The Steel Guitar Forum

Ok. After eight months of "researching" the PSG I am finally ready to add the right foot to the mix. So, which volume pedal has worked best for you steelers out there? I think a low profile one would be best in my situation. Thanks All.

I have a Goodrich 120. The pot started scratching 3 weeks after I got it new. I replaced it with Tom Bradshaw's pot and it now works and sounds great, like it should have in the first place!!! If you get a Goodrich, expect to put in the new pot at $30 or so. I also think the low profile model is probably better. My right foot is higher than the left and that feels a little odd.
I've heard nothing but raves about Hiltons. If you have the dough, maybe get one now. Everyone seems to get one eventually anyway. No pot to worry about, and they sound great. Happy hunting!

I liked the low-profile pedals, because; it helped to give me enough clearance under the guitar, however; the drawback for me seems to be that the low-profile has a shorter travel-distance and therefore seems to rob it of a little volume! I use a Derby and a Stereo~Franklin for my PSG, but; I use either a slightly older Goodrich 120 (with 2-outputs) or an old Fender V~T Pedal for my non-pedal guitars. After all that, I guess my final vote would still go to a Goodrich Low~Profile L–120.

I think Tom Bradshaw installs a new Dunlop pot in all of the new Goodrich pedals he sells.

I've used the same Fender volume pedal for about 45 years. I have several other pedals (the popular ones), but to me, nothing is as smooth and effortless as the Fender.

if you only want to just buy one ... then get a Hilton

My vote is for Hilton

Dan, it would help if you specify your budget...there is a major difference in cost between a Goodrich 120 and a Hilton.

One of these things that still has me scratching my head...since it has become common knowledge that the stock pots in the Goodrich are inferior, why haven't they taken a cue from Tom Bradshaw and replaced them with something of higher quality from the get-go!

Shobud. The ergonomics just feel "right."

Goodrich Model 120 with one of Tom Bradshaw's pots. Very dependable and no power cord to have to plug in.

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Lee, from South Texas

Thanks for all the input - so to speak. I'll check the Hilton, because as Bobby Seymour has said, buy all you can afford now 'cuz you'll buy it someday anyway.

Dan

goodrich L10K...cleanest tone available,

Even if you buy a Hilton, I would still recommend the standard model! I had a Low~Boy, but; as I mentioned before, I thought the overall-travel was too short!

If you can put off buying for a couple of months, there's something waiting just over the horizon which may be very interesting.

Shobud pedal with a 500K Allen Bradley pot. I play a Shobud Professional with original pickups, through a '71 Twin Reverb/JBL K130's. I feel the latter information is a very relevant part of the tone equation.

Rick, Mind sharing with us or with a PM?
Dan

Yeah, Rick, I'm setting aside cash toward a new volume pedal in the near future - how about a hint - if not here, then send me a pm!

I have eight Goodrich volume pot pedals. I keep running into inexpensive used ones at music stores and just can't pass 'em up.

I like the standard-height 120 model best because it has more travel but, given my height, the L120 does give me more leg room, especially on a guitar without a cutback.

Everyone else is correct. That is, depending on the pot brand, a lot of Goodrich pots go bad, get scratchy, stop working, or have dead spots in their travel. It's a major disappointment. Right now, for those eight, I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and contact Tom Bradshaw for at least 4 of his pots.

Get a Hilton? It's not like I haven't thought of it more than a few times. I just can't get over the thought of plugging in yet another AC plug every time I set up. I know, it's a small hassle to do that. I've just always liked putting a Goodrich down on the floor, put two cords in and, bang, ready to go.

Anyway, those are just my thoughts and experience.

Hello, Dan,

Concerning your inquiry about volume pedals, I have had a very good experience with the Hilton. The one I use is a stanard size and has served me well over the past 3-4 years. I wish I didn't have to contend with the power cord but I'm willing to do so for the smoothness and no noticeable influence on tone.

Best regards,

Frank

what is this BIG deal folks make about pluging in the Hilton ??? you plug it into a power strip and your done , when you finish playing you flip the power switch off ..are we really getting that lazy ?

if your to lazy to flip a switch then put up with
the scratchy pots ...i will take the Hilton any day
and by the way, one little cord is a small price to pay for a good clean sound

I also use a Goodrich 120. It has had the same pot for at least 25 years, and still works fine. (I guess they made better pots back then)

I also have a Goodrich 6120, with the active circuitry and the tone wheel on the side, but it doesn't work well with my POD XT. The POD negates the tone wheel on the pedal.

I'd recommend the 6120 if you're going directly into an amp with no effects, but not if you use a POD.

Here's mine...

If you buy a Hilton and take it overseas you must remember to get one of those things that convert it from 120(?) to 210(?) or something like that. I took mine to Thailand and fried it when I plugged it in. It cost me $150. to fix it when I got back to Hawaii.

Calvin Walley wrote:what is this BIG deal folks make about pluging in the Hilton ??? you plug it into a power strip and your done , when you finish playing you flip the power switch off ..are we really getting that lazy ?

It does make a difference if you play out 150 nights a year or just in your bedroom...

Olli

i dont see how that would make any difference ..you still have to plug in your amp ..whats the big deal?