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Author
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Topic: What about Fessenden
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Robert Cates
Member From: Maine, USA
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posted 21 November 2006 02:21 PM
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I am considering buying a new Fessenden sd-10. I have not heard much about them from all you guys and girls. I am quite new and I am upgrading from Sho-bud with one knee to a more modern guitar. Dealer has new Fessenden in stock and I'm going to check it out tommorrow[This message was edited by Robert Cates on 21 November 2006 at 02:41 PM.] |
Larry Robbins
Member From: Fort Edward, New York, USA
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posted 21 November 2006 02:37 PM
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I dont think you could go wrong with one! I have played a couple and I could not find anything not to like about them....go for it!  BTW, I believe that Herb Stiener plays a Fessie...if its good enough for Herb....  ------------------
Sho~Buds, Fender amps & guitars, Tut Taylor resos, and Twang to the bone!
[This message was edited by Larry Robbins on 21 November 2006 at 02:37 PM.] [This message was edited by Larry Robbins on 21 November 2006 at 02:44 PM.]
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Gavin Dunn
Member From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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posted 21 November 2006 02:48 PM
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I'm in the process of buying a S10 off another forum member....He has two more of them. They play great....no complaints, in fact more praise than anything.Do it! |
Robert Cates
Member From: Maine, USA
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posted 21 November 2006 02:48 PM
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Thanks larry it seems like all of todays psg makers are making fine guitars and I'm not sure it makes any difference which maker you buy....They are ALL GOOD. Especially for a beginner like me...Just checking all you guys(experts) advice. |
Bob Blair
Member From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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posted 21 November 2006 03:45 PM
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And the builder is just down the road aways from you! I have a D-10 and a brand new SD-10 and they are both great guitars, as is the S-10 that Gavin is taking off my hands. There are a lot of great new guitars being built, but you can't go wrong with one of Jerry's. |
Damir Besic
Member From: La Vergne,TN
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posted 21 November 2006 04:06 PM
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wonderful guitarsDb ------------------
"Promat"
~when tone matters~ www.promatsteelguitars.com
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Robert Cates
Member From: Maine, USA
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posted 21 November 2006 04:51 PM
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Thanks all you guys for commenting on these guitars. It makes me feel better knowing that lots of people think Jerry's guitars are very good. It is a big jump for me financially to get this guitar and I want to make sure its a good one because I am not one who jumps from guitar to guitar. ..Hey DB..I checked out your web site..How much money is 2400 euros?...Bob |
Mike Wheeler
Member From: Columbus, Ohio, USA
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posted 21 November 2006 05:19 PM
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Robert, I'd suggest you do yourself a huge favor and get to a pedal steel shop and try out a bunch of guitars for yourself. There are a lot of great ones to choose from....but which one is great to you is what matters most. You are about to invest a substantial amount of money. If I were you, I'd want to see the product first hand. |
Jim Cohen
Member From: Philadelphia, PA
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posted 21 November 2006 05:23 PM
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Fessy, whoa yeah! More than Acceptable! |
Larry Strawn
Member From: Golden Valley, Arizona, USA
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posted 21 November 2006 06:02 PM
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Robert, I'm very satisfied with my Fessy U12, I don't think you can go wrong with one!Larry ------------------
"Fessy" S/D 12, 8/6 Hilton Pedal, Sessions 400 Ltd. Home Grown E/F Rack
"ROCKIN COUNTRY" |
Doug Seymour
Member From: Jamestown NY USA
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posted 21 November 2006 06:31 PM
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I think Jerry has the best bellcrank in the business! It sure seems great to me, just looking it over that is.....never had one. Am I right, you loosen the tuning nut a little & you can change the leverage (bellcrank connecting point) easily & tighten it up again & you're back in business! |
KENNY KRUPNICK
Member From: Grove City,Ohio
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posted 21 November 2006 07:02 PM
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Love them Fessenden steel guitars. |
Joe Casey
Member From: Weeki Wachee .Springs FL (population.9)
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posted 21 November 2006 07:17 PM
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Robert Randolf certainly likes his,and just about anyone I know that has one swears by them. |
CrowBear Schmitt
Member From: Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
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posted 22 November 2006 01:56 AM
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Robert, Fessenden is right up there w: the best
i helped a couple of steelers here get some D10s from the Fo'bros
Last i heard, they was plenty satisfied & happy w: their Fessies
these guys play out regularly
Robert, Jerry Fessenden is not too far away from you either
Montpelier Vermont[This message was edited by CrowBear Schmitt on 22 November 2006 at 02:03 AM.] |
Robert Cates
Member From: Maine, USA
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posted 22 November 2006 04:44 AM
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OK..sounds good to me..I am going to check it out today.. I will let you all know what I did....NOW...I have another ? Should I keep my fathers old sho-bud or should I trade it in? I have heard some of you say that you should have kept some of your guitars that you had gotten rid of. its a pro 1 1976 or77(I think) single with only one kl. Its very good condition...Thanks for all your replys...Bob |
Jim Sliff
Member From: Hermosa Beach California, USA
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posted 22 November 2006 05:08 AM
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I'd keep it if you can. Those are nice, lightweight steels and often have additional knees added. In fact, if you like it, another thought would be just to have the knee levers added and play it, saving yourself some money.I also second what Mike said - try before you buy. I've bought guitars without playing them first and been horribly disappointed, even though they were supposedly great guitars. A guitar is like a pair of shoes - it fits you or it doesn't, and buying blind (or deaf?) isn't always the best practice. |
John Macy
Member From: Denver, CO USA
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posted 22 November 2006 06:35 AM
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I switched over to Fessy's around 1998, after playing Emmons for 25 or so years, and have never looked back. I have a lacquer D10 and a mica SD10, and am looking forward to adding a third, a mica D10, soon. Jerry not only builds a wonderful guitar, but is also willing to work with you to get what you want. And on top of that, he is one of the nicest guys around, and I got a lifelong friend to go along with it... |
Darvin Willhoite
Member From: Leander, Tx. USA
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posted 22 November 2006 07:43 AM
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I agree with the other posters here. I bought one in '98 and have been extremely happy with it. I own several other steels and the Fessenden ranks right up there with the rest in tone and playability. Jerry is a great person to deal with too. Since mine is mica covered, I usually use it when I play out, other than my regular church gig. It is durable and has held up well to being hauled around. Here's a picture of mine with some old gray haired grandpa playing it.
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Darvin Willhoite
Riva Ridge Recording
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Larry Bell
Member From: Englewood, Florida
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posted 22 November 2006 08:26 AM
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My guitars:
 The handsome fellow on the left usually accompanies me to gigs. 'Nuff said ------------------
Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
My CD's: 'I've Got Friends in COLD Places' - 'Pedal Steel Guitar'
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S/D-12 6x6, 1984 Sho-Bud S/D-12 7x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps
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David Doggett
Member From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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posted 22 November 2006 08:38 AM
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Well, I hate to be the only spoil sport. But this is a players forum, not a manufacturers promo site. You deserve completely honest opinions. My Fessy had mechanical problems that were inherent in the design. The tone was fine, but the action was the least smooth of other modern pedal steels I have owned or played, which include, Zum, MSA Millennium, Carter, Sho-Bud Pro III, and Excel. In fairness, it was a used Fessy; and I didn't send it back to Jerry for adjustment. But I have always worked on my own pedal steels, and have always been able to get them adjusted to suit me and playing very smooth. The Fessy I couldn't. Others love them and seem to have no problems. But it wasn't the one for me. Just one opinion, but a completely honest one.[This message was edited by David Doggett on 22 November 2006 at 08:39 AM.] |
Jim Gorrie
Member From: Edinburgh, Scotland
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posted 22 November 2006 11:20 AM
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Robert ~ have a look here . . .
[This message was edited by Jim Gorrie on 22 November 2006 at 11:21 AM.]
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Ron Sodos
Member From: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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posted 22 November 2006 12:11 PM
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I own a 2001 Zum D10, a Sho-Bud D12, and a Fessenden D10. I play the Fessy at all my gigs and play the others at home for practicing. Why, because the Fessy sounds better and plays better. By the way they have the identical pickups (BL 710's). Plus Jerry is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. |
Jon Light
Member From: Brooklyn, NY
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posted 22 November 2006 12:32 PM
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When I get the time (and space) I'll get out the Emmons (a twin of Larry's) and do a similar photo 'cause Larry's centerfold spread looks so cool. I really like the Fess. It is so very different from the Carter which is exactly how I would want it--why have two guitars that are alike. |
Tucker Jackson
Member From: Portland, Oregon, USA
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posted 22 November 2006 12:40 PM
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That's a beauty, Jon. Care to elaborate on the differences between your Fessy and Carter?
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Jim Cohen
Member From: Philadelphia, PA
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posted 22 November 2006 01:45 PM
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I have owned 3 Fessies and they all were terrific guitars. I think David D.'s experience is an outlier, from what I know from speaking with lots of Fessy owners, and maybe is related to his second-hand axe having had an uncertain history before arriving on his doorstep? Not sure, but the weight of evidence is a definite 'YES' on 'FES' ! [This message was edited by Jim Cohen on 22 November 2006 at 01:45 PM.] |
Mike Wheeler
Member From: Columbus, Ohio, USA
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posted 22 November 2006 04:41 PM
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In an effort to add balance, I'm another "outlier". (is that a real word?) I had a Fessy S12U that sounded fantastic. But the mechanics were not smoothe at all. I tried to correct them and succeeded to a large degree, but when I found my current Dekley S12U I felt what smoothe really was! Sold the Fessy, kept the Dekley. (yes, the Dekley is a tank!!)That's why I strongly advise try-before-you-buy. |
David Doggett
Member From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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posted 22 November 2006 05:03 PM
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I agree Jerry Fessenden is a great guy, and he helped me as much as he could from a distance. The Fessy has great tone, and it is not easy to be as completely honest about the mechanics as I am being here. But I buy all my steels used and live far from any steel techs, and have to be able to setup and maintain my own instruments with no glitches. There was something about the bell crank design that gave a twist to the pull rod at the end of travel that prevented a smooth solid feel. And a couple of strings had an intermittent pop at the changer at the end of travel that I could never get rid of. Jerry is a great guy who is dedicated to his product, and I can only hope he will take my comments as constructive criticism that will help him improve his otherwise great product. |
Robert Cates
Member From: Maine, USA
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posted 23 November 2006 06:33 AM
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I did it..Got myself a new Fessy sd-10..Black mica with TT pickup. I think I'm going to like it. Thanks everyone for replying to my post. I guess some of the same things get rolled over and over on here(the forun). Jim Gorrie sent me back into the archives and the Fessy had two pages on it..thank you Jim..I read all of them... Thanks...Bob |
Jim Palenscar
Member From: Oceanside, Calif, USA
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posted 23 November 2006 07:07 AM
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Great guitars- and - again echoing other posts- Jerry is a fantastic guy to deal with! |
Larry Strawn
Member From: Golden Valley, Arizona, USA
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posted 23 November 2006 07:36 AM
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Well Robert,, How about a pic of your new "Baby"  Larry ------------------
"Fessy" S/D 12, 8/6 Hilton Pedal, Sessions 400 Ltd. Home Grown E/F Rack
"ROCKIN COUNTRY" |
Dan Beller-McKenna
Member From: Durham, New Hampshire, USA
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posted 23 November 2006 07:47 AM
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Robert,did you get one from Dana Flood at All Steel Guitars? Dan |
Tommy Cass
Member From: Baldwinville, Ma. U.S.A.
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posted 23 November 2006 07:54 AM
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David, I have had 2 used Franklin Guitars and a Sho-Bud SuperPro, that were not smooth. I took the changers apart, cleaned and rotated the shaft, and lubricated the shaft and fingers. After that they played as smooth as if they were new. I own a Fessenden, that I would say plays as smooth as the above mentioned guitars, and sounds every bit as good. When you buy a used guitar, you really don't know who has messed it up, or if it was lubricated properly... changers do gum up. Also the rodding has to be in the correct order.
Just my 2 cents worth. Tom |
Robert Cates
Member From: Maine, USA
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posted 23 November 2006 07:59 AM
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Yes..Dan
I met Dana for the first time about a week ago and immediately liked him. He knows alot about steels. Its a 2 hour drive from here but it sure is nice to have someone even that close. We graduated the same year in the same county.(different schools). Hes a good ole Maine boy. I don't want to say to much more about him because he might be listening....lol..just kidding..great guy.........BobLarry.I can barely turn this cimputer on!!! I could never figure out how to put picture in...[This message was edited by Robert Cates on 23 November 2006 at 08:07 AM.] |
James Quackenbush
Member From: Pomona, New York, USA
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posted 23 November 2006 09:16 AM
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Robert,
If you get a chance , check out Robert Randolph and the Family Band , and see how he beats on his Fessy...I figure if he can beat on a pedal steel the way he does, it's gotta be made STRONG !!...The Fessy sounds great too !!..Jim[This message was edited by James Quackenbush on 23 November 2006 at 09:17 AM.] |
David Doggett
Member From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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posted 23 November 2006 10:42 AM
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Tommy C., you are probably right. From others comments, it is certainly possible to setup a Fessy to play smooth. The twist of the pull rod was worst when the bell crank was far over from vertical. If the rod length was right to keep the crank more vertical, it probably wouldn't have been a problem. The popping at the changer seemed to have something to do with the tension springs, and probably an out of whack changer finger. I haven't had such problems with other used steels. So maybe I got a lemon, and maybe the Fessy is a little more finicky and needs to be setup just right. I know Emmons push/pulls are like that. They can be setup so clunky you can hardly play them, or they can be as smooth as silk. |
A. Roncetti
Member From: Ontario, Canada
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posted 24 November 2006 04:53 AM
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Here's mine......  this purple beast even earned a spot on the Fessy website. Beautiful sounding guitar. ------------------
Purple Fessenden SD-10 4X5
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Joe Smith
Member From: Charlotte, NC, USA
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posted 24 November 2006 07:08 AM
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IECE2Q3MKRQ
This is a link to me playing my Fessenden.
It is one of the best sounding steels I've ever owned.
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My playing sounds more like it did before than it does now
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Winston Street
Member From: Laurel, Mississippi, USA
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posted 24 November 2006 08:42 PM
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Jerry built me a U12 with 10 and 9. I love it. And Jerry will kill himself to satisfy you. Great guy, great guitar. winston |
KENNY KRUPNICK
Member From: Grove City,Ohio
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posted 25 November 2006 06:05 PM
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Winston, I'd like to see some pictures of your U-12. |
Curt Langston
Member From: ***In the shadows of Tulsa at Bixby, USA***
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posted 25 November 2006 06:42 PM
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Great playing and tone Joe! |
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