James Trussart steel guitars..........

[OldSchool]

Talk to me. Who here loves them and who hates them? And why please...........

I'm particulary attracted to the rusty ones........I don't know why. They look like they are going to sound really bright and thin, but I hear they can be extremly warm.

The steelcasters maybe some of the coolest looking guitars ever and the steel devilles also give me a woody. Why doesn't James dig strats? :messedup

[OldSchool]

No love for the steel man?

[datguytim]

Love 'em. They don't sound like metal guitars - surprisingly woody, but with a unique vibe that is distincively Trussart. They do NOT sound bright or thin - more like super resonant & alive. The rusty ones sound a lil' better IMHO - but it's subjective like all things. Until you play one, you have no idea . . .

SO PLAY ONE!!!

[OldSchool]

Love 'em. They don't sound like metal guitars - surprisingly woody, but with a unique vibe that is distincively Trussart. They do NOT sound bright or thin - more like super resonant & alive. The rusty ones sound a lil' better IMHO - but it's subjective like all things. Until you play one, you have no idea . . .

SO PLAY ONE!!!

Great advice! Its on the way.............:o

Rusty Steel Deville/ Bareknuckle Pick Ups w/ Page wiring

I was looking for a Steelcaster but I made such a killing on this one I had to grab it. If the Deville is as good as I think it will be , The Steelcaster is next!

[Grandnoise]

I once played one a few years back straight into a Mojave head and a Mojave 2x12 it was the best setup I have ever played, which is saying a lot for a pedalhead like me.

The guitar was a rusty metal tele with Duncan Antiquities in it

[matte]

played one (with extreme prejudice in the -) and absolutely loved it.

i live to be wrong. it sounded, felt/played great.

[katuna]

played one (with extreme prejudice in the -) and absolutely loved it.

i live to be wrong. it sounded, felt/played great.

That's cool!

[mds]

They're great....I've visited his shop (down the road from me) and they've got a great operation. The tone is definitely different. Great in its own way. One thing that surprised me is that they don't make many of the parts. The bodies and necks are all outsourced. The guys in Trussarts shop assemble them and do all the aging stuff, setup, etc.

[OldSchool]

played one (with extreme prejudice in the -) and absolutely loved it.

i live to be wrong. it sounded, felt/played great.

Coming from you.......That says alot! Can I ask what model?

[OldSchool]

They're great....I've visited his shop (down the road from me) and they've got a great operation. The tone is definitely different. Great in its own way. One thing that surprised me is that they don't make many of the parts. The bodies and necks are all outsourced. The guys in Trussarts shop assemble them and do all the aging stuff, setup, etc.


I did some research before I bought this one and I found it fascinating how he ages them. he actually soaks them in water for a few months up to a few years on some! Can you imagine, a guitar soaked in water!! Then he sands them and seals them on Poly. I'd like to see a video of the process. I'd love to visit the shop.

[matte]

Coming from you.......That says alot! Can I ask what model?
steelcaster.

[Sam Evans]

I love them. Played them all and don't have a fave. I regret not getting one back in 99 when they were a lot cheaper. There was a Dragon Steel Top here in Austin that was stunning. FWIW, James is super cool to deal with, and answered every one of my emails.

SE
CI

[mojocaster.com]

I'd love to have one... doesn't matter what model, either :)

[JPERRYROCKS]

I was on James' website and was astounded at his product line and all the new combinations of guitars he has. He's really doing great work that has a unique metal flair on a classic themed guitar.


From a spec point, the only thing I don't like is the skinny 1 5/8 nut and old school 7 inch radius.

[Grandnoise]

They're great....I've visited his shop (down the road from me) and they've got a great operation. The tone is definitely different. Great in its own way. One thing that surprised me is that they don't make many of the parts. The bodies and necks are all outsourced. The guys in Trussarts shop assemble them and do all the aging stuff, setup, etc.

That's interesting, I wonder how much the effect of the ageing has on the tone, and whether it would be possible to be able to get a discount version for us with no money.

[sickboy79]

Love 'em. They don't sound like metal guitars - surprisingly woody, but with a unique vibe that is distincively Trussart. They do NOT sound bright or thin - more like super resonant & alive. The rusty ones sound a lil' better IMHO - but it's subjective like all things. Until you play one, you have no idea . . .

SO PLAY ONE!!!

Couldn't agree more! I bought my first Trussart from Datguytim - a Steel Deville. I've since added two more - a Steelcaster and Steelcaster Deluxe! I can't say enough good things about Trussart guitars. Unique takes on classic tones/models. Absolutely amazing.

[soulmap]

I was at NAMM, in '99 or so, with a mission to buy a special instrument. James had the nicest/coolest/vibey-est guitars on the floor. I got a rusty Steelcaster that is an amazing, inspiring instrument - I love it. And James was very cool to deal with.
The problem?
I want more!
Steelcaster Deluxe w/ Bigsby, holey back and filtertrons maybe...
I'd love to try one of his resonator guitars...
An etched steeltop...

[paintguy]

James is one of the nicest, most down to earth guys you could ever meet.

He also has very good taste in paint and clears...;)

I want to get one of his guitars one day and I'm sure I will. We are practically neighbors.:dude

[clint]

Here's one of my favorites:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v161/clint01/120617430.jpg

[Zappatalist]

Had a rusty Steelcaster- it sounded great, did a lot of things really well, and had a very unique sound (plus, it obviously looked waaaaay cool). As someone said, it doesn't sound metal- but it also didn't really sound like a wooden hollowbody, either, nor a tele. It's got it's own thing going on (helpful, eh?). Loved it, but ended up selling it because the koa neck was too big for me- which probably means it's just right for most, because I found my thrill with an EBMM Axis SS, and those necks are tiny, comparatively speaking. I have little girl hands.

[apalazzolo]

HEY OLD SCHOOL ... i have an early rusty steelcaster and dig 'em! very warm sounding and plays great ... who knew? really makes you wonder about all those treads in which people battle it out over which "wood" is necessary for "warm" tone ...

did you get one yet?

[OldSchool]

Got it on the way. Rusty Steel Deville with Bare Knuckles and Page wiring. If its a good as they say A seafoam green Steelcaster is next on the list. :AOK

Whats the difference between the Steelcaster and the deluxe? Is it just the Bigsby? I could do without one of those.......

[Patch]

Whats the difference between the Steelcaster and the deluxe? Is it just the Bigsby? I could do without one of those.......

Deluxe has a humbucker neck pickup.
Bigsby is only an option.

[clint]

Loved it, but ended up selling it because the koa neck was too big for me- which probably means it's just right for most, because I found my thrill with an EBMM Axis SS, and those necks are tiny, comparatively speaking. I have little girl hands.

I think the optional koa necks are a bit fatter. Mine has a stock mahogany neck that is VERY skinny (and a little neck heavy).

[datguytim]

OldSchool - I almost bought the one you did - Ebay, right?!? That is one smokin' deal!!! You'll love it!

[jaimo]

Cool guitars, but the handful that I've played weighed a ton!!

[OldSchool]

OldSchool - I almost bought the one you did - Ebay, right?!? That is one smokin' deal!!! You'll love it!

Yes! It was right there in that zone of being more then I had ..........but it was too good a deal to pass up. So gave the wife a nice massage, put on some romantic music........and broke the news to her about an hour later. :rolleyes:

[Docgab]

+1 on a rusty Steelcaster. Had one a few years ago and loved it, like an idiot sold it. I will own another someday.

[mojocaster.com]

Yes! It was right there in that zone of being more then I had ..........but it was too good a deal to pass up. So gave the wife a nice massage, put on some romantic music........and broke the news to her about an hour later. :rolleyes:

Funny :)

Told my wife this morning over breakfast "I bought an insanely expensive guitar the other day..."

By the time the kids were able to pry her off me as she was trying to end my life using the dang butter knife, I had a chance to finish the sentence

"... and sold an insanely expensive guitar to pay for it."

I guess it wasn't as funny as I thought... :D

[Zappatalist]

I think the optional koa necks are a bit fatter. Mine has a stock mahogany neck that is VERY skinny (and a little neck heavy).

Ahh, I see. Good to know- this might make me seek another (used) one out. Didn't realize the koa neck was an option, foolishly assumed that was "their neck shape".

[wstsidela]

I love my Trussart. They have bite to the tone. Not overly bright. It's just right.

[JZG]

Silly question - does anybody have issues with excessive grounding noise, or microphone shocks when using these live?

[OldSchool]

Here is a Trussart to get High about!!http://www.thegearpage.net/board/images/icons/icon10.gif

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/9897/dsc09945cw6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


He calls it the Ganja tele. How cool is that ? :hiP

[Jon Silberman]

I'll bet it smokes!

;)

Seriously, those rusty steelcasters have got to be the ultimate subway guitars. :D

[airjamie]

I had an *early* steelcaster from back in the day when they had tele headstocks and enjoyed it alot, howeer i sold it for the same reason zappatalist sold his, i also suffer from little girl hands. This sucker had a MASSIVE neck, ive compared some recent koa necked steelcasters and they dont have shit on this beast, it was honestly the biggest neck ive ever played.

[v-verb]

So anyone selling a Steel Deville with a decent size neck?

[wstsidela]

Silly question - does anybody have issues with excessive grounding noise, or microphone shocks when using these live?

Nope.

[datguytim]

Played the new Trussarts@NAMM today - they just keep gettin' better! Unreal Steeltops - one w/ a green body & interesting pattern (another w/barbedwire engraving!). Give me $20K & I'll still want another!

[opdev]

Told my wife this morning over breakfast "I bought an insanely expensive guitar the other day..."

BAD MOVE

Try this next time.

"Walking by her with new steel guitar"

"Look at this old rusty piece of crap guitar I found in the dumpster. I'm gonna clean this one up and give it the love it needs. Who needs those overpriced guitars anyhow." ;)

[Jon Silberman]

I spent the past 4 days in Manhattan on business. There's a new, chrome (not rusty) Troussart LP-style axe in the front window at Rudy's that if I were a rich man ...

[OldSchool]

I spent the past 4 days in Manhattan on business. There's a new, chrome (not rusty) Troussart LP-style axe in the front window at Rudy's that if I were a rich man ...


Ahhhh 48th street! I can remember When a 59 LP Standard was only $20,000 and a 59 Strat was around $1500. Good times. The things I've seen in the windows on 48th street were way better then any Peep show that was around the corner!:D

[mojocaster.com]

Funny :)

Told my wife this morning over breakfast "I bought an insanely expensive guitar the other day..."

BAD MOVE

Try this next time.

"Walking by her with new steel guitar"

"Look at this old rusty piece of crap guitar I found in the dumpster. I'm gonna clean this one up and give it the love it needs. Who needs those overpriced guitars anyhow." ;)

[quartal]

anyone have pics of the new trussarts from NAMM this year?

[v-verb]

I love them. Played them all and don't have a fave. I regret not getting one back in 99 when they were a lot cheaper. There was a Dragon Steel Top here in Austin that was stunning. FWIW, James is super cool to deal with, and answered every one of my emails.

SE
CI

Sam turned me on to them years ago. I had a rusty deville with Holmes. Like an idiot I sold it - I would like to go back in time and undo that deal for a couple of reasons!!!:BITCH

[Sam Evans]

Sam turned me on to them years ago. I had a rusty deville with Holmes. Like an idiot I sold it - I would like to go back in time and undo that deal for a couple of reasons!!!:BITCH

It's a glorious sickness, isn't it?

[v-verb]

It's a glorious sickness, isn't it?

why I oughta!!!!

Are you in IM? Want to settle wrt the SamTar:moon

[Csapo]

I FINALLY have one. :dude

Should arrive next Friday...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f399/Csapo/My%20Guitars%20-%20Stock%20Photos/c310_12.jpg

[OldSchool]

I FINALLY have one. :dude

Should arrive next Friday...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f399/Csapo/My%20Guitars%20-%20Stock%20Photos/c310_12.jpg


Did you get that off Ebay? I LOVED the looks of that one!

I was gonna outbid the shit out of you but I backed off because it stated it had a standard 66 neck and I'm just not familiar with it enough to go nuts on it. I love the Seafoam steel!


I went with a steel deville because it had a large 59 neck and Page Wiring. I've always dug those out of phase tones.

Please let us know how that Tele sounds. A Steel caster is definitely going to be my next guitar!

[mojocaster.com]

I FINALLY have one. :dude

Should arrive next Friday...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f399/Csapo/My%20Guitars%20-%20Stock%20Photos/c310_12.jpg

Twist the knife in the wound, why don't ya ;)

Congrats!

[Csapo]

Did you get that off Ebay?................Please let us know how that Tele sounds.

I did.

It arrived today and I just spent about 1/2 hour with it.

Wow!!!! :dude

Great feel, balance and tone. I ran it clean through a DRRI and love what I am hearing. The neck is a very thin profile and does not fret out when bending. :AOK

There is a volume difference between the neck and bridge p/up, so I'm going to try some adjusting.

I really get to fire it up on Sunday with the band. Can't wait...

[OldSchool]

I did.

It arrived today and I just spent about 1/2 hour with it.

Wow!!!! :dude

Great feel, balance and tone. I ran it clean through a DRRI and love what I am hearing. The neck is a very thin profile and does not fret out when bending. :AOK

There is a volume difference between the neck and bridge p/up, so I'm going to try some adjusting.

I really get to fire it up on Sunday with the band. Can't wait...

Awesome! That seller was very cool and honest. he told me if I didn't dig the necks thin don't bother. Didn't even try to sugar coat it. Otherwise that guitar would have co$t you alot more!:p

Let us know how the Jam goes............

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

i recently got a rusty steelcaster w/ skulls and the big, fat koa neck and i put in don mare hand wound PUPs. i went w/ the non-perf front and back. the guitar looks spectacular and is very lively to play. not as microphonic as a hollow body, but more lively and microphonic than a 335 type guitar. i like the complexity of the harmonic overtones when it's really interacting w/ the amp. it's still in the tele vibe, but unique enough to make it desirable for teleholics everywhere. sounds good played quietly and clean or cranked out. that's not true of every tele style axe.

[DaveG]

Has anybody seen any pics of what's inside a Trussart guitar & how it's put together? Is it a single glued-in center block that runs the length of the body, or separate pieces?

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

^^^
there will never be any 'X-ray of trussart...' threads.

i like the construction of the jerry jones guitars. a poplar frame that is glued and stapled together covered w/ a top and back of frickin' masonite! those guitars sound fantastic, tho', and very distinctive sounding, which is good.

i'm curious about the trussart construction, as well. tapping and damping tells one a wee bit about what might be going on, but they sure don't sound as metallic as what they look like they might be. i play the electric unplugged a lot and the rust o'caster might not be quite as loud or mellifluous as my fave pinecaster w/ the big, staight grain, quartersawn, no truss rod, hard maple neck. the trussart is certainly one of the better sounding planks, acoustically speaking, that i have, honeymoon period notwithstanding.

[wstsidela]

Trussart is a two-wow guitar.

One WOW! when you see it, a second WOW! when you play it.

YWMV

[motofuq]

He fits a small maple block inside the guitar under the bridge area, and secures it with the string ferrules on the back, and the bridge mounting screws on the top. It works very well.

[SwirlCrazy]

I've wanted one of these for a long time, but I'm in no financial shape to buy one and may very well not be for a long time. Seems to me the steel body would lend a certain consistency to the guitar which would make it a good candidate for higher volume/lower cost production. Maybe the companies with kind of dough to build a bunch of these figure there isn't enough demand to warrant the investment, and they may be right. For now, I just need to live vicariously through others :)

[Arcane-Inc]

People often think that the Trussarts would be easy to build because they are metal, and can be stamped out, but the guitars are very complex and in many cases more difficult to build than solid body Wood instruments. Each Steel bodied Trussart uses a top and back stamped piece that then has to be trimmed after stamping and then welded together, then there is the neck support ant the wood block for the bridge. Many models also have the perforated back which means the back half has to have a large portion of the back removed then a perforated piece cut and pressed so it will fit into the opening, this also has to be welded in. After all that is done the pieces can be engraved and plated or finished. The tooling costs to build a guitar like this are very high, and they require a lot of labor to build.

[Tonefish]

what do they weigh relative to the models they look like?

[Arcane-Inc]

Steelcasters and Deluxe Steelcasters weigh between 7-8 pounds depending on the perforation. You loose ½ pound per perforated side, solid front and back would be 8 pounds, Perforated back 7.5 pounds and Perforated back and front 7 pounds. Devilles are between 8-9 pounds and SteelTops 7 to 8.5 depending on the body wood. They are generally right in line with the weight of wood bodied instruments of a similar shape.

[noctilux1]

Sorry if I missed it, what is the nut width? I've always liked these guitars but I have big hands.

[Arcane-Inc]

1 5/8 inch, but you can order wider nut widths it is not a problem.

[RV52]

Arcane -Inc,

thanks for the interesting infos.
Especially the small nut width was an argument for me to not think seriously about purchasing one.
Where do you have these insider? infos from? Are you working with Mr. Trussart?

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

Are you working with Mr. Trussart?

i suspect that he's the PUP builder.

just as a point of TGP etiquette.
it's appropriate to identify ones self as a gear pimp in the signature.

[Arcane-Inc]

Yes I build pickups and other things. I am also involved in some other things with James so I get to see all of the Trussart instruments in detail.

I added a link to my signature. I try to keep all the stuff I discuss here appropriate by only talking about technical aspects and not opinions, as well as answering questions people have about the Trussart guitars, there really has not been a lot of information about them on the web site until recently.

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

... there really has not been a lot of information about them on the web site until recently.

there's been an increase in the number of threads over the last year that have popped up at TGP. with most of my standard and typical needs met by traditional type guitars, i've been on the lookout for unique voices to augment those guitars. when the 12th fret started to carry them i fell in love instantly w/ them. i admit i was expecting a resonator guitar affect, but there is little of that even w/ the non perforated guitars. my steelcaster is definitely in the tele family even if it's voice is still rather unique. add to that the superbly cool look of the guitars and it really becomes a bit of a no brainer.

and...
welcome to TGP.

[RV52]

and...
welcome to TGP.

+1 :BEER

any more info deeply appreciated :dude

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

any more info deeply appreciated :dude

all i'm gonna say is 'big phat koa neck'
go there. U won't regret it.

[Tonefish]

This is a great thread...thanks OldSchool for starting it and of course...all the contributors.

I always thought these were cool "looking" guitars but more of a gimmick than anything, and the sound was like dobro -v- dreadnought.

If that's not so, I will definitely take the chance to play one next time I have that chance. So thanks for opening things up!:JAM....that Ganja one is too cool!

[frisco kid]

Just had to post a picture of the Trussart Steeltop headed my way from Willcutt's...an endorsee guitar that used to belong to Brian Ray, Paul McCartney's guitarist and solo artist. A very nice guy who was kind enough to reply to my email about the guitar. It's loaded with TV Jones Powertrons...can't wait to get it!


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/hamerdog/TrussartSteelTop2.jpg

[v-verb]

Just had to post a picture of the Trussart Steeltop headed my way from Willcutt's...an endorsee guitar that used to belong to Brian Ray, Paul McCartney's guitarist and solo artist. A very nice guy who was kind enough to reply to my email about the guitar. It's loaded with TV Jones Powertrons...can't wait to get it!!!


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/hamerdog/TrussartSteelTop2.jpg
Stunning!

[Rumblefish]

Man!That's beautiful!I want one of those.So I now have to save for two Trussarts.A steel top and a rusty tele.

[frisco kid]

Man!That's beautiful!I want one of those.So I now have to save for two Trussarts.A steel top and a rusty tele.

thanks guys...I got bit by the Trussart bug bad after buying this Steelcaster Deluxe. Took a while to save up for the Steeltop but hopefully it won't be my last!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/hamerdog/TrussartSteelcaster.jpg
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/hamerdog/TrussartSteelcaster.jpg%5B/IMG%5D

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

I got bit by the Trussart bug bad...

looks like U have a thing for roses. both gee-tars look stunning.

i gotta say, i've only had my rust-o-caster w/ big koa neck and skulls for a few weeks and i'm already casting lustful eyes at the other trussarts.

i'm a teleholic and have a pretty nice collection of really nice and varied sounding 'planks'. the steelcaster i have is an excellent addition and records beautifully. i love the bigsby B-16 and the deluxe steelcaster might be my next tele.

but i gotta say, the steeltop and steel deville are tempting, as well.

[frisco kid]

looks like U have a thing for roses. both gee-tars look stunning.

Thanks. The roses were a coincidence on the steeltop. I was going to custom order one with skulls or dragon but the rose top had just arrived in James shop. I got a great deal on it, saved build time and got a lot of extras like aluminum binding/dots, new Powertrons and Bigsby....I'm a sucker for a Bigsby:p

[OldSchool]

Those look incredible! Mine should be here anyday now........:munch

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

Those look incredible! Mine should be here anyday now........:munch

what???
whatcha gettin'?

[OldSchool]

Rusty Steel deville with a Holeyback. Irish Bare Knuckle Pickups with the Jimmy Page Wiring. Large Koa Neck........:BEER I'm Psyched! I loved that Seafoam with the maple neck a few pages back and would have bid to win if it didn't have such a skinny neck.

Maybe Arcane-Inc can fill us in on what type of Bare knuckle PUP that Mr. Trussart uses?

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

Large Koa Neck........:BEER I'm Psyched!

U're gonna love it.

i played a deville w/ a perf front and back, filtertrons, bigsby and the phat koa neck and it was an absolute tone monster. not at all too heavy, either. my '54 custom historic lester weighs quite a bit more.

[frisco kid]

Rusty Steel deville with a Holeyback. Irish Bare Knuckle Pickups with the Jimmy Page Wiring. Large Koa Neck........:BEER I'm Psyched! I loved that Seafoam with the maple neck a few pages back and would have bid to win if it didn't have such a skinny neck.

Maybe Arcane-Inc can fill us in on what type of Bare knuckle PUP that Mr. Trussart uses?

Bet that axe smokes! You gotta post pics and a tone review asap!

[OldSchool]

Thanks ! Will do! Bad news from UPS however :

Your package is in the UPS system and has a rescheduled delivery date of 02/01/2008.

Should be here on friday hopefully........:munchhttp://www.thegearpage.net/board/images/icons/icon9.gif

[Arcane-Inc]

Thanks for the welcome guys.

OldSchool: If that Deville with the Bare Knuckle pickups has a serial number starting with 06 I remember the guitar, it was built last year. The pickups are a set that James had around, and decided to put in and try out, the Page wiring is also not that common on Trussarts. I do not remember what model the pickups were, but I do remember they were fairly low output in the 8-9k range and they sounded good.

Koa necks have become more uncommon these days on Trussarts, Koa sounds great, but most people are ordering woods they are familiar with like Maple and Rosewood.

Regarding the Tonal qualities of the Trussarts, If you listened to one without knowing it was a steel bodied instrument, you would never guess the body was made of steel. They have a tone of their own, but a large part of the tone is similar to the classic guitar tones, very pleasing and not shrill at all. James has put a lot of work into making them sound good.

[frisco kid]

Arcane-Inc,
Is that you Rob?

[OldSchool]

Thanks for the welcome guys.

OldSchool: If that Deville with the Bare Knuckle pickups has a serial number starting with 06 I remember the guitar, it was built last year. The pickups are a set that James had around, and decided to put in and try out, the Page wiring is also not that common on Trussarts. I do not remember what model the pickups were, but I do remember they were fairly low output in the 8-9k range and they sounded good.

Koa necks have become more uncommon these days on Trussarts, Koa sounds great, but most people are ordering woods they are familiar with like Maple and Rosewood.

Regarding the Tonal qualities of the Trussarts, If you listened to one without knowing it was a steel bodied instrument, you would never guess the body was made of steel. They have a tone of their own, but a large part of the tone is similar to the classic guitar tones, very pleasing and not shrill at all. James has put a lot of work into making them sound good.


Thanks for taking the time! Thats cool to know I'm getting a pretty unique Trussart. Should be here tommorrow.........:AOK

[v-verb]

Do any of you guys have feedback problems at volume or hi gain? How do you remedy it? I've got a steel deville with holey back and duncans.

Thanks!

[KRosser]

If you find one with a comfy setup I think they're killer in every way - both the LP and Tele models.

[v-verb]

not mine, but this may go cheap

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230218813607&ssPageName=ADME:B:DBS:US:1123

[Mike Duncan]

Who can give me a price quote on one of these guys? All spec'd out and stuff...

[Csapo]

Thanks for taking the time! Thats cool to know I'm getting a pretty unique Trussart. Should be here tommorrow.........:AOK

Waiting to see pics and hear your comments...

[OldSchool]

Waiting to see pics and hear your comments...


All I gotta say is WOW! It looks exactly like the one above for sale in the ebay auction. Except mine came with the different electronic package.

I knew this guitar was gonna be something when I saw the case. Seriously This is the nicest case I've ever felt and I've seen the ones that $10,000 Custom shop Pauls and Strats come in. Reminds me of the inside of Grandpa Munsters ride! :dude


The Guitar is out of this world. I'm still getting used to the looks, my wife and kids were like......WTF is that!? Our mailbox is prettier! :eek::crazy

But when you plug it in.........its over. This guitar has instantly improved my vibrato. It just sustains beautifully. I'm still getting used to the Push Pulls of the Jimi Page wiring, and I'm not sure what does what, but in the middle or neck posistion when I pull up on the Tone control It adds some serious round bottom end. Blues boggies never sounded better! My best way to describe it is Tab Benoits 72 Tele Custom on steriods! The neck is a Large 59 shape but its no way near as large as some other necks I own. Its a really comfortable Med. shape IMO. I was concerned about the 24 fret neck . I owned a PRS Custom 24 once and didn't like the feel of the frets closer together. This guitar feels fine. I still haven't developed any licks for frets 23 or 24 yet but I bet it's gonna be cool for slide!

I need to really put this guitar through it paces. I've barely touched the surface of what that Jimi wiring can do.

I'll try to get Pics up tonight as well.

:dude

I'm gonna go do some experimenting with pedals now.

[OldSchool]

Thanks for the welcome guys.

OldSchool: If that Deville with the Bare Knuckle pickups has a serial number starting with 06 I remember the guitar, it was built last year. The pickups are a set that James had around, and decided to put in and try out, the Page wiring is also not that common on Trussarts. I do not remember what model the pickups were, but I do remember they were fairly low output in the 8-9k range and they sounded good.

.

You have a good Memory! Its # 06 300. I'm still getting used to that wiring set up. Extremely cool option. I can't get a bad sound out of it. :BEER

[Arcane-Inc]

Do any of you guys have feedback problems at volume or hi gain? How do you remedy it? I've got a steel deville with holey back and duncans.

Thanks!

What kind of feedback are you getting? Does the guitar feedback the same when you switch pickups? Also which Duncans do you have? If the pickups are the Antiquities or the Seth Lovers they are not potted.

The feedback may also be caused by a metal part rattling on the guitar. Either way, the problem is fixable, it just needs to be identified and take care of.

[v-verb]

What kind of feedback are you getting? Does the guitar feedback the same when you switch pickups? Also which Duncans do you have? If the pickups are the Antiquities or the Seth Lovers they are not potted.

The feedback may also be caused by a metal part rattling on the guitar. Either way, the problem is fixable, it just needs to be identified and take care of.

Hi Arcane-Inc,

It's a high pitched squeal so I guess it's the pickups. I'm not sure what the duncans are. I think the neck is an Antiquity as I can see a signature on the bottom, but not on the bridge pickup.

I guess I'll be potting the bridge pickup. I might go the hypodermic needle way and squirt some wax through a gap in the baseplate.

Or should I pull the pickup and take it in to get it professionally done?

Cheers

Nigel

[Sam Evans]

Hi Arcane-Inc,

It's a high pitched squeal so I guess it's the pickups. I'm not sure what the duncans are. I think the neck is an Antiquity as I can see a signature on the bottom, but not on the bridge pickup.

I guess I'll be potting the bridge pickup. I might go the hypodermic needle way and squirt some wax through a gap in the baseplate.

Or should I pull the pickup and take it in to get it professionally done?

Cheers

Nigel

Call me.

[Arcane-Inc]

Hi Arcane-Inc,

It's a high pitched squeal so I guess it's the pickups. I'm not sure what the duncans are. I think the neck is an Antiquity as I can see a signature on the bottom, but not on the bridge pickup.

I guess I'll be potting the bridge pickup. I might go the hypodermic needle way and squirt some wax through a gap in the baseplate.

Or should I pull the pickup and take it in to get it professionally done?

Cheers

Nigel

A high Pitched squeal is more than likely the pickup. If the Duncans have a signature on the bottom they would be the Antiquities and they are not potted. I would suggest having them both potted by a qualified technician, trying to inject wax with a hypodermic needle would be a lot of trouble and probably not be very effective.

[mojocaster.com]

I want this one...badly!!: http://www.jamestrussart.com/Guitar-Stock-Photos/DeluxeSteelcaster/07110/large/DSC08780.jpg

Oh. My. Word.

[Sam Evans]

It's great to see James getting some attention. His stuff is so cool and inspiring. The Steelphonic is too cool.

SE
CI

[sickboy79]

i wonder how similar the tele type and LP types sound, given that the construction is largely the same?

Very different - just like a real LP and Tele. Both fantastic - but, different in their own right.

[frisco kid]

OK, my Steeltop came in and I'm absolutely loving it. The TV Jones pickups are simply awesome...clarity, punch, grit...they do it all. Rob, you did a super job with this one, thanks! The guitar practically plays itself, fretwork is immaculate. As with all Trussarts I've played, this one's extremely touch sensitive so it allows every nuance of your playing to come through.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/hamerdog/st1.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/hamerdog/st2.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/hamerdog/st4.jpghttp://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/hamerdog/st3.jpg

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

As with all Trussarts I've played, this one is extremely touch sensitive, it really allows every nuance of your playing to come through.

that's an exceedingly important aspect of what i look for in gear. i will say that some fender custom shop guitars really speak to me in that regard whilst others don't. i haven't played a ton of trussarts, but every single one has had mojo that i dig and seems fairly consistent, all things being equal.

and...
that gee-tar looks yummy. the aluminum binding is a classy touch.

[v-verb]

A high Pitched squeal is more than likely the pickup. If the Duncans have a signature on the bottom they would be the Antiquities and they are not potted. I would suggest having them both potted by a qualified technician, trying to inject wax with a hypodermic needle would be a lot of trouble and probably not be very effective.

Thanks for your help! It turned out that the bridge pickup had been potted but I took some advice earlier and tightened up the baseplate screws very slightly and tightened the pickup rings to the guitar (they were a touch loose) and it made a significant difference!

BTW your pickups look great!

[v-verb]

OK, my Steeltop came in and I'm absolutely loving it. The TV Jones pickups are simply awesome...clarity, punch, grit...they do it all. Rob, you did a super job with this one, thanks! The guitar practically plays itself, fretwork is immaculate. As with all Trussarts I've played, this one's extremely touch sensitive so it allows every nuance of your playing to come through.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/hamerdog/st1.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/hamerdog/st2.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/hamerdog/st4.jpghttp://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/hamerdog/st3.jpg


Amazing looking guitar!!!

[datguytim]

Thanks for making me jones even harder than I am already . . .

[mprvise]

Frisco, that guitar is SICK! I notice you're in Dallas - who did you order from? I'm currently considering a Steelcaster.

[frisco kid]

Frisco, that guitar is SICK! I notice you're in Dallas - who did you order from? I'm currently considering a Steelcaster.

Call Brandon @ Willcutt's, they had the best deal by far. Good Luck!

[Arcane-Inc]

Thanks for your help! It turned out that the bridge pickup had been potted but I took some advice earlier and tightened up the baseplate screws very slightly and tightened the pickup rings to the guitar (they were a touch loose) and it made a significant difference!

BTW your pickups look great!

If the pickups have been potted the next most common cause of feedback on the Trussarts are the pickup rings, because they are metal and the body or tops are metal if they become loose they can vibrate and cause feedback. It is also important to use the rubber tubing for the height adjustment instead of metal springs, also because of the metal rings, they come stock with the tubing, but sometimes when people change pickups they put in springs.

[Grant S.]

I've loved the look of these guitars ever since I first discovered them...and there are definitely some gorgeous examples on this thread.

Thanks for sharing guys. :dude

One thing I've always wondered is if they have any problems with temperature changes. If I remember correctly compared to wood steel can have a substantially higher coefficient of thermal expansion (depending on its composition). Does this cause any setup/tuning issues with anybody here?

Read a review on HC where some guy complained about this type of thing when gigging. As with anything on HC I took it with a grain of salt but it got me thinking...

[frisco kid]

One thing I've always wondered is if they have any problems with temperature changes. If I remember correctly compared to wood steel can have a substantially higher coefficient of thermal expansion (depending on its composition). Does this cause any setup/tuning issues with anybody here?


I've never played outdoors in the cold but I did leave my steelcaster out on a stand for nearly two weeks last winter while I was on vacation with the heat off. Room temp was high 50's. The body was cold as hell but played fine after a little fine tuning and acclimation with heat on. No set up or intonation issues.

[GAT]

I just picked this one up!

http://s48.photobucket.com/albums/f213/brown-sound/t2.jpghttp://s48.photobucket.com/albums/f213/brown-sound/t1.jpg

[v-verb]

I just picked this one up!

http://s48.photobucket.com/albums/f213/brown-sound/t2.jpghttp://s48.photobucket.com/albums/f213/brown-sound/t1.jpg


Dude....Sweet!!!!!

[v-verb]

If the pickups have been potted the next most common cause of feedback on the Trussarts are the pickup rings, because they are metal and the body or tops are metal if they become loose they can vibrate and cause feedback. It is also important to use the rubber tubing for the height adjustment instead of metal springs, also because of the metal rings, they come stock with the tubing, but sometimes when people change pickups they put in springs.


Thanks again - great info!

[OldSchool]

Dude....Sweet!!!!!


Is the back of that guitar wood? Can we get a Pic of the back? Very very cool........:BEER

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

Is the back of that guitar wood?

gotta love the steeltop.
gotta love the skulls.

[GAT]

Is the back of that guitar wood? Can we get a Pic of the back? Very very cool........:BEER

Yes, its a distressed reddish finish. I don't have the guitar yet, it's being shipped to me today. If you go to the website this guitar is on it and they have pics of the back. I love the Steeltop look!

[OldSchool]

Very cool guitar no doubt. :AOK

[Arcane-Inc]

Is the back of that guitar wood? Can we get a Pic of the back? Very very cool........:BEER

I remember this guitar also from when it was coming through the Trussart shop. There are several pix of it in the gallery section of the Trussart web site, it is the first one in the SteelTop section about 3/4 of the way down the page. The neck and body are mahogany and it was a gloss non distressed finish when it left the shop.

http://www.jamestrussart.com/Newsite/GuitarStockArchive.htm

[Crazyquilt]

http://www.crazyquiltarts.com/images/remote/steelcaster2.jpg

I must post this picture in every Trussart thread. It's like a religious observance or something.

I love this guitar, except for the skinny neck. I've talked to the Trussart folks, and they quoted me $350 for a new, thicker neck. I'd have to send mine back so there're no 'extras' floating about, and either they could just send the new neck back or I could send the whole guitar and they'd do it there (for a fee, naturally.)

The guitar also came with the 6 barrel bridge, and it's back on there now, along with a set of Fralin vintage winds. I also tried the Mares that are now in my Rice -- fantastic sound. The Fralins are just a little more predictable, as they're less prone to microphonics -- good for most guitars, not for a Trussart, ime.

I have no holes on mine (it's a '99, bought from Tonedaddy) and so feedback is definitely an issue, but can be managed. And used to excellent effect.

As for grounding/shielding -- that's one of the best parts of the design! The quietest single coil guitar I've ever used, bar none.

[Sam Evans]

http://www.crazyquiltarts.com/images/remote/steelcaster2.jpg

I must post this picture in every Trussart thread. It's like a religious observance or something.

I love this guitar, except for the skinny neck. I've talked to the Trussart folks, and they quoted me $350 for a new, thicker neck. I'd have to send mine back so there're no 'extras' floating about, and either they could just send the new neck back or I could send the whole guitar and they'd do it there (for a fee, naturally.)

The guitar also came with the 6 barrel bridge, and it's back on there now, along with a set of Fralin vintage winds. I also tried the Mares that are now in my Rice -- fantastic sound. The Fralins are just a little more predictable, as they're less prone to microphonics -- good for most guitars, not for a Trussart, ime.

I have no holes on mine (it's a '99, bought from Tonedaddy) and so feedback is definitely an issue, but can be managed. And used to excellent effect.

As for grounding/shielding -- that's one of the best parts of the design! The quietest single coil guitar I've ever used, bar none.

Stunning. Next time I'm LA, I want to give James a visit.

[jmguitars]

this thread sapped my remaining will-power to battle GAS ...

I happily resigned myself to placing an order for a Steeptop in Antique Copper w/Roses.

http://www.jamestrussart.com/Steeltop/Gallery%20Steeltop/DSC08673%20copy.jpg

[Sam Evans]

Is JT using real copper or is he staining/rusting/distressing it to look copper. It makes no difference to me, I'm just curious. I have never played a Trussart I didn't love!

SE
CI

[frisco kid]

this thread sapped my remaining will-power to battle GAS ...

I happily resigned myself to placing an order for a Steeptop in Antique Copper w/Roses.



Great! Another member of the Steeltop club! You're going to love it!
how long a build time are ya looking at? Who did you order through?

[cg]

I want one of these so bad. They all look great!!

[wstsidela]

I'm going to James' shop next month to talk about my second Trussart. I'll take some pictures.

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

I have no holes on mine (it's a '99, bought from Tonedaddy) and so feedback is definitely an issue, but can be managed. And used to excellent effect.

i have a non-holey steelcaster w/ a pair of mare custom winds and i really love the liveliness and ease of controlled feedback from the guitar. it's really got a rainbow of overtones when played at volume.

[Arcane-Inc]

Is JT using real copper or is he staining/rusting/distressing it to look copper. It makes no difference to me, I'm just curious. I have never played a Trussart I didn't love!

SE
CI

The tops on the SteelTops are generally Steel and occasionally aluminum. They are engraved and then plated, in that case copper plated then a patina process is applied to the copper.

How are you guys posting pix on here? I have a bunch of close up pix I can put up if you have the info.

[soulmap]

How are you guys posting pix on here? I have a bunch of close up pix I can put up if you have the info.

sign up with a free image hosting site like photobucket http://photobucket.com/register.php?link=topmenu
upload a photo to their site and then link it to your post. They make it easy.

I look forward to your pix. Your posts here are much appreciated.

This is my MUCH used late '90s Rusty Steelcaster. I found it and James at an LA NAMM while he was still based in Paris.
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k123/soulmap/TrussartTop.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k123/soulmap/TrussartBack.jpg

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k123/soulmap/TrussartTop.jpg

i'm guessing that the wear on the pickguard by the strings has accrued over time and that the patina wasn't like that when the guitar was new?
my rust-o-caster is just a month old and i'm already seeing the patina change a bit. mind U, the rust-o-caster has been getting a lot more time than any other guitar. we're still in the honeymoon stage.

[OldSchool]

The tops on the SteelTops are generally Steel and occasionally aluminum. They are engraved and then plated, in that case copper plated then a patina process is applied to the copper.

How are you guys posting pix on here? I have a bunch of close up pix I can put up if you have the info.

Hey Arcane.........Just curious. Is there any reason James doesn't do any Strat style guitars?

[Arcane-Inc]

Ok here are some pix of a few SteelTops, Some Roses, Paisley, African and the New Barbwire pattern. I am really into the Antique Silver and Antique Copper lately.

Thanks for the tip on posting pix Soulmap, I have tons of these, this is just from the SteelTop folder.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj62/ArcaneInc/DSC00039.jpg
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj62/ArcaneInc/DSC00030.jpg
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj62/ArcaneInc/DSC00030-1.jpg
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj62/ArcaneInc/DSC00100.jpg
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj62/ArcaneInc/DSC08508.jpg
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj62/ArcaneInc/DSC00035.jpg
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj62/ArcaneInc/DSC00032.jpg

[soulmap]

i'm guessing that the wear on the pickguard by the strings has accrued over time and that the patina wasn't like that when the guitar was new?
my rust-o-caster is just a month old and i'm already seeing the patina change a bit. mind U, the rust-o-caster has been getting a lot more time than any other guitar. we're still in the honeymoon stage.

yeah, I've had it for close to 10 years and we're still going at it like newlyweds, so it has suffered a bit of wear.
The upper bout (outside the borders of this photo) had a nice clear steel spot amidst the rust that is now also rusty. Florida is humid. It was even more of beautiful art piece when I got it - in fact it was on the front page of James website back then. But I can't say I mind a bit of rust on this one. :)

Old School; don't know about a strat, and I don't really know this either; but I have heard a rumour of an SG shape in the works.

Arcane; those are all beautiful. A Steeltop Chinese Dragon is on my short list, not that I'm making my way through the list very quickly

here's one I do not own, unfortunately. My girlfriend has a thing for nautilus', I suggested she get this for me. Well, she would if she could.
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k123/soulmap/Trussart1.jpg

[soulmap]

Hey, I just remembered an old mp3 I made from a live recording shortly after I got my Steelcaster. edited from some ridiculously long jams (I was pretty excited by what this guitar could do).
I just uploaded it to my myspace, if your interested - link's in my signature

- "I'd Do Anything - excerpt" - Rusty Steelcaster into a BF Vibrolux and an old 50 watt plexi half stack. I can still remember the first time stepping on the fuzz (a Fulltone '70) and being amazed at the clarity of the roar!
It will get some unintended feedback, but I can keep the reins on it...somewhat.

"High Stepping" also features the Trussart - just a little Garage Band (the Mac software) thing - guitar recorded direct with a GT Studio Pre-amp

"Gold Hill Rd." is also the Steelcaster, this time with a little tweed Champ - a pretty ugly sound

[OldSchool]

here's one I do not own, unfortunately. My girlfriend has a thing for nautilus', I suggested she get this for me. Well, she would if she could.
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k123/soulmap/Trussart1.jpg



My God.........I will answer and give my thoughts when I can.......... http://www.jsguitarforum.com/forum/images/smilies/worthy.gif

[todd richman]

Where is that Steelphonic located-still available?

[soulmap]

Where is that Steelphonic located-still available?

no, sorry - that's from ebay about 3 or 4 years ago

[mojocaster.com]

http://i12.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/d8/7c/09e1_1.JPG

This one is on the evil bay right now...