Purchasing advice for a 'progressive' newbie

[Great Mother]

Hi everyone,

I'm sorry if this has been posted in the wrong place, but I figured best place for it.

I have been learning slowly on my Sho-bud Maverick and finally have the funds to upgrade (the Mav only has one knee lever and tends to slip out of tune). I have my eyes on a Mullen Discovery, but have also seen a Bennett S10 model for a similar price. I've heard good reviews RE the Carter, but am unfamiliar with Bennett, which I believe is a Scottish luthier.

I was hoping that somenone here would have some advice as it's a big investment for me.

Cheers,
Jess

P.S. Is the "Steelies" merch still available?

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

Hi Jess, re the steelies merch. You have to find uncle Roy on here to see whats available, I would go for the jacket if he still has its really nice.
Re the steels you mention I would say they are about top dollar and have been available for some time I am sure they will sell eventually but you may get a better bang for buck if you keep your powder dry and wait a little while.
I have a steel here that needs some work and a new set of legs that are on order,but when finished will sell INRO 1200quid wich is about right for a 3 plus 4 starter that plays well. BUT,if money no object and you want to get straight into the fast lane, both Mullen and Bennett are great guitars.

[Great Mother]

Thanks John, that's good to know.

My second question would be whether you have an opinion on steels with a wrist cushion (like the Lloyd green model) or those without. My maverick has none and I do struggle with correct wrist posture for palm blocking and figured the cushion may help to develop better posturing. Any thoughts on that would be appreciated ( the Mullen has no wrist cushion whereas the Bennett does).

Cheers
Jess

[Tony Russell Davis]

If the price is the same, the Mullen will be an easier sell-on if you don't get to like it. The Bennett will be a great guitar if you want to keep it (Ronnie made VERY good ones, he lived many years in Liverpool). Your description of the Bennett sounds like an "SD10" (Single neck/Double body. 10 strings) as opposed to an "S10" or a "D10" (double neck). You can get an "arm rest" that fixes to the rear legs of a guitar. The Mullen Discovery was built to be light to carry.