The Steel Guitar Forum

I am a beginner to pedal steel and am looking for an S10 3X4 to learn on that sounds good and costs around 800 or less. ( I'm not interested in a Carter Starter). I just found a great deal on an old (estimated 15-20 years old) Simmons S10 3 X 4 professional model that is "kind of beat up but in perfect mechanical shape".
My question is, what is a Simmons like compared with other steels, in terms of sound? How are they at staying in tune? Anything I should know about?
Any pros or cons would be very helpful, as I have to decide quickly whether I will take it or not! I have talked to Bob Simmons and he seems like a great guy.
Thank you for your help!

Since you don't know the exact age, just make sure it's an all-pull, and at least a double raise/lower, and you should be fine.

Have it sent to Bob Simmons immediately for a tune up.

I almost bought a Simmons...I kind of regret that I didn't.

It was the one that Dr. E L Rickles had. He sold it & then I believe that it ended up getting sold on here again.

I passed on it because it was a blueish-lavender. Now the color has kinda grown on me & has become fairly popular on new steels.

It ended up going to South Carolina I think... someone out there got a steel of a deal.

I think if it comes up again, & I have the scrilla, I'll purchase it. I haven't met a single person that has something negative to say about them.

Bob seems like a heckuva nice guy.

I definitely would send it in for a check up/tune up.

Avery,
Why does the Carter Starter get the thumbs down?

I've always found them to be excellent instruments.

Have you played/seen one, and don't like it, or is it the fixed nature of the copedent that deters you.

Inquiring minds want to know

I just trade in a Simmons 3/4 to the Carter Company call John and see it this one is still available. It was an 03 model in very good shape and I know it will be under 800.00. My unit was the ugliest steel I ever saw when I got it from the previous owner. They never lubed or cleaned a thing. After a few hours of cleaning and proper lube it was a diamond in the rough. I traded it because I wanted a vertical lever and a lighter unit to carry around. It had a good warm tone and stayed in tune as well as any.

Thanks for your replies. It sounds like a good deal to me - I'm going to go ahead and get it.

Bob does some great work. I have an SD-10 thats set up as E9th and its a great guitar. I love it. Bob has also breathed new life into this old Marlen for me. He did a great job converting it to C6th and modernizing the guitar.

I highly recommend Bob's work. If you are concerned about the guitar have it sent to Bob for a check up or if down the road you need some work on Bob can do it.

Take a look at the Marlen!



M.