Ever See a VP Like This?

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 14 Jun 2012 4:16 pm

There are no identifying marks, letters, numbers. Rack/gear driven and the tension is set by the pintle where the coiled spring is as it rides against the stop.

Apparently the mount fits inside a pedal bar and screws on via drilling a couple holes through the pedal bar.

Just wondering if anyone has any history, info on this. No biggie, no worries, just seeking information. Thanks.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 15 Jun 2012 8:44 am

Personally, I'd epoxy the mount on the back of the pedal bar. I'd never drill holes through the front of a pedal bar to mount a volume pedal. For one day, when you change pedals, you'll be stuck either with holes that aren't in the right place, or holes that you don't need. You can heat up epoxy and remove it with a heat gun...but you can never "un-drill" holes.

Of course, I've seen dozens of steels with extra holes here or there (sometimes everywhere) but I still get the feeling it seriously degrades the look and value of a guitar.

I'm also not crazy about volume pedals where everything (the pot, the string, and the wiring) is exposed. But that's just me. $:\$

Paul Sutherland · Post by **Paul Sutherland** » 15 Jun 2012 12:22 pm

In the early 70s I briefly used a volume pedal with a gear drive, rather than the normal string set-up. I think it was a ZB pedal. It's been so long since I had that pedal, I can't say that what you have shown is, or is not, the same pedal. My pedal did not attach to the pedal bar.

My gear drive pedal had a fairly low profile and short throw. If you adjusted it to get full volume when you floored the pedal, it didn't turn off all the way when you backed the pedal off. Somehow I got rid of that pedal and acquired a Goodrich pot pedal. I'm still using that same Goodrich pedal almost 40 years later.

Ransom Beers · Post by **Ransom Beers** » 15 Jun 2012 2:56 pm

A friend of mine had one similar to that one,he had a lot of trouble with the gear slipping because the rack would move away from the gear when he pushed the pedal down.There wasn't any support behind the rack.I think he finally trash canned it.

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 15 Jun 2012 3:30 pm

Donny Hinson wrote:Personally, I'd epoxy the mount on the back of the pedal bar. I'd never drill holes through the front of a pedal bar to mount a volume pedal.

It looks like that bracket could and was probably designed to be mounted by holes in the bottom of the pedal bar.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 15 Jun 2012 3:37 pm

Well the bracket could be mounted to the top or the bottom, [probably bottom per Jim] of the pedal bar. I wouldn't think anyone would want to mount it to the front, but you could do that too.

As far as drilling holes, Emmons, Derby, Sho-Bud and others did it for years. One hole or two, I don't see any difference. This one might actually look better than those as the screws would countersink down into the bar and not be highly visible.

Anyhow, that's not the issue. I don't know what we're going to do with it. I don't have any plans for it at the moment.

The reason for posting was to see if anyone had any idea who might have built it, if there are any others around like it and otherwise any history or info about it. Thanks.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 16 Jun 2012 12:16 pm

Jim Smith wrote:
Donny Hinson wrote:Personally, I'd epoxy the mount on the back of the pedal bar. I'd never drill holes through the front of a pedal bar to mount a volume pedal.
It looks like that bracket could and was probably designed to be mounted by holes in the bottom of the pedal bar.

I was thinking that too, at first. But then I saw how high those "pivots" were mounted on the extended pedal supports, and that might preclude them from engaging in the bracket holes if the mount was fastened to the bottom of the pedal bar.

From the looks of it, front or top mounting of the bracket might be mandatory.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 16 Jun 2012 12:58 pm

It wouldn't matter. You could mount it in either of the 3 positions. If I were going to mount it, I'd screw it to the bottom of the pedal bar as Jim suggests.

If you didn't like that, you could build something else of your own design. It's basically just a piece of channel.

Robert Deemy · Post by **Robert Deemy** » 21 Jun 2012 12:05 pm

Jerry I was hoping someone more knowledgable
was going to reply - you probably were too

That VP has a lot in common with one that came with
my '74 Blanton. I don't know if Jerry built them, if they were a
Kit or finished product from someone else.
The majority of parts on mine are identical allthough
assembled differently.
For instance the spring mechanism is mounted
on the other side, towards the pedal bar.
The parts that fit in the pedal bar bracket are covered
with a piece of phenolic tube? To reach the proper diameter.
The axle is flush with a screw on each end
Lastly the bracket is aluminum.
Hopefully I have not generated more questions than answers

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 21 Jun 2012 1:19 pm

Thank you Robert. That's the kind of info I need. At least I know there is at least one of the same basic design even if not identical.

Yes, this bracket is steel and appears to be hand made, although quite functional. I would assume the alu. one broke or wore out and someone used that for a pattern to build this one. Interesting note about the tubing too.

I plan to fab an identical one from aluminum as well.

I'm glad you posted this information. It is very helpful.

David Grinnan · Post by **David Grinnan** » 21 Jun 2012 1:47 pm

Jerry and Robert,
Actually this is my first post but have been a lurker for years. This is indeed a Blanton Volume pedal. I have one just like it that I purchased from Jerry at his shop on Zaramora street in San Antonio.
I cannot explain the differnce in Robert's, it could be a earlier/later model as he was always trying to improve. I still use mine but recently added a dunlop from Tom B after the old Allen bradley wore out. Jerry did build these himself and he is such an innovator and awesome player but even more important he is a super human being. I just had to respond and give a thumbs up for Jerry Blanton. It is a treat to see your pedal. Don Biersted (I apologize for not knowing how to spell his last name) worked with Jerry and was an awesome person, player and craftsman too.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 21 Jun 2012 2:40 pm

Well there ya' go

Thanks David. BTW, is the bracket on yours aluminum as Robert suggests?

Thanks to you both for clearing this up for me. I don't know much about Mr. Blanton, but I have seen a couple of his guitars here on the forum and read some testimonials about his innovations.

Now David, don't be a stranger around here.

I'll add that there's almost nothing you can ask about steel guitars and related gear that someone around here doesn't have the answer to. It's another reminder of just how valuable and important this Forum is.

Justin Griffith · Post by **Justin Griffith** » 21 Jun 2012 4:01 pm

I think the gear driven ones were the earlier ones. The ones I have seen used a string like an Emmons pedal.

Al Michalczak would know for sure. We were talking about them the other day.
If you ever think you might part with it, holler at me.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 21 Jun 2012 4:32 pm

Thanks Justin. Yes, if I do I'll give you a shout.

David Grinnan · Post by **David Grinnan** » 21 Jun 2012 5:40 pm

Jerry,
Yes, my bracket is aluminum and I watched him bend it on the brake. I don't know which design is newer or older, I am thinking I got mine in about 73 or so.
I once showed it to Jeff Newman at one of his teaching seminars, he looked at it and was a little "harsh" to say the least about it. He did not like it at all because it was not attached to the bracket and did feel sloppy. I did not say anything (I was 19 and this was Jeff Newman!!) Anyway, I was patient and finally got him calmed down enough to try it. He loved it and I almost did not get it back. To each his own I guess. Thanks for posting the picture. It is a nice tribute to the builder.
Dave

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 21 Jun 2012 9:52 pm

You're Welcome Dave, but it is I that should be thanking you along with Robert for the I.D. Also Justin. And thanks for coming in to help me out. It's nice to know the history and origin of stuff whether it's valuable or not. I'm learning about Jerry Blanton in the process too.

Jeff Newman harsh

Yeah, he could be, but he could also be an old softie sometimes too. He would holler on you, kick your butt all day long then pat you on the back on the way out.

I would have never been anywhere near proficient on the pedal steel guitar if not for Jeff and his guidance.

Robert Deemy · Post by **Robert Deemy** » 22 Jun 2012 4:13 pm

Close-up: note wear in brass! pins through phenolic? material on axle tabs, 3/4"L x 3/8" rod welded on as a thumb press point? (then sent out to be chromed)this sure wasn't meant to save weight:)

Bracket: check out how it was cut & bent. yes it is affixed from bottom of bar (I'm a lefty so there are extra holes in the bracket)

overview: love the stair tread material on this and the pedals, need to get some more for my other pedals

Justin Griffith · Post by **Justin Griffith** » 22 Jun 2012 4:28 pm

this sure wasn't meant to save weight:)

Yeah I know that! Jerry is like me I guess. If it is worth doing it is worth overdoing! You should see the houses he has built. I have seen two of them. One has a stainless steel roof!

My Blanton weighs a ton, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Those things have a very special sound.

I'm afraid that we are learning that mass has something to do with tone. Look at how many of the heavy old guitars out there sound great!

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 22 Jun 2012 5:15 pm

Ah yeah

Cool pics Robert. Thanks for posting. Mine doesn't have that thumb bar but it's easy enough to squeeze that rail when mounting to the brkt.

I had another thought on attaching the bracket to the pedal bar. Some friction material like light rubber over it would make for a snug enough fit inside the bar and you really wouldn't have to attach a brkt. to the pedal bar permanently. Worth looking into at least.

Robert Deemy · Post by **Robert Deemy** » 22 Jun 2012 7:55 pm

Justin Griffith · Post by **Justin Griffith** » 23 Jun 2012 5:03 am

Robert,
If you find some "stair tread material" Please let me know where. I need some of that rubber that goes in the pedals for a SD-10 I am re doing.

I also may have a lead on one of those volume pedals but the rubber is torn up.

Call me sometime pal.

Justin