What about Fessenden

Robert Cates · Post by **Robert Cates** » 21 Nov 2006 2:21 pm

I am considering buying a new Fessenden sd-10. I have not heard much about them from all you guys and girls. I am quite new and I am upgrading from Sho-bud with one knee to a more modern guitar. Dealer has new Fessenden in stock and I'm going to check it out tommorrow[This message was edited by Robert Cates on 21 November 2006 at 02:41 PM.]

Larry Robbins · Post by **Larry Robbins** » 21 Nov 2006 2:37 pm

I dont think you could go wrong with one! I have played a couple and I could not find anything not to like about them....go for it!

BTW, I believe that Herb Stiener plays a Fessie...if its good enough for Herb....

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Sho~Buds, Fender amps & guitars, Tut Taylor resos, and Twang to the bone!

[This message was edited by Larry Robbins on 21 November 2006 at 02:37 PM.][This message was edited by Larry Robbins on 21 November 2006 at 02:44 PM.]

Gavin Dunn · Post by **Gavin Dunn** » 21 Nov 2006 2:48 pm

I'm in the process of buying a S10 off another forum member....He has two more of them. They play great....no complaints, in fact more praise than anything.

Do it!

Robert Cates · Post by **Robert Cates** » 21 Nov 2006 2:48 pm

Thanks larry it seems like all of todays psg makers are making fine guitars and I'm not sure it makes any difference which maker you buy....They are ALL GOOD. Especially for a beginner like me...Just checking all you guys(experts) advice.

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 21 Nov 2006 3:45 pm

And the builder is just down the road aways from you! I have a D-10 and a brand new SD-10 and they are both great guitars, as is the S-10 that Gavin is taking off my hands. There are a lot of great new guitars being built, but you can't go wrong with one of Jerry's.

Damir Besic · Post by **Damir Besic** » 21 Nov 2006 4:06 pm

wonderful guitars

Db

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"Promat"
~when tone matters~ www.promatsteelguitars.com

Robert Cates · Post by **Robert Cates** » 21 Nov 2006 4:51 pm

Thanks all you guys for commenting on these guitars. It makes me feel better knowing that lots of people think Jerry's guitars are very good. It is a big jump for me financially to get this guitar and I want to make sure its a good one because I am not one who jumps from guitar to guitar. ..Hey DB..I checked out your web site..How much money is 2400 euros?...Bob

Mike Wheeler · Post by **Mike Wheeler** » 21 Nov 2006 5:19 pm

Robert, I'd suggest you do yourself a huge favor and get to a pedal steel shop and try out a bunch of guitars for yourself. There are a lot of great ones to choose from....but which one is great to you is what matters most. You are about to invest a substantial amount of money. If I were you, I'd want to see the product first hand.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 21 Nov 2006 5:23 pm

Fessy, whoa yeah! More than Acceptable!

Larry Strawn · Post by **Larry Strawn** » 21 Nov 2006 6:02 pm

Robert, I'm very satisfied with my Fessy U12, I don't think you can go wrong with one!

Larry

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"Fessy" S/D 12, 8/6 Hilton Pedal, Sessions 400 Ltd. Home Grown E/F Rack
"ROCKIN COUNTRY"

Doug Seymour · Post by **Doug Seymour** » 21 Nov 2006 6:31 pm

I think Jerry has the best bellcrank in the business! It sure seems great to me, just looking it over that is.....never had one. Am I right, you loosen the tuning nut a little & you can change the leverage (bellcrank connecting point) easily & tighten it up again & you're back in business!

KENNY KRUPNICK · Post by **KENNY KRUPNICK** » 21 Nov 2006 7:02 pm

Love them Fessenden steel guitars.

Joe Casey · Post by **Joe Casey** » 21 Nov 2006 7:17 pm

Robert Randolf certainly likes his,and just about anyone I know that has one swears by them.

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 22 Nov 2006 1:56 am

Robert, Fessenden is right up there w: the best
i helped a couple of steelers here get some D10s from the Fo'bros
Last i heard, they was plenty satisfied & happy w: their Fessies
these guys play out regularly
Robert, Jerry Fessenden is not too far away from you either
Montpelier Vermont[This message was edited by CrowBear Schmitt on 22 November 2006 at 02:03 AM.]

Robert Cates · Post by **Robert Cates** » 22 Nov 2006 4:44 am

OK..sounds good to me..I am going to check it out today.. I will let you all know what I did....NOW...I have another ? Should I keep my fathers old sho-bud or should I trade it in? I have heard some of you say that you should have kept some of your guitars that you had gotten rid of. its a pro 1 1976 or77(I think) single with only one kl. Its very good condition...Thanks for all your replys...Bob

Jim Sliff · Post by **Jim Sliff** » 22 Nov 2006 5:08 am

I'd keep it if you can. Those are nice, lightweight steels and often have additional knees added. In fact, if you like it, another thought would be just to have the knee levers added and play it, saving yourself some money.

I also second what Mike said - try before you buy. I've bought guitars without playing them first and been horribly disappointed, even though they were supposedly great guitars. A guitar is like a pair of shoes - it fits you or it doesn't, and buying blind (or deaf?) isn't always the best practice.

John Macy · Post by **John Macy** » 22 Nov 2006 6:35 am

I switched over to Fessy's around 1998, after playing Emmons for 25 or so years, and have never looked back. I have a lacquer D10 and a mica SD10, and am looking forward to adding a third, a mica D10, soon. Jerry not only builds a wonderful guitar, but is also willing to work with you to get what you want. And on top of that, he is one of the nicest guys around, and I got a lifelong friend to go along with it...

Darvin Willhoite · Post by **Darvin Willhoite** » 22 Nov 2006 7:43 am

I agree with the other posters here. I bought one in '98 and have been extremely happy with it. I own several other steels and the Fessenden ranks right up there with the rest in tone and playability. Jerry is a great person to deal with too. Since mine is mica covered, I usually use it when I play out, other than my regular church gig. It is durable and has held up well to being hauled around.

Here's a picture of mine with some old gray haired grandpa playing it.

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Darvin Willhoite
Riva Ridge Recording

Larry Bell · Post by **Larry Bell** » 22 Nov 2006 8:26 am

My guitars:

The handsome fellow on the left usually accompanies me to gigs.

'Nuff said

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Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
My CD's: 'I've Got Friends in COLD Places' - 'Pedal Steel Guitar'
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S/D-12 6x6, 1984 Sho-Bud S/D-12 7x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps

David Doggett · Post by **David Doggett** » 22 Nov 2006 8:38 am

Well, I hate to be the only spoil sport. But this is a players forum, not a manufacturers promo site. You deserve completely honest opinions. My Fessy had mechanical problems that were inherent in the design. The tone was fine, but the action was the least smooth of other modern pedal steels I have owned or played, which include, Zum, MSA Millennium, Carter, Sho-Bud Pro III, and Excel. In fairness, it was a used Fessy; and I didn't send it back to Jerry for adjustment. But I have always worked on my own pedal steels, and have always been able to get them adjusted to suit me and playing very smooth. The Fessy I couldn't. Others love them and seem to have no problems. But it wasn't the one for me. Just one opinion, but a completely honest one.[This message was edited by David Doggett on 22 November 2006 at 08:39 AM.]

Jim Gorrie · Post by **Jim Gorrie** » 22 Nov 2006 11:20 am

Robert ~ have a look here . . .

[This message was edited by Jim Gorrie on 22 November 2006 at 11:21 AM.]

Ron Sodos · Post by **Ron Sodos** » 22 Nov 2006 12:11 pm

I own a 2001 Zum D10, a Sho-Bud D12, and a Fessenden D10. I play the Fessy at all my gigs and play the others at home for practicing. Why, because the Fessy sounds better and plays better. By the way they have the identical pickups (BL 710's). Plus Jerry is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.

Jon Light · Post by **Jon Light** » 22 Nov 2006 12:32 pm

When I get the time (and space) I'll get out the Emmons (a twin of Larry's) and do a similar photo 'cause Larry's centerfold spread looks so cool. I really like the Fess. It is so very different from the Carter which is exactly how I would want it--why have two guitars that are alike.

Tucker Jackson · Post by **Tucker Jackson** » 22 Nov 2006 12:40 pm

That's a beauty, Jon. Care to elaborate on the differences between your Fessy and Carter?

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 22 Nov 2006 1:45 pm

I have owned 3 Fessies and they all were terrific guitars. I think David D.'s experience is an outlier, from what I know from speaking with lots of Fessy owners, and maybe is related to his second-hand axe having had an uncertain history before arriving on his doorstep? Not sure, but the weight of evidence is a definite 'YES' on 'FES' ! [This message was edited by Jim Cohen on 22 November 2006 at 01:45 PM.]