
Every guitarist has a unique voice, and your pedalboard should reflect that. With the Benado: YouChoose-I-Build service, you're not just buying a pedal—you're commissioning a custom tone tool built specifically for your sound, your style, and your creative vision.
Whether you need a Mark Knopfler-inspired rig, a versatile multi-effect solution, or something entirely your own, I'll work with you to design and handcraft a pedalboard that becomes an extension of your musical identity.
1. Share Your Vision
Tell me about your tonal goals, preferred features, aesthetic preferences, and how you plan to use your pedal. The more detail, the better.
2. Collaborative Design
I'll provide a detailed quote, timeline, and design consultation to ensure we're aligned on every aspect of your build.
3. Handcrafted for You
Every unit receives my full focus—truly analog and truly personal. Your pedal will be built with the same care and precision that goes into every Benado Effects unit.
Share your vision with me—preferred features, tonal goals, aesthetic preferences—and I'll provide a detailed quote and timeline.
Direct Contact:
sage@benadoeffects.com
615-445-5852
Let's make 2026 a masterpiece together.
Paul Franklin is one of the world's most influential pedal steel guitarists. He began his career in the 1970s as a member of Barbara Mandrell's road band and also toured with Vince Gill, Mel Tillis, Jerry Reed, and Dire Straits. Paul has become a prolific session musician in Nashville, playing on thousands of albums.
He has been named by the Academy of Country Music as Best Steel Guitarist several times. He was inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2019.
Paul Franklin is the most nominated person in CMA history and is notable for having been nominated for the Country Music Association Award for Musician of the Year more than thirty times.
In addition to the pedal steel guitar and lap steel guitar, Franklin plays Dobro, fiddle, and drums, as well as three custom-built instruments called the Pedabro, The Box, and the baritone steel guitar. Since 2016, Franklin has been offering online steel guitar lessons.
Franklin has worked with many well-known acts during his career, including Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits, Barbara Mandrell, Rodney Crowell, Notting Hillbillies, Sting, Peter Frampton, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Barbra Streisand, Reba McEntire, Patty Loveless, Kathy Mattea, Big & Rich, Clint Black, Etta James, Jake Owen, Kane Brown, Kenny Rogers, Kid Rock, Lauren Alaina">Lauren Alaina, Lee Ann Womack, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Olivia Newton-John, Peter Cetera, Randy Travis, Ronnie Milsap, Sheryl Crow, Thomas Rhett, Tim McGraw, Toni Braxton, Trace Adkins, Vince Gill, Luke Combs, The Bellamy Brothers, Mark Chesnutt, George Fox, Collin Raye, John Michael Montgomery, David Lee Murphy, Lace, Toby Keith, Harry Connick Jr., Wynonna Judd, Mark Wills, Hal Ketchum, Jo Dee Messina, Aaron Tippin, George Jones, Carrie Underwood, Aaron Lewis, Willie Nelson, Easton Corbin, Troy Cassar-Daley, and Megadeth, to name just a few.
BENADO and Paul Franklin have been collaborating since 2011. Paul uses several BENADO units in the studio and on the road, including the PF Steel Dream and the PF-5 PRO, which he utilized during the Chris Stapleton tour.
Paul Franklin plays the PF Steel Dream — his signature boutique analog unit.
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