Someone has listed a Sierra steel on eBay here in the UK, but helpfully they've not posted any photos of the apron. Would that be a Session model? What are the pros and cons? I've never seen a Sierra in the flesh.
I'm not really looking for another steel, but...
Which Sierra model is this?
Moderator: Dave Mudgett
-
Sam Inglis
- Posts: 122
- Joined: 8 Dec 2019 6:16 pm
- Location: United Kingdom
- State/Province: -
- Country: United States
-
Jerry Overstreet
- Posts: 14882
- Joined: 11 Jul 2000 12:01 am
- Location: Louisville
- State/Province: Kentucky
- Country: United States
Re: Which Sierra model is this?
Session yes. Last model change before they closed shop. Little lighter weight than the previous Crown 25 model with some changes to the mechanics and leg mounts. I've owned a few keyless model Sierras. They all played smooth and felt great.
Only cons I know of: 3rd string needs a dowel tool for restringing as it can be a bit of a hassle. Also, even newer Session models like this one are still a hefty lift and tote. Has the Wheel EEZ molded case which makes things easier.
Should be a fine player. I could play this guitar just fine. OBO option. Fair opening bid, maybe a good buy if the auction doesn't go nuts.
Only cons I know of: 3rd string needs a dowel tool for restringing as it can be a bit of a hassle. Also, even newer Session models like this one are still a hefty lift and tote. Has the Wheel EEZ molded case which makes things easier.
Should be a fine player. I could play this guitar just fine. OBO option. Fair opening bid, maybe a good buy if the auction doesn't go nuts.
-
Sam Inglis
- Posts: 122
- Joined: 8 Dec 2019 6:16 pm
- Location: United Kingdom
- State/Province: -
- Country: United States
Re: Which Sierra model is this?
Thanks Jerry,
I was mostly hoping you would tell me it's a terrible buy and to definitely not bother... it's not like I need another steel, but that is a very fair start price.
I was mostly hoping you would tell me it's a terrible buy and to definitely not bother... it's not like I need another steel, but that is a very fair start price.
-
Jerry Overstreet
- Posts: 14882
- Joined: 11 Jul 2000 12:01 am
- Location: Louisville
- State/Province: Kentucky
- Country: United States
Re: Which Sierra model is this?
Sorry Sam. Yes, it's a terrible buy...save your money. 
no, it's actually a nice guitar. Sierra are first rate quality built steel guitars
no, it's actually a nice guitar. Sierra are first rate quality built steel guitars
-
J D Sauser
- Moderator
- Posts: 3393
- Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
- Location: Wellington, Florida
- State/Province: Florida
- Country: United States
Re: Which Sierra model is this?
It's an early Sierra Session keyless.
I had one brand new in the 1990's, and the parts were built like no other PSG of it's time. It also sounded great.
The problem was that compared to the earlier "Crown" it had poor pedal stops which were on the counter end of the pedal hook up... MUCH too close to the shaft's center. The stop screw would dig into the aluminum rail and the play in the nylon/delron busing would rock the shaft. All which resulted in a mushy pedal stop feel. It became a known issue and they fitted later models with the previous stop rack similar to the one they had on the earlier "Crown" models.
The one on ebay has the early "mushy" pedal stops.
Another issue was... no split tuning! For that era, a real head scratcher. One could create a split with an added rod, but on a changer with only 3R/2L space was limited.
For the price it still beats any "student" or "entry level" PSG.
... J-D.
I had one brand new in the 1990's, and the parts were built like no other PSG of it's time. It also sounded great.
The problem was that compared to the earlier "Crown" it had poor pedal stops which were on the counter end of the pedal hook up... MUCH too close to the shaft's center. The stop screw would dig into the aluminum rail and the play in the nylon/delron busing would rock the shaft. All which resulted in a mushy pedal stop feel. It became a known issue and they fitted later models with the previous stop rack similar to the one they had on the earlier "Crown" models.
The one on ebay has the early "mushy" pedal stops.
Another issue was... no split tuning! For that era, a real head scratcher. One could create a split with an added rod, but on a changer with only 3R/2L space was limited.
For the price it still beats any "student" or "entry level" PSG.
... J-D.
__________________________________________________________
Was it JFK who said: Ask Not What TAB Can Do For You - Rather Ask Yourself "What Would B.B. King Do?"
A Little Mental Health Warning:
Tablature KILLS SKILLS.
The uses of Tablature is addictive and has been linked to reduced musical fertility.
Those who produce Tablature did never use it.
I say it humorously, but I mean it.
Was it JFK who said: Ask Not What TAB Can Do For You - Rather Ask Yourself "What Would B.B. King Do?"
A Little Mental Health Warning:
Tablature KILLS SKILLS.
The uses of Tablature is addictive and has been linked to reduced musical fertility.
Those who produce Tablature did never use it.
I say it humorously, but I mean it.
-
Alfred Andersson
- Posts: 16
- Joined: 4 Nov 2025 3:20 pm
- State/Province: -
- Country: Sweden
Re: Which Sierra model is this?
Sam Inglis wrote: 31 Mar 2026 6:59 am Thanks Jerry,
I was mostly hoping you would tell me it's a terrible buy and to definitely not bother... it's not like I need another steel, but that is a very fair start price.
Did you get it?
