Considering a Mullen Discovery but may need a padded rear neck

[David Harrison]

Hey guys, I could use your input if you don't mind. I've been shopping around for a new S10 guitar, and looking at what's out there, I've pretty much settled on the Mullen Discovery. My question is directed to anyone who has back issues. I've never played an SD-10 with the pad, does the pad help by taking some strain off of your back? (Broke mine 3 years ago) I don't think the Discovery is available on an SD body. (Getting mails from Mullen is hit-and-miss, but I know the owner passed recently, so it's understandable)
Thanks in advance!

[Austin Tripp]

I use to play an S12 uni but found without the pad, my 12th string (which is a .70w) would tap my pickup due to the side of my palm pressing it. Bad posture on my end and poor playing technique. However with the pad, I can rest my right wrist right on the pad and it has improved my posture and playing technique. I’ve never played an S10 but I can imagine an added pad, at least for your right wrist can definitely improve technique. Don Bloodsworth makes some awesome pads that attach to the rear legs and can run the full length of the fretboard, or he can make one just for your right wrist which is what I use on my S12 when I play it.

[Austin Tripp]

Also, as someone who has had the L5 completely replaced, it does help with back problems. The pad gives you more of a “lift” I guess while playing.

[Bobby D. Jones]

From pictures on the Mullen Web site, The Discovery series S10 has about 1 1/2" to 2" strip of body behind the neck.
It could accept a small pad about 1 1/2" wide.
I have installed pads on MSA S10, Keyed and Keyless GFI S12's. Used commercial grade Vel-Cro. No holes in guitar, And pad can be removed to put the guitar in its case.
Here is a picture of pad and bar holder on a GFI, S12 keyless .

DSC00707.JPG

The pad is a piece of wood, Covered with quilt padding, Then covered with Naga-Hyde, Bar rest carved out of the wood. The pad is higher in changer/ pickup area, For picking hand and wrist support. Happy Steelin.

[Jerry Overstreet]

Well, here I go again against the grain. I'd guess that about 90% at least of SD10s do have a pad, I know I'm in the minority but I would encourage you to skip the pad. I don't like the way one's arms drag on it.

I have a bad back too with about everything you can name that starts with an "S" and it wouldn't improve my pain or navigation to have a pad.

I play D10s and even the strings on the rear neck are a bothersome drag when playing the front neck. I love the old Sho~Buds with the thicker wood decks which really raise the front deck or lower the rear, however you view it, and separates them to a more comfortable height and relieves the arm drag. All current D10s are 1/2 decks so you only have 1/4 in. relief.

Yes, I know you are talking about an S10 but it's my suggestion to at least try your new Discovery, yes only available in an S10 body, without any ugly bolt on pad at first. I just think they are a bad idea on either S10 or SD10 and I seriously doubt it would do anything positive for your back condition. That's my experience and opinion for whatever it's worth. Happy Pickin'!

[Troy Engle]

Discoverys are gonna be hard to find used, and a new one might take 2-3 years to get from what I've been reading. I'd highly recommend a Stage One or an older Emmons GS-10, if you're looking for a light, but pro guitar. The GS-10s are the lightest steels I've ever seen, you can lift them with one hand, and you can always add knee levers if needed. Of course the Stage One would come ready to go with 3x4. You can get one of those additional pads as mentioned as well.

[David Harrison]

Thanks for the input, guys! I really appreciate it.
I played a Sho-Bud Professional years ago, but only played the E9th neck, and don't think the rear neck created any problems, but that was a long time ago, and I didn't have a busted back!
There are lots of choices for guitars these days, but only a few look good to me, so I'll have to call around and find out what the wait times are.
Again, thanks for everyone's help!
Love this forum!
Dave