Show Bud vs. Sierra?

James Jewell · Post by **James Jewell** » 11 Dec 2015 5:54 pm

I am looking for my first steel guitar; I now have my eye one two: a 1982 Show Bud LDG in "like new" condition and a 2001 Sierra Session. Both about the same price (the LDG comes with the vol. pdl.).
I'm a wood guy; I love the lacquered finish, and so many people rave over the sound of the Buds, but others are skeptics because of the age and pot metal on the '82.
The Session is a newer machine, but aluminum lacks all the character of the figured maple.
Aesthetically, it's a no-brainer, but I don't want to get into something I'll regret. Can someone shed some light on the subject for me?

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 11 Dec 2015 6:21 pm

Take a tuner with a needle (or virtual simulated needle).
Verify that the 5th string B goes (after tuning) back to the same B that it left, and that it goes back to the same C# every time you press the A pedal.
Repeat the same test with the E strings (obviously with the proper levers, not the A pedal). If the Bud passes the test, go ahead and buy it.
Almost every Sierra player will disagree with your assessment, but almost every Bud player will echo it.
The Sierra is hands-down the better machine, but buy the guitar that speaks to you.
If you can find a local player to assess them for you, that'd be a plus. If I ran out to Portland, I'd happily take the time, but I'm not on that run.

Tony Glassman · Post by **Tony Glassman** » 11 Dec 2015 7:42 pm

Lane: FYI - Ontario is in eastern Oregon (near the Idaho border) which is about 350 miles from Portland. Beautiful country over there.

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 11 Dec 2015 10:45 pm

I know it well. The stupid port of entry on 84. All trucks have to stop and show all their paperwork.

Dennis Wood · Post by **Dennis Wood** » 12 Dec 2015 1:55 pm

I have both, LDG and Sierra Session. The Sierra is my gigging guitar. The LDG stays setup in my music room. The LDG does look good, but, so does the Sierra, just "different", maybe not traditional looking. Also have a GFI that gets used more than the LDG.
YOu can't go wrong with a Sierra Session. but an LDG looks good:)

Damir Besic · Post by **Damir Besic** » 12 Dec 2015 2:43 pm

those are both great pro guitars, best thing is to try, and play both, if you can, if not, then whichever you like better I guess, you can't go wrong with either one... it's a sweet problem to have...

James Jewell · Post by **James Jewell** » 14 Dec 2015 5:19 pm

I think I am really leaning toward the Bud. Once I learn how to sit down and play I hope some day to find a place where I can see and play a wide variety of brands and models then go from there; right now all the options seem a little overwhelming. Thank you for all your input for an aspiring steeler.

Patrick Laffrat · Post by **Patrick Laffrat** » 15 Dec 2015 12:48 am

I do not know which of the two I prefer ...

Quentin Hickey · Post by **Quentin Hickey** » 15 Dec 2015 2:35 pm

If I had to pick one it would be the one that could be repaired easier and easier to take down and transport. If you are able to own two than keep the bud home and the sierra ready to go.

Tom Quinn · Post by **Tom Quinn** » 16 Dec 2015 5:05 am

Sho-Bud, hands down. They are iconic, beautiful and sound terrific. You'll be in good company as well.

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 16 Dec 2015 11:26 am

Like Tom, my choice would be the Bud. I wouldn't even consider the Sierra, but that's just my personal preference. If it is a pot metal bud, you can get solid aluminum parts if you want. The only part that broke on me was the LKL knee lever bracket. Those brackets can be replace with bare minimum mechanical skill. Other parts are probably harder to change out.