Inherited Pedal Steel - help with identification

[Alex Wiley]

My grandparents were part of several bands years ago… I lost my grandmother in 2021 and now my grandfather two weeks ago. I always remember and have video cassette of him playing this pedal steel. When I think of grandpa this pedal steel is second memory… which is why it was given to me.
Story is that my grandmother custom ordered it in the 60s or early 70s for a gift to my grandfather. Would appreciate any information someone could give… rarity, year, finish (Birds Eye?) etc
Im considering taking lesson to keep the music going

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[Dave Grafe]

That's a really sweet looking ZB Custom built by Zane Beck, no doubt your grandfather treasured it. Not terribly rare but an excellent example of the mark ca 1969-70, it's a worthy, lifetime instrument to begin the journey with and all you will ever need to hone the craft over the years.

You've come to the right place to find all the help you'll need, most likely you will find other steel pickers in your area who can help you learn to maintain and adjust it, as well as guidance in learning to play. Remember that you can also use the forum's search facility to find information already available here. Welcome aboard!

[Bobby D. Jones]

At one time Buck Owen's steel player, Tom Brumley played a ZB steel.
There is quite a bit of information here on the Forum. to search for.
If you google ZB Steel guitars, There is a lot of information, And You Tube has several videos, With ZB Steels being played, And discussions on ZB Steel Guitars.

Some of the ZB guitars had tapped coil pickups. That gave the guitar 3 different tones, Just by moving a switch.

Good Luck, Happy Steelin,
With your Grand Pa's guitar.

[scott murray]

according to wikipedia, Tom Brumley and Bill Sims took over the ZB brand in the late 60s after Tom left Buck Owens (‘69?). Tom became the sole owner in ‘78 and sold the company in ‘85

[Chris Brooks]

Alex, are you on Martha's Vineyard? I go out there once a year to see an old friend, could drop by.

Yes, play it! And the gang here would probably love to see a few more photos: the undercarriage, pickups, etc.

[B. Greg Jones]

That guitar is a mid 70's ZB going by the serial number. It was built in Phoenix, Arizona when Tom Brumley and Bill Sims owned the company. That guitar has the long throw changers in it. It should lay pretty smooth or can be made to. It also has the triple tapped pick-ups as mentioned before. That is a beautiful guitar and will sound like a million bucks!!!!

Greg

[Eric Dahlhoff]

That's a very clean looking ZB. I bet it sounds great.
If it hasn't been played in a while it might need a bit of adjustment/setup, especially if you change string gauges.
Lots of info here on the Forum.

Make your grandparents proud and learn to play it!!