"Ask Bud!"

Question:

I heard recently that a manufacturer is claiming that lightweight steels have compromised cabinet design, leading to the "dreaded 'cabinet drop'" (detuning as the pedals are depressed). Is this accurate? What causes cabinet drop, anyway?

Answer:

All pedal steel guitars have some cabinet drop (physical detuning). The amount of cabinet drop is basically a function of any one or a combination of these 4 things:

1. Volume and type of wood or metal used in a cabinet;
   
   
2. Construction and design of the pedal activator and stop mechanisms;
   
   
3. The amount of pressure used and/or required to activate the pedals; and
   
   
4. The position of the pedals.

All things being equal, detuning will decrease in each of the following 4 cases:

1. Emmons pedal setups will detune less than Day setups. This is because the A and B pedals are farther from the center of the guitar on the Emmons setups.
   
   
2. If less pressure (easier action) is required to activate them, the pedals will detune less.
   
   
3. Using a lighter foot will cause less detuning; and
   
   
4. Increasing the thickness of material in the cabinet (in the correct places) will reduce detuning.

Many players are surprised to learn that the amount of wood used in the cabinets of most steels is very close to the same from Brand to Brand. Wood does not make a major contribution to the weight of a steel guitar.

Most steels have excess weight in places and parts that have nothing to do with causing cabinet drop. A good steel guitar design will reduce weight where it is not needed for strength or functionality. At the same time, a good design also will increase weight where it is needed for improved performance, tone, or reduction of cabinet drop. The end result should be a lighter, easier playing, better sounding, and stronger guitar.

The bottom line is that a steel guitar definitely can be lightweight without compromising cabinet design and without causing an increase in cabinet drop.

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