Choosing a New Pedal Steel

Richard Park · From: Alexandria, Virginia

After playing (make that learning) for a few years back in the 70's and 80's, I lost interest and put my Sho-Bud Maverick in the back bedroom closet where it's been ever since. I got it out about a month ago and have caught the fever once again (amazingly, it wasn't very far out of tune). Only thing is, the guitar seems like a toy. It took about a day before I was looking for a new one. I'm considering three options in a local shop: an '82 Sho-Bud D-10, a '88 Emmons Lashley LaGarnde SD-10, and a almost new Fessenden SD-10. I know next to nothing about the C6 neck, but I love that Sho-Bud. All these guitars are in the $2,400 range.

Hoping you guys might offer some advice.

chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

a d10 is twice the guitar an s10 is.

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Considering they are all in the same price range, looks like the Fessenden is the best deal, depending on condition and that the pedals and levers are equivalent. The other guitars are 20-25+ yrs. old. With prices going up almost daily it seems, who knows?

The best buy on the forum right now appears to be the Carter S 10 that Rick Troyer has for sale in the classifieds. Looks like it's on a 1 1/2 width body so smaller, lighter, and somewhat less expensive than an SD 10.

I'd buy that guitar in a hurry if I had the spare change.

And, oh yeah....welcome back and best of luck with your renewed interest Exclamation

Shane Glover · From: Oklahoma, USA

Hi Richard

I also have a Maverick. I played it several months before I decided I was ready to purchase a Pro Psg.
I posted a question on the forum just like you. My question was about Carter guitars. I don't know exactly how to go about it but you should be able to look up my post and see everyones opinions.

For the money you are talking about you can buy a brand new Carter s10. At the time they had several models on the showroom floor to choose from. I know some brands are more popular than others. And it's true a d10 is twice the guitar an s10 is. But I have been very happy with my s10. It stays in tune even when I am mashing pedals and twisting levers.

I double on guitar so I really did not want the extra size & weight of a d10. But everyone is different. That especially goes for steel guitar players. Hope this info helps and good luck !!

Calvin Walley · From: colorado city colorado, USA

Don't forget about the Simmons
they are great guitars , stay in tune
play like butter ,and sound as good as any
plus the price is right !!!
i have had mine a couple of months now and can say its one of the best i have owned
_________________
proud parent of a sailor

Mullen SD-10 /nashville 400
gotta love a Mullen!!!

Guitars that i have owned in order are :
Mullen SD-10,Simmons SD-10,Mullen SD-10,Zum stage one,Carter starter,
Sho-Bud Mavrick

Zach Keele · From: Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA

And I might add, that there is a Franklin for sale on the forum, only $12,500. Shocked

Not knowing the condition of the instruments its hard to make a recommendation, but if you ever even think you want to play C6, then why not go ahead and get a D-10? Especially if it is going to cost the same. That of course if it is in good condition.

Larry Jamieson · From: Walton, NY USA

Paul Foster has a very nice MSA double ten classic guitar for sale on the Forum right now at $1,800. It is on page two of the Instruments for Sale section. This is a lot of guitar for the money, and nothing like the toy you currently have...
The MSA guitars play extremely well, stay in tune, and will last forever. I have owned two in my lifetime, and would not hesitate to buy another. The one for sale is circa 1980 vintage. Check it out!
Larry J.

Gordon Hartin · From: Durham, NC

Hi Richard,

If you are going to be gigging with it, I'd probably just get the SD10. Those D10 are usually super heavy, I havn't gigged with my double necks since i got an SD10 last year...well I also never played the C6th to begin with Wink

Gordon

Brett Day · From: Pickens, SC

Another great guitar that's lightweight is the Jackson Blackjack. It's a pro model steel that weighs only twenty pounds and is perfect for steel players of all levels. It's got three pedals and four knees, I think.

Brett

Ulf Edlund · From: Umeå, Sweden

Hi Richard.
I have one 1983 Emmons legrande and one ShoBud about the same age as the one you mention. Both are very good instruments and their resale value will hold or possibly increase.
Emmons guitars are rock solid and will last a couple of lifetimes. I.M.O one of the better steels ever built.
Personally i like the 80's Sho-Buds. Modern mechanics and good tone. On the downside, pot metal, not as solid.
Fessenden also makes a fine guitar but i have no personal experience.
It's impossible to give any good advice what to choose, as condition may vary, and so will taste.
But since you have the luxury of having the steels at a local shop my advice to you would be to sit down behind them. Feel and listen, and choose the one who seems to like you the most Wink

None of them would be a bad choise assuming condition is good.
_________________
1983 Emmons D10 SKH, Carter SD10, Nashville 112, Session 500, ProfexII, Lapsteels, GT-Beard reso, guitars of all kinds...
http://www.myspace.com/ulfedlund

Richard Park · From: Alexandria, Virginia

Thanks for all the advice, you guys. I'm wondering about the mechanics of the '82 Sho-Bud versus those of a brand new PSD. Are there any advantages to a newer guitar? Here's a shot of it.

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

That looks like a Super Pro. It should be capable of all modern changes. I think those mostly had 8 + 6.

Some of the Sho-Bud models had some problems with pot metal parts not holding up. Someone else can give you more info about that than I.

The biggest thing about older steels is the amount of use and wear. Be sure and check that the bridge fingers haven't been worn too much where the string comes over them and that the linkage is in decent repair. You probably already know that Sho Bud is out of business, but there are knowledgeable mechanices around who could help if you have problems.

That one looks pretty nice in the picture. If that's the one that rings your bell, it will probably make you a nice steel guitar. The back neck will be a nice plus too. On the down side, it's heavier than the SD10's of course.

I'm wondering from your location, if you are looking at Billy Cooper's shop? If so, he could probably answer any questions you might have.

Joe Smith · From: Charlotte, NC, USA

Richard, you have gotten some good advice and I will just add my 2 cents worth. If it were me, I would look at a new Carter single 10. They are light weight, play good, sound good, and stay in tune. I sure do like mine. Right now I have 4 pedal steels but the only one that I gig with is the Carter.

Rick Winfield · From: Pickin' beneath the Palmettos

Before I purchased my Carter, I thought long and hard about the comparison between Magnum and Carter.
I finally came to the conclusion, that the Carter would,(for a few hundred $'s more) IMHO,have a greater re-sale value, should I later decide to upgrade to a D10, or Uni. I also preferred the Carter "look"
Only my personal point of view,
Thanks
Rick

Chris Lang · Posted 2 Aug 2009 6:35 am

Richard, forget that older Sho-Bud.They were great guitars, and that one may still be in good shape. But remember, it is an old guitar and may keep you busy with maintenance. I say go for the GFI next to it. Virtually NO maintenance, and very light. Stays in tune. Plus, if it is a keyless model, you will be breaking a lot less strings!
My 2 cents.

John Drury · From: Gallatin, Tn USA

I have my second new Carter, both wonderful guitars!

The first was a D-10 8 X 5, it didn't take me long to figure out the rear neck, for me anyway, is an expensive arm rest.

The new on is an SD-10 5 X 5, nice and light!

Excellent guitars!

_________________
John Drury
NTSGA #3

"Practice cures most tone issues" ~ John Suhr

Larry Jamieson · From: Walton, NY USA

Richard,

I can see you are shopping at Billy Coopers. Bill is a straight shooter, and won't tell you any lies. Ask him for advice on what he thinks is the best guitar, and why. Have him play each guitar you are considering, and listen to the tone. Then you try each guitar, and see what feels and sounds right to you. Then, follow your gut feeling and buy the guitar that seems right for you. Good luck and have fun!
Larry J.

David Nugent · From: Gum Spring, Va.

I will second what Larry wrote. If these guitars are owned by Billy, (consignment guitars are sold as is), they have been checked thoroughly before being placed on the floor for sale.

chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

i would think you could find a good single neck 'alot' cheaper.

Paul Foster · From: Arizona, USA

HI Richard
I went through the same thing you are going through, I had a total of 6 yes six,! in as many mo. and I finally found one that "Fits" me Great tone, autstanding looks and playability and very reasoably
priced, Its a "Desert Rose" made in Eloy Arizona, I love mine and its new, I will be glad to answer any questions you might have 928-474-0355

Paddy Long · From: Christchurch, New Zealand

Richard personally I think you would be far better off with a new guitar - especially a Carter - top notch Pro guitar with brilliant support and parts available for further expansion if you want it.
Check out their website and see for your self the information they have available.... very helpful.

http://www.steelguitar.com/
_________________
14'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
08'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
94' Franklin Stereo D10 9+8
Telonics, Peterson, Steelers Choice, Benado, Lexicon, Red Dirt Cases.

Larry Bressington · From: Nebraska

Where's that sho-bud at??? Very Happy

_________________
A.K.A Chappy.

Larry Jamieson · From: Walton, NY USA

I would guess that that "Bud" is at Billy Cooper's
Music, Orange Virginia.

Richard Park · From: Alexandria, Virginia

It is indeed at Billy's. He also has this Fessenden. Anyone have any experience with or opinion about them?

Zach Keele · From: Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA

There is a rosewood Carter in the for sale right now, D-10. You should definitely check it out.

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