The Steel Guitar Forum

I plan to purchase a new pedal steel this year. I am looking at all options, as to what is available. The only pedal steel I've ever played to any extent is the 1977 MSA D10 I presently have.

I plan to get either a S10 or a SD10, as of yet I haven't decided which one. I also haven't decided as to whether to get a lacquer, or mica body.

As to which brand, I am totally undecided! I have a job coming up that will put me in Dallas, Texas for about 3 months beginning in October. I do plan to visit MSA and Carter while there.

One steel that I've read about on the Internet that sounds interesting is the Jackson, with the raise on one end, and lower on the other.

I also have read lots of good things about the Mullen on site here.

Any information, suggestions, or advice from the Forum will be greatly appreciated, as the purchase of a new pedal steel is something that should be thoroughly thought out and researched.

As I said, all help is appreciated! Bill Duncan

if you can make it to the convention ( aug 28 > 31) in St Louis Bill, all the steel builders will be there
all you gotta do is try 'em & see what feels best for you & yer budget

Zum.

Bruce, the builder, is not taking any orders at this time but he will be by next year. The wait will be worth it.

Hi Bill...

Make sure you stop by the "Rains" shop in Fort Worth. Also you can come out to some of my bands shows and give my guitar a test drive.

The # for Rains is 817-560-2277

Give Gary a call!

Thanks Danny, I will check out Rains while I'm there.

Besides I love Fort Worth!

You should not rule-out contacting the "other" Gary, Gary Rittenberry. If you've followed the Forum, you will see there is a movement afoot concerning the proud owners, converts, loyals and others that love their Rittenberry's, Nashville LTD's and LaGarritt's.

Bill, you can't go wrong with a new Carter S-10 or SD-10. I just ordered a new Williams, but you can bet I'm keepin' my Carter. Bill Rudolph at the Williams Guitar Co. builds a killer guitar and doesn't charge extra for a laquer finish. btw, there's a new listing here on the forum for a like new Blackjack. Happy hunting.

You can't go wrong with a Mullen. They really are great guitars, and Mike and the rest of the crew are some of the nicest people around. I absolutly love my G2.

Performance. But I'm completely prejudiced!
http://steelguitaramericas.com/

Bill, I am in Charlotte so I'm not too far from you. I have a Carter, Mullen, GFI, and Emmons PP here at the house. If you would like to come over one day, I will set them all up and let you check them out.

I also have a friend that has a Performance steel. I may be able to get him to bring his over so you can check his out too

Bill, we both have similiar backgrounds, I too have an MSA D-10, 1979, that I played up to about 3 years ago when I decided to go to the S.G.C. in St. Louis to buy a new guitar. Just about all the guitar makers are there and it's a TREMENDOUS AID to talk with the builders themselves--they will answer ANY questions you have about their guitar! Now, one problem I saw, was that not all of the guitar companies were set up to let people try out their guitars. Even Emmons guitars didn't have a try-out set-up. I guess they were afraid of getting their guitars marked-up. But, I think if you beg hard enough with whatever company, they will find a way for you to try one out. The 3 companies that had a try-out set-up available were: Carter, Mullen, and Derby. I tried-out all 3 and looked at the other guitars available there, and then selected the Derby. I wanted mica and I wanted a high-end tone, and for my taste, I think the Derby offered what I wanted. Mica was an important choice, because my MSA had a wood finish and the top has marks/scratchs from dropping the bar on it. Now, this decision was based on my taste--my preference of what I liked! You need to go by YOUR FEELINGS of what guitar you think is best for you! Another point is if you go to the S.G.C. a lot of the top players are there and you can see what they're playing.

All I can say is my experience of going to the S.G.C looking for a new steel guitar was a tremendous endeavor that I will never forget!

I hope I helped you some, Bill.

Guys, thanks for you comments! I truely am learning a lot. Bill

One word.............RITTENBERRY!!!

Two words....Desert Rose

Of course, there are so many great ones..It will be awful difficult to choose just one..

Bill,
You are not that far from Billy Coopers Shop in Orange, Virginia. Pay him a visit and you will find thirty or forty steel guitars, new and used, on the floor for you to try out. The same holds true for visiting Bobbe Seymour's "Steel Guitar Nashville." These are the only two stores on the East Coast where you can walk in and try several different makes all at once. Click on "Links" at the top of this page, then "Vendors," and you will find these two great shops.
Also, the Williams is a beautiful, well built guitar.
Larry J.

Oops, your right Stu, two words......GARY RITTENBERRY!!

Wally

Wally three words GFI

Stu,
Those are letters, not words.
However, whichever steel Bill does decide on, I am sure he will enjoy it and I wish him the best.

Wally

Wally...if ya squint they look like words.

I would suggest you check out a STAR Steel before making a purchase.

http://www.starpedalsteelguitars.com

I've carefully researched all the popular brands, and just returned from St. Louis today, (Steel Guitar Convention) where most all the popular vendors had models on display, and while they ALL have their strengths is certain areas, the only one I've not found any weaknesses in and purchased for myself last year, was a Star Steel Guitar. Please remember this is my personal opinion.

O.K. Four words, World Class Steel Guitars.

I have had two of them custom built, both are flawless guitars. I highly recommend them! Shown is the newest, an SD-10 5X5