The Steel Guitar Forum

Hello Everyone,
I'm Bob, a ground-level newbie to the PSG world. I've been following the forum for several months prior to purchasing my first PSG. After reading the general consensus concerning what path to follow, I began my search. I picked up a 1980 MSA Classic (D10) in reasonably good condition but it has no volume pedal. I'm currently in the market for one, and would most appreciate some guidance from the experts. (As an aside note, I'm moderately experienced in electronic repair, and am capable of repairing/restoring vintage electronics)

So with this in mind, my question is: What pedal do you suggest for this PSG?

I just purchased a new stage one volume pedal from Doug Earnest at stage one steel guitars. It's light weight, has a line out for your tuner, and works great. The price is also great! You can find details on the new products section of the forum. Hope this helps.

Thank you Jack, I appreciate your insight and suggestion. I finally figured out how to successfully search for topics within the forum and see that this subject has been addressed in abundance! But as usually happens with me, I'm in information-overload mode. There's a lot to consider, and this is just the volume pedal! I can see this new instrument choice is going to be anything but dull! Thanks again, and I'll close out my comments on this thread with the choice of pedal I end up getting.

second vote for stage one pedal. gear driven no string.

Bob, at this point in your learning curve I'd advise you get a simple pot pedal. Whether it's a new Stage One, or a used Goodrich, ShoBud, etc., the point is to learn how to use it....not to spend lots of money on equipment. Just keep it simple. You'll have plenty of time to upgrade later on.

You've got a good guitar to start out on. A basic pot pedal will do you just fine, as will a simple small amp (if you don't already have one). It's not time yet to get caught up in all the fancy, expensive, extras. Spend your dollars on study materials, or better yet, face-to-face time with a good teacher. Buy some picks, a bar, and have at it. The fun is just beginning.....and it doesn't have to cost a fortune........yet!

Oh, and when reading all the relevant posts you're searching for, keep in mind the age old saying.....KISS. It's done me well for many years.

GOOD rich! Works. Every. Time.

Like you noted Bob, there is an incredible amount of information regarding volume pedals. I wouldn't mind getting one of Doug's (Stage One and Encore) volume pedals one day, but my old Fender chrome beast is working just fine and I love the feel and heft of it. All that chrome was too much to resist!( $40 on the used market). I use The simple Fender Volume pedal(no side to side tone action) 15-20 hours a week, so I rate it as a solid piece of working man gear. I also think a simple pot pedal is the way to go and as you are able to work with old electronics, you'll have some pretty esoteric and classic choices to pick from in your search, at a good price. I like making old "throwaway" stuff functional again, too.

Especially nowadays, with Sho-Bud pedals bringing collector prices, the Stage One is a good choice. I got mine awhile back, and I was mean to it. It accepted my apology, and we've become good friends. Quiet, inexpensive, light weight, no string, and made here, in the USA. I haven't seen one in the "for sale" section--that, to me, says it all.

Thank you all so much for the overwhelming assistance! Too cool. After much consideration, I decided to go with the Stage One. Exchanged a couple of emails with Doug Earnest (friendly guy!) who says he should have one ready to go next week. As for the amp, I'm using an old Peavey Deuce vacuum tube series. IT sounded awful until I realized that the speakers weren't original, so I replaced them with a couple of mid-level Jensen retros I was saving for another project. Sounds pretty decent now!