Advice Needed: Mullen Discovery vs. 1990s Keyless Sierra S-10

[Blake Cannon]

I’m a beginner/intermediate pedal steel player currently playing a GFI Expo. I’m looking to buy a second steel guitar to keep at my drummer’s house for convenience. I’ve narrowed it down to either a new Mullen Discovery or a keyless Sierra S-10 from the 1990s. Both are within my budget (pretty much the same price), but unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to play either one yet.

I’m looking for some guidance on which guitar would be easier to transition between with my current GFI. I’d appreciate any insights on playability, sound quality, maintenance, or other considerations from those familiar with either of these models.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Doug Taylor]

If you can play them both that would be helpful!

I started with a Sierra Olympic from the 70s. While it was a wonderful sounding guitar the pedals were stiff and I had a hard time with it.

A couple years ago I bought a Mullen RP. Everything about this guitar is wonderful. The sound and feel are perfect for me!

Neither guitar I have had is the same model so I don’t know how similar they are.

The reason I even started looking when I bought the Mullen is because a friend brought his GFI over and I could not believe how much easier it played than my Sierra.

Play them both if you can and you will likely know what’s best.

[Bill McCloskey]

Go with the Mullen.

I have a discovery and it's a great second guitar. And you can get parts and repairs easily.

The Sierra is no longer in business, parts can be hard to get and their Sierra keyless system drove me nuts. Trying to get the high G# to pitch was a nightmare.

[Roger Crawford]

Mullen for sure. The Discovery model is a great playing and sounding guitar. As mentioned, if you need parts or service (which is highly unlikely), the Mullen Crew is a phone call away.

[Rich Ertelt]

Just be aware a new Mullen Discovery is going to take some time. I gave up trying to find a used one, ordered a new one in January. I imagine it isn't even started yet, as I've heard nothing. They have some issues, one of their main guys passed recently.

I'll wait. I have a GFI Ultra, and it's good. But I played a Discovery (the steel player I was working with at that time had one) several times, loved it. Should have ordered one at that time.

They do pop up used on here from time to time. The last one had an "I'll take it" response in I think 12 minutes. I missed a couple before I ordered the new one, and I was checking several times a day. They go super fast used.

My understanding is they are working to get up to speed again, but you may be waiting a while, new or used.

[Blake Cannon]

Yeah I just heard from Mullen and they have a 6-9 month lead time. Thus, the Sierra is looking more like what I go with. I hope to check out the Sierra in person within the next couple weeks.

Thanks guys.

[Roger Crawford]

Check with Jonnie King. I think he had a Discovery in stock.

[Greg Forsyth]

Blake,
There is a very nice looking Desert Rose psg listed on craigslist Denver that you might check out.

Also listed on cl is a Zumsteel. I don't know if this ad is legit because the same photos and narrative were listed in an ad on Reverb in a shop from a different state. Also the asking price seems to good to be true. The Reverb ad showed the guitar had been sold about a month ago and the Reverb ad has since disappeared.