The Steel Guitar Forum

Looking at a 2005 Sierra SD10. Are these quality guitars? 3 pedals & 4 levers Fairly new to the steel world. Thanks

I've owned 3 Sierras, and yes, they are top quality guitars, built with extreme high level craftsmanship! They are "all-pull" guitars, and stay in tune very, very well. They have excellent tone, as far as my ears go.

Along with all their excellent points, I should point out the downsides as well...and the main issue is that they are one of the heaviest guitars on the market. Also, the copedent can be changed to accommodate anything, however, it is a time consuming process on the Sierra, compared to other guitars.

Because of the few downsides that I listed, and also, because many do not like the appearance of them - the square legs, and folding leg design of some of the models, they do not bring the kind of money that a comparable Emmons, Zum, or Mullen might bring.

Bottom line, I like them - alot! And if the money is "right," I would say go for it! Oh yes, parts are readily available from a couple of sources, and actually, a good "metal shop" guy can make a lot of the parts. Hope that helps!

Thanks Tim. The more opinions the better!

I like Sierras, I've had 3, the one I have now, somebody else will sell. An SD10, single with double body, ought to be a great guitar.

I was an engineer at BOEING & I appreciate fine craftsmanship. If you decide against it, let me know, I might want it.

Don, that Sierra for sale in Kamloops looks like a heck of a deal. If I didn't already have my PSG ( and a spouse looking over my shoulder) I would buy it.
Al

I would certainly grab that Sierra at that price. Solid, beautifully designed and built to last several lifetimes. A little heavy, but unless you have serious back problems or plan to fly with it, not a big issue.
I would guess about 60 lbs. for that guitar and case.
Good luck.

All these BC steelers.

Thanks to all for the advice.

Most of the "weight" complaints of the Sierras is related the "Crown" series. That is the series with the folding legs on the outside of the body.
The later version "Session" series is lighter and in the Carter weight range. The Session frame, cross shafts, etc. are of lighter constriction.
I have three Sessions 12's...and have also owned a Crown series 12...so I am well aware of the weight differential.

Thanks! Is there any difference in the playability or mechanisms between the Crown series and the session series. Do the folding legs stand up well?

I liked my Sierra Crown U12 very well, especially the folding legs. They did have a couple of quirks related to the push buttons on the legs but it was not a big deal to me. A small folding cart made transport much easier.

No noticeable playability between the Session series and the Crown series.
The keyless key head was updated to two rows of thumb-adjustable screws.
The changer remained the same.
The bell crank shafts were changed to square shafts from round shafts...and of course the bell cranks.
The body and dimensions remained the same.

Thanks again for all the info! Trying to make an informed decision.

This is was my Sierra Sessions SD-12 (with keys). I took the LOGO tape off...