Opinions.. Derby vs Mullen G2

[Blake Surrell]

I'll start of by saying I am fairly new to learning the pedal steel and I currently have a SD10 Black 2000 Derby steel. I see a lot of people playing the Mullen G2 and I really like the sound and look of them. My question is basically would a G2 be an upgrade or lateral move from the Derby?

Derby is 3x4 standard Emmons w/George L 10-1, tunable splits, stays in tune good etc.

Thanks in advance for any responses...

[Greg Lambert]

I cant speak to the G2 other than they are a great guitar. But I can speak to the Derby. I play a D10 that I have played for 20 years. Never had a issue with the guitar other than replacing a couple of tuners that I wore out. The sound of the Derby is 2nd to none.

Since they dont make Derby's anymore and If I had to buy another steel , the Mullen G2 would be at the top of the list if they played and sound as good as they look.

[Roger Crawford]

Derby is a fine guitar. It’s all personal preference as to whether it would be an upgrade or lateral move . I’ve owned a Derby, and currently own two G2s. The G2 “fits” me like a glove, and I love it for its tone and playability. I’m happy with them.

[ajm]

It appears that a couple of posters like, or did like, their Derbys.

However, I think this is the operative phrase here: "I'll start off by saying I am fairly new to learning the pedal steel....."

For someone who is fairly new, a beginner, IMO it would be basically a lateral move.
After a few years, *maybe* you would find something in a Mullen (or other guitar) that would be worth pursuing.

Until then, I'd spend your money on more "education" involving the instrument.

Just my $0.02 worth.

[Greg Lambert]

Ok , heres my suggestion. IF your planning to upgrade and stick with the steel I would recommend updating to a double neck. ie E9th and C6th neck. This will expand your possibilities 10 fold.

Just upgrading to a single neck G2 would only give you newer guitar with maybe another lever or two assuming your buying new.. Mullen makes an excellent D10.

[Dick Sexton]

I'm a Derby player, how much do you want for that piece of junk. Of course I'm just kidding. There are player that have been playing 40 or more years playing Derbys. Derbys have been called the poor mans Emmons, one of the steels that all steels are measured against. They are easy to work on and even up-grade, by the right mech. Parts are a little hard to get, but are available and because it is built like most other, still in production steels, some parts are interchangeable, if not exactly the same. Derbys builder, Mr. Charlie Stepp, built a fine steel with only two things now different from most of the newer steels. The changer has only two hole lower changer fingers and only a 5 hole bell crank configuration. These things, most likely would only effect the more advanced players that needed or wanted a full house.

As stated, a double neck and the newest undercarriage, would be an up-grade. But also as stated, if your just starting this journey, your steel will take you a long ways.

Personally, I'd save my money and buy a new, anything I wanted. But until I could afford two more, I'd keep that Derby. Of course that is just me.

[Jim Cooley]

I have a very nice D10 push/pull, a beautiful D10 Rittenberry, and an SD10 Derby. The Derby used to be my gigging guitar, but lately I've played the push/pull and Rittenberry, with the Derby sitting in its case. Earlier today, I set the up Derby again, and was instantly reminded why I used to play it so often. I have played several brands of steels including Mullen. My Derby plays as well as any of them, and better than most. I was recently asked to play with another band. Unless the play list requires a C6 neck, guess which steel I'll take with me first? You won't be wrong if you go with a Mullen, if you decide you really prefer tham. However, I wouldn't ditch the Derby just because of the name on the front apron.

[Blake Surrell]

Thank you all for the replies. Lots of great info on here and knowledgable people and I appreciate it....

[Larry Baker]

I've never owned a Derby, but have owned other brands, for me, the G2 is the best guitar I have owned. Will probably be my last one. have no reason to change to anything else.