Hilton vs Goodrich photocell vs Goodrich L10K

Mike Christensen · From: Cook Minnesota

Have any of you guys and gals tried out all three or any two of them to be able to compare and come to any conclusions as to which you prefer and why?

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

All three are "electronic" volume pedals but that's the only similarity between them. The L10K still uses a pot. The Goodrich "photocell" is just that and the Hilton uses an "infrared" system that is not affected by any external light source.

The Hilton is the only "electronic" VP currently in production. The last I saw (and that was recent) is that Goodrich has abandoned the electronic pedal and is focused on producing their pot type pedals.

Mike Christensen · From: Cook Minnesota

Thank you for the comeback Jack. I currently have a L120 and a Sho-Bud both of which have decided to start scratching at about the same time and it is somewhat annoying to have to deal with. I need to make a plan. Sounds like Hilton.I just don't care for grief. Thanks again.I always appreciate your input on the forum. Happy Trails, Mike C.

Robbie Daniels · From: Casper, Wyoming, USA

I have great results with the Goodrich 10K line and have went to using it exclusively. I don't like the pedals with cords.
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Chris LeDrew · From: Canada

I'm with Robbie. I had a Goodrich LDR with the AC, and it drove me nuts having to plug it in on stage all the time. But I did like that preamp. So the L10K gives me that buffer in a cordless pot pedal. Only thing is you have to remember to unplug it between setups, or the 9-volt will drain.

The Goodrich pedal that Bobby Boggs has here for sale with the switch on it seems likes a good system; you can turn the preamp on and off to save battery life.

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

The Hilton's do require AC power, but as we seem to have other devices that use AC power too, it's not really a hassle having to plug in the Volume Pedal. The new models have a smaller detachable power supply.

I had a Goodrich 10K model volume pedal at one time and didn't need another "matchbox" type device so I sold it and at the time went back to a Goodrich 120 pot pedal. Since I got a Hilton several years ago, there is no comparision, as it's far superior to ALL other electronic pedals.

Chris LeDrew · From: Canada

I have to disagree about the hassle issue with plugging in an AC volume pedal. The problem with plugging in an AC VP is that you need outlets in the front of the stage, or an extension cord. Some people have outlets built into their pac seat, which is a solution; you can then run everything from your seat. But after several festival gigs asking stage hands to run front stage AC with a 5-minute changeover, or having to run extension cords, I sold that LDR and went back to a pot pedal pretty darn fast. If your setup is casual and you have all the time in the world, then you can take your time and find access to the power you need out front. To each their own, but right now all I need to do is plug in my amp, and that's usually a breeze at the back of the stage. Even if I have to run a delay, I can place it on top of my amp and find AC back there. When playing live a lot (and in many different situations), it's one less hassle - and that's important to me.

Lastly, I find no difference between the L10K pot pedal and the LDR. I've also used a Hilton several times, and didn't notice any improvement in tone. When gigging on pedal steel, I've found practically no difference between any Goodrich pedals, or Sho~Buds for that matter. To me it's a piece of equipment that should demand very little mental energy: thrown it down and use it. As long as it works, has good action, gives me no hassle, and is not scratchy, I'm done thinking about it.

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

I have no problem. I have a surge protector type power strip with a 15' cord that I carry with me. I plug my Nashville 112, POD XT and Hilton pedal all into the same strip.

Works out, doesn't matter if I'm on a small RV Park stage, or a big venue stage.

Don Sulesky · From: Citrus County, FL, Orig. from MA & NH

Like Jack,
I have yet to find a situation where I did not need my 8' 3 way extension cord.
For me it works just fine.
I plug my Boss DD5, Hilton and NV112 into the extension cord and I'm ready to play.
And it all fits nicely in my Pack-a-seat.
Even when I just jam with my Tele and amp I use the cord for my amp and Boss DD5.
I'm never without my 8' extension.
I have an older Goodrich 1622 pedal that has the electronics in it that used a 9V battery, but I still had problems with scratchy pots.
I solved that problem with the Hilton.
Don

Robbie Daniels · From: Casper, Wyoming, USA

Chris
I agree with you, but on the other hand every individual has their own preference and once a preference is solidified it won't change. As for me I have tried them all and after all is said and done I am back to the K10, but that is my preference.
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Brian McGaughey · From: Orcas Island, WA USA

Hey Mike,

A Goodrich L10K will scratch, too. I bought a used one and had to replace the pot.

I went to a L10K after using a passive pot type pedal and it greatly improved my tone to my ear, although there was always something "funny" going on during long pedal assisted sustains. Subtle but wrong.

Recently I wanted to tame my single coil pickup a bit so I bought Brad Sarno's "Free Loader" variable impedance buffer device. Now I've gone back to a passive pot pedal (Goodrich L120). Tone is improved.

I'm of the camp of skipping one more AC cord on stage and changing a 9 volt battery prior to a gig instead. And of course the pot every now and then, too.

I'll probably try a Hilton one of these days, then THAT'LL be the pedal-du-jour... Smile

Chris LeDrew · From: Canada

Yes, Robbie, that is true. We each have our own system of operations. Smile

I think if I were plugging in other things, such as a tuner, effects pedal, etc., I wouldn't mind adding a VP to the list. But all I plug in is my amp, so it's very convenient to have a pot pedal.

John McClung · From: Olympia WA, USA

Mike, I did thorough testing of the Goodrich LDR-2 vs Hilton a couple of years ago (the Hilton was what I term "v1": heavier pedal, giant heavy AC cord permanently attached).

Both pedals are excellent. Hilton won to my ears, it had a little more gain, making it punchier which I like, and it did have better string separation, each note was a little more clear and distinctive.

That said, the Goodrich was slightly warmer and mellower, which some players prefer.

As a result, I'm a Hilton dealer now, but Goodrich LDR's are fine, but sadly, no longer manufactured.

For short little showcase gigs where speed of setup and least hassles would trump everything, the Goodrich 10K pedals would be my choice. I'd personally go with the H10K (full height), that longer travel again yields more range of gain, so it's seems punchier. These pedals with the built-in impedance matching circuit really sound great, but again you're back in the land of pots going bad.

Hope this helps!
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Mike Christensen · From: Cook Minnesota

John: Thank you for the very informative reply. I have had one of the older Hiltons but very much disliked the huge wart and I also didn't care much for the,in my mind,way too stiff cord. I have seen some pics of the new ones.The wart seems to be an acceptable size now and perhaps the cord is somewhat more flexible.I will probably end up going back to the Hilton. I know some people say they go for years on a pot but I have had enough go bad in the last couple of years I don't really care for the grief. Thanks again John. Feel free to E-Mail a price.Happy Trails, Mike C.

John McClung · From: Olympia WA, USA

Mike, I kinda wish I had an old one, more than once I've set up at a gig, all perfect I thought, but no sound...wasted minutes testing cords, only to realize I hadn't connect the AC cord to the Hilton pedal, or somehow it had disconnected. The connect is rather weak, so it's easy to just kick the cord a little and pop it out. I hope Keith can someday add a swing away c-shaped cord retainer or some such method to keep this from happening.

I sell chiefly to my students and my prices are the same as all other dealers, so just see Herbie Wallace or Fred Justice, two main Hilton dealers here on the forum.

When I get more new ones, maybe we can swap, I wouldn't mind having both old and new in my arsenal. The new ones are so much lighter in weight, that's a big benefit.
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John McClung · From: Olympia WA, USA

Mike, I kinda wish I had an old one, more than once I've set up at a gig, all perfect I thought, but no sound...wasted minutes testing cords, only to realize I hadn't connected the AC cord to the Hilton pedal, or somehow it had become disconnected. The connection is rather weak, so it's easy to just kick the cord a little and pop it out. I hope Keith can someday add a swing away c-shaped cord retainer clip or some such method to keep this from happening.

I sell chiefly to my students and my prices are the same as all other dealers, so just see Herbie Wallace or Fred Justice, two main Hilton dealers here on the forum.

When I get more new ones, maybe we can swap, I wouldn't mind having both old and new in my arsenal. The new ones are so much lighter in weight, that's a big benefit.

The differences in the sound of your steel between the Goodrich LDR-2 and the Hilton are very subtle, a lot of people would never be able to tell, frankly. But my hearing is very sensitive, just ask Keith!
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Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

I've had one of the new model Hilton's for a while and haven't had any problems with the connection coming out (it's basically the same as the AC power connection on any "stomp box" pedal). One big plus is the switching power supply (wall wart), I've had mine plugged in from about noon until about 10 PM one day (at a performing arts center where we played an afternoon and evening shows) it was cold after being plugged in all day.

I also have one of the older models with the large power supply that's permanently connected. They both sound the same, but the new model is a lot more convenient.

Don Sulesky · From: Citrus County, FL, Orig. from MA & NH

Like Jack
I have the older Hilton model and the new model Hilton and they both sound the same to me.
I use the permanent one at home with my 2nd steel set up and the other when I play out.
I like the idea of having the wall-wart detachable as it makes it more convenient to fit in my Pack-a-seat. They say "Never say never", but I'll never go back to a pot pedal again after owning these two Hiltons.

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

I think that just about any of them will do the job, and give you a good sound. So it's more a personal taste thing than it is a "which is best/worst" kind of argument.

Rudy Hawk · From: Carrollton,Ohio,USA

Since I’ve gotten older, I’m into weight reduction when it comes to my musical equipment. When I put my stomp boxes aside for a quality rack mounted effects processor and stroborack tuner, I determined I no longer needed to lug my heavy pack seat around, as well, since I can plug in and stow my Hilton and other essential accessories in my rack case. I replaced my pack seat with an adjustable folding piano seat. It might not be as cool looking but the logistics is easier on me.

Jerry Bull · From: Republic, MO, USA

I use the Hilton VP, and I can set up in less than 5 minutes, (including tuning up)I use a power strip that everything is plugged into it, amp, pedal, FX, I don't use the ac power for my tuner, just batteries that I've never had to replace in the year that I've had it(strobe-flip)all I need is one outlet 10' away and I'm up and steelin',,,,yeee haaww
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Robby Springfield · From: Viola, AR, USA

I have one rule to go by when it comes to any type of gear I use and that is to never sacrifice quality for conveience. Sure you have to plug the Hilton in...but I don't have a change in tone when I apply the gas, no scratchy pots, no strings to rewind or bind up. The Hilton pedal is like the man that makes them...they don't come any better!
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Drew Howard · From: 48854

Studio: Hilton
Live: whichever Goodrich pedal isn't scratching
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