Hilton vs. Goodrich.....

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 14 Feb 2002 7:58 am

Has anyone any experience of both of these 'light beam' volume pedals?

I'm thinking of getting one, and I'd be obliged if anyone is able to suggest one over the other for any reason.

Isn't the Goodrich a bit cheaper?

Thanks...

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Roger Rettig
Emmons LGIII(S10/D10)& MCI D10

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 14 Feb 2002 8:59 am

There was a thread several months ago about the two, but I don't think there was any definitive answer.

Both are "electronic" but how it's accomplished is quite different.

I use a Goodrich 120, standard pot pedal, but if I were going for an electronic volume pedal I'd go for the Hilton. I like the (electronic) design and Keith's personal service.

Chuck Norris · Post by **Chuck Norris** » 14 Feb 2002 9:10 am

The Goodrich is only cheaper because some dealers feel they have to give them away. They retail for more than the Hilton. And Keith wont alloy his product to be discounted. God bless him for that.
Chuck Norris

Pete Burak · Post by **Pete Burak** » 14 Feb 2002 9:15 am

I'm using the Goodrich version of the Hilton pedal. I think it's called a CV-2 (CD-2?).
I got it in a trade (Otherwise I think they are both 2X too expensive).
I like the Goodrich because it has stereo inputs/outputs which opens up alot of variations of use with stereo effects.
The Hilton may do this also, I don't know.
I'll have this pedal in Dallas in the Sierra room if anyone wants to bring a Hilton in to A/B.

Keith Hilton · Post by **Keith Hilton** » 14 Feb 2002 2:02 pm

Thanks for the kind words Jack! Here are some dealers that sell both products: Herby Wallace, Bobbe Seymour, Frenchy's Pedal Steel Guitar Shop, Al Brisco. These are all great players, as well as being honest good people. They will tell you which product they like best and why. You might ask these dealers which pedal do most of the Hall Of Fame Steel Players use? Also which pedal most of the road shows working out of Nashville use. Hope this information helps.

Lee Baucum · Post by **Lee Baucum** » 14 Feb 2002 6:29 pm

"Isn't the Goodrich a bit cheaper?"

In cost? Quality? I'm not sure about either.

I do know that with a Hilton product, you will be dealing with a top-notch product, produced by a top-notch person, who will do everything possible to make you a happy, satisfied customer.

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Lee, from South Texas

Jeff Peterson · Post by **Jeff Peterson** » 14 Feb 2002 7:36 pm

There is no Goodrich version of the Hilton pedal. Goodrich is light beam, Hilton is not. I'll say again....a pot pedal is a pot pedal..period. You buy them for the looks or feel. I, like most, used pot pedals for years, Goodrich included. I now use Hilton's and will not ever go back 'less the hogs eat me.

Dennis Detweiler · Post by **Dennis Detweiler** » 14 Feb 2002 7:41 pm

I've never compared the Hilton to the Goodrich. I've owned a Hilton for 2yrs. I'm compeletely satisfied with it. I'd never go back to a pot pedal. Keith stands behind his products. Great guy with a great product.
Dennis

Chuck S. Lettes · Post by **Chuck S. Lettes** » 15 Feb 2002 6:46 am

I've been using the Hilton pedal for two years, and it's a keeper. I use it on stage and especailly when I record on my computer. There is absolutely no added noise when I record; I love this pedal.
Chuck

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 15 Feb 2002 7:11 am

Just to add a little equal billing, I haven't used either of the new "electronic" pedals, but have used Goodrich equipment for over 20 years and never had a lick of trouble with any of it. Phil and Ollie Goodrich are great guys and friends as is Kieth Hilton.

I'm sure they are both execellant pieces of equipment, but I would still like to see a non-prejudicial comparison of features, durability, and tonal coloration and/or lack of with pedal steel. This has been asked for many times in the past but no one has done a report as yet.

Kerry Johnson · Post by **Kerry Johnson** » 15 Feb 2002 1:35 pm

Hey Keith
What is the length & width of the top of your pedal ? and ...

do I need your "Digital Sustain", if I buy your L-ME 262-B pedal ???

Thanks

Gene Jones · Post by **Gene Jones** » 15 Feb 2002 3:48 pm

* [This message was edited by Gene Jones on 06 May 2002 at 10:44 AM.]

Keith Hilton · Post by **Keith Hilton** » 15 Feb 2002 5:05 pm

Kerry the length is 10 3/4inches, by 3 3/4inches. You do not need the Digital Sustain with the pedal. The first stage of the electronics in my pedal is the Digital Sustain. There is another 16 pin chip beside the Digital Sustain electronics inside the pedal. The only difference being the gain is variable on the Digital Sustain, and is a fixed value on the pedal.

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 16 Feb 2002 3:06 pm

My thanks to everyone who replied - I think my mind is made up.

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Roger Rettig
Emmons LGIII(S10/D10)& MCI D10

Peter · Post by **Peter** » 16 Feb 2002 3:39 pm

Keith, how do I get on your site? http://www.hiltonelectronics.com does not seem to work...
Peter

Keith Hilton · Post by **Keith Hilton** » 16 Feb 2002 6:15 pm

Peter, it is good to hear from you in South Africa! Glad to hear there are steel guitar players over there. Are there many steel players in your area? You have the old address to my web site. I know the links on the Form have not been changed yet. I think B0B is in the process of up dating my link on the Forum. My new web address is: www.hiltonelectronics.net The difference being .net on the end instead of .com I changed hosts and had to change from .com to .net. I would suppose the power in South Africa is 240 volt at 50HZ, like in England and a lot of Europe. Is that right?

Peter · Post by **Peter** » 16 Feb 2002 8:29 pm

Keith, you can update your profile with your new web address yourself. You don't have to wait for b0b.

I believe there are 4 steelers here in SA, one on Johannesburg and 3 in Cape Town. Maybe there are more. Nobody is active because country music is not that popular here anymore.

Our Voltage is 220 at 50 Hz. You want to know this because: a) you want to visit our beautiful country or b) you want to sell me some kind of electronic gadget(heh heh).

The Rand/Dollar exchange is very favorable for visitors to SA, but it is very hard for us to purchase abroad. I still remember that you would get 2 Dollars for 1 Rand. Now we have to pay 12 Rand for One Dollar!

Keith Hilton · Post by **Keith Hilton** » 16 Feb 2002 9:32 pm

Peter,yes, I forgot I can update my own information. I'll do that. B0B has a link section where the address is wrong and I think Lori is going to change it to www.hiltonelectronics.net It is interesting to me why some countries are 120 volt 60HZ and some are 240 volt 50HZ. I think it goes way back to countries tied to Europe. Most of Europe is 240 volt 50HZ. A lot of countries with ties to the United States, like Japan, have the same as the USA 120 volt 60HZ. Peter, I thought everyone in Africa was rich, because that is where all our diamonds come from!

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 17 Feb 2002 10:00 am

Keith,

I think that the world should compromise this 50Hz vs 60Hz thing. Right now the difference creates a 10Hz standing wave that encompasses our planet. It can't be a good thing!

We should switch all AC power to 55Hz. Since it's a multiple of the musical standard A=440Hz, it would bring the electrical standard into sync with music. The net result would be total global harmony! Is that cool or what?

I've been using a pot pedal lately. Easy to set up. No power supply.

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<img align=right src="http://b0b.com/b0b.gif" width="64" height="64">Bobby Lee - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs
Sierra Session 12 (E9), Williams 400X (Emaj9, D6), Sierra Olympic 12 (F Diatonic) Sierra Laptop 8 (D13), Fender Stringmaster (E13, A6)

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 17 Feb 2002 1:19 pm

it's a multiple of the musical standard A=440Hz

Then we could tune to the AC hum and throw away our tuners!

jolynyk · Post by **jolynyk** » 18 Feb 2002 4:44 am

I will vouch for the Hilton.. Mine went out of whack for some reason on the bottom controls.. I e-mailed Keith & he took immediate cocern over my dilemma, & his reassuring words were " We will get you going", & he did, he guided me through the set up, & now it's back to working the way it used to.. Thanks Keith for a great product, & great service... John

Ray Jenkins · Post by **Ray Jenkins** » 18 Feb 2002 11:57 am

Got my Hilton Friday,love it.My amp setting came from 6 down just below 2.Still don't use all the pedal either.Lots of power just waiting to come out.

Ray

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Steeling is still legal in Arizona

Glenn Porter · Post by **Glenn Porter** » 24 Feb 2002 8:07 am

I have used the Hilton Pedal on the road,
and in the studio. It has been very durable,
and it is equipment that I can depend on
when on stage. I have used the "Pot" pedal
for many years, but I now prefer the Hilton.

GP

gene brown · Post by **gene brown** » 25 Feb 2002 6:27 pm

I have one of Keith's volume pedals,and have been using it for a little over a year.I was in Branson,and he came out to the room where I was staying,and delivered it.I have tried the Goodrich,but I like Keith's. I would recommend it,also if I had any problem,I know all I would have to do is contact him,and he would go out of his way to fix it.I also play fiddle in a band,and it sounds great using Keith's volume pedal.Try one,you'll like it. Mullen D -10,Peavy Nash. 400, Hilton volume pedal. Gene.

Gary Walker · Post by **Gary Walker** » 26 Feb 2002 12:16 am

After years of using the Goodrich so-called Chalker pedal, I switched to the Hilton pedal a couple of years ago and never looked back. The tone and the lack of tone change throughout from off to full on plus the taper is perfect and I never have considered anything else, Gary.