Williams U12

[Gary James Peters]

Hi All

Not sure if many people on the forum use (or are familiar with) Williams steels. Anyway, I had this one built by Bill Rudolph last year, and it's a beauty. Plays like a dream (without me of course), and the Alumitone pickup is just what I wanted: transparent, clean, punchy, but with a nice bottom end to cope with the B6. Be interested to hear what people think of Williams guitars, but I'm knocked out by it. Delivery time was about 7 months, which for a top-end steel (which I think it is) is pretty quick. And customer care from Bill is second to none. I won't be changing steels anytime soon that's for sure.

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[saddletramp]

That's a great looking guitar, Gary. I hope you enjoy it.

I have been looking at Williams as a possible next guitar, but I am curious to know how much they weigh. I seem to remember someone saying they are one of the lighter brands.

I am hoping to see one up close in April when Eric Heywood is touring, and I think he still plays a Williams.

Chris

[Gary James Peters]

Hi Chris

Yes, incredibly light, but very stable, so I personally don't have any problems with it moving around. And, mine being keyless, it's even lighter. When I was thinking of buying a new steel I thought, who gets the sound I like? I thought Greg Leisz and (in the UK) B. J. Cole. And, what do you know, they both play Williams (although, to be honest, BJ mainly plays his Kline). Obviously, it's really down to me to make it sound good, but it plays beautifully and is a work of art, and, last but not least, good value for money considering the quality engineering, incredible wood and workmanship. If ever you're in the Bristol, area, pop round and have a try out...you're not far away, right? Yes, Eric Heywood is still playing a Williams as far as I know.

[Zebedee]

I played a Williams a while back, and was pleasantly surprised that it didn't have the characteristic 'whiney' decay to the note that a lot of other modern pedal steels exhibit (and I've played a few).
This unpleasant decay drives me nuts, which is why I play ancient steels that don't have that trait

[Gary James Peters]

Interesting comment. I did an enormous amount of research before ordering the Williams, and I never heard the word 'whiney' in those discussions...I think that would have put me off!! I have only ever played three steels in my life, the ones I've owned: a Sho Bud Maverick, an Emmons PP S10 and the Williams. The Sho Bud sounded very whiney, but I think 90% of that was down to my playing at the time. The Emmons (with the standard single coil pickup) had tons of edge (you might call it) and certainly, the top end had to be dialled down on all of the amps I've used, but it sounded great. When I ordered the Williams I told Bill Rudolph that I was very happy with the Emmons' sound, so he suggested the Alumitone pickup. I haven't seen all that many people using them, but it does exactly what I wanted it to, so I'm very happy. When I was considering the Williams at the outset, John Davis advised me that, based upon his own experience of waiting for an eternity for a Zumsteel to be delivered and then being disappointed, I would probably come back looking for an Emmons once I realised the limitations of a modern steel like a Williams. I have to say that, having played them both side by side for 6 months I eventually sold the Emmons. For what it's worth, a large part of the attraction of the pedal steel for me way back when I was learning (and still) was the edge I mentioned, that cut through any mix (I learnt by listening to Ralph Mooney on early Buck Owens, so you know what I mean). With all the gizmos now available to process the sound of the steel, too many steels sound too homogenous to my ears, lush, and smooth and sweet but lacking character and individuality. My opinion obviously. And also for what it's worth, and I imagine you'll like this, the first time I ever heard anyone playing a steel live was long-time forum member John Roche playing his ZB in the early 80's: what a sound!! Shortly after he bought a Sho Bud D10 which, lovely though it was (is?) it was a long way off the sound of the ZB to my ears. I think John might still have that ZB. Maybe I should buy it off him...no, I'm happy with the Williams.

[Danny Mitchell]

Yes, that certainly is a beauty, Gary. It sounds great on your recordings, too.
My tuppence worth is, I've seen and heard two examples of Williams handiwork at the Gartcosh meetings, up here in Scotland, and would testify to their looks, build quality and, most important point of all, tone.

[Gary James Peters]

Interestingly, on the recordings you mention, I often can't tell myself whether I was playing the Emmons or the Williams. I think if you know what sound you want/like, and your steel allows you to get it, then you'll get it.

[Danny Mitchell]

I think if you know what sound you want/like, and your steel allows you to get it, then you'll get it.

Completely agree, Gary. I heard this type of situation play out at a gig where a great, experienced player, sat in using my gear. Totally different setup to his own Mullen Royal Precision into a Peavey Nashville 112, but he sounded more or less the same. At the time it left me scratching my head thinking, 'why don't I sound like that?'

[Gary James Peters]

Yes, it's something of a cliche to say that it all comes down to the hands, (a partial truth to be sure) but it also comes down to the ears. So many times had I read/heard that players couldn't get a decent sound out of a Peavey Session 500, I was almost put off buying one at a ridiculously bargain price recently. Anyway, once I got it home it took me about 10 minutes to dial up just what I wanted (and I'm not a massive Peavey fan either). For the next 2 months I'm going to be away in Italy (!!!) and France. I'll take the steel, but for space reasons, I always take along a little 8 inch Roland Cube. Apart from the bottom end disappearing, I can still get a pretty decent sound out of that too, certainly good enough to keep the practising up while away. So there you go...something of nothing really.

[saddletramp]

This thread is exactly what I love about the forum, so thank you all for your detailed and informative comments. I must admit I have not heard the term 'whiney' applied to modern steels before and I will now adopt a more critical ear if and when I go looking for a new steel.

@Gary: I will take you up on your kind offer to visit you some time in Bristol to hear your Williams, though I take note you will be away for a while.

To be honest, I'm not sure I need a new steel as I am happy with my current ZumSteel Encore, which was an upgrade from a Stage One. I know plenty will say the Encore is not a professional model, but I struggle to see what a player of my fairly limited ability would gain from a much more expensive guitar. The Encore is light, stays in tune, a changeable copedant with split tunings and I like the tone I get from it. The only reason I would consider 'upgrading' would be for a more aesthetically pleasing model (chrome end plates and pedals, wood finish, etc.), or serious G.A.S. More likely it is a case of FOMO (fear of missing out)