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I figure this one doesn't get asked a lot. I have an excellent 1959 L4C with a floating Dearmond. It is very resonant in very good condition. Once the Trenier came around, along with using my Tele set up for jazz, I'm not playing it at all. I'm about to get a high end lap steel, The Duesy fairytale. It's about 3k. It has hand levers that create a pedal steel sound along with superb electronics, a beast for recording. I'm actually heading to Nashville to do an album in November. Gotta get ready! I played a real pedal steel over 25 years ago and that Sho Bud will be traded for the lap. The owner of the store wants my Gibson and offered 3K. I'd appreciate any advice this group has. I know I could sell it directly for more (he wouldn't offer 3k without being confident of that) but I wonder how much more? I could post some pics. I could just put it up for sale but I'm asking because I will be traveling to get the Lap and drop off the pedal steel Friday. The travel from the Vineyard where I live is a lot of time and expense so I'm leaning toward just getting it done in one trip. I'm thinking $3500 is my bottom line though. It has a very battered original case and an excellent newer hard case. Thanks....Peter
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08-28-2023 08:58 AM
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"Very good" condition is open to interpretation. Sunburst/blonde? How clean/original is it? What model Dearmond?
Asking prices are all over the map and '59 is a prime year for Gibson (though not as important in an L4 as say a 335 or Les Paul of course) For the longest time they were a $2500 guitar but excellent condition examples are around 5-6K retail these days, give or take. The Dearmond could add another $300-1000 depending on model.
Post a few pics and a better idea can be determined.
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Here's pics. All original including original pick guard/screws before Dearmond placed. Original case as imaged. Excellent newer hard case not imaged. There's lighting streaks not in the guitar. Don't know which model Dearmond, please tell me!
Originally Posted by wintermoon
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I was assuming dearmond floater. Those don’t diminish value but any modification to the top (as required by this pickup) would.
but yeah you can get more than 3k for sure if you’re patient. Everything else about it seems fine. I imagine you had to modify the nut to put those black strings on?
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I didn't touch the nut. Do you know the Dearmond model name? Can you tell me what modifications were needed? Thanks much. Originally Posted by omphalopsychos
And...in your opinion, would patience eventually result in no more than 4K, or might it bring more?
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Looks like a Dearmond Model 55. At a minimum, your guitar was modified with a few holes to mount the pickup, and a hole for the output jack. It might have a hole for the pickup wire, or it could just be routed through the f-hole under the pickguard. Originally Posted by Woodstove
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gotcha. It was routed through the f-hole. Originally Posted by customxke
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I thought floater too, but in this case it probably adds nothing and likely detracts some value to a collector. Originally Posted by omphalopsychos
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Nice thing about those pickups is that they’re slim and probably don’t require a cutout beyond the holes for screws.
What wintermoon said is correct, but I still be you can beat $3k. I wouldn’t be surprised if you get over 4k honestly.
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What model Sho-Bud are you trading for the lap steel?
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Pro Custom III Originally Posted by SierraTango
The last time I tried to play it over 20 years ago I discovered a hinge for the leftmost knee pedal was broken. I ordered a replacement that should be here this week. I know the pickups are working. The C6 neck is strung (ah yes the how often do we change strings thread rears it's head!) the E9 neck has no strings. Cosmetically it's in good shape. The store offered $1000 as is, no matter what they find setting it up, even if the replacement hinge doesn't get here. Original case.
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A Pro III is a pretty desirable PSG, even in non playable condition. $1000 is a sweet deal for the store. Sounds like you have already settled the trade in terms, however you might mention it over on the PSG forum. Those old Buds have a lot of loyal fans. Originally Posted by Woodstove
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Thanks and I agree it's potentially worth at least $2500. But I really don't know what I would find setting her up, how much she needs. And I'm not someone who can hack the mechanics (which automatically excludes me from the card carrying PSG club). I would be very uncomfortable representing it to the PSG folks so I'm taking this chance to get this instrument back out into the world and out of my closet. Originally Posted by SierraTango
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If you are happy with deal then that's great. Most PSG guys live for finding a steel in ok shape and bringing it back to its former glory. You could reach out to Damir at steelguitarsonline.com for another opinion. No connection, etc. Originally Posted by Woodstove
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Sounds like you’ve got a plan in place for the Sho-Bud, but if you have second thoughts you might consult with Tommy Cass in Northern MA (I’m assuming you’re on MV). Tommy worked on a number of pedal steels for me when I was trying to play the instrument a few years back. Another idea would be to ask for opinions as to value on the Pedal Steel Guitar Forum after discussing what you know about the guitar and posting a few pictures, particularly of the undercarriage. Originally Posted by Woodstove
Best of luck with your transactions, your travel and your new album!
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The prices seem all over the place on reverb right now, anywhere from $4-10k. Considering the routing and assuming you're probably getting cash, that may not be a bad deal. But at the same time if you listed it for $5k I wouldn't be surprised if someone eventually comes along and buys it.
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Thanks! I'll contact him. Do you mind if I say you sent me using your handle? Originally Posted by SierraTango
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Thanks. I looked and see he is a master restorer of PS, but don't find a contact. Do you happen to have one? Originally Posted by bmw2002
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Sure, but I doubt if he will remember me. BMW2002 has another great idea if you are in the area, Tommy Cass is very well respected. A friend of mine that plays PSG bought a Emmons P/P from Damir and it is incredible. Originally Posted by Woodstove
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Sorry, I don’t have his contact info any longer, but he’s still an active member on the Steel Guitar Forum and can be reached via PM or e-mail through that site. Just do a search under “Members” and you’ll find him. Very nice guy … Originally Posted by Woodstove
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$3,000 for that L-4C in that condition with that pickup is not a good deal for you.
Last edited by Hammertone; 08-30-2023 at 02:45 AM.
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Thanks Hammertone and to all who have responded. You have me reconsidering. There's no necessity to sell the L4 to the store when I get the Lap Steel. I'll hold onto it and likely put it up here for something like $4500 and see what happens. It would be a plus if it ends in the hands of a forum member. But the pedal steels' fate is sealed. The store has discounted the lap $350 which is the same as giving me $1350 for the sho-bud. They'll have to work to get it to where it can fetch a lot of money. Just getting the beast out the door makes my wife very happy, and that's, you know, priceless. Originally Posted by Hammertone
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I want to thank everyone again. Not for persuading me to get more dollars for the L4, rather helping me to calm down and try and reconnect with it. I got it in 1992 at Rudy's and knew it was very special. Extremely resonant and rich sounding. But my "day job" in medicine prevented me from playing it very much. When I returned to music full time this year I got a tele that I love and the Trenier that I adore. I still never dug into the L4. So I decided to put a set of TI 12 swings instead of the jazz tapes and have been playing it all day. It's wonderful, again with a very rich deep tone, a very different voice than the Trenier or Tele. A voice that deserves a place in my choir. I'm keeping it! Thanks again....Peter
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