Advice on first real Steel

Instruments, mechanical issues, copedents, techniques, etc.

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Steve Malin
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Joined: 13 Nov 2017 4:06 pm
Location: Wisconsin, USA

Advice on first real Steel

Post by Steve Malin »

Hey guys,

Any general thoughts for a newbie on this guitar? Looking for something to grow into. I have a maverick and it was great to get me hooked but it's too small for me (6'3") and I'd like something with 4 or 5 knee levers. My concern is it's been on here for over a year... Price too high? Poor quality photos, Are parts easy to find, etc.


http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... =fessenden
Last edited by Steve Malin on 27 Nov 2017 11:23 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Bob Bestor
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Post by Bob Bestor »

For a few dollars more you can buy a brand new Mullen Discovery.
Keep on truckin'
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Paul Wade
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Advise on first real Steel

Post by Paul Wade »

steve,

that is great deal on that s-10 fessy. great guitars
and jerry is a great guy to deal with. parts are easy to get. i had a fessy d-10 wish i had it back. you wont
be sorry...

p.w
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Fred Treece
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Post by Fred Treece »

Whatever you get, you might consider a lift kit and adjustable height seat.

I know I know, Buddy Emmons was over 6 feet tall and had no trouble playing standard height steels. After 50 years on the instrument he could probably play one upside down.

But I'm 6'3 and I don't fit under a standard height console. My first "real guitar" is a Stage One S10 3x4, and the lift kit works great.
Jack Aldrich
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Post by Jack Aldrich »

When I started out, I rented an Emmons student model, with 3 pedals and 2 knee levers. I soon discovered that I'd need the 3rd knee, the one that raises the E's to F's, giving the 1st inversion of the E chord at the 3rd fret. The second inversion is with the A & B pedals at the 8th fret. Get one with 3 pedals and 3 knee levers, and you'll be off & running!
Jack Aldrich
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Pat Chong
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First real steel......

Post by Pat Chong »

In the pictures shown it looks like the Fessenden is expandable. You could add more pedal/levers if you ever wanted to expand beyond 3p-4k. That is a plus, and you could just order the parts from the company.

Also his add did say "reasonable offers considered". The one shown is more than a student model, and could very well suit your needs. Check it out, make an offer, the worst he could say is "No".

...............Pat
Paul Sutherland
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Post by Paul Sutherland »

I've always heard good things about Fessenden steels. However, Jerry Fessenden recently posted that he would no longer provide service for steels he didn't sell. I hope he's changed his mind about that. Kind-of lowers the resale value of his steels.
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.
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Steve Malin
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Location: Wisconsin, USA

Post by Steve Malin »

Hi all,

Thanks for the input - looking into a couple different things. I am concerned about Jerry's post. Not sure what to think of it - agree about resale.
Larry Baker
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Post by Larry Baker »

another vote for the Mullen Discovery. You wouldn't be disappointed with it, and is a Pro guitar.
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Joseph Napolitano
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Post by Joseph Napolitano »

Someone just listed a Derby for sale. I'd check that out, and it's black!
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