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Topic: Steel Driver III Substitute |
Jim Eller
From:
Kodak, TN (Michigan transplant)
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Posted 3 Aug 2013 4:58 am |
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I have a Goodrich Steel Driver III that I have had since they first came out and all is well with that unit.
What I am looking for is another unit with just the left side of the unit(volume/tone) I do not use the fuzz side vey often. I really am trying to avoid putting out $300+ for something I will only use half of.
I have a old Matchbox(Ollie was still in Florida) that I can use so I guess maybe I am just looking for some kind of volume and tone control thing.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
JimE |
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Craig Baker
From:
Eatonton, Georgia, USA - R.I.P.
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Posted 3 Aug 2013 5:57 am
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Jim,
It sounds like you're just looking for a buffer that simply provides a good clean signal, I would consider either a Freeloader or a Li'l Izzy. Users say they both work well. Control your tone at the amp for the best signal-to-noise ratio.
Best regards,
Craig Baker 706-485-8792
cmbakerelectronics@gmail.com
C.M. Baker Electronics
P.O. Box 3965
Eatonton, GA 31024 |
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Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
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Posted 3 Aug 2013 11:05 am
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I'd second Craig. Although when I bought my first Izzy, I A/Bd against a Matchbox and liked the Izzy better.
If you were partial to the Steel Driver's buffer, you might wanna get a Matchbox. Dunno if Ollie's still making them, but there's often one on the forum.
Personally, I recommend the Izzy, I dig 'em.
Freeloader would be another bet, and it has a tone control knob.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects |
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Larry Hamilton
From:
Amarillo,Tx
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Posted 3 Aug 2013 11:16 am
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Have you thought a Sarno Black Box? It's a tubed version of the Freeloader. I used one for years until I went the full Monty and got a Revelation. Black Boxes are on the Forumfrom time to time. Just make sure it has the Vari-Z control. Just a another option.  Good Luck.
_________________
Keep pickin', Larry |
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Jim Eller
From:
Kodak, TN (Michigan transplant)
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Posted 4 Aug 2013 5:06 am
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Thanks for the input. Now I'm confused.
I guess what I really want is a little tone and volume control at my right leg(and not behind me) similar to what I have with the Steel Driver III.
It appears some of the suggested solutions have one or none of these.
Question(s): Is Goodrich still in business? I see some of their products still being sold as new on some steel guitar store sites.
Does the Hilton sustain have both volume and tone knobs? I couldn't find a very good picture of one.
JimE |
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Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
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Posted 4 Aug 2013 6:14 am
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If you want the tone control, I think the Izzy is out.
A brief search makes it look like the Matchbox is still around (it's on Elderly's site, Billy Cooper's and a couple others), or you can find 'em used.
Or you could hang a Freeloader or Black Box on the legs.
The Driver makes little sense if you don't need the drive.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects |
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Jim Palenscar
From:
Oceanside, Calif, USA
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Posted 4 Aug 2013 8:14 am
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| Goodrich and the Matchbox are still around. There are used Matchboxes around and they do exactly what you are looking for and clip to your leg. The Goodrich LDR series of volume pedals had an impedance matching circuit built in as well and you could use their 7A accessory box to enable you to vary the tone from the leg of your guitar. |
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Warren Johnston
From:
Blenheim New Zealand
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Posted 4 Aug 2013 2:22 pm Li'l Izzy
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I have just recieved the L,l Izzy from Craig and it is everything it is claimed to be.I have struggled for years to get a good sound from my Session 2000 and now I have it.I cannot envisage spending money on anything else,the Li,l Izzy is great value for money well spent. 
_________________
Carter Universal,Quilter Steelaire combo,
Zoom MS50G. |
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Paul King
From:
Gainesville, Texas, USA
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Posted 4 Aug 2013 2:47 pm
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| I bought an Izzy Plus in 1981 at the ISGC. I used it for several years and it went out. I have tried the Match Box and other products and none of them give me what Lil Izzy did. Today, Mr. Baker is making the Lil Izzy again and after receiving mine I am extremely pleased and recommend it to any steel player. Nothing against the other products but to my ears Lil Izzy is cleaner and does a better job. |
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Craig Baker
From:
Eatonton, Georgia, USA - R.I.P.
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Posted 4 Aug 2013 3:39 pm
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Warren & Paul,
Thank you both for your words of encouragement regarding Li'l Izzy. There are many other excellent products out there, several have been mentioned in this thread. Placing your confidence in Li'l Izzy is sincerely appreciated.
It's posts like yours, that keep us ordering parts for the next Li'l Izzy.
Again, thank you both.
Sincerely,
Craig Baker 706-485-8792
cmbakerelectronics@gmail.com
C.M. Baker Electronics
P.O. Box 3965
Eatonton, GA 31024 |
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Lavon Chappell
From:
The Heart of Dixie
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Posted 5 Aug 2013 9:43 pm
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| Is there a difference in a matchbox super sustain and a steel driver, other than the fuzz side? |
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Jim Palenscar
From:
Oceanside, Calif, USA
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Posted 6 Aug 2013 5:09 am
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| Not to my knowledge. |
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