New steel on the way

[7string]

Well after a lot of research, and a fair few blind alleys, I've finally ordered my new pedal steel.

It's going to be built by Ron Bennett and will be from his Artisan range. Here's the spec:

Artisan Single 10 (with 3 pedals & 5 knee levers).
Keyless head
Metal neck
Dual coil pickup
Emmons copedent
Lacquered finish in yellow/black burst

So it'll be an S10 version of this (but in a different colour!)




It'll be ready in a few months time. Ron's been a top guy to deal with and I'm really looking forward to seeing how this turns out!

Thanks to Donny Johnston and Malcolm Mcmaster for all their help. Donny is really to blame for my wanting to go further than a starter instrument after he brought his Williams over to my house and showed me what a proper steel (played properly!) should sound like!

[Malcolm]

Mark glad to hear you have got fixed up, you are indeed right Ronnie is a first class builder and a gentleman to deal with, he did a lot of work on my old Shobud and indeed taught me quite a bit about how to maintain and set up my guitar. In my personal opinion he is one of the unsung heroes of the British steel scene.Look forward to seeing and hearing your new guitar.

[Donny Johnston]

Mark, good to see all the speculation has ended and you've made your choice, I think you'll be pleased with the result. I look forward to seeing your new baby although with the colour scheme you described to me last night I may have to wear shades. Donny

[STEDDIE EDDIE]

Mark,Glad to hear you have made your choice, and i think it is a good choice, Ronnie made me a steel guitar many years ago, one of his starter 'Freshman' guitars, and it was very well built, and good value for money, and yes, he is a helluva nice guy to deal with, i had a little issue with a buzzing pickup, and he went out of his way to sort it out for me, the very best of luck with your new Steel when it arrives, i am sure you will be thrilled with it, Eddie

[7string]

I had a message from Ron this evening and all is going well with the build. Hurrah!

The keyless head take a bit more time to make, but Ron doesn't foresee any problems.

[Malcolm]

Let us know when it arrives, would love to see it.

[Bob M]

Looks a cracking peice of kit,Does Ronnie have a sort of brochure?
Cheers
Bob

[Tony Russell Davis]

I agree with all the good things said about Ronnie's output. I have a straight 8 made with Bennett hardware and it's top class; also a couple of pals have PSG's he made and are totally happy with them. You will not be disappointed. Regards, Tony .

[7string]

I spoke to Ronnie last week. All is fine. ETA is a couple of months.

He's off on a well-earned holiday for 2 weeks as well. I hope the weather holds for him. It's record temperatures in Glasgow at the moment!

[7string]

Things are still progressing. Ron's been out for 3 weeks with the flu, but he's back on track now.

I told him I was seeing Albert lee and Hogan's Heroes and he told me to say Hi To Gerry for him. Little did I know I'd meet Malcolm (and Willie) there as well. Always great to put faces to names !!!