not only is it an eye-catcher, but is one great playing and sounding Zum. Thanks Bruce!! |
GARYPHILLIPS
Member From: SOMERSET, OHIO ,PERRY
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posted 06 November 2003 05:17 PM
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Hey guys I got my new D-10 8/5 Black in 1990
I payed 2600.00 for it, and i had a man not to long ago said he would give that right now, I said no thanks love my Zum  STEELIN FOR JESUS. Gary.[This message was edited by GARYPHILLIPS on 06 November 2003 at 05:18 PM.] |
Skip Cole
Member From: North Mississippi
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posted 06 November 2003 08:42 PM
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Jack, I heard the steel you are buying, last Sat at our jam session near Memphis, and it has a killer tone. The owner has taken good care of it, i'm sure you'll be very pleased. Don't be concerned about having 8X8, nice to have lots of toys on such a fine steel . Best wishes, God bless you and yours.Skip ------------------
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