Let's talk mechanical

[Ben Godard]

Of all pedal steels on the market today. in your opinion, which one would you say has the best mechanics. That being which one is the easiest pedal/lever action. Also dead accurate stops.(when you press a pedal sometimes you push real hard it will make the note go a little sharper) Another one is smooth and accuracy of moving parts and just overall design symmetry. Of course keeping in mind you still need a good tone and sustain etc.

[David Doggett]

I don't think the easiest action is the best. You need to feel some resistance. So if you change the question to "best action," and include precision and adjustability, my vote goes to the MSA Millennium.

[Stu Schulman]

Ben,These days there are a lot of great guitars being made.I think that if you asked this question 20 years ago it would have been easier to answer..I don't really know of any new guitars where if you press on the pedal until it hits the stop,and then push harder it goes sharp...I think those days are gone.As far as pedal,and knee lever feel there are so many options on the bellcranks these days..it's kind of up to you on how the pedal.and knee lever action should be.I think it's at the point now it's hard to get a new guitar that is a dog?maybe not?

[Stu Schulman]

Dave,I agree with you... the easiest action is not the best,For me when the pedal action is to smooth it seems that 1/2 pedal things don't feel right?

[Donny Hinson]

Ben, to be sure, each brand has a few of the pieces of the puzzle, but not one brand I've seen or played has it all together yet. One brand might have the best changer design, while another has the best pull-rod material, while yet another has the easiest-to-change setup. So you see, I can't really give my own personal "G.I.A.N.T. Award" (got it all nicely together) to any one brand yet, though I will admit that my Millennium probably comes closest out of the ones I've tried thusfar. (There's a lot of great ideas in that guitar, but even they missed on a few things, like every manufacturer does.) I guess that's why there's so many brands out there, everyone thinks he's got a little better product.

[Ron Randall]

I have got to brag on the MSA Millenium.

It can be adjusted "every whicha way but loose". IF one wants a stiff feel, then use a another bell crank slot. Same with a soft, long travel feel. Probably all my pedals and knees are a little bit different, because Johnny Cox knows how to set them up.

Interchangeable pedal rods. That is a clue to how well the guitar is mechanically.

PEdal height adjustments while remaining seated.
Stays in tune.

[Jim Eaton]

I find the mechanical side of my SD-12 Legend to be so smooth as to feel transparent, as if my foot or knee moves and the note changes with out my ever feeling the mechanical "works" having to be overcome by increased pressure. So, my vote is for my MSA Legend.
JE:-)>