The Steel Guitar Forum

This is probably gonna have a vast array of answers but I was wanting opinions of the best guitar that stays in tune tbe best

My 78 push pull is the best I have ever seen for staying in tune but that’s a push-pull for you. I am wanting to a new modern guitar. I’ve really tempted to get that new MSA tour Pro 10 and 6. Any ideas or pointers would be appreciated

Hard to beat a Mullen. The are extremely stable

I couldn't agree more Craig. Not only are they very stable but you can get them in tune. By that I mean, you don't need compensators for over return issues.

Mullen, hands down.

Kline by a mile

Williams, no doubt about it. Best by 2 miles.

The 1968 Sho~Bud Crossover, once all the spot welding has been completed.

Having worked on just about every brand of all pull systems, I would have to say, Infinity and ZumSteel. Mullen coming in a close 3rd.

It will be a trade off. In my experience some all pulls are more stable than others but none are as stable as a PP.

I've had several, including a PP, Franklin and GFI (both keyed and keyless). The most "stable" for me was the GFI Ultra D-10 keyed version.

Herb, you mean before it was rodded, strung & played?
Missed you in Dallas...

Skip Edwards wrote:Herb, you mean before it was rodded, strung & played?
Missed you in Dallas...

Skip, I really wanted to be there. On Monday night, I started getting chest congested, so on Tuesday I thought I should just be careful and got a Covid rapid test at CVS. Imagine my surprise and dismay when it came back POSITIVE. So that sealed the deal and I contacted the TSGA on Wednesday and told them I couldn't attend.

I'm triple vaxxed, so the effects of the disease weren't severe at all; just a head/chest cold and not even a bad one at that. Matter of fact, today is one week since discovery and I'm already over it and feeling fine. But my disappointment at missing the show and the cameraderie still lingers.

Thank for the advice guys. I’ve heard great things about Jackson guitars. And MSA seems to be really advanced. I haven’t heard any input on these regarding stability. Anyone got anything to say about MSA or Jackson

I have a Jackson Pro IV and it's among the most stable guitars I've had. Set it and go.

Dave

My MSA SD10 is very stable. I have four other steels of various brands and vintages. All these guitars have been set up by extremely accomplished mechanics. I believe that is a significant factor.

You will get a million opinions. Most of the modern guitars such as Mullen, MSA, Infinity, Williams,Jackson are all stable and play and sound great. Of course the more changes you put on any guitar the more opportunity for tuning issues.

I have found the cheap strings to be just as stable as the expensive ones, old sho-bud gauges with a wound 6th, that'll keep most guitars stable.

Johnny Cox wrote:You will get a million opinions. Most of the modern guitars such as Mullen, MSA, Infinity, Williams,Jackson are all stable and play and sound great. Of course the more changes you put on any guitar the more opportunity for tuning issues.

I agree totally with that. Most all modern guitars are quite stable as long as they are set up and maintained properly, and the strings are installed properly.

MSA's, BMI's and Mullen. T.L.

I'm with Doug. Kline.

Hysteresis has been the bane of my existence, especially on the 4th string of E9th. I'm happy to say that on new Sierra guitars by Ross Shafer, the problem is well below the threshold of audible perception.

In the past, I always had to decide which knee I should tune the open string for, raising the E's or lowering them? No more. They both come back to the same point. Same with the 10th string. No extra rod needed - the magic is all in the changer finger design.

Mullen.

Another vote for Williams and a first one, I think, for Excel.

But surely all modern makers strive for stability. The internet makes it so easy for us to compare notes that there's no longer any excuse to be left behind.

I guess that applies to all products, not just pedal steels!