The Steel Guitar Forum

I'm just starting pedal steel and had a few questions about buying a new instrument. I'm currently playing a borrowed MSA Sidekick, and definitely need to get my own upgraded instrument. My question is that I'm torn between getting a student model (I'm looking at the Stageone), or diving in and getting a more "pro" steel. My price range is around $1500 and I would prefer a newer instrument without having a wait time (like the Jackson Blackjack 2-3 months). Any suggestions? I'm thinking maybe the GFI Expo but haven't been able to gain any info aside from the manufacturer's website and Bobbe Seymour's posts. I thank you in advance.

Hey Lyle-I was in the same boat. I decided to buy a "pro" model, since I knew I'd be at it for a while. My GFI Ultra is reliable and versatile, and can grow with me. I don't know the Expo, but if it's from GFI I bet it's top notch. From what I've read on the forum, all modern makes and models are a safe bet. Try using the search feature here, or start a new thread to find out about what people think of the Expo, etc.
I'd say it's down to budget. Buy the best you can afford, before that money goes somewhere else. And don't forget to buy a quality volume pedal and bar. The learning process is a lot easier when you start with good tools.

A GFI expo is built the same as the ultra in mechanicals and will perform just as good as the ultra or at least equal, these guitars are built by Gene Fields who has many years of designing steel guitars, but if you do not want to wait on a guitar then a MSA classic D10 is a good pro guitar to start with even though it is a double raise double lower pedal changers, the guitar is heavy but the pedal changers are full proof and reliable for using country tunes, but the MSA SS with a wood body offers a triple raise triple lower system if you can find such a guitar in excellent shape, the Zum stage one guitar is a student guitar but it does incorporate a 3 raise 3 lower changer and enough knee levers, just the height of guitar maybe an issue later on.

Howdy Lyle, greetings from Oklahoma and welcome to the forum. I have a Stage One and like it very well. It plays easy, light weight, and stays in tune. Also, it's not a bad sounding guitar. I play with a gospel band and use it sometime when we're playing a short gig. I use my Dekley D-10 for longer and/or paying gigs. Other forum members who own Stage Ones also seem to like them. Good luck, and best wishes for the Holidays.
LW


StageOne,Dekley,NV400,Artist VT,Express 112, an 18 yr old grandson, and a very loving and understanding wife

i would think you could find a real decent used steel for under $1500....i have seen quite a few dekley 12 strings for $700-900...start asking around.

watch some You-tubes and figure out what is making the tone you want. I have a GFI ultra, and love it. Bobbe Seymour plays an expo on a you-tube through a nashville 112. If thats the sound you want get one, GFI's are pretty neat.

Keep an ebay as well. There's been some real nice ones go out recently at good prices. In fact I think a GFI Ultra is on there as we speak.

click here


A really nice sierra roled out the other dy for under $1500

Don't wast yer time on a student model anything unless you're not sure about playing. You'll outgrow it before the year is out.

Thanks to everyone for the information and suggestions so far. I have to tell you it's really difficult trying to pick one of these instruments. There are so many to choose from and without any prior knowledge or experience the ante gets upped a little. Not having a shop nearby (over 10hrs away) to play different models also creates problems. Thanks again, I'll keep doing research for a little bit but I think I'm just gonna have to pick one and run with it.

GFI's Are Great Guitars I Play One Got mine from Bobbe Seymour Plays And sounds Great. Don't Have to do Any Thing To It But Play It.

Try and snag that ebay one man,, Thats a cool guitar! You'll have that for years! Id try and contact him and offer the 1500 straight up!, that 4th pedal is pretty cool

Lyle it might be worth it for you to drive to Blakie Taylors in riverside, and Jims spot in oceanside is not to far from that. You'll get to try just about every combo of steel guitar and amp there is between the 2 of them. It'll be worth the trip! every time I tour in Calif. I have to stop in at Blackies.

I've thought about making that drive Steve. I have a stretch of time off in early January. If I don't buy a guitar by then, I'll make a mini road trip out of it. Maybe come back with a steel.

Lyle,

Don't forget Jim Palenscar in Ocean Side, "Steel guitars of North County" Jim always has a good selection of guitars on the floor, and he's a nice guy to deal with also.

And welcome to the Forum!

Larry

Welcome Lyle from Alabama,good luck and happy picking,don't you know.

Hello Lyle, welcome to the SGF and pedal steel guitar. If you decide to go the route of an MSA Classic as was suggested in a previous post, Billy Cooper has a nice one in his shop. And, if you decide to go with a new GFI Expo, Billy has those too. Billy or Wanda (his wife) are great to deal with. Call 540/854-5940 or email: coopersmusic@hotmail.com