Six different Pedal Steel Guitars

Hearing differences between pedal steel guitars
Anapeg Universal 12
Emmons Bolt on push/pull
Emmons Universal 12
Emmons SD-12
Emmons Lashley Legrande 3
MSA Classic

[@earlywynnsalter5766]

There's not a musical instrument in the world that sounds any sweeter......and the most difficult to master .....than a pedal steel guitar when she's played right................................and you Sir gave all six of em justice................Great Job!..............

[@jackk9366]

The 1967 Emmons had the sweetest attack, making me instantly scroll up from the comments. But in your hands, all of 'em sounded heavenly. The MSA D10 also was lovely. When I upgrade from my carter, I will keep this in mind.

[@peterdaake2090]

Genious idea! My learning: It is not the instrument, it is the player who sounds good.

[@jeffsherman9638]

True

[@sveinunglilleheier4554]

Thanks. 😀😀

[@larrydering1598]

As a steel player myself they all sound great. Yes slight differences but no bad choices here. The Emmons have a slight edge but not enough to warrant more praise. I would lean towards the easiest to play. Fine music and playing.

[@joeystalloney5109]

The Emmons D10 wins for me. Most classic, iconic tone.

[@JamesEddie-gi5ck]

I have been playing for over 60yeats and owned my MSA FOR OVER 60 years and is still sound perfect..... . Bud Çarter was the builder in history of the MSA AND WE MISS HIM DEARLY.........

[@jonlight]

So well done, both the beautiful playing and the overall execution of the demonstration. Nice going!

[@ronscott168]

The Playing was great and I do think the Anapeg Universal 12 I could hear a difference in the tone but yet again the player usually always comes up with his own sound no matter the guitar.

[@davidbiagini9048]

There are slight tonal differences between the guitars, however in a song with other instruments I doubt many non-players would notice the difference. The 1967 Emmons push-pull was my favorite of the bunch, but they all sounded great.

[@sicochoco]

brooooo, with a player like you, they ALL sound heaven!!

[@RationalYouth]

Torn between the Anapeg and the Emmons 1980 but that MSA sounded different in a sexy kind of way.

[@scottjenkins8741]

Absolutely beautiful. I’ve loved that song for years but never heard it played on steel. When you play as well as you play, who cares what make of guitar you play.

[@nathanjasper512]

Lol, that's what I said. Those harmonics.

[@sveinunglilleheier4554]

Thanks!

[@sawmill9392]

Amazing, I could listen to this all day, thanks for the diverse instruments tunes.

[@sveinunglilleheier4554]

Thanks!

[@MrGarywjacob]

Fantastic!!!! They all sound great!!!! The Bolt is my favorite!!! The bottom end!!! Great Job!!!

[@morebanjos]

And the bolt is distinctive I can hear the tone and gut they have. Nice playing as well

[@sveinunglilleheier4554]

Thanks!

[@633014]

Fabulous playing,sooo smooth,nice touch!Thanks for this interesting comparison.

[@johnmcclung4736]

I hope you'll add more videos of your playing, you sound great and have a wonderful touch. Angelic harmonics, my man!

[@bluesteel48]

All of these guitars sound great. But, on steel guitar, so much is in your hands and your touch and that department you excel. VERY nicely done.

[@JamesEddie-gi5ck]

Such a beautiful job........ you can tell he has put a lot of thought into this song and he is PITCH PERFECT........THANKS FOR THIS SONG, PLEASE LET US SEE MORE..........

[@AdKe1955]

Hi Sveinung, "From a distance" is a great song and a long time favourite for me. As for the differences in sound: yes they are present but it is not a big difference. For me, the Anapeg sounds sweet, well balanced and silky (I can understand why it is your favourite) but also lacks some transparency. Emmons has the most punchy tone with more highs and some even sound a bit thin and harsh, especially the two 12 strings. The Legrande III has the least aggressive tone of the 4 Emmons models but I best like the sound of the black D12. MSA has a more mellow tone, more mid and the least favourite tone for me. Apart from differences in body and built, these steel also have different pickups as a main factor in sound differences. Not only different brands but maybe also different in impedance. I see a TrueTone on the black Emmons D12 and maybe on the S12 Universal but I cannot tell for the other models. Anyway, great playing and I am sure a lot of the tone is in your hands! 👌

[@nordendio]

wow! stunning! beautiful! for me the winner is the bolt on though all sound great in your hands!

[@sierrasteelguitars6459]

Fantastic, great video, guitars, playing and tune choice, just beautiful!

[@scottjenkins8741]

id love to have that rhythm track. Cant get enough of your playing that song !

[@TheSteelguy101]

Excellent playing - really nice treatment of this song

[@fuzzydunlop365]

You sound great on all of them! Interesting to compare.

[@RandyDSims]

Great video, and amazing playing skills.

[@dennisboyce813]

You played it so pretty I forgot to listen for the differences but I did notice a change in sound when you switched to the MSA.

[@andy_travis]

same!

[@jukeboxfan60]

For me it’s the Anapeg for sure . Sounds like my WBS. Well played sir !

[@boeserbube6531]

Sounds fantastic, excellent playing, thank you very much!

[@Steelplayer59]

Very nicely done! Excellent playing, editing, and comparison technique. No dialogue: just letting the instruments do the “singing “. The Anapeg is new to me, but sounds fantastic! My early years as a player, I had a single neck Emmons P-P, but traded for a single neck MSA (70’s) Classic because it had more pedals and knee levers. I still own that guitar. I changed the pickup to a Bill Lawrence humbucker some years ago, and it did improve the tone, but never seemed to equal the Emmons in tonality, though the guitar was masterfully built. I now own a double-neck Mullen HWP (Herby Wallace) model, and would have loved to have heard one in your lineup for this comparison. I’m very happy with that guitar. Thanks for all your work to produce such a great video.

[@mdhsabh]

Exceptional technique on a beautiful song. I subscribed to your channel. Thank you for sharing!

[@kathybaker3379]

It sound great to me it is the steel player that makes it sound good all the guitars sound good great job

[@Paul_Hinton]

Beautifully played and carefully compared! Thank you :-)

[@jasaco22]

Beautifully played. There may be some very slight differences (perhaps in how long the chimes ring out?) but they are irrelevant. Your playing transcends any such differences. Bravo!

[@andy_travis]

Badass cover, bro! Incredible, really.

[@irishrocker1125]

i heard beautiful playing that much i know for sure!! as far as differences, they were extremely subtle. but I'm just getting into steel and my ears are new to the sound.

[@idahobuckaroo8348]

Absolutely fabulous! Thank you for sharing. 😃

[@tommietalkiesfilms79]

Originally I commented that I could hear the difference. Now I don’t think i can. Nice playing

[@jonathanreynoldscountry]

Loved the bolt on Emmons push pull!

[@guillermoberlanga2884]

I love the s12 Emmons... it´s a push pull... to my ears, the s12 emmons is more lively... the interaction with two or more notes its wonderfull. Next, the d10 emmons pp. The Anapeg powerfull lower notes...

[@sveinunglilleheier4554]

Thanks. Yes, the s12 Emmons is the One I bring to most gigs. It’s not irreplacable like the Anapeg and it sounds great and is very stable. Thanks again! 😀

[@nathanjasper512]

Don't care which one he plays. He just sounds amazing.

[@toddgreenwood9631]

honestly ... I don't really hear a difference other than a slight change in the pickups (slightly brighter slightly darker but it could have all been done on the same guitar from my listening) but your human tone is beautiful. Loved the video.

[@superorangeish]

Fantastic volume pedal finesse,with your great playing

[@Riley-Thurm]

Great playing!

[@Junior-jw1bb]

Beautiful song. Yes I do hear the difference but all the steel’s have their own beautiful voice.

[@BlindTom61]

I've got two bolton D10s. Nothing can touch them for looks or tone. YMMV and it's all good...

[@forenamesurname4576]

Dude, why must you torment us with only 1 video, your playing is great please upload more 😁👍👍

[@donmarlon5924]

Beautiful! Thanks so much.

[@sonemusic9606]

Very nice! Keep up the good work and never stop grinding! !d

[@bryanbeggs7784]

That is beautiful!

[@j.w.groves2199]

I like the lashly Legrand 3 the 👌 best

[@Ramenscooter]

Anapeg sounds like heaven.

[@JimE6243]

Superb!! More!

[@bentromnes7865]

Not much of a difference at all Sveinung .. the 67 PP bolt on has the only detectable difference of clarity and bell like tone. Really, to my ears , it proves again that it is mostly in the hands and brain of the player. The white MSA is a bit subdued. Very well played!

[@dickhitchcock6004]

I agree with Bent....The old push pull sounds the best.....almost as good as my Justice.

[@maverickdallas1004]

All of those guitars sounded nice, but that 1967 Emmons push-pull was truly special!

[@MrPatdeeee]

brain, heart and the hands.

[@benniejohnson81]

Beautiful job! My least favorite was the 1980 Emmons. I believe you may have found your voice on the Anapeg. Very sweet.

[@tommietalkiesfilms79]

Yes I can hear differences.

[@kurtjohnston6419]

Good song selection ,expert performance. Great editing. For me the double neck Emmons (right after the Anapeg) is the sound that attracts me.

[@janviljoen7001]

I agree.

[@ianayler5418]

I Agree With The Sound Of The Anapeg Is Sound Soft And Beautiful. My Favorite Out Of The Six

[@stefannetsman4644]

All sound great under Your hands. But if I had to pick one it’s the LeGrande III

[@mr.shredder5430]

this why i love western country songs

[@peterellman9672]

really great

[@nataliosoto9195]

Yes is different maybe is his oun arrangement . But sounds superb.

[@Sluggo01]

Nice, yes a diff between guitars ...mid neck and down ..nice difference...emmons aliitle fuller..MSA surprise though..

[@jamesh4966]

A good musician can make any instrument sound good or great.

[@dennisshellhouse6219]

As I have long believed, its not so much the arrow, as the Indian. Excellent treatment , and playing. If I had a preference it would probably be the PP Emmons.

[@sveinunglilleheier4554]

Thanks!

[@vassilitube1]

very nice !

[@MrLarsenTube]

Det var vakkert. Jeg hører litt forskjell på gitarene men alt høres vakkert ut.

[@glenhenning9261]

Interesting that they're all single coil pickups. I have a 12 string 1974 MSA classic 7 plus 5 with original single coil, it's very bright and dynamic, but I prefer my Carter 12 universal 7/5 with a very bright humbucker that has just a little more "body" to it. The typical h/b p/u that came on the Carter was just too dark and un-inspiring no matter what amp settings I used.

[@sicochoco]

Would LOVE to see more videos of you playing, also those nice guitars you have there hanging, I would pay to see!!, got Patreon or anything else? you give lessons??

[@BassTheUniverseMan]

Nice!

[@jackwilson9039]

I wonder what the out come would have been if you hadn't show the brand of guitar?

[@NemoNepersonne]

What a terrific video! While I can tell these apart, they all sound equally wonderful. I couldn’t say “ I have to have THAT one!” Of course, now that you know that, you can sell all but one and buy a new car for cash.

[@verycrankyperson]

Great playing, but not enough high-mids like a Fender 400 or Sho-Bud, or ZB.

[@coskunguclu8591]

What is the piece being played? Its totally beautiful

[@JohnSims3]

Very nice! Where can I download the backing track you used for this? I'd like to learn how to play it on my U-12!

[@thorbjrnm3636]

I can hear the trouts rising!

[@cornbobrimlove7892]

They all sounded pretty muddy to me. Not any notable differences really.

[@donchristy5469]

Very beautiful! I like the SD 12 Emmons . Nice warm tone. Are you using your Seventh Circle NP 72 Preamp with the DI out to your computer? If not, how do you have this set up to record?

[@sveinunglilleheier4554]

Thanks! From the preamp it goes into RME FireFace800 to computer.

[@donchristy5469]

@@sveinunglilleheier4554 Thank you!

[@tuckerjackson4894]

Well done, Sveinung! Which one is your favorite?

[@sveinunglilleheier4554]

Thanks. The Anapeg is my overall favourite. However when I play Emmons PP they sound amazing to me. I like them all. 😂

[@gmarc1955]

Asking any one… what is the best music app for songs without lyrics, or machine.. Thanks

[@MrPatdeeee]

"Six different Pedal Steel Guitars" For what it's worth: The reason Ron Lashley Sr; owner of Emmons (a dear friend) changed from a "Bolt-on"; to a "Wrap-around"; to finally a "Cut-Neck"; was because of of the aluminum neck "Expanding" to "Contracting"; according to temperature. And that was very hard on players: who would pull their guitars out of their cars in 10° weather; taking it in to the Opry (and other places); only to have the guitar's tuning constantly change; as the guitar warmed. Worse, the "Sho-Buds" did not have an aluminum neck; so no problems. Thus, Shot Jackson (owner of "Sho- Bud") would tell the players like Weldon Myrick; "YOU need to throw that piece of junk; into the garbage; and come back to what brought you to the show!" And he said it loud and clear; with a few profanities and obscenities no less...Oh Yeah! But Ron was NOT going to let that happen. So he, being a "Physic's Professor", found a way to stop that quagmire. So He first went to the "Wrap-Around". That helped a lot; but NOT enough to please the players and Ron. So he finally created the "Cut-Neck". And that solved the problem. It has never been changed. Now...the sound DID lesson in each step. But it was so little; that it was the best of the two problems. For what it's worth. And may Jesus rest the souls of Shot Jackson, Weldon Myrick; and all the others that stayed with Emmons. Which truly has THE best sound; to match "The Nashville Sound" that was expanding fast. End of Story and I rest me case. May Jesus bless you and yours always.

[@MrPatdeeee]

"Addendum" The reason the Emmons' "Push-Pull" Pedal Steel Guitars; has THE most awesome sound of any PSG ever made (Most players will echo that, some won't of course). Anyways; here is the reason for that "exclusive" sound: It has to do with HOW the "Changer" is attached to the wooden neck; and the way the "Key Stock" is attached to the left body end. At that time ALL changers were bolted to the neck from the top. But the major part of the Push-Pull changer was NOT bolted to the top of the neck. Rather: the changer fingers were held hard to the END of the wood. But NOT the end of the guitar. So Ron Lashley had the fingers go through a hole in the neck; and the fingers were PUSHED very hard to the end of the left part of the hole; with very powerful springs. 20 of 'em, no less! This allowed the ringing strings' "vibrations"; to reach the wooden's "end grains". This created an incredible "musical intonation" coming out of the Pick-Up; as the vibrations going back and forth through the wood's grains; between the changer fingers and the Key stock. Wow! Thus, the sound was like NO other sound in the world; when it came to "Pedal Steel Guitars". So WHY in the pluperfect hallelujah; did Ron go back to an "ALL-PULL" PSG. HUH?. "Elementary* my dear Watson?". Hmmm... ONLY one hole in the raise and lower (especially lower) bell-cranks; NO longer suited the many pedals and knee levers "changes". AND...in the case of lowering; it would have been a madness scenario; trying to work on and add the lower rods. So Ron said, "We must go to ALL-Pull to stay in business"!. And he did it and they called it "The Lashley" PSG. Did it lessen that Push-Pull sound. It indeed did. But "It was close enough". That has been proven; because there are way more Emmons' All-Pull's than Push-Pull's. Thanks to the smartest man; I have EVERY known; in my 90 yrs on this earth. AKA: "Ron Lashley Sir". And I cry every time I realize that he is no longer with us. May Jesus rest his precious Soul. * Philip St. John Basil Rathbone (13 June 1892 - 21 July 1967)

[@MrPatdeeee]

"Addendum ll" I said ALL the above to say the following: When the first Emmons' Push-Pulls came out in '65, some had "dead sounds". Believe it or not. I had it when I bought my Emmons PP in 1969. It never had the sound. I was devastated; because NO one knew how to get that sound. Oh...IF I only knew how easy to get that sound; I would have that guitar today. But I sold it. Oh if I had that, I could get that sound with nothing but a screwdriver and my hands. Believe it or not. But before I give "the" secret; hear this... Ron Lashley called me and asked me if I would video Buddy Charleton's "classes". I was honored. And I did it and It took all day. And it was awesome. To me the late Buddy Charleton is 2nd ONLY to the late Buddy Emmons. While there; Ron, Larry Sasser and I went out to eat dinner. So I asked Ron HOW to get those dead Emmons; PP's to what they are supposed to sound. He said, "I know how, but IF I told you,I would have to kill you!" That was the end of that. But there is always a way; IF you are determined (and pray to Jesus) to find it. And I did. Here it is: Take a screw driver; and find the screws that bind the neck to the body. Then do this: Tighten each screw AND...then back off 1/4 turn on each screw. That is all it takes. So what is this doing? "Elementary* my dear Watson!" Dat dadgum nek won' vibrate, if it is screwed on tite! Huh?. So slacken "themthar" screws won quarter ova toeen. LOL! End of Story and I rest me case. Praise Jesus "Holy Name; for giving us the ability to get "to the root cause!". But yuz gotta pray to Him first! AMEN! * Philip St. John Basil Rathbone (13 June 1892 - 21 July 1967)

[@sveinunglilleheier4554]

Thanks! Great stories and lots of good knowledge!! All the best 👍😀

[@ianhaedicke5526]

What is the name of this song