Goodrich Steel Driver for Dirt?

[Jerry Overstreet]

How does everybody feel about the Steel Driver for edge, distortion etc. with the pedal steel?

I had one years ago that crapped out early and don't recall how useful it really was. Service was more expensive that I wanted to pay. Almost as much as a new one so I gave it to one of my acquaintances. He's gone now, so don't know what happened to it or if he ever had it serviced.

Anybody used one recently? Please chime in with results. Thx.

[Larry Dering]

Jerry, I bought a used one a few years ago and tried it. I wasn't excited by the tones and I'm not sure what anyone would use it for. Definitely not any tones I use.

[Jerry Overstreet]

Thanks Larry. I think one side is the same as the Match Box and I'm familiar with those, still have one but never use it.

I was just curious what players think of the distortion side of these things as I've completely forgotten.

[Dale Rivard]

Hi Jerry, I used a Steel Driver 2 for 20+ years. The distortion works fine if you want a raunchy sound and for Marty Robbin's, "Don't Worry About Me". ha I used the unit mostly for the buffer side of things. I've since sold it and now use an Earth Drive. It's more subtle and has more control which allows you to mix in the clean tones of the steel. It's more to my liking.

[David Wright]

I can't remember when I didn't use Good~Rich fuzzzzz...
Works great for (me)...
Here's some video of me using it...
Starts 2:30....
https://youtu.be/MOigGM7zdSM

[Jerry Overstreet]

That's some nice blues there David. Sounds great.

[Jerry Overstreet]

I dug out my old Boss Tone fiddle fuzz thingy so I'll just use that until I decide on something else.

[Jim Palenscar]

I've used one forever

[Jon Jaffe]

I have been using this for years. It’s fuzz not overdrive or distortion, but live the audience cannot tell. It’s also an impedance control so I can control tone. I’m looking for another. When it failed about 20 years ago it was a bad solder. Goodrich would not touch it. I had a friend at AMD who repaired it in ten minutes. The pots are sometimes scratchy but respond with exercise.

[Patrick Huey]

How does everybody feel about the Steel Driver for edge, distortion etc. with the pedal steel?

I had one years ago that crapped out early and don't recall how useful it really was. Service was more expensive that I wanted to pay. Almost as much as a new one so I gave it to one of my acquaintances. He's gone now, so don't know what happened to it or if he ever had it serviced.

Anybody used one recently? Please chime in with results. Thx.

Jerry it depends on what amp you are using. Solid state it would require using whatever “drive/fuzz” circuit it’s got and whether you like that particular tone. If you are playing a tube amp you can use its level knob like a tube screamer to push the amp into breakup without altering its tone (one reason I prefer my tube amps)

[Jerry Overstreet]

Thanks for your response Patrick.

I was referring to my SS amps and rigs. I'm pretty well satisfied with the Boss Tone for what I'm doing with steel for now.

I thought I had a lead on a Steel Driver at a reasonable cost which is why I asked the question but it did not materialize.

[Larry Dering]

Jerry I have one that I don't use. Let me know if you're interested.

[Jon Jaffe]

I'm Interested if it's the one I pictured.

[Jerry Overstreet]

I'll PM you Larry.

[Larry Dering]

Jon, mine is the Steeldriver II model.