The Steel Guitar Forum

Headed to Billy Coopers next week. Time to upgrade from a Carter Starter. Any insight into GFI Ultra or Fessenden, push-pull Vs all pull, used Vs new, double neck or single ( pad or no pad ) would be appreciated.

Congrats on the new steel. As far as advice you picked the most honorable,honest guy around.Billy will talk you through all the questions you might have. Enjoy the heck out of that new guitar! Jk

David, I have a new GFI 4x5 that plays like butter. Tone wise I think the Fessy has it beat. I have never sat down to a Fessy but those I have heard were awesome. I have a couple other makes, Justice and Derby that also play easy and sound awesome.

David, have you considered a Show Pro steel guitar? I'll tell you they play like butter and sound great.

If moving it from place to place all the time isn’t a concern, go for a D-10 (or a Universal if you’re feeling spicy). Even if you never play C6, it makes a great arm rest. I barely touched my back neck for the first couple of years, now I barely play the front one. It’s nice to change it up sometimes and have the option to try new sounds.

Bill Cooper was a GFI and FESSENDEN my last visit about 4 years ago. He usually has several steels of different names sitting in the Used steel display area.. Good Luck choosing the one you want. He set up the GFI Ultra S12 U I play, All I done was change it from Emmons to Day on the A-C pedals. Good Luck in your pick of the herd, And Happy Steelin.

Get you a D10 or U12- save a step & another transaction.

The visit to Billy Coopers Steel Guitar shop, 20504 Constitution High Way, Orange VA, is a visit to a legendary pedal steel guitar store that has been in business for about 40 years. I would treat it like a visit to a cherished shrine myself. Don't lose out on a visit to Billy Cooper's.

For your consideration. My two cents as a 68 yo mediocre 6 string classic rocker turned pedal steeler: I have wanted to sit behind and learn how to play a pedal steel for 50…yes….50 years…..and finally took the plunge. Such that you live in FL, make an appointment with Billy Cooper…..get up there….and put your needs/wants in his practiced hands. Billy will be surgical in putting you in the right gear. As a beginner, if you’re looking for a very good instrument, look at his selection of GFIs. If you’re looking for both a good instrument and all the trappings of polished aluminum, get a Williams or a Rittenberry right out of the blocks. I’m gassing for a Ritt already. Billy will not steer you wrong. He is an incredibly honest businessman….and a great steeler. Good luck in your quest.

David, Have you made the trip yet? Curious minds want to know what instrument you may have purchased. Hope you find one that will inspire you to start the journey of learning to make music on a pedal steel guitar.

Well?

Just saw another post from David. He bought a new GFI, had it shipped to Florida and it arrive in tune and ready to play.