FAQ
Due to a recent increase in orders and my childcare commitments, lead times have become longer. I currently expect the lead time to be approximately 12–13 months, but please note that this is an estimate and may change depending on order volume and other circumstances.
(Current estimate as of July 22, 2026.)
No. Fender steel guitars use a different thread size, so SHOJI carbon fiber legs are not compatible.
SHOJI legs use a 1/2″-13 thread, which is the standard thread used on most modern pedal steel guitars.
No. The SHOJI suitcase-style guitar case is designed specifically for SHOJI pedal steel guitars with a 700 mm (27.56 in) body length. It is not compatible with pedal steel guitars from other brands.
No. We do not offer a 25 1/2″ scale length. At this scale length, the 3rd string on the E9 neck is under significantly higher tension and is more prone to breaking, so we do not recommend it.
You may choose any commercially available pickup brand.
The base prices are as follows:
- S10 (3 pedals / 5 knee levers): ¥550,000
- S12 (7 pedals / 5 knee levers): ¥650,000
- D10 (8 pedals / 5 knee levers): ¥750,000
Please note that shipping costs and, depending on your country, customs duties and import taxes may apply in addition to the price of the guitar.
To confirm your order, I require a deposit of **¥250,000** (advance payment to reserve your spot in the production schedule and as a down payment toward the total price).
Once this payment has been received, your order will be considered official.
Payment can be made either via **PayPal** or **bank transfer**. If you prefer to pay via PayPal, I will send you a PayPal invoice.
Please understand that, in addition to the price of the guitar, shipping costs and, depending on your country, customs duties and import taxes may apply.
There is no difference in tone between a polished and an unpolished changer.
Even without polishing, the machined finish is clean and attractive.
A polished changer has a brighter appearance, but over time, the polished surface may become dull or lose some of its shine.
The maximum number of pedals is 9.
In general, stainless steel strings are known for producing a brighter tone than nickel strings.
Stainless steel strings also have slightly lower string tension, which can make the pedals and knee levers feel lighter and easier to operate.
Please note that if a guitar is set up for stainless steel strings and you later switch to nickel strings, the pedal and knee lever changes may no longer reach the correct pitch. In that case, the guitar may require a setup adjustment, such as changing the pull rod positions, to restore proper tuning and travel.
SHOJI pedal steel guitars feature a mica laminate finish, not painted finishes.
You may choose any commercially available 1.0 mm mica laminate.
I can provide a web catalog of available mica finishes, and you may also request physical samples if you would like to see the material in person before making your selection.
The standard finish is gloss black.
Additional charges are as follows:
- Other gloss colors: ¥15,000
- Matte (non-gloss) mica: ¥30,000
Please note that we take every possible precaution during manufacturing. However, matte mica cannot be protected with a removable surface film during production. As a result, there is a possibility of minor surface scratches or small traces of adhesive that cannot be completely removed. Thank you for your understanding.
Slightly. Carbon fiber legs are slightly more flexible than stainless steel legs, so the guitar may feel slightly less rigid.
However, the difference is minimal and does not affect normal playing or performance.
Yes. All SHOJI pedal steel guitars are pre-drilled for split tuning screws as a standard feature, allowing split tuning screws to be installed if desired.
Please also see the video description for more information about split tuning.
It mainly comes down to personal preference and what you’re accustomed to.
If you’re concerned about visibility, I recommend choosing the color triangle fretboard, which provides more prominent position markers and may be easier to see while playing.
SHOJI nylon tuning nuts are made from 3/16″ hex stock and feature a 2.5 mm hex socket.
No. I do not stock replacement or additional Excel/Fuzzy pedals, so I am unable to supply them.
No. I only supply replacement and consumable parts for Excel/Fuzzy pedal steel guitars. I am not able to support major modifications, such as adding knee levers.
No. Excel/Fuzzy pedal steel guitars were produced with many different specifications and dimensions over the years, resulting in many different pedal bar sizes.
Because carbon fiber pedal bars are manufactured in standardized sizes, I am not able to supply one that will fit Excel/Fuzzy guitars reliably.
Excel/Fuzzy pedal steel guitars use 1/2″ Whitworth (BSW) leg threads.
I cannot say for certain regarding extremely old models—specifically, those from the era when Mitsuo Fujii had just started building steel guitars.
No. SHOJI headstocks and changers are not compatible with Excel/Fuzzy pedal steel guitars and cannot be used as replacements.
- Carbon fiber legs (instead of stainless steel): approximately 1 kg (2.2 lb) lighter.
- Carbon fiber pedal bar (instead of aluminum): approximately 150 g (0.33 lb) lighter.
- Carbon fiber knee levers (instead of aluminum): approximately 10 g (0.02 lb) lighter per lever.
These weight reductions are cumulative.