Copping a Pedal Steel

b0b · From: Cloverdale, CA, USA

It seemed to me that a previous poll was very misleading because it targeted one builder. There was no control group to compare the results against. Here are the same options without being brand-specific.
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Jim Lindsey (Louisiana) · From: Greenwell Springs, Louisiana (deceased)

Hi, b0b ... my vote for purchasing a new steel was "direct from the manufacturer". But then I began to think about the steels I've purchased over the years.

I've owned ten pedal steels and my purchases were pretty much like this:

2 were purchased directly through the manufacturer
1 was built by myself
2 were purchased new through a steel shop/music store
5 were purchased used from an individual/previous owner

I probably should have chosen "cop a good used one from its previous owner". Smile

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Ben Jones · From: Seattle, Washington, USA

well constructed poll bOb!
I voted "from previous owner". Nothing against the manufacturers many of whom are superb.

I tend to buy used gear. I dont buy new cars either.
also I could never wait a year for a guitar.
and I LOVE vintage gear.

Its not exclusive to steels. I would never ever order a custom shop gibson 6 stringer for example.

I could see how pro players might want an instrument made to their exact specifications. Im merely a hobbysist tho and dont require the best instrument available

David Griffin · From: Jimmy Creek,Arkansas via Cowtown, USA

My motto is:"never buy new" You might as well throw a grand out the window as you walk out w/ a new guitar.But,if I had the dough to waste,a custom guitar would be nice. Very Happy

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Mark van Allen · From: Watkinsville, Ga. USA

I've never bought a new steel guitar, with me more of a financial motivation- in most cases I've wound up with an as-new axe, and extra $ for other equipment.
There's a lot of great used gear out there.
And Buy and Sell on the Steel Forum is a great help with the connections. Thanks, b0b!

Greg Cutshaw · From: Corry, PA, USA

My answer to the poll for a new guitar would be totally dependent on the brand.

I bought a Williams guitar direct because Bill's delivery dates and reputation are impeccable.

I would only buy an Emmons from an authorized dealer based on reading about the experiences people have had buying their Emmon's direct.

I ordered another major brand guitar from a dealer in New Mexico years ago and never received it but did get a full refund. Through no fault of the dealer, the manufactur never produced the guitar despite keeping my money for over a year and shipping many guitars to pros in the meantime.

Greg

Ivano Malavasi · From: Italy

In Italy, the purchase of a PSG is a major problem for the choice.
You do not have benchmarks.
You must still buy in the U.S.
For a good used one from a dealer or music store, the savings is not high.
A good used one from its previous owner is difficult to obtain due to problems shipping overseas.
I prefer the new direct from the (good) manufacturer.

Ivano

Mike Perlowin · From: Los Angeles CA

I've bought 2 steels directly from the manufacturer, (one new, one used), two used ones from stores (one of which was on line), and 3 or 4 used ones from other players.

I did not participate in the poll.
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Roual Ranes · From: Atlanta, Texas, USA

I have two. One was from the manufacturer the other from a forum member. Both have after market custom work done on them..........so how would I vote?

b0b · From: Cloverdale, CA, USA

I guess I should have had a "no preference" option. Too late now.
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Brian Henry · Posted 27 Jun 2010 7:57 am

B0b, The critical factor is who is the manufacturer. I bought 2 carters direct from the manufacturer, had delivery in 25 days - both beautiful instruments complete with pedal boards!! If I were to buy an emmons it most certainly would not be from the manufacturer - not after the number of experiences recorded on this forum including Gary and Ivano's. I like to spend my money wisely and do not want a 600 day plus delivery time.
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Stephen Gambrell · From: Over there

tbhenry---What do you have against Emmons guitars, that makes your obvious hatred of them rear up anytime Steel guitars are mentioned? As b0b says, this poll was created to prevent the targeting of one brand, yet here you go. Why don't you call Emmons, and stop annoying people here?

Ben Lawson · From: Brooksville Florida

I bought a used MSA Classic S12 last year from a fellow band member. It was nice looking and the price was decent. At my age I don't know how many more steels I'll be looking into but I think price, condition and reputation of the brand would be the things I would look for.
One thing that concerns me is the age of the manufacturer. I'm not trying to be discriminatory but a brand with a solid reputation and an odometer that has not turned over a whole lot are a consideration to me. I like knowing that I can get parts if I need them.

Bo Borland · From: South Jersey -

I bought steels, from music stores and builders.. all brand new...
I don't want a steel that has been molested by an owner, no matter how well intentioned.
But I would buy one that has been worked on by a qualified builder/ mechanic.

Mike Perlowin · From: Los Angeles CA

Paddy Long · From: Christchurch, New Zealand

Ivano -- being even further away from the US than you are, I have the solution and it has worked for me many times. You order the guitar directly from a reputeable builder, then you ask him to have it ready for you to pick up directly from a steel guitar show of your choice - that you know the builder will be at!! EG: Dallas....
Then you get to meet the builder personally, pick up the guitar in person and bring it home in your luggage (you know where it is all the time) .... and you get to take in a fabulous steel guitar show as well!

And just to be on the safe side you could put the pedal bar in your other luggage!!! Very Happy

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14'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
08'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
94' Franklin Stereo D10 9+8
Telonics, Peterson, Steelers Choice, Benado, Lexicon, Red Dirt Cases.

Jack Francis · From: Queen Creek, Arizona, USA

My last steel was from Desert Rose and was set up "JUST TO FIT ME"!

A great way to go! Cool

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Gallien-Krueger MB200 amplifier through an Alessis MicroVerb w/15'Peavey cab.
TELES & STRATS...
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Brian Henry · Posted 28 Jun 2010 2:25 am

Stephen,
It is very obvious that you don't like to hear the truth, it annoys you and hurts you. Guess what, it is not going away anytime soon - so get used to it!!
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Bill Bassett · From: Papamoa New Zealand

I chose "From An Authorized Dealer" simply because they have to make a living too. (Thanks Bobbe)

Rick Winfield · From: Pickin' beneath the Palmettos

I choose , "cop a good used one from the previous owner. "
I've used this not only with Pedal steel, but other instruments as well. Money saved, instrument proved, and broken in. I've bought 3 used steels, from previous owners, and only 1 new one. I've found a well used "high level" instrument to be above a "medium level" new one.
Rick

Jeremy Threlfall · From: now in Western Australia

I've never owned an Emmons, and I've never bought a guitar new from the manufacturer. But I have bought new guitars, and any new guitar I buy in future will be direct from the manufacturer.

Especially if I am ordering from outside the US of A.

Its a matter of getting the order right.

John Ummel · From: Arlington, WA.

Authorized dealer---yea Bobbe! yea GFI! Very Happy

Robbie Daniels · From: Casper, Wyoming, USA

I prefer to order my steels directly from the manufacturer for the simple reason that I play a D12 and my setup is not the "standard setup" therefore if I order direct I don't have to make changes on the steel.
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Carter D12, MSA S12, 12 String Custom Made Non-Pedal, Evans FET 500LV, Evans SE200, Peavey Nashville 400, Fender Steel King

chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

i bought a zum many years ago and was totally satisfied with the consumer relations..so was happy with the deal.
these days i would consider several companies that have good reputations. i wouldn't consider emmons due to their reputation currently.
to me, the best indicator is the feedback from the targeted consumer base.

CrowBear Schmitt · From: Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France

in the past years, of the 40 odd psgs i've copped directly or indirectly
18 % were bought used from reputated steel dealers in Europa & the USA
80 % were copped used here on the forum
2 % were 2 new ZumSteels from Mr Z himself Very Happy

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