New PSGs In The Future?

Dennis Olearchik · Post by **Dennis Olearchik** » 14 Jan 2017 6:38 pm

I'm assuming that like myself, many PSG builders are close to or at the age where they can retire (like Mr. Zumsteg and Mr. Franklin).

If my assumption is (even partially) correct, who are the younger generation PSG builders that will continue the advancement of the PSG?

Kevin Fix · Post by **Kevin Fix** » 14 Jan 2017 7:29 pm

I hope Mullen stays in business. Real happy with Mullen and support from them. That is the reason I moved away from Sho Buds of 30 some years. Guys like John Coop and James Morehead are gone now. No more parts makers. Sadly to say. May they rest in peace. God Bless them both.

Wayne Baker · Post by **Wayne Baker** » 15 Jan 2017 5:16 am

I really like Show Pro. Top quality instrument, completely custom. They also will work on other steel brands.

But although not the future of PSG, as far as we know, you can still get parts and great service from many locations across the country for your Emmons pedal steel guitars.

Richard Alderson · Post by **Richard Alderson** » 15 Jan 2017 7:31 am

Williams Guitars so far seems to be making a successful transition from the original generation to the next one. Bill Rudolph is the founder and works with his son to produce Williams Guitars.

Daniel Vorp · Post by **Daniel Vorp** » 16 Jan 2017 8:09 am

I can't speak for Gary as to how long he will be building guitars, but I can say he builds a fabulous guitar. Took delivery on a new Prestige right around Christmas time and I am loving this bad boy. I have had many different brands of PSG over the years and I can honestly say that in my opinion the Prestige is as good or better than anything I have ever played.

Mike Mantey · Post by **Mike Mantey** » 18 Jan 2017 7:37 am

My name is Mike Mantey and I am Del Mullen's Grandson. I have been with the company for 15 years now. I have been running and operating the day to day for the last 10 years. I can do everything under the roof here in our shop. So God willing Mullen will be around for generations to come.

Thank You for all your support over the last 45 years.

Storm Rosson · Post by **Storm Rosson** » 18 Jan 2017 3:40 pm

Don't forget, Fred Justice,Chuck Back,Bent Romnes,Martin Weenick,Jerry Fessendon,Doug Earnest,I forget the name he builds Excel,Dave Wheelhouse-Sheffield (UK),Ron McLaren-McLaren (UK),...PSG ain't goin away anytime soon.

Ken Pippus · Post by **Ken Pippus** » 18 Jan 2017 5:00 pm

Storm, what do you think the median age of the builders you just listed might be? Several are not spring chickens. Much as I admire Fred Justice and his instruments, he will not be building in 20 years. Mike might. Mitsuo won't.

Storm Rosson · Post by **Storm Rosson** » 18 Jan 2017 5:37 pm

Admittedly the best builders, at least most all I listed, are not noobs in any sense of the word, I guess I'm figuring that some of the builders are passing the love of psg and the craft of building them on to enthusiastic up and comers. Guess time will tell, although we won't be around to see.. $:\$

Craig Bailey · Post by **Craig Bailey** » 18 Jan 2017 7:54 pm

Yep. Mullen is top notch and Mike Mantey (Dell's grandson) will be there for a long while. He is great to deal with.

Craig

admin · Post by **b0b** » 18 Jan 2017 11:34 pm

As I understand it, Ross Shafer is designing the next generation of Sierra pedal steels. Been a long time comin'...

Daniel McKee · Post by **Daniel McKee** » 19 Jan 2017 11:10 am

That would be awesome if Sierra came back!!!

Jack Aldrich · Post by **Jack Aldrich** » 20 Jan 2017 12:23 pm

I was talking with Alan Akaka, who just got back from a Japan tour, and he told me that, since the maker of Excels is in his 80's, he is seriously considering stopping making Excel guitars.

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 20 Jan 2017 12:29 pm

Fuzzy/Mitsuo has been making pedal steel guitars for at least fifty years, IIRC. I'm kinda surprised he hasn't retired long ago.

Len Amaral · Post by **Len Amaral** » 20 Jan 2017 4:00 pm

It will be good see Sierra come back. All the steel manufacturers mentioned are great people to do business with. Good product and service are appreciatedðŸ‘

Scott Duckworth · Post by **Scott Duckworth** » 21 Jan 2017 1:30 am

You know, building a pedal steel would be a great project for a high school vocational class. Machine shop, wood working, electronics, mechanics all could benefit.

And who know what this new generation could come up with. They might even eliminate cabinet drop and the need for tuning!

Patrick Richards · Post by **Patrick Richards** » 22 Jan 2017 9:07 pm

And GFI.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 23 Jan 2017 3:11 am

Martin (Mike) Weenik has quit making steels.

His was more a hobby than a business. Mike built some great steels. I wish I had one.

Rich Upright · Post by **Rich Upright** » 23 Jan 2017 8:44 pm

I've seen Weenick's guitars up close; a friend has one.
I've never seen such precision in my life!

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New PSGs In The Future?

New PSGs In The Future?

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