Ernie Ball pedal steel

Len Amaral · Post by **Len Amaral** » 5 Mar 2020 5:50 pm

Came across this Ernie Ball 1970’s pedal steel on the Providence, RI Craigslist. Looks to be a keyless design. Interesting.

Dan Kelly · Post by **Dan Kelly** » 6 Mar 2020 8:17 am

Hey Len!

From what I understand, Chuck Wright and Sierra teamed up with Ernie Ball for a while; maybe in the mid 70's. I am not sure if there were any corners cut or quality compromises made for the private label deal. However, Chuck Wright's reputation would lead me to believe this is a good quality beginner's instrument. Maybe Ross Shafer or Tom Baker will chime in.

Based on the string marks on the changer fingers, it looks like it was played. The E-66 pup may not be original. Pics of the undercarriage would be handy. I can't say I have seen those screen mesh covered vent holes on a PSG before. Interesting!

Ross Shafer · Post by **Ross Shafer** » 6 Mar 2020 9:40 am

In my earliest days looking into pedal steel, I came across pics of one of these. First keyless steel I'd ever seen at that point. I fell in love, searched high and low for one.
By the time I actually found one for sale, I'd learned that they didn't have a very good reputation....since then I've only heard, been told the same about them.

I know Chuck Wright had some involvement with Ernie Ball, but I'd really doubt these guitars were the result, given their iffy reputation.

David Nugent · Post by **David Nugent** » 7 Mar 2020 7:23 am

A friend has one and asked me to set it up for him. Found it to be rather poorly constructed with very noticeable cabinet drop. Tuning the fourth string raises was a definite compromise.

Len Amaral · Post by **Len Amaral** » 8 Mar 2020 2:52 pm

You never can tell what might pop up on Craigslist. I thought it was an interesting guitar and hopefully mechanically sound if someone purchases it.

David Wright · Post by **David Wright** » 9 Mar 2020 2:57 am

I believe this guitar was built after my Dad left E.B.