| Author |
Topic: Any thoughts on New steels vs. Used ? |
Joe Krumel
From:
Hermitage, Tn.
|
Posted 23 Dec 2015 4:23 pm |
|
| Thinking of buying another steel. Can't decide on new or used. A penny for your thoughts. |
|
|
|
Bob Carlucci
From:
Candor, New York, USA
|
Posted 23 Dec 2015 4:38 pm
|
|
Used... a LOT of "used" steels have had a total of only a few hours play time... Many guys spend big bucks, buy a really high quality steel, and then either find out they can't learn it, or simply lose interest.. Over the years I have bought a lot of mint as new pedal steels, for about half to maybe 70% of the original price... bob
_________________
I'm over the hill and hittin'rocks on the way down!
no gear list for me.. you don't have the time...... |
|
|
|
Ron Pruter
From:
Arizona, USA
|
Posted 23 Dec 2015 4:58 pm
|
|
The two used steels I have bought sight unseen, depending totally on what the seller said, one eBay and one on the forum, have needed quite a bit of work. A Sierra and an Emmons. The Emmons had a lot more wear than I expected. Also, the 10th string rivet in the changer was rubbing on the housing and I couldn't get it to lower. I had to dismantle and grind out a channel so it wouldn't rub. The Sierra, needed re-rodding. As far as new goes, I hate waiting. RP
_________________
Emmons SKH Le Grande, '73 Fender P/J bass, Tick tack bass, Regal high strung, USA Nashville 112. |
|
|
|
Tony Prior
From:
Charlotte NC
|
Posted 24 Dec 2015 2:47 am
|
|
About a year ago I had the desire to purchase a NEW Steel, even had the cash in hand. Waiting 12 months was not going to cut it.
Since then I probably bought / sold maybe 8 or 9 used Steels on my quest, ended up with a couple of D10's and an S10 that I probably will never part with, all said and done for about the same money I would have spent on the new guitar.
I tried to buy new... 
_________________
Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders , Eastman Mandolin ,
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years
CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website |
|
|
|
Joe Krumel
From:
Hermitage, Tn.
|
Posted 24 Dec 2015 4:27 am New vs. used
|
|
| Thanks for the input guys. I'll go slow and easy on my hunt. |
|
|
|
Jon Light (deceased)
From:
Saugerties, NY
|
Posted 24 Dec 2015 4:34 am
|
|
Here are a few generalities that popped into my mind. The lists would grow if one wanted to take the time. None of these list items is a deal maker or a deal breaker.
New:
pros
-- made to order (custom configuration & custom tailored to fit to whatever extent the builder will work with you)
-- manufacturer's guarantee
-- pristeen with no mechanical wear
-- new guitar smell
cons
-- highest price it will ever be (with some historical exceptions)
-- wait
Used:
pros
-- price
-- infinite selection ... wait until the right guitar comes down the pike
cons
-- used condition with mechanical wear
-- more or less 'as is' . You have to trust the seller
-- may not be the most modern mechanism |
|
|
|
Scott Duckworth
From:
Etowah, TN Western Foothills of the Smokies
|
Posted 24 Dec 2015 5:11 am
|
|
If you check the steel well, you could get a used steel that would be a pro model for the price of a new beginner steel.
For example, I bought a Marlen D-10 that needed some cleaning and the clear refinished. I bought it for $100, and put about $10 in cleaner and lacquer, and probably two days worth of time. It turned out to be a nice steel.
Disclaimer, I did sell that steel, but only because it was too heavy for travel for my arthritic shoulders and back.
_________________
Amateur Radio Operator NA4IT (Extra)
http://www.qsl.net/na4it
I may, in fact, be nuts. However, I am screwed onto the right bolt... Jesus! |
|
|
|
Bob Hoffnar
From:
Austin, Tx
|
Posted 24 Dec 2015 6:06 am
|
|
I have most always bought new steels. I wanted a Franklin so I had Franklin build me one. Same with Clinesmith, Rains, Emci and Carter. When I wanted a Clinesmith I wasn't looking for a bargain . I wanted one of Todd's perfect steels.
With that I'm now playing old Emmons guitars.
_________________
Bob |
|
|
|
ajm
From:
Los Angeles
|
Posted 24 Dec 2015 7:09 am
|
|
Scott Duckworth: "For example, I bought a Marlen D-10 that needed some cleaning and the clear refinished. I bought it for $100......"
$100?
One hundred American-planet earth dollars? |
|
|
|
Mark van Allen
From:
Watkinsville, Ga. USA
|
Posted 24 Dec 2015 8:34 am
|
|
I have never purchased a new Pedal Steel. There are many fine, fine guitars on the used market, and the difference in price is generally a large factor to me.
Had a couple of dogs over the years, but mostly excellent instruments with some that were truly incredible.
_________________
Stop by the Steel Store at: www.markvanallen.com
www.musicfarmstudio.com |
|
|
|
chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
|
Posted 24 Dec 2015 10:03 am
|
|
| what the heck...it's your money! buy a new one, or two. it supports the steel building industry. |
|
|
|
Fred Justice
From:
Mesa, Arizona
|
Posted 24 Dec 2015 10:09 am
|
|
Chris, your singing my kind of song, Merry Christmas.
_________________
Email: azpedalman@gmail.com
Phone: 480-235-8797 |
|
|
|
John De Maille
From:
On a Mountain in Upstate Halcottsville, N.Y.
|
Posted 24 Dec 2015 10:49 am
|
|
| I would only buy a used steel if I could see it, play it and hear how it sounds and how it plays. There are a lot of used, tired steels out there, but, there are also some gems. You have to know what you're looking at, unless you don't care and just want to buy a steel for it's name brand. However, new steels could have problems too. But, they're more easily rectified since the builder is readily abailable. It's not a crap shoot to buy a steel as long as you have some knowledge and know how to apply it. |
|
|
|
Richard Sinkler
From:
aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana
|
Posted 24 Dec 2015 11:18 am
|
|
Out of the 7 guitars I have owned in my life, 2 were used guitars. Both Sho~Buds. One was bought from a local music store, a Super~Pro, and one, a Professional, through the forum from a guy who has a very good reputation on here. Both were pretty great guitars for being used.
I've always preferred new guitars for the custom-ability. If you can find the right used guitar, that could be a very good way to go.
John said:
| Quote: |
New:
pros
-- made to order (custom configuration & custom tailored to fit to whatever extent the builder will work with you)
-- manufacturer's guarantee
-- pristeen with no mechanical wear
-- new guitar smell |
How come you can buy air fresheners that give you the new car smell, but not for new guitar smell. The world hates us steel guitar players.  
_________________
Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, Recording King Professional Dobro, NV400, NV112,Ibanez Gio guitar, Epiphone SG Special (open D slide guitar) . Playing for 55 years and still counting. |
|
|
|
Micky Byrne
From:
United Kingdom (deceased)
|
Posted 24 Dec 2015 2:47 pm
|
|
I agree with Bob Carlucci....some years back I wanted another Universal so I could alternate with my old Sho-Bud Uni. I bought a Carter Uni (2000 model)..never ever played. The owner had money "BUT" he had "NEVER EVER" played a steel,not even a non-pedal. Needless to say he didn't have a clue on how to even tune it, let alone play it  ..so I got it alot less bucks than he originally paid...so they are out there...it's just a matter of looking at the adverts. 
Micky "scars" Byrne U.K. |
|
|
|
Bob Carlucci
From:
Candor, New York, USA
|
Posted 24 Dec 2015 3:06 pm
|
|
Buying used is always a risk, but in 39 years of playing/buying I have bought dozens and dozens of steels with only a few headaches..
Two steels were bought were brand new.. One was a carter built for me, the other was a new MSA that was ordered from a music store... Both were fine, but really, no better than most of my used steels.
I have had truly great luck with the used steels I have bought,.. The vast majority were virtually unplayed. A few were just in all around good shape, but had a little play on them.. perhaps 10% were worn out junk... ASK QUESTIONS!.. If a steel is say 3 or 4 years old, its probably still tight and in great shape.. Most steels do take a long time to wear out.. Lots of worn out Buds, ZB , Emmons Marlen, etc guitars out there but remember most of those guitars are over 40 years old... If you buy a clean used late model steel, you'll be fine... Ask here, ask the seller, but your best bet is to have someone that knows pedal steels have a look... bob
_________________
I'm over the hill and hittin'rocks on the way down!
no gear list for me.. you don't have the time...... |
|
|
|
Bob Carlucci
From:
Candor, New York, USA
|
Posted 24 Dec 2015 3:19 pm
|
|
| Mark van Allen wrote: |
I have never purchased a new Pedal Steel. There are many fine, fine guitars on the used market, and the difference in price is generally a large factor to me.
Had a couple of dogs over the years, but mostly excellent instruments with some that were truly incredible. |
Amen mark, same here.. a few notable mutts, but 90% were as new.. Lots of guys buy, but never get the hang.. A lot of steel guitars go into the used market with almost no play time on them... I have had more than my share..bob
_________________
I'm over the hill and hittin'rocks on the way down!
no gear list for me.. you don't have the time...... |
|
|
|
Tom Quinn
|
Posted 24 Dec 2015 7:02 pm
|
|
Bought a new Maverick in 71, then a Professional in'72. That's it. Unless they are making push pulls again, I'll stick with my used one, same as the three previous PPs and the three or four D-10 Professionals I've bought and sold over the years.
_________________
I need an Emmons! |
|
|
|
Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
|
Posted 25 Dec 2015 6:20 am
|
|
Tom, Mike Cass is making push-pulls.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects |
|
|
|
George Kimery
From:
Limestone, TN, USA
|
Posted 25 Dec 2015 9:02 am Any thoughts on new vs. used steel guitars
|
|
Joe, you might consider what I would call in between. By that I mean go through a dealer that has a good reputation for making sure that any used guitar that they sell has been gone through and is ready for the bandstand. Check with Dana Flood, Billy Cooper, Mike Cass, etc. It might be worth the day's drive to VA to see a floor full of steels at Billy Coopers.
You could also find one for sale within driving distance and take it for a test run before you buy it. If buying sight unseen, request that the buyer send you an e-mail stating the condition of the guitar and if it has any issues. Also, some photo's. Then, insist that you will only pay with PayPal and offer to pay the 3% fee. This way, if the guitar is not as the buyer stated, and you have an e-mail from him to back up a claim against him if the guitar is not as he says it is, PayPal will refund your money and debit his account. |
|
|
|
Dale Rottacker
From:
Walla Walla Washington, USA
|
|
|
|
Jess Tolbirt
From:
White Bluff, Tn.
|
Posted 25 Dec 2015 9:43 am
|
|
| personally I like the used ones, probably because thats all i can afford,,but they are proven, unless of course you have one built for you than thats different..i have seen the new Rains and man they sound sweet but i also have seen the used ones and they are sweet too,, o shoot, new, used, its all in what you want, not what we want for you,, enjoy the decision, LOL |
|
|
|
chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
|
Posted 25 Dec 2015 10:47 am
|
|
| Dale Rottacker wrote: |
| Maybe the saying “The older the Violin, the sweeter the music” applies to Steel guitars too. |
or...the older the steel guitar, the more messed up
the mechanism becomes. |
|
|
|
Dale Rottacker
From:
Walla Walla Washington, USA
|
|
|
|
Tony Prior
From:
Charlotte NC
|
Posted 25 Dec 2015 1:37 pm
|
|
| chris ivey wrote: |
the older the steel guitar, the more messed up
the mechanism becomes. |
??? messed up , as in it needs cleaning and lube ? Maybe a full tear down ?
A smart savvy buyer "SEE"S the instrument in photo's, makes a decision and an offer based on condition. Someone who is capable takes the Steel apart , cleans ,polishes, lubes and puts it all back together. Maybe keeps it, maybe resells it and gets another Steel.
two cases in point , earlier this year I acquired a '78 Sho Bud Pro 1 , 3+4, it was in need of cleaning and lube. After taking it completely apart for cleaning and lube, it is no longer in that category . . I purchased that Steel at a price I was comfortable with.This steel see's regular gig duty each month. It's like a brand new Instrument.
I also acquired a Sho Bud Pro III, at the price I was comfortable with. After full tear down , cleaning, polishing ,lube and reassembly it's like new. I recently sold it and at best THAT 1975 Steel , 40 years old, had less than 5 hrs playing time on it before the sale.
IF someone pays top dollar for a used Instrument that is not represented appropriately or not recognized as needing TLC , thats not the fault of the Instrument.
ALL Instruments have value, even the ones that need TLC. It's up to the buyer to determine if they should jump into the pond after seeing photo's and having a detailed discussion with the seller.
I would certainly agree that if a buyer is not up to the task of restoring or refurbing a Steel, they should NOT make a purchase of an instrument that is in that category. It's called Due Diligence.
_________________
Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders , Eastman Mandolin ,
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years
CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website
Last edited by Tony Prior on 25 Dec 2015 1:50 pm; edited 2 times in total |
|
|
|
