Sierra Steel Guitars

Andy DePaule · Post by **Andy DePaule** » 15 Aug 2018 10:09 am

If only I was not flying back to Saigon later today I'd have loved to be there.

Robert Leaman · Post by **Robert Leaman** » 16 Aug 2018 7:58 am

I wouldn't trade my Session D10 if I was paid to take one of the new non-Sierras. These are merely new, keyless guitars.

memphislim · Post by **memphislim** » 16 Aug 2018 8:05 am

Robert, I'm glad you're happy with your Sierra. My guess is once you played the new Sierra, the sound, weight and superior playability would make you an instant fan. It did me and I've had/have both. The only thing those two guitars have in common is the name. Not only does the new Sierra blow away the old ones, in my learned opinion, blows away all others, past and present. As they say, don't knock it till you've tried it.

admin · Post by **b0b** » 16 Aug 2018 8:21 am

I played a Sierra Session for over a decade. It was a very good guitar. Sounded great, played well, and was a real workhorse. But...

It really bears no resemblance to these new Sierra guitars. Everything has been redesigned. I've been after Ross to come up with a model name other than "New Sierra" to drive home that point. Only the brand name remains the same. The guitars are a revolutionary new design that builds on the best pedal steel innovations of the last century. From what I've seen, they are truly "state of the art".

Once you've played one, you know.

Ross Shafer · Post by **Ross Shafer** » 16 Aug 2018 9:06 am

aw shucks guys....I'm just following Ed Littlefield's (Sierra's owner) original instructions: "Design and build the very best steel guitar you can, no holds barred and no expense spared"

Robert Leaman: Those Sierra Sessions are indeed awesome guitars. Your comment "new non-Sierras" puzzles me though....I assure you these are genuine Sierra Steel guitars, inspired largely by Sierra's founder Chuck Wright and his constant quest for improvement and innovation. Sierra all the way baby!

Brian Henry · Post by **Brian Henry** » 16 Aug 2018 11:18 am

Is this available with the innovative square legs for which Sierra is famous. I believe they were pioneered by Ed Littlefield?

Brian Henry · Post by **Brian Henry** » 16 Aug 2018 11:20 am

You are absolutely correct Bob. Even the logos are different!

admin · Post by **b0b** » 16 Aug 2018 1:32 pm

Brian Henry wrote:Is this available with the innovative square legs for which Sierra is famous. I believe they were pioneered by Ed Littlefield?

No. The legs are round, made of carbon fiber, with tapered sockets that seat them firmly in place. They cannot rattle or wobble. They are better than the square legs on the Sierra Session, by far.
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admin · Post by **b0b** » 16 Aug 2018 2:44 pm

The legs are soooo much easier to adjust than traditional "mike stand" legs. I believe this feature was inspired by the Sierra Session's leg adjustment wingnut.

Also, the wingnut is always vertical when tightened, as shown below.
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Ross Shafer · Post by **Ross Shafer** » 17 Aug 2018 6:11 am

A couple of tidbits.....I don't claim to know all of Sierra's history, but I'm pretty certain Sierra's founder Chuck Wright is responsible for the square legs found on Sierra's....and yes indeed the height adjustment on the new rigs is a direct descendant of the adjustment on earlier Sierras.

NOTE: without individual fitting/fiddling, the knobs do not always line up vertically like that.

admin · Post by **b0b** » 17 Aug 2018 7:27 am

Ross Shafer wrote:...and yes indeed the height adjustment on the new rigs is a direct descendant of the adjustment on earlier Sierras.

NOTE: without individual fitting/fiddling, the knobs do not always line up vertically like that.

Mine do. I figured it was a design feature. In any case, they're very easy to adjust from a sitting position.

Ross Shafer · Post by **Ross Shafer** » 17 Aug 2018 8:17 am

That's 'cuz you're special b0b!

Ross Shafer · Post by **Ross Shafer** » 31 Aug 2018 7:44 am

Just a reminder that I'll be bringing a few new Sierra Pedal Steels to the upcoming Portland jam on Sept. 9.

I'll also have a few Steel Guitar Forum work stands....save yourself the shipping charge and $15 to your beer budget!

See ya there!

Ross Shafer · Post by **Ross Shafer** » 17 Sep 2018 8:53 am

Happy Monday!

Busy times here on the farm, making it difficult to squeeze video production in....but we finally got another Makin' Chips episode in the can and o the interweb.

This time I'm messing' around with my cnc router and a new work holding method that totally sucks....and I'm WAY in love with it.

check it out here: https://youtu.be/S_u8WMjr3Is
be sure to subscribe so you don't miss a single breathtaking episode!

Have a great week!

Dan Kelly · Post by **Dan Kelly** » 17 Sep 2018 3:28 pm

Hey Ross! Amazing. You have raised the level of the bar to way new heights. Beautiful.

I continue to play the S-10 you made for me 9 months ago. The harmonics and overtones just keep developing and improving. Given the freedom with which the top can vibrate, I believe the tone will improve even more. Its almost like an acoustic guitar soundboard that improves over time.

And the lever / pedal action; well its like the effort and speed of thought.

Sierra's new line is in a class by itself.

Dave Zirbel · Post by **Dave Zirbel** » 17 Sep 2018 3:47 pm

The harmonics and overtones just keep developing and improving. Given the freedom with which the top can vibrate, I believe the tone will improve even more. Its almost like an acoustic guitar soundboard that improves over time.

So I guess not my imagination!

I feel like my sound is getting more dialed in as time goes by. Great to have a hassle free guitar!

Dave

Len Amaral · Post by **Len Amaral** » 17 Sep 2018 4:16 pm

Very impressive videoðŸ˜ŽðŸ‘

Andy DePaule · Post by **Andy DePaule** » 3 Oct 2018 11:49 pm

I Can't understand Robert saying something so rude as the "New Non-Sierra"?
Indeed Chuck Wright was one of the great innovators and a genius of design for the steel guitar.... Ross is no less an innovator and genius who is keeping the Sierra name well ahead of it's time.
The only thing holding me back from getting one now is that I have so many steels and not a lot of room or need for a new one.
However, if I decide to get a new one ordered it will be from Ross for the "New Sierra".
Nuff said!

memphislim · Post by **memphislim** » 4 Oct 2018 5:48 am

Andy, do what I did, sell a few steels to make room and order a new Sierra. I couldn't be happier that I did just that. The Sierra makes the best of the rest of my guitars look, feel and sound like student guitars. I may have more guitars for sale in the future just because that reason.

Now, if I could only get a D10 Sierra, I could sell even more guitars!

David Wright · Post by **David Wright** » 5 Oct 2018 2:55 am

I don't claim to know all of Sierra's history, but I'm pretty certain Sierra's founder Chuck Wright is responsible for the square legs found on Sierra's..

You are Wright, Great job your doing Ross!!!!

Ross Shafer · Post by **Ross Shafer** » 5 Oct 2018 7:51 am

Thanks guys! Will be finishing up a couple of S12 Unis before too long. Can't wait to hear them sing!

Len Amaral · Post by **Len Amaral** » 5 Oct 2018 3:06 pm

Ross Shafer · Post by **Ross Shafer** » 23 Oct 2018 6:24 am

"and the hits just keep on coming!"

Just posted another "Makin' Chips" video. In this one you'll see the changer pivot block being made.

Check it out here: https://youtu.be/Og7TQMUK1EY

Big changes are afoot in the shop including a new toy that I've got up and running and am learning how to use. Stay tuned!

You're invited to subscribe. Doing so will insure you don't miss a single spine tingling episode!

Pete Burak · Post by **Pete Burak** » 23 Oct 2018 7:24 am

Ross, Will Sierra have a Demo Room at the Phoenix Steel Show in Jan 2019??

The Steel Guitar Forum

Sierra Steel Guitars

If only.....

Can't understand Robert