Benado Steel Dream II Tutorial

[Michael Luxem]

When I upgraded from a Benado Steel Dream I to a Steel Dream II, Sage Benado offered me a private, 45-minute online tutorial to review some of the unique features of the SDII. What I learned in today's lesson with Sage is that the palate of tonal possibilities with the SD II is far, far greater than I ever imagined.

First, Sage walked me through the basics on using the Nutradrive (overdrive), The Echoes (delay), and Steel Verb (reverb) pedals. Then the real education at the foot of the master began as Sage explained how (and why) to adjust the various settings and buttons in each of the three pedals to produce different tones and effects; the possibilities are endless. (I should perhaps mention that Sage is a musician first and an pedalboard designer-engineer second, so he has a sensitive and educated ear for tone).

Sage not only helped be get closer to the tone I am seeking, but more importantly, he opened my ears to tones I have never heard on my Little Walter 89/PF-350 system. What I learned from Sage is that different types of songs (country or not) may pair better with different types of tones and effects.....and that the SDII is a remarkably powerful and versatile tool for producing those tones and effects. In short, why "paint sound" in the three primary colors when there is hue, tint, tone, and shade to play with? IMO, the SDII opens the door to the vast realm of potential "sound colors". Thank you, Sage!