Best new steel for $2,800?

Ben Standefer · Post by **Ben Standefer** » 21 May 2021 2:14 pm

I had a ShoBud Pro III (D10, solid wood, milled end plates, copper rods, etc.), which was the most beautiful thing, but I'm looking for a more simple, modern pedal steel that fits my situation better.

I live in a small apartment in San Francisco and want something that is simple, reliable, and takes up less room. I'm young and strong, so weight doesn't matter as much, but I think light weight might positively impact how likely I am to move around, setup, and play the pedal steel.

My budget is $2,850. I'm thinking either a new Mullen Discovery S10 or a new GFI Expo S10. I think on either of those I could order new, get a few add-ons, and come in around my budget with something I'm highly likely to play a lot.

Any other models I should be looking at? Or... any other add-ons I should consider if ordering new on those models?
* Mullen Discovery - pester to see if they can add steel endplates for fun? Maybe a custom color. Maybe knee-up lever or 4th pedal to the left of ABC. Order +2" size (I'm 6'5"). Inquire about humbucker (lots of EMF/bad power in San Francisco).
* GFI Expo - figure out if black is a good color. Maybe add knee-up lever or 4th pedal to the left of ABC. I feel like red/blue look better in pictures, but black might look better in person. Order +2" size (I'm 6'5").

I could also find a used GFI Ultra S10 or similar, but I'd have to order new rods/legs for my height, so that's why I'm leaning toward a new non-flagship professional guitar.

Alright, I know those brands are probably both great options for what I'm looking for, so I probably can't go wrong, but let me know if there's anything missing in my thinking!

â€“Ben

Mike Ritchie · Post by **Mike Ritchie** » 21 May 2021 2:22 pm

Hi Ben,
Check with Ron Anderson at http://www.justicesteelguitars.com/. They have excellent guitars for most budgets and I could not be happier with my Pro Lite purchase. Great lead times as well.
Mike.

Bob Watson · Post by **Bob Watson** » 21 May 2021 2:39 pm

The Zum Encore is a great pedal steel at a great price. It plays and sounds as good as any single neck on the market. They weigh less then 50lbs in the case too. Lot's of pros are using them as "fly guitars". I enjoy playing mine as much as I do my Zum D10 and my Emmons P/P.

Colin Swinney · Post by **Colin Swinney** » 21 May 2021 4:34 pm

Should you find something used you like, I’ve purchased lift kits that were super easy to install and remove. I think it was about $40 for a D-10 kit so not too expensive at all.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 21 May 2021 4:54 pm

Mullen Discovery fer sure.

Gary Watkins · Post by **Gary Watkins** » 21 May 2021 5:23 pm

Colin Swinney wrote:Should you find something used you like, Iâ€™ve purchased lift kits from Jerry Roller (heâ€™s on the forum) and theyâ€™re super easy to install and remove. I think it was about $40 for a D-10 kit so not too expensive at all.

Jerry is no longer with us! viewtopic.php?t=365129&highlight=roller

Colin Swinney · Post by **Colin Swinney** » 21 May 2021 5:34 pm

Gary Watkins wrote:
Colin Swinney wrote:Should you find something used you like, Iâ€™ve purchased lift kits from Jerry Roller (heâ€™s on the forum) and theyâ€™re super easy to install and remove. I think it was about $40 for a D-10 kit so not too expensive at all.
Jerry is no longer with us! viewtopic.php?t=365129&highlight=roller

Oh wow, I had no idea. He was so pleasant to work with, very sorry to hear this.

Please don't let my error hijack this thread, let's get Ben the steel of his dreams!

Ken Mizell · Post by **Ken Mizell** » 21 May 2021 5:35 pm

I would highly recommend a new GFI Expo S-10. I also recommend Black or the Vintage Wood color. Resale of a red one might be a chore. Blue looks pretty nice too. I just bought a used Expo S-10 last week. It is black. It looks nice too. These are great steel guitars. Their wait time isn’t too long, and you can order it the way you want it.

Lift kits don’t work on the GFI. A set of non-standard legs, if not ordered with a new guitar, will cost you $175.00.

Tommy White · Post by **Tommy White** » 21 May 2021 7:17 pm

As you asked, I recommend the Mullen Discovery.
I have 5 Mullen guitars including a Discovery. It is the most versatile, precision built and best sounding guitar at the price you’re looking for.
And no , I’m not compensated to say that. My Mullen Discovery is equipped with 4 floor pedals and 5 knees with split tuning.

Jon Jaffe · Post by **Jon Jaffe** » 21 May 2021 7:50 pm

I have to go with BMI. The Axius II and the Flight Ready are well within your price range and are customizable. https://beckmusicalinstruments.com/specialty-models/

Ben Standefer · Post by **Ben Standefer** » 21 May 2021 10:43 pm

Thank you each so much for your replies. RIP Jerry Roller, I just read about him.

I will say, after being and on-and-off lurker here for 10 years, and having pedal steel majorly impact how I play other instruments, this is the best damn place on the internet. The collective experience you all have, and the eagerness to help is just fantastic. I plan to lurk for decades more! (and contribute where I can)

There are so many fantastic builders right now that it seems I can't go wrong. That's great for pedal steel. Too many great options for a coin flip, I guess I'll need a 6-sided dice to make this decision.

4+5 + split tuning seems like a great way for an S-10 I'd keep for a long haul. Tommy I looked up your copedent

I'll dig into the builders I didn't have on my original list: Justice, Zum, and BMI, along with Mullen and GFI. Thanks y'all. Keep it coming if anything else pops into mind.

–Ben

Ken Mizell · Post by **Ken Mizell** » 22 May 2021 3:29 am

The BMI Axius II is a great suggestion. The wait time is currently 8 to 9 months. BMI is a great bramd ofmpedal steel.

D Schubert · Post by **D Schubert** » 22 May 2021 8:40 am

There are a lot of good guitars in that price range. I bought a new GFI Expo 3x5 a couple of weeks ago. It does all the things that I want it to do, and I was able to find a black one in stock, no waiting. After looking at lots of photos, I do believe that the black one looks just a little bit better.

Jerry Van Hoose · Post by **Jerry Van Hoose** » 22 May 2021 8:49 am

Hi Ben, all of the suggestions are fine guitars within the budget you mentioned. I would be content with any of them. I’ve owned Emmons, Mullen, BMI, Marlen, Sho~Bud & Derby, still own the Sho~Bud & Derby. However, the Mullen Discovery was my overall favorite. I shouldn’t have ever sold it…plan on ordering another Discovery in the future. You could contact Mike Mantey at Mullen or forum member Gary Sill at Sill Music Supply (Gary is a Mullen stocking dealer). Here are some pictures of the Mullen Discovery 3 & 5 w/split tuning option and full polish package that I once owned.

Ken Mizell · Post by **Ken Mizell** » 22 May 2021 9:07 am

Jerry - That is a beautiful Mullen Discovery. I think they are about $2,400 + S&H these days. I was seriously considering one of these, but I didn't have enough money, so I went with a gently used GFI Expo S-10. I used to own a Mullen SD-10 RP, black, and it was a great guitar. I regret selling it frequently. They will also make it with colors other than the black, blue, and red, for a small additional cost.

Jerry Van Hoose · Post by **Jerry Van Hoose** » 22 May 2021 10:19 am

Ken, thanks. Yes, I chose black but most all of the Mullen mica choices are beautiful, just a little additional cost for the others beside red or blue. Regarding the GFI…I especially like the aluminum frame and maple die board for the top, great combination. Gene had a tremendous design and mechanical background. We’re fortunate to have such a wide variety of great new guitars to choose from.

Jeff Neal · Post by **Jeff Neal** » 22 May 2021 1:59 pm

You can’t go wrong with Mullen. As Tommy said this is where you want to be. From tone to parts they are still cranking these out. Very happy with my Mullen.

Ross Shafer · Post by **Ross Shafer** » 23 May 2021 7:53 am

Ah heck, just save up a little more and buy locally! Sierra's are made just a short drive away from you. Think of the all you'll save on shipping!

Seriously, you can't go wrong with any of the suggestions above. I see that you recently subscribed to the Sierra Youtube channel. You're welcome to come visit the shop sometime when you're looking for trouble.

Ben Standefer · Post by **Ben Standefer** » 23 May 2021 11:49 am

Ross, I just realized that Sierra is in the Bay Area. I might take you up on that. Great craftsmanship on Instagram, too. I’ll DM you to see if saving up “a little bit more” can get me a basic Sierra

I want sure that was an option.

W. C. Edgar · Post by **W. C. Edgar** » 23 May 2021 6:23 pm

Yeah,
What Bob Watson said

John McClung · Post by **John McClung** » 24 May 2021 11:34 am

Ben, I would consider an SD-10 vs an S-10, or an S-10 that can be equipped with add on rear pad, Zum Encores do that, probably other brands. If Tommy White recommends the Mullen Discovery, that reco has considerable weight and knowledge behind it, Tommy has played every brand known to man, I think. Mullen engineering is among the best!

Roger Crawford · Post by **Roger Crawford** » 24 May 2021 2:53 pm

When my back tells me to lighten the load, I’ll get a Mullen Discovery.