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Topic: Make" a "Fender" pedal steel.?? |
Bob Carlucci
From:
Candor, New York, USA
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Posted 11 Feb 2004 5:02 pm |
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| I have been wanting a Fender 800 and have a chance to get one... I'm not sure if I want to buy one or make one that should sound similar. I was thinking of taking my S 10 6x4 MSA that I won't be using much,having an alder body and neck made for it, and putting a Fender pick up in it. If I can't find an original Fender I think I can have one made thats pretty close by Seymour Duncan or several other guys. The Fender is a heavy clunker that would need knees installed,but I know would sound great. The MSA is a much better guitar mechanically,its right here, and I think I could get it pretty close to a 60's Fender sound for less that half the price of an old Fender.. I estimate about $300-350 for the alder body and the pickup... The MSA frame and mechanicals are all in good shape,and I could have the MSA body and neck reproduced exactly in any wood I want.. I THINK old Fender steels were alder but I'm not sure.. My Msa is plywood I think not real sure. any thoughts on this project??.. I don't think it would take but a day or two once the body was made and painted.. any ideas???? bob |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 11 Feb 2004 5:42 pm
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I'm of the opinion that you wouldn't come close to the "Fender sound" with a piece of wood, and some MSA parts. There was a whole lot more to the Fender sound than the type of wood, and the pickups. The "knife-edge" changer, the wrap-around frame, the sheer thickness of the body (twice as thick as today's steels), the tuning-head "pans", etc.. It all played a part in that unique Fender sound.
Before you wind up wasting a lot of time building something only you might like, I'd suggest...just save your coins, and get the real thing! |
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Joey Ace
From:
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Posted 11 Feb 2004 5:44 pm
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Sell the MSA, add your $350, and buy a Fender.
If that's the sound you want, that's the only way to really get it. |
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Bob Carlucci
From:
Candor, New York, USA
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Posted 11 Feb 2004 5:57 pm
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| Yeah I was afraid everybody would think that... It is probably true, I guess I know deep in my heart...I am just REAL worried I'll have to give my lungs for a clunky unplayable old Fender. They are tough to find in ANY condition... I have found one and will have to give up a couple of nice old Fender heads to get it, and I'm not sure its even playable[its at a guitar shop 1500 miles from here... oh man,, what to do....bob |
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Jackie Anderson
From:
Scarborough, ME
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Posted 11 Feb 2004 6:54 pm
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| Go for a Fender. I think Donny is right about where the sound comes from. They can look pretty bad and still work fine, and the wood can look great stripped and refinished. You can replace broken cables more easily and cheaply than what rods and bell cranks cost. I suspect the pickup is the least of it, and there are suitable alternatives available (including a 10-string Stringmaster-type pair from Prof. Lollar). What would be toughest to replicate would be that thick old plank of (I believe) ash and that cast frame. If you ever have one apart, hold up the frame and strike it with something (even your hand): it rings like a bell. |
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Tim Whitlock
From:
Colorado, USA
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Posted 12 Feb 2004 6:30 am
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| Patience, Bob! The other fellas are right. You might come close to the sound, but you won't have the cool vibe that comes with owning a vintage Fender. A big part of the enjoyment is stting down behind a 40-50 year old instrument that is oozing with history, and becoming a part of it. I know from your other posts that you are a Fender tube amp man, so you should know where I'm coming from. Sell the MSA and stash away the money. 800's and 2000's show up on e-bay periodically and there's one out there with your name on it. Prices are not that high for old PSG's because not many people want to play them. The mechanics are not up to modern standards but, hey, Mooney and others sure could make them sing. I got my '58 Fender 1000, in good condition, from Bobbe Seymore for $580 three years ago and I will never part with it. Good luck and hang in there! |
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Jay Ganz
From:
Out Behind The Barn
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Posted 12 Feb 2004 7:08 am
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I know what you mean about them old Fenders.
I got ahold of an old 400 that I used on the
last tune I recorded.
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My Steel MP3's |
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Fred Glave
From:
McHenry, Illinois, USA
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Posted 12 Feb 2004 7:19 am
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| Donny H. and the guys are right on. There are a multitude of components that make the Fender sound the way it does. There have been some bad things said about Ebay, but if you use the Ebay tools for determining seller reliability, and correspond with the seller, you will reduce the risks. I held out for about 3 months, while playing the old Multi-Kord, and then WHAM... on Ebay a mid 60's 2000 in great condition for $650.00...no regrets. It sounds like the condition of the guitar is not a huge factor for you because you're willing to do some work. Then just set an amount your willing to spend. [This message was edited by Fred Glave on 12 February 2004 at 07:20 AM.] |
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Rich Young
From:
Georgetown, TX, USA
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Bill Brown
From:
Canadian, Oklahoma, USA
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Posted 12 Feb 2004 6:59 pm
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| GUYS YOU ARE RIGHT ABOUT THE OLD FENDERS HERE IN MY PARTS THE CALL ME THE FENDER KING I OWN ABOUT 35 OF THEM THEY ARE GREAT |
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chas smith R.I.P.
From:
Encino, CA, USA
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Posted 12 Feb 2004 8:24 pm
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| You might give Michael Johnstone a call. |
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Fred Glave
From:
McHenry, Illinois, USA
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Posted 12 Feb 2004 9:10 pm
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| Just got off of Ebay, and there are several old 1960's Fenders that look worth keeping an eye on. |
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