Sho-Bud Super Pro - 1979 - Need Advice!

[Alexander Morgan]

Hello from sunny England!

okay... so... I've got a couple of old Fender lap steels (50s) and I've seen a Sho-Bud Super Pro come up for sale locally and I'm thinking of investing..

What sort of things should I be looking out for when buying an old 1979 Sho-Bud?

I've read the knee level metal pots seem to brake on these models? and they can be difficult to keep in tune?

I'm going to view it on Wednesday in a local music shop and the owner of the steel is going to pop down so I can get some more information on it..

Any advice is greatly received.. as I'm completely new to the pedal steel world!

P.s.. I've never even touched a pedal steel.. just played lap steel and have enjoyed the journey so far ...

Here's the eBay link for the listing..

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pre-owned-Sh ... SwIVxdP9Ui

Kind regards,

Alex

[David Nutt]

Alex, I play a super pro, have never had issues although have heard that others have.
The guy who owns Hogans is Gerry Hogan without doubt one of Europe’s top steel players has been for years. He will do you proud, and would never sell a dodgy item to anyone. Go see him.
Dave
South Wales

[Alexander Morgan]

Hello David!
Cheers for the response, positive to hear you haven't had any issues with yours. I was hoping there was a link between Gerry Hogan and the store..

I am big fan of Albert Lee so have of heard the name Hogans hero's.. and actually seen them before in Weston-S-M.

I have emailed Gerry and hopefully i'll get a response and a chance to meet him and talk about this PSG..

Thanks again
Alex

[David Mitchell]

Super Pro was the first truly modern, lightweight pedal steel. They were and most of them are still good playing instruments. I had no problem with mine. Shortly after the Super Pro came out Bud Carter at MSA designed one even smaller than the Super Pro called the Classic SS. The knee levers on the Sho-Bud could possibly break as other Sho-Buds with pot metal parts and the changer finger tops might wear but that's not a huge problem today because brand new old stock changer fingers can be purchased today from a guy on eBay selling the parts that Fred Gretsch now owns. Michael Yahl makes replacement knee levers.

[David Nutt]

Alexander, keep me posted.
Dave.

[Ron Hogan]

They are still fine guitars. You can get new parts here:

CLICK HERE

[Alexander Morgan]

Hey David Nutt,

I ended up going to Newbury a couple of weeks back and meeting Gerry Hogan.

Such a honour to meet him and what a lovely guy!

I ended up buying the Super-Pro from him! Still early days but I'm loving it...
I have subscribed to the Paul Franklin E9 course and am slowly getting the grips.

Ordered myself a Steelers Choice seat too, so looking forward to that coming!


Cheers for the advice!

Alex

[Alexander Morgan]

Thanks for the advice guys and the links! Very much appreciated from a new steeler..

Cheers!