do all new Williams' have the 400 changer?

Nicholas Dedring · Post by **Nicholas Dedring** » 3 Sep 2003 10:00 am

I just looked through the Williams site, and it doesn't mention the 400 series as an add-on, like the older site did. Does anyone know if all the guitars from them are now being built with the "stressless" changer finger design??

Beautiful instruments, from what I've seen of them, too.

Jim Eaton · Post by **Jim Eaton** » 3 Sep 2003 12:04 pm

I just looked at the site and it says the 400 series is $20.00 per stg extra.
JE:-)>

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Emmons D10 8/4 P/P -75'
Fessenden SD-10 3/5
76'Session 400
86'Nashville 400
Bandit 112

Gerald Menke · Post by **Gerald Menke** » 3 Sep 2003 12:59 pm

Hey there Nicholas,

I have a newer Williams, it does indeed have the 400 changer. If you'd like to check one out let' meet up sometime, I love my steel, and would recommend the Williams brand to all.

Gerald

Williams D-10
VHT and Bogner amps

Nicholas Dedring · Post by **Nicholas Dedring** » 3 Sep 2003 2:47 pm

Gerald, that would be great, when you have time... I remember hearing you've been pretty busy. (I'd ask about it, but I wouldn't want the topic to get moved to the "Steel Players" section...)

Jim, there's a new site that's up that Bill Rudolph mentioned... I don't know if the forum links have been updated, but if you look at [url=http://www.williamsguitarcompany.com,]www.williamsguitarcompany.com,[/url] it doesn't show the non-400-series as an option. Just wondering, based on that...

Larry Beck · Post by **Larry Beck** » 3 Sep 2003 4:00 pm

I can't speak for Bill, but I remember him saying that he only made 400's now. It makes sense, as he has a patent on the 400 changer.

Al Marcus · Post by **Al Marcus** » 3 Sep 2003 7:02 pm

Nicholas-Bill told me that the 400 series changer is standard on all models from now on.
There is also a Price increase of a few hundred dollars. They are a nice guitar....al

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My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus/

Jim Bob Sedgwick · Post by **Jim Bob Sedgwick** » 3 Sep 2003 7:36 pm

I have played Williams guitars for almost 20 years now. Bill quit making the standard changer, and only makes the 400 changer now. That's the largest part of the price increase. BTW The 400 changer cuts string breakage about 60% over a standard changer, with no difference in sound. The Williams guitar is the best kept secret in the business, IMO.

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 3 Sep 2003 10:52 pm

I've never broken a string on my Williams!

Robert Parent · Post by **Robert Parent** » 4 Sep 2003 3:41 am

I did not know that Bill had a new web address. Does anyone know what the web address is??

Jim Vogan · Post by **Jim Vogan** » 4 Sep 2003 4:17 am

www.williamsguitarcompany.com

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Jim Vogan
Carter D10, 8&5 with BCT
G.D. Walker Stereo Steel Combo
Bakelite Ric
Hilton volume pedal

James Quackenbush · Post by **James Quackenbush** » 4 Sep 2003 6:50 am

Jim Bob,
"with no difference in sound".....Actually Bill is using a different metal alloy on the 400 fingers which actually adds sustain to to the steel ...So there is actually an impovement to the sound !!....GREAT steel guitar !!...Well worth the $$$....Jim<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by James Quackenbush on 04 September 2003 at 07:54 AM.]</p></FONT>

Darvin Willhoite · Post by **Darvin Willhoite** » 4 Sep 2003 11:49 am

My Williams 400 Series is a '99 and I have only broken one string. I leave them on about ten times longer than I should also. Bill also has new bellcrank and knee lever designs which looks good. He is also offering wood necks. Great guitars.

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Darvin Willhoite
Riva Ridge Recording

Jim Bob Sedgwick · Post by **Jim Bob Sedgwick** » 5 Sep 2003 7:46 am

James: I know whqt you mean. I meant that there is no difference in tone from the 400 changer to the standard changer. I agree, the new ones have more sustain. They also feel as solid as any guitar out there.

Leon Eneboe · Post by **Leon Eneboe** » 8 Sep 2003 4:38 pm

Nicholas, While you guys are discussing Williams guitars...I bought a new S12 from Bill Rudolph in May of this year. Bill set it up with all 7 floor pedals and all 5 knee levers for E9th. I never knew you could have such an instrument as this with everything E9th. The guitar plays great, looks great, and sounds great. Many of you guys out there knew such a set=up was available, but I didn't. A big plus in the deal for me was that I live withing driving distance of Bill's shop, and I could meet him and see his operation. He is a great guy offering a great guitar.

Leon Eneboe, ShoBud LDG, Williams S-12, NV400, NVl000 and NV ll2.