8 string pedal steel

Instruments, mechanical issues, copedents, techniques, etc.

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John Reali
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8 string pedal steel

Post by John Reali »

Dos anybody currently make an 8 string pedal steel like the Fender 400's?
Steve Knight
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Post by Steve Knight »

Hello,

It looks like GFI would probably do it as a custom steel. There's a picture of a D812 on their website, so a D-8 or S-8 might be possible:
http://www.gfimusicalproducts.com/Pages/About%20GFI.htm

Billy Cooper might be able to tell you for sure: 540-854-5940.

SK
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Roger Edgington
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Post by Roger Edgington »

I kinda remember seeing an 8 string Excel at one of the steel shows.
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Larry Bell
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Post by Larry Bell »

why?

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2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps

Bill Hatcher
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Post by Bill Hatcher »

Why not?

Retro thing.
Different tuning.
Non "two left pedal masher" style.
Lot's of reasons.

I had Jerry Fessenden make me an 8 string changer to experiment with.

John, if you are wanting an 8 string PSG, just remove two off of a 10 string guitar. That would be the least expensive way. Otherwise, any good builder could easily make you a new S8 or a D8.

edit-If you are looking for a guitar made in the same style as the Fender with the slab body surrounded by a metal frame and cable pulls--I don't think so. Just buy a Fender.<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Bill Hatcher on 23 November 2004 at 03:38 PM.]</p></FONT>
Chris Bauer
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Post by Chris Bauer »

I've seen one the Duane Marrs made a few years ago.
Donny Hinson
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Post by Donny Hinson »

If I'm not mistaken, Freeman Cowgar (Cougar) built one! (He also made a few 6-string pedal steels.) Fender and Teisco were the last ones I remember from big companies. I suppose any of the "home builders" would make one if the price was right. (It's a lot easier to make an 8-string from 10-string parts than it is to make a 12-string from 10-string parts. Image )
Dean Parks
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Post by Dean Parks »

Excel will make an 8-string pedal steel with 3/8" string spacing.

-dean-
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Al Marcus
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Post by Al Marcus »

Dean-That is a good string spacing for me, I have that 12/32 on my Sho-Bud Pro 1 with 6 pedals and 5 knee levers....
It seems like some players want the slightly wider string spacing....al Image Image

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John Reali
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Post by John Reali »

Thanks to everyone for all the info!

J.P.R.
Tom Olson
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Post by Tom Olson »

Yeah, I remember seeing a Cougar 8-string psg on their website. They're out of business now because the man passed away.

You might check Elderly instruments from time to time, because I've seen some for sale by them before.
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