The Steel Guitar Forum

Chaps,

There is an Emmons LeGrande II SD-10 pedal steel guitar available in my area. Seller says it "looks to be manufactured in the mid 1980's. The E9th neck is set up for the Emmons copedent. The guitar has 4 knee levers and 3 foot pedals." Nothing about the condition.

I'm a guitarist and slide/dobro player, looking for my first pedal steel. What should I be wary of with a steel this old? Any expensive maintenance likely required, or are these bulletproof? Also, is the $2700 firm price reasonable? (This model has been sold on this forum before for less, but not in a few years.)

I realize this may be more than I should bite off out of the chute, but I've been reading a lot of "I wish I had skipped the starter model and gone straight to ..." type posts, and I gather the Emmons are very good guitars.

Thanks!

Brian...Much as in purchasing a used car from a private party, it may prove useful to have the guitar looked over by a qualified 'mechanic' before any decision is reached. FWIW: Unless the Emmons is in exceptionally nice condition, $2700.00 seems on the high end for an SD-10 LL-II.

Just my opinion, if I was to spend that much money, I would be looking at a new Mullen Discovery. A great Pro guitar for less money. Look at the Mullen Site. Larry

Thanks fellas. Any other opinions on this one, or recommendations for a first steel?

(I'm in no hurry to jump on this one. The world's chock full of guitars. I should know, I've got my share of 'em, just no pedal steel yet.)

Brian

A LeGrande II would be a guitar made in the 1990s, I believe. An Emmons of that vintage would be a terrific first guitar because they're easy to work on and sound great. Just MHO, but the guitar would have to be in excellent condition for that price to be on the "high side of fair." I'd like it better at around 2200-2300.

Again, the advice about getting a knowledgeable steel player to look at it before purchase is good advice.

Emmons guitars do hold their value because of their sound and their cachet. There are those amongst us who have their heart and mind's eye set on an Emmons and no other guitar will suffice. But as was said, there's LOTS of excellent steels out there for 2700 bucks.

Brian I too was looking for (in my case) another SD10 guitar and purchased an Emmons LeGrand II SD10. I play a GFI SD10 now and would be willing to share any comparison you would like. I am paying less than your potential purchase. My guitar was described as excellent condition.

My Black beauty should arrive Saturday

Chuck

Thanks for the new comments.

One problem for me is that this guitar is actually 60 miles from my home, and I would have to both find a local technician (if there is one), then drive him over there. So this is probably going to languish unless he drops the price a lot to allow for some undiscovered maintenance issues. I'm a guitar technician, an engineer, and pretty good with mechanical stuff (working on cars, etc) so I may be able to do any tune-up or maintenance myself (after a learning curve, obviously.)

Brian

That's more than I would be willing to pay for an 80's model SD10. Emmons is of course a well respected brand.

Although I don't know either of these gentlemen or the individual guitars, if I were considering an SD10, I'd look at the Fessenden that Mr. Hardin has listed and the Carter that Mr. Biggers has listed over on the classifieds board. Both well known and respected brands at very reasonable prices. Carter is no longer manufacturing, but support is still available I think from Steel Guitars of Canada.

If you are patient, you can find a nice S10 or SD10 for well under 2K.

Personally, I would stay with a recent built guitar, say in the last 20 yrs., no earlier than mid 80's, that hasn't been beat to death. If possible, a brand that is still in production or at least support is available for if and when you need it.l

It's hard to tell the condition by photos sometimes, but generally folks here on the forum are very honest and will answer all your questions truthfully.

Good luck with your search.

Brian I sent you a PM.