Stage One vs GFI S-10 SM

[Pat Hannon]

I'm new to the world of pedal steels and have had my heart set on getting a Stage One for some time now. I've been waiting for the order book to open up since last year and was excited to see the site recently updated to say that Doug is planning to accept new orders soon. However, yesterday a gently used GFI S-10 SM popped up within a close drive to me for about the same price as a new Stage One. The GFI is only a 3x2, but I saw that they sell a knee lever kit on their site if I want to expand to a 3x4 down the road.

I've found threads of reviews on both models, but I haven't found anyone who has actually played on both to compare one versus the other. Has anyone checked them out side by side before? Any thoughts on which would be better for a beginner? I'm pretty mechanically inclined so the thought of adding knee levers down the road doesn't really scare me, but the $500 in upgrades to get the GFI from a 3x2 to a 3x4 like the Stage One makes me wonder if it would be worth it, especially when that would put it at not much below the cost of a new GFI 3x4 to begin with. I'm assuming that there's some quality improvements in the GFI based on the higher base price, but the only thing that I can tell from the specs (as a noob) is a slight difference in copedents, in that the 3x4 GFI RKR lowers strings 2 and 9 whereas the Stage One only lowers string 2.

If you were a new player ready to pull the trigger, which one would you go for? The Stage One that has more function from the outset (albeit with a wait time for it to be manufactured), or the GFI that you can get today but have to invest in upgrading sometime down the road?

[Bill Moore]

I would buy the GFI, play it with 2 levers, and get as much out of that as possible. Order the Stage One, when it arrives, sell the GFI. It is probably not cost effective to spend 500 for the 3rd and 4th levers on the GFI. if you play steel guitar for a while, you probably will go through a number of guitars before settling on the final one. Good luck!

[Pat Hannon]

That would probably make the most sense, but might stretch the budget a bit too far between shelling out for the GFI and putting a deposit down on the Stage One until it's ready. I just found an example of a 3x4 GFI S-10 SM listed for $1500 on the forum back in February though, I'm wondering if I can use that to get the GFI down a bit to where it would make sense to upgrade down the road. We'll see what the seller says!

[Doug Earnest]

Hi Pat,

I sent you a private message. You may reply at my website if you wish.

You would not be wrong with any of the choices you outlined.

To be clear, I don't ask for deposits on orders other than maybe twice in my life and there were darn good reasons for those exceptions. It makes the waiting a lot easier that way and if I drop dead Cheri doesn't have to figure out where to send refunds.

Good luck,
Doug E

[Phillip Leggett]

Hey mate,
For what it’s worth, I was a brand-new player 6 months ago and purchased a stage one and I haven’t looked back since! It’s honestly such a well built instrument, really lightweight which you’ll appreciate, and stays in tune consistently.

I can’t say the comparison compared to a GFI as I’ve never played one, but I’ve played other people‘s Emmons steels and much preferred my stage one actually!

[Dennis Belt]

I want to echo what Phillip said. I’m about a year into playing my Stage One. It’s a great sounding, easy playing steel. I really can’t see the need to upgrade any time soon.
I bought my SO off of Reverb at a reasonable price. Keep your eyes open for a used one.
Good luck!

[Richard Alderson]

Either guitar would be a fine choice. Ancient wisdom has it that a bird in hand is worth two in the bush however. Is the Stage One that much better than the GFI that its worth it to wait 12 more months just to get started? I love the Zumsteel family but I gotta say no, not that much better to make me wait 12 more months to get started.

[Pat Hannon]

Thanks for the input, everyone, I wound up passing on the GFI to hold out for a Stage One. I figured it's better to start with what I had my heart set on to begin with rather than getting the GFI and having to go through the hassle of upgrading or reselling down the road.

I really appreciate Doug jumping into the thread and our PM'ing back and forth too. I love supporting businesses that operate with that kind of openness. He's a real stand up guy!

[Don R Brown]

Another happy Stage One owner here. I have not yet outgrown the instrument's capabilities and it sounds good without breaking my back lifting it.

Doug has excellent customer service and is a straight shooter. I recently contacted him thinking I had to buy a part. He responded with some suggestions which solved my problem (it was something I had done, not the fault of the instrument) without having to spend a cent.

I don't think you will regret getting one.

[Earl Foote]

Stage One for me as well. I've had mine for 18 years. I've never had to do anything to it except tune it and play it. (and change strings occasionally )

[Pat Hannon]

For anyone else looking into a Stage One, Doug's site is showing the list will open at the end of the month!