The Steel Guitar Forum

Hi Guys,

Been searching the forums for some info but can't seem to find what I am looking for so excuse me if this has been covered before.

Can anybody that has used both pedals just give me a quick pros/cons regarding the low profile 120?

Thanks!

Joey

They are the same thing only the L120 is flatter/thinner. I prefer the L120 because of how it fits under the steel.

Hey it's Bob! -- I think I told you this before but you were my inspiration for getting me into the steel. I have a live recording of Hem from KCRW in LA and when I heard you come in during "When I Was Drinking" it was all over for me. So if anybody out there hasn't taken a listen look him up. He's a real classy player.

I'm pretty short and have issues reaching the knee levers comfortably so I was worried the low profile 120 would be too low for me.

You might want to consider getting your steel lowered-- this involves someone shortening the legs and pedal rods. Forum member Chris Allen Burke did a great job on mine (previous owner was 6'5", i'm 5'7"). He's in Long Beach CA, which is not real far from you.

Joey,
Thanks for the compliments ! I'm really proud of Hem's recorded material.
I'm in the middle of another CD with Hem's producer now.

Anywoo, you can check with Jim Palenscar's "Steel Guitars of North County" in Oceanside for a height adjustment. Does great work and a good guy to know.

I have both and prefer the regular 120 because it has more pedal travel than the L120. They're both good pedals. I'm on the short side too so I also like the regular 120 because it fits better against the knee levers.

But you should listen to the other Bob

I have had both for years, but recently sold my L-120. I just prefer the feel and travel of the regular height 120. The pivot point is in a diferent place in both pedals, and probably it is what you get used to and become most comfortable with.

I just bought George Macdonald's L120. I had a standard pedal, but had problems with my long legs bumping the undercarriage of my standard height steel. My low profile and standard pedals do have different pivot points. The first few times I used the L120, it felt funny, but I have used it enough now that it feels fine. I think it's just that-getting used to it.

Thanks guys,

I went ahead and ordered a standard 120. I'm 5'4" and figured the higher profile won't be much of an issue for me.

Bob and Meryle, thanks for the heads-up on the local guys that will lower my steel. I am definitely going to have that done when I get some extra cash.

Do any of you guys have an opinion on those volume pedal mounts? pros/cons/don't bother?

Joey,

I use a goodrich and I have the standard goodrich mount on it that just fits over the pedal bar.

I see lots of players that don't use a mount but I like mine to stay put.

If you find yours wandering off order a bracket.

I tried the mount, but I like my VP angled a bit more than the mount allowed so I don't use it.

But - if you're playing on a slippery surface like wood, linoleum, etc. and don't have a mount, Brian's right, it will wander.

It all boils down to what you like and what works best for you.