Question from a Beginner - Brands?

[Marshal Radulov]

Hey there, just started playing pedalsteel about a month ago. Picked up a used 'Lone Star' pedalsteel 3x4, originally set up in C6 but it had the hardware to be converted to an E9, so I converted it and set it up with the Emmons copedent. Now I've been repairing guitars, banjos and mandolins for the past ~5 years as my job so I'm used to diving straight in on these things. I was able to get everything to work, however the hardware underneath did not allow the pedals to be all the way left, therefore making it awkward to change from AB to BC or to use the left knee levers.

The pedals aren't in an ideal position, not very comfortable to play and when the A&B pedals are engaged, there is a major drop in pitch of the other strings. Basically, I'm in the market for something I can continue to improve on and possibly to use during gigs this coming summer.

My question is as follows: Are there any pedal steel brand & model that you'd recommend, one that would be stable enough for live use? Something easy enough to find parts for incase I need to replace something. I am mostly looking at used so I can maximize my money. Im looking in the range of around 2-2500$. I'm not sure if all these things together are reasonable to ask at that price point.

The GFI d10s have caught my eye recently, but I haven't seen any used near me so far. Does anyone have experience using them?

I appreciate any input, and I'm excited to be a part of the community & hopefully start playing out!

[Bill McCloskey]

Welcome to the forum Marshal. I have a Mullen 8x5 D10 that would be very good for gigs. $3,500. Model: 1997 pre-rp. Excellent shape. Be happy to send you pictures if interested.

[Andrew Frost]

The GFI d10s have caught my eye recently, but I haven't seen any used near me so far. Does anyone have experience using them?

I play a D10 GFI ultra that I bought a few years ago used. It was in the ballpark of the budget you mention but it was a good deal, as usually they're a bit more, used. Buying new was just not an option so I jumped on it. I was looking for a D10 expo or ultra because they are lighter than a lot of other D10s.
Its a great guitar, definitely road worthy, smooth playing and easy to work on. Before that I played a stage one for about 12 years. That's a killer guitar too and I'd recommend one in a heartbeat if you see one. Good luck with it all.

[Marshal Radulov]

Welcome to the forum Marshal. I have a Mullen 8x5 D10 that would be very good for gigs. $3,500. Model: 1997 pre-rp. Excellent shape. Be happy to send you pictures if interested.

Appreciate the offer! Thats a bit above my price range, I'll have to think about it, Thanks

[Marshal Radulov]

The GFI d10s have caught my eye recently, but I haven't seen any used near me so far. Does anyone have experience using them?

I play a D10 GFI ultra that I bought a few years ago used. It was in the ballpark of the budget you mention but it was a good deal, as usually they're a bit more, used. Buying new was just not an option so I jumped on it. I was looking for a D10 expo or ultra because they are lighter than a lot of other D10s.
Its a great guitar, definitely road worthy, smooth playing and easy to work on. Before that I played a stage one for about 12 years. That's a killer guitar too and I'd recommend one in a heartbeat if you see one. Good luck with it all.

How do you feel about the tone? I generally go for the warmer end of tone on instruments, this pedal steel I have has a George L's pickup, the model is unmarked but through my '79 Deluxe it sounds very warm. I've heard the GFI III pickups are a bit brighter than the GFI II pickups.

[Andrew Frost]

I've heard the GFI III pickups are a bit brighter than the GFI II pickups.

Yes. I have a GFI II on the back neck and III on the front. There is a tonal difference for sure. I'd say it lends itself favourably to the stylistic differences in the tunings. A matchbox or freeloader can be handy to moderate the tone between the two if need be. They're both good pu's and quiet too.

[Bobby D. Jones]

When considering GFI guitars, There is 3 different pickups installed at the GFI factory.
GFI older guitars had E-66 pickups, Then came GFI-I , Then GFI-II.
On a used guitar, The pickups may have been changed.
So it would depend on your ear if you wanted the guitar.
Good Luck finding the guitar you want.

[Dave Grafe]

I have a very special lacquer Desert Rose S10 4+5 I would consider letting go for $2500
I'm in the Hudson River Valley near Peekskill, you're welcome to come check it out.

[Craig Robson]

you could get into a Justice S-10 well within your price range. They come standard as 2x1 but add ons are available.
I have two Justice steels (tho not an S-10) and i like them a lot.

https://justicesteelguitars.com/justice-s10/

[Codie Sloan]

Marshal, I would highly recommend checking out Growler Steel Guitars in NC. Both their Growler line and ShoNuff line are great quality instruments at a much more budget friendly price, compared to a lot of other brands. Kelly and Susie Cornwell are amazing people who build these. I’ve had my ShoNuff a couple months and really love it. As a beginner myself, it plays easily and stays in tune very well.

www.growlersteelguitars.com

[David Case]

I have a very special lacquer Desert Rose S10 4+5 I would consider letting go for $2500
I'm in the Hudson River Valley near Peekskill, you're welcome to come check it out.

I'm probably late to the party - but do you still have this guitar Dave? I'm in the Hudson Valley myself, and trying to find myself one of these mad instruments. I was following a completely different thread on the Forum and happened upon your post mentioning your Desert Rose.

[Bill McCloskey]

I'm probably late to the party - but do you still have this guitar Dave? I'm in the Hudson Valley myself, and trying to find myself one of these mad instruments. I was following a completely different thread on the Forum and happened upon your post mentioning your Desert Rose.

I can answer for Dave, since I was the one who bought his Desert Rose.

I sent you an email about a steel I have for sale if interested. I'm in the Hudson Valley as well.

[Donny Hinson]

You're not stuck with the factory lever positions. In reality, if you have basic mechanical skills, you can put the levers anywhere you want them. The levers don't have to be mounted on the crossrods. Instead, you can mount a hinge for your levers on the cabinet or apron, install them where you like, and just use another short pull rod to go from the lever to the crossrod that needs to be activated.