The Steel Guitar Forum

O.K...
I am going to start playing again, and I need to buy a steel in the next few weeks. I played a Carter for most of my short career, and was very pleased with it. I started on an older MCI. Here's the problem... I have not played any other steels, except Steve Palousek's Emmons which had WAY too many pedals and knee levers! So,I need y'all to tell me the finer points of the different guitars that you play. I am interested in hearing your personal preferences, and the reasons why you like a particular guitar, to help me in my choice.
Thanks Guys!(and Gals!)
Jake Lowe

Lotta good ones out there, Jake. My suggestion would be to make sure you pick one that has comfortable floor pedals. Most everything else is easily changed, but the size and spacing of the floor pedals can be one of the hardest (and most expensive) things to modify on a pedal steel.

Donny...It would really be nice if I could try all these guitars out side by side, but I don't think it's possible. I know that steels nowadays all pretty much play very well and sound good. What I am looking for are reasons to buy a.....
Thanks!
Jake Lowe

.....Jake L..."It would really be nice if I could try all these guitars out side by side, but I don't think it's possible"...

Sure it's possible, just attend the steel show in Dallas in March!<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Gene Jones on 31 December 2002 at 03:26 PM.]</p></FONT>

Gene...
You can bet your boots I'll be there!
Problem is, I kinda need a guitar now. I just want to know why y'all play the ones you play. What is it about that Zum that you like?...Why did you choose a Fessy?...etc...
Thanks!
Jake

Jake:
I've been a die hard Sho-Bud or Emmons person most of my 57 years. I parted with my last Emmons P/P for my Derby. its a SD-10, 4X5. and I had the chance to sit down with various brands of Steels Thanks to Billy Coopers being only a three hr drive for me. The construction, quality, and most important the sound is what did it for me. I'm far from a sales person, Would I own another Derby again ? hands down YES. I've talked to Charlie Stepp several times since and I'll tell ya,,,,is one heck of a super person. even gave me some pointers over the phone to help me out. Am I happy with "Derby" ? yep,,,and I guess thats the question you have to ask yourself. your budget, whats available, and what you will be happy with says alot. The Derby that I now own, will probably be the last Steel that I will have in this lifetime,and I'm glad I made the decision in the direction I did. I can pack it up, put it in the van, drive over 300 miles, set it up, and not even have to tinker with a single string. did I just luck out? I dont think so. take a long hard look at a Derby. especially the undercarrage. its tight, smooth, comfortable, easy to play, even in your socks !!!!! Good luck my friend.

Joe
Derby SD-10 4X5 Nashville 400 Fender twin
Lexicon MPX 100 profex ll

D10? New or used? Are you a player of the "standard setup", or do you like to change your copedant often? In short, to give you the best answers, we need to know what your actual "requirements" might be (other than playability).

Donny...
I play with the Emmons setup, and I don't tinker much with it once I get it setup. I will be getting a D-10. I would like a new guitar, but I would certainly welcome a late model used guitar.
Thanks!
Jake Lowe

Jake, congrats on getting another steel..My first question, although it's always an indirect question to my customers and one I need to learn very early in the discussion, and it apply's here as well...

How much are you gonna spend ? OR as I would ask my customers " What is the planned budget for the Lab ? "

Under $1000 ? under $1500, Under $2000 ?
Under $3000 Under $4000

and of course, up to $6000 ?

Carters are great at just under 3K, GFI's are great for just over 3K and of course the rest of the pack kinda falls in line now.

I had previously mentioned here on the Forum that my first choice of Steels at the St. Louis Convention was a Derby 8+8 which came in I believe at around $4800. As soon as Publishers Clearing House comes over with the check I'm gonna call Charlie and order it. It was a deep Rose color with natural wood necks and inlays..and it played ..well..it played....

I play a Carter D10 9+8 , no BCT, it's my second Carter D10 and I like it just fine.Bought them both used. I have owned 3 Sho-Buds and an MSA and liked them fine too. The Carter has without a doubt given me a better bang for the buck and for my tired 54 year old knees and back has made it at least possible to haul a Steel around again due to it's lighter weight.

Good luck

tp<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Tony Prior on 01 January 2003 at 04:35 AM.]</p></FONT>

I don't think I'm asking the question right...I know what I want in a steel. I want to know what y'all like about your particular brands of choice...
Thanks for your input!
Jake

I reccomend buying from the closest builder/dealer to you.
Things like brand/model ect... simply do not matter once you're into a Pro model instrument.

A quick search suggests that you will soon be playing a Remmington Steel! (Just a short drive to Houston!).<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Pete Burak on 01 January 2003 at 10:27 AM.]</p></FONT>

Hi Jake I play a Fessenden and it is a great steel guitar.Jerry Fessenden is located in Vermont. You can check with him at this email. fessteel@together.net
I love this steel that he built for me 5 years ago and it is a nice smooth and easy steel to play.Everything works so nice and easy.Give him a try and you won't be sorry.
Sam White
SD-10 Fessenden 3-4

Ok Jake I'll try again, for me anyway..

- A Double ten

-Lots of knee levers so I can grow into the guitar rather than start looking for another

my set-up is 9+8

-Lightweight

-good tone, although very subjective

- well know brand

-good action

-stays in tune

-easy to maintain changer

-re-sellable

- nice appearance , although not a priority.
Afterall, black formica is pretty bland...

I play a Carter no BCT..I like it just fine thank you very much....

I think in my case the extra knee levers is one of the main factors..I think all of the modern Steels are really fine and would suit any player.The extended set-up of the 4th pedal and extra knees was important for me as I can work out those new phrases today , on this Steel , rather than waiting to upgrade the Steel at some other point in time.

Just my view

good luck
tp