UNBOXING + FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF MY NEW SHO-BUD MAVERICK II. Adventures of Pedal Steel Episode. 11

Every adventure has its milestones — those rare moments that remind you why you started chasing the dream in the first place. For me, this episode is one of those moments.

After years of playing, gigging, and hauling gear across the South, I finally got my first brand-new pedal steel guitar — the Sho~Bud Maverick II. The day it arrived felt like Christmas morning and a long-awaited homecoming all at once. When the box hit the porch, I knew I was about to open up something special — a piece of history, reborn.

Sho~Bud has always stood at the heart of pedal steel tradition. The name alone carries a kind of reverence — it’s the sound of classic country records, honky-tonk stages, and decades of craftsmanship passed down through time. These guitars aren’t just instruments; they’re built like companions for the road — tools of tone that bridge generations of players.

So when I finally cut through the tape and lifted that case open, it was like unearthing buried treasure. Inside sat the Maverick II, gleaming under the light, every curve and detail crafted with care. It’s sleek, portable, and lighter than you’d expect, but still carries that unmistakable Sho~Bud tone — rich, warm, and dripping with soul. From the polished pedals to the maple cabinet, you can tell this thing was built by people who get it.

I couldn’t help but pause for a second before plugging it in — just taking in the moment. There’s something special about holding a brand-new instrument for the first time, knowing the stories and songs it’ll help tell haven’t even been written yet.

The first notes rang out clean and pure — that signature Sho~Bud shimmer that seems to float in the air. And right then, I knew this guitar was going to become part of the journey. It’s everything I hoped it would be: lightweight, reliable, road-ready, and full of that timeless tone that’s shaped the sound of country music for decades.

I’m beyond thankful to the folks at Sho~Bud for keeping the legacy alive and for building something that truly stands the test of time. This Maverick II isn’t just a new addition to the lineup — it’s a reminder that craftsmanship, tone, and tradition still matter.

So here it is — my first ever brand-new steel guitar, ready to hit the road, play the shows, and carve out a sound all its own.

This is The Pedal Steel Journey — Episode 11: The Sho~Bud Maverick II Unboxing.
The adventure continues, one note at a time.