GFI Ultra v Mullen RP

[bradsteel]

Hi guys,

Could anybody shed some light on the technical differences between the GFI Ultra and the Mullen RP. Aesthetically I think most would agree the Mullen RP is a bit prettier but which is superior mechanically, as well as in terms of tone/ durability/ reliability etc? And which is easier to work on, change copedent etc?

According to the respective websites, to buy these guitars new in the States, it looks as if the Ultra would be considerably more expensive than the RP. At Promenade in the UK however, they are priced the exact same (£3,695 for both SD10s).

Moreover, if anybody wants to add the Mullen G2 into the comparison, then please feel free!

[Tony Russell Davis]

I've done some work on both and think they are both equal in sound with the GFI easier to work on (changed two knee levers over on a Mullen in minutes, completely rebuilt an abused GFI with great service on parts supply from the company).
The Mullen is more "conventional", the GFI has some innovations and seemed more robust, it must have taken some effort to do the damage I fixed. The difference is aesthetic, one looks "normal" the other looks slightly strange - add the keyless head (which is superb on the GFI, best I've tried ) and the odd look increases in favour of Mullen. That said, I would not hesitate to get a keyless GFI if I was in the market but that is a very personal opinion (my Sierra is keyless).
So go for the one you like the look of

[bradsteel]

Thanks for getting back to me Tony, and with great information too!

I do swoon over the look of the Mullen but the GFIs seem to just edge it in all other departments!

So there’s only one answer: I’m getting a lucky dip for the lotto tonight, and if I win the jackpot I’ll get both - and one for you!


... wish me luck!

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

Brad, i would say they are both easy to work on but for me the Mullen wins over the clinical sharp sound of the GFI but them again that difference may reside in the hands of the player...... so you pays that enourmous obcene amount of cash and you takes your choice..
Some of my favourite steel playing that i love to listen to was played on an Emmons Black Rock (student model)

[bradsteel]

Thanks John. I’ve never heard one of the old Black Rocks be played I don’t think! Well, not knowingly anyway.

I too feel that the GFIs and Mullens are very much overpriced here in the UK. But with that lottery win, it’ll be a drop in the ocean!

[Danny Mitchell]

Well Brad, with that lottery win, I'd have the GFI in the west wing and the Mullen in the east wing, of that big, b#st%rd mansion that you're bound to be moving in to.

That aside, I love the GFI that I bought from Promenade, but there's a Mullen player up here (Willie Gamble) and the only way you'd get him to part with it, would be to prise it from his dead fingers.

[bradsteel]

Haha! Danny, I’ll be buying the steels before the mansion that’s for sure! It looks like it’s pretty neck and neck with both instruments then. Did Promenade get an extra pedal on for you? Would love the Franklin change on whatever I get!

[Donny Johnston]

Whatever Danny said will be correct, however I play a Justice now and I love it. Donny/

[bradsteel]

Thanks Donny! Don’t see many of those Justices around this side of the pond. But they look incredible!

[Uncle Roy]

My choice and I know Willie Gamble's .