Best steel seat?

Mark van Allen · Post by **Mark van Allen** » 9 Dec 2004 8:14 pm

Hey, Barry, how's life? Good luck on your seat quest. Like much in the Steel world, there are several really good options. One thing I'll mention- I've seen people in the past knocking the sidekick idea, (like its too hoity-toity or something) but several of the groups I play with do not like to have someone standing up rummaging about to find strings, clippers, etc. in the middle of their show sets. The sidekick idea is incredibly useful there. Just flip up a door to get to strings, ebow, etc.
I really like my Steeler's Choice- but the Walkers are very nice as well. One thing to consider is if the seat you'll get is somewhere near the height you're used to sitting on with whatever you're using now- a different height can throw you off a bit.
Oh yeah- I don't think anyone answered you but the models with built in power are referring to an included outlet strip that gives you someplace to plug in adapters, rack gear etc. I always thought cords plugged into my seat would be a bit in the way, but I'm sure it works for some.
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Stop by the Steel Store at: www.markvanallen.com
[This message was edited by Mark van Allen on 09 December 2004 at 08:18 PM.]

Paul Warnik · Post by **Paul Warnik** » 10 Dec 2004 9:12 am

I looked at the Walker and the Steeler's Choice at Scotty's show-The "Steelers" was my "choice" for quality and price

Dave Grafe · Post by **Dave Grafe** » 12 Dec 2004 11:30 am

Hi Barry,

I was about to post just such a query - and there was Barry! Are you still doing the FOB thing? You were talking about a new steel in Alaska last summer, did that ever happen? I hope that purty little ShoBud of yours is still getting lots of playing time.

Let me know when you're coming through P-town next, there's always dinner....

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<img align=right src="http://www.pdxaudio.com/dgsept03.jpg" width="114 height="114">Dave Grafe - email: dg@pdxaudio.com
Production
Pickin', etc.

1978 ShoBud Pro I E9, 1960 Les Paul (SG) Deluxe, 1963 Precision Bass, 1954 Gibson LGO, 1897 Washburn Hawaiian Steel Conversion

Hal Higgins · Post by **Hal Higgins** » 12 Dec 2004 12:26 pm

I've had my "Steelers Choice" seat for almost 3 years now....and I love it....it's very comfortable and versatile (with the sidekick)....plenty of room for storage. I also appreciate Ray Walkers comments, they speak to me of the gentleman that he is...maybe someday I'll need another seat, and I'll probably buy a Walker, so I can have the best of both, Mr. Walker and my buddy Ken Rollans......HAL

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Be Blessed........HAL
'85 Emmons LeGrande D-10,(8 & 6) Hilton Vol. Pedal, BJS Birthstone bar, Rack w/Evans Pre-amp, Lexicon MPX500; (2)1501-4 BW's in custom built cabs by T.A. Gibson, & Sound Tech PL802 Digital Power Amp.

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 12 Dec 2004 1:18 pm

Barry
I have three Steeler's Choice seats, for two reasons. First, they are a quality product and was the first seat of its type I encountered, back in 1988, and second, because Kenn Rollans (he does spell his first name with two "n's") and I instantly became friends. So I do business with my pals who also do fine work. Like Bobby Bowman, Mike Cass, Jerry Fessenden, et al.

Ray Walker comes highly recommended from those who know, and so I'm sure his product is excellent as well. Really, either maker's seat I'm sure will serve you well and long.

I do want to comment on the "sidecar" and power strip issues. The sidecar does increase the weight and bulk of the seat; it's bigger and you carry more stuff. But to have all your string changing equipment right at your side where you don't have to stand up, turn around, etc. on stage makes it well worth it to me. I use my seat section to carry stuff I won't need on stage, like effects, cords, Black Box, spare volume pedal, etc., and my strings, string crank, tuner and picks/bar box in the sidecar.

As for the power strip... it's like gold, poppa. I gotta have it!

I plug my amp, my Hilton pedal, and my Black Box all into my seat, and the seat into the general power supply. Everything is grounded and controlled by the on/off switch on the power strip. If all you do is go straight from a passive pedal into your amp, I guess no strip is necessary. For me, though, it's an integral part of the rig.

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Damir Besic · Post by **Damir Besic** » 12 Dec 2004 3:37 pm

GFI...I have it since 1989 and still going strong.No complains.

Db

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"Promat"
~when tone matters~

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 12 Dec 2004 4:13 pm

I dunno, Herb. Somehow the idea of sittin' on an 'electric chair' kinda gets me all shook up...

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 12 Dec 2004 5:26 pm

Jimbeaux
Kenn Rollans makes a kerosene seat if you're apprehensive about the electric model. I'd only recommend it to the non-smokers out there in Forumland, however.

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Herb's Steel Guitar Pages
Texas Steel Guitar Association

Curt Shoemaker · Post by **Curt Shoemaker** » 13 Dec 2004 4:51 am

Herb,

The only draw back to the kerosene seat is that it is labeled "for outdoor gigs only".

Mel Mandville · Post by **Mel Mandville** » 13 Dec 2004 1:47 pm

Hi guys, way to go
Now you've got me wanting a new seat. I've only been playing for a few years and I've been using a ajustable
piano bench I bought a guitar center. Which works o.k.
and is compact. I like the idea of the sidecar to keep all my extra strings etc. in. Are these seats ajustable?
I'm wondering about getting the height right.

Mel