🥇 ShopSavvy Best Picks

Expert recommendations for the best overall, budget, and specialized product picks.

Our researchers bring you our top recommendations. Each article usually highlights the best overall choice, a budget-friendly option, and picks for specific needs, helping you shop smarter and with confidence.

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How is the sound quality of the UNOKKI 17 Key Kalimba, especially the higher notes?

May 9th 2024

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Best Pedal Steel Guitars 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: May 17th, 2024

🎸The pedal steel guitar is a fascinating and complex instrument, cherished for its distinctive sound and incredible versatility. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, finding the right pedal steel guitar can be quite the challenge. With so many models out there, each with its own character and sound, making a choice can feel overwhelming.

Our guide for 2024 is here to help. We've pulled together insights and feedback from industry experts to present you with the best options for different tastes and budgets. Let’s dive in and discover the perfect pedal steel guitar for your musical journey.

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Overall Best: Emmons Push-Pull

The Emmons Push-Pull is widely revered for its crystal-clear tone and historical significance. Crafted primarily between the 1960s and 1970s, this model's push-pull changer system contributes to its legendary sound, favored by many pedal steel aficionados. It can be a bit challenging to set up and maintain, but the exceptional tonal payoff is worth the effort. Notably associated with the iconic Buddy Emmons, the Emmons Push-Pull stands tall as our overall best choice for those seeking an authentic pedal steel experience.

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Runner-up: Mullen G2

The Mullen G2 is celebrated for its top-notch mechanics, playability, and stability. Known as a 'dream instrument' for many, its beautifully designed undercarriage and superior changer make it a standout option. Due to its high demand, there's often a four-month wait to acquire one, but the excellent tone and mechanical precision make the wait worthwhile. If the Emmons Push-Pull is beyond your reach, the Mullen G2 is a fantastic alternative, offering exceptional quality and performance.

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Budget Pick: Williams S-10

Williams EXS-10 Screw Extractor Set, 10-Piece, Black 10 Piece

For players on a budget, the Williams S-10 provides outstanding value without sacrificing quality. Its elegant design and reliable performance set it apart in its price range. Unlike many competitors, it doesn't charge extra for a lacquer finish, making it more affordable. Innovatively engineered, the Williams S-10 delivers commendable tone and is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality instrument at a more accessible price point.

Lowest at Amazon

$133.37 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$119.81 at Walmart

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Still curious about the Williams EXS-10 Screw Extractor Set? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How durable are the Williams EXS-10 Screw Extractors?

The Williams EXS-10 Screw Extractors have a pretty strong reputation when it comes to durability. According to the manufacturer's product description, these extractors are made in the USA, which often signals quality craftsmanship. Based on our research, people who've used them often praise their solid performance. Many note that these extractors hold up really well, even in tough industrial settings, and they manage to keep working efficiently. It seems like the materials and design really do the trick for both personal and professional tasks. There's a note worth mentioning—while the extractors themselves are U.S.-made, not all users are as impressed with the packaging or case, which might be made elsewhere. Still, this doesn't seem to affect how well the extractors work. Williams has been around for over 140 years, and that experience shows up in tools like this. They're designed to handle various jobs, working with both left and right-handed threads, which adds some nice versatility. So, if you're dealing with stubborn screws in a shop or an industrial environment, the EXS-10 set seems like a reliable choice that’s built to last. They're definitely favored by those looking for durable extraction tools with quality made into their core parts.

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Are the Williams EXS-10 Screw Extractors made in the USA?

Yep, the Williams EXS-10 Screw Extractor Set is made in the USA. It's a detail that's pretty important for people who like to support American manufacturing. The manufacturer's product description mentions that the extractors themselves are made domestically. There’s been a bit of confusion because the carry case they come with is made in China, which has thrown some folks off. Aside from that, the extractors have a good reputation. Our research shows they're great at removing both left and right-handed broken screws, bolts, and studs. They're praised for their quality and durability, and they seem to outshine other extractors out there. Many users have highlighted how tough these extractors are and their high success rate, especially in professional settings. When put to the test, these screw extractors work well without wrecking the surrounding material. This is often a problem with spiral-type extractors, but not so much here. Professionals who use them a lot have noted their effectiveness. Most people using them say they're happy with how they perform, which says a lot about their solid build and American craftsmanship. So if you're keen on tools made in the USA, the Williams EXS-10 is a solid choice, offering quality and effectiveness where it counts.

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How effective are the Williams EXS-10 Screw Extractors at removing broken bolts?

Hey! So, if you're curious about how well the Williams EXS-10 Screw Extractors handle broken bolts, here's what we've found. This set's really made to deal with broken screws and bolts, including both left and right-hand threads. According to the manufacturer's description, each extractor comes with stamped drill bit sizes, which makes it easier to match the right bit for the job. You basically drill a hole into the broken piece and pop in the right-sized extractor to pull it out. From what we've gathered, folks seem to find this set pretty strong and reliable. It's useful for everything from fixing stuff around the house to handling more challenging industrial tasks. People have had good results using these in tough situations, like with broken bolts in engines. The heavy-duty build is a big plus if you're working on important machinery repairs. But, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Although these extractors are pretty sturdy, they might struggle a bit with really tough or rusted screws. Some folks mentioned that the extractors can twist if you apply too much force or if you try them on really stuck bolts without preparing, like using some heat or lubrication first. There's also been some feedback about minor differences in the sets, like color or design inconsistencies. These haven't really affected how they work, but they've been a minor annoyance for a few people. All in all, the Williams EXS-10 Screw Extractors are generally a solid option for most broken bolt situations. Just a good idea to have some extra stuff like penetrating oil or a heat source around for those extra stubborn bolts. That way, you can give the extractors a better shot at doing their thing without too much hassle.

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Best for Classic Tone: Emmons Lashley LeGrande II

The Emmons Lashley LeGrande II continues the prestigious Emmons legacy with its superior all-pull system, exceptional tone, and craftsmanship. This modern model marries traditional design with innovative improvements, appealing to players intent on achieving a classic pedal steel sound. Known for its robust construction and versatile performance, it's a go-to for many professional musicians seeking reliability and excellence.

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Best for Unique Design: Excel Pedal Steels

Excel Pedal Steels, manufactured by the Fuzzy Steel Guitar Company in Japan, are distinguished by their innovative designs and meticulous craftsmanship. These instruments are renowned for their precision and unique sound profile, making them a standout choice. Perfect for players desiring an instrument with visual flair and distinctive sonic characteristics, Excel Pedal Steels impress both aesthetically and acoustically.

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