The Steel Guitar Forum

OK, with the help of Kevin of Goodrich, I found the problem. You can barely see the single strand of wire shorting between the brown and white wires. Kevin called me and assured me that the rest of the wiring was fine. Offered to replace the pot. Man, he's the best!

I bought a Dunlop ECB424A 470k audio taper pot from Goodrich and installed it in my Sho Bud volume pedal. I got the volume working correctly, but the new pot scrubs off all the highs. It's like throwing a wet blanked over the amp. Is it possible I got the wiring wrong? From other conversations here,...

Replacing two strings with comparable gauge guitar strings solved the problem. Still a bit harsh sounding for my taste.

Thanks for the encouraging words! The pedal does seem to be original as does the pot. I don't see any re-soldered connections. I will try replacing a couple of the problem strings today with similar gauge guitar strings. If I was getting this problem on my tele, I would be looking at the nut as the ...

Yes, I have 7/8" tone bar. I learned on lap steel years ago and know that technique. I forgot to mention. The old strings, so old they were turning brittle and beginning to break, had nice even tone, without the fingernails on a chalkboard overtones.

I installed GHS Americana E9th strings. Getting some nasty overtones on the four high strings, particularly the E and G#. I've tried a bit of everything, including just touching each individual string with the tip of the tone bar, with the same results. Maybe bad strings? I don't believe it's techni...

Good eye! Yes, that is one of my lap steel tone bars. I've ordered a 7/8" bullet nose style arriving tomorrow.

Got it re-strung and tuned up. Stays in tune! I love the pickup. It's much more harmonically complex than my Supertone and Supro lap steels. Playing it through a Roland JC 55. I'm surprised how much the Sho Bud volume pedal colors the sound compared to my Dunlop GCB-80. It's kind adds a bit of compr...

Thanks to y'all for taking time to answer questions and give encouragement. I'm excited to take on this challenging instrument.

I'm feeling good about this purchase. For it's age it's looking mighty straight. The pickup is hot! Everything seems to be there. Practicing a bit of deferred gratification and will put it together tomorrow. Must get some new strings. https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/userpix2203/20812_IMG_5914_1.jpg ...

I've been looking for a pedal steel for quite a while and haven't found anything playable in this price range. I've been playing lap steel for 5 years and want to expand my knowledge.

Thanks for the info about pedals and levers. Is it true that the 6138 can be upgraded to knee levers using a 6139 knee lever kit? He has an NOS kit for sale for an extra $125.

I only have the one photo posted online. I'm good at mechanical assessment. I can tell if the levers move smoothly and judging wear and tear. Why not a good guitar for a beginner? Tuning problems? I've watched a few videos and the sound is something I'm looking for. The owner has been playing it pro...

I'm most likely buying a Sho-Bud 6138 today. Looking to check it out in a few hours. Photos look good and it's a great price, $500. Any thoughts or advice. I'm new to pedal steel, although have been playing acoustic and electric guitar for over 50 years. Plus, I build electrics. Of course, will be t...

Steven, thanks for the photo. I am a woodworker and ,yes, the cabinet is in great shape. From the flat headed slotted screws and other hardware I assumed it was of that era.

Herb. Yes, I agree. It is a restoration project and not a setup. To restore this to playable condition would require me to know how to play one. It's a bit of a Catch-22.

Thank you, Andrew I did a search starting with Ned McIntosh and got a brilliant explanation (with photos) on how a Marlen works. I will need to re-read it several times for it to sink in. I get the pull part, but lowering the note is escaping me. I'll figure it out! Is there a way to bookmark posts ...

The idea of building this guitar back to useable appeals to me, but I wouldn't know where to start.

When and where were Marlen guitars made? And by whom?

Thanks for the information. Here is a photo the original owner took of the underside before it was dissembled.

I received this pedal steel ten years ago as a partial trade for another guitar. At the time I thought I might reassemble it and learn to play pedal steel. I've played acoustic and electric guitars for 60 years now, yet it's just dawning on me how complex pedal steel is. You guys are musical geniuse...