Doerr U12 7x6
One of a handful built by a man named Ray Doerr from South Dakota.
A luthier who built guitars, mandolins, violins and more.
Born in Agar SD in 1930. He moved his family to California in 1960
and lived there until 1964. Then back to Spearfish, South Dakota until 1971.
From 1971 to 1986 they moved to Mobridge, South Dakota, where he taught industrial arts. Then on to Pierre from 1986 to his death.
It shows great build quality and craftsmanship.
Built during his era as an arts instructor in Mobridge. Made from birds eye maple.
The changer and bridge are integrated into quite an impressive system. The bridge extends down inside the guitar and is the pivot point for the changer mechanisms.
The pedals and levers have extremely quick and precise action. Short throws.
The undercarriage is made of hardened steel and is easy to adjust or change copedents. It also has a wider string spacing than most steels.
The single coil wide pole pickup was made by him too. It has a very bright vintage tone. 50-60’s sounding.
I’ve had some pro players in town try it out.
They all liked it and thought it would be a nice extended E9 set up.
Has minor cosmetic blemishes that are hard to see in pictures.
There is a small crack in the body but its not a concern structurally.
It is easily the most solid instrument I’ve ever seen.
Includes the case
plus a handy three sided wrench he made for tuning.
I received this from Mr. Ray Doerr’s daughter and son-in-law.
It was great to learn about Ray and his accomplishments.
From what I’ve been told he was a great guy and loved by all including his students.
It really is a work of art. He has passed but luckily this steel will live on.
You can read the full story here:
pedalsteelrevival.com/blog/doerr
Knee Levers:
4. Lowers 12 and 11 a whole step, raises 9 half
5. Lowers 7 half, raises 11 and 12 whole step
6. Raises 4 half, lowers 8 whole
7. Raises 6 and 5 whole step
LKL Raises 4 and 8
LKR Raises 9 half and a whole, lowers 2
LKR #2 Raises 1 and 2
LKV Lowers 5
RKL Lowers 4 and 8
RKR Raises 1 and 7
SOLD!!
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