PF-STEEL DREAM II - The Paul Franklin Signature
Available by Commission Only*.
Read below for commission details and pricing before joining the waitlist.
The Story
The original PF Steel Dream was developed with Paul Franklin 12 years ago. Paul was introduced to the product in late 2011 and requested a designed unit for Pedal Steel players. I was curious about the effects they would require, and after several discussions, Paul narrowed it down to a medium-gain Overdrive, Delay, and Reverb. Thus, the PF Steel Dream was created. Since its release in 2012, Paul Franklin has been using it exclusively in the studio and live performances. In recent years, I have been working on upgrading the original Steel Dream by adding some features that would enhance its usability. Paul Franklin agreed to the changes and gave the green light to implement them. Say hello to the new "PF Steel Dream II."
The Benado Standard: Built for the Pro
Each Benado unit is a handcrafted work of art, hand-wired and tested one-by-one to the same rigorous standards required by my professional touring and recording clientele. Because I refuse to compromise on the high-grade components necessary for elite signal integrity, lead times are subject to parts availability. By choosing Benado, you are prioritizing uncompromising tone and the “Feel Factor” over mass-production speed.
2026 BENADO COMMISSION POLICY
1. The Standard Waiting List (Free)
Best for: Players who are not in a rush and want to secure a spot without financial commitment.
The Process: Join the list for free. We will contact you when your position reaches the bench.
Payment: Full payment is required only when your unit is 1–2 weeks from completion.
2. The Priority Commission Slot ($350 Non-Refundable Retainer)
Best for: Professionals and serious enthusiasts who want to lock in a specific production month and protect their price.
The Process: This retainer secures your dedicated slot in Sage Benado's 2026 build calendar. It "jumps" you into the active production queue ahead of the standard interest-only list.
The Advantage: Your retainer allows us to immediately secure boutique, hand-selected components and lock in your price before projected tariff increases.
Payment: The $350 retainer is credited toward your final total. The remaining balance is due when hand-tuning begins.
THE ARTISAN PACE: WHY WE WORK THIS WAY
35 Years of Expertise takes time.
Every Benado unit is a high-complexity project. We do not use mass-production assembly lines. From meticulous internal wiring to precision hand-tuning, every connection is made by hand with care and love.
Meticulous Tone requires focus.
To ensure each unit meets our studio-ready standard, we limit the number of active builds at any time.
Communication Policy: To keep Sage at the bench and away from the administrative grind, we do not provide daily shipping updates.
Final Assurance: You will receive a tracking number and final testing confirmation once your unit is signed and ready to leave the bench.
LEGAL DISCLOSURE (RETAINER POLICY)
The Priority Commission Retainer is a non-refundable fee paid in consideration of Benado Effects forgoing the booking of other clients for that specific production slot. Cancellation results in an economic loss of opportunity and sunk preparatory labor; therefore, the retainer is retained as liquidated damages and is not a "down payment" for retail goods.
EFFECTS & ROUTING
Effects: Steel-Verb, The Echoes (Analog Sound Delay), Nutradrive
Routing Ins & Outs: Input, Dry Line Out, Two Parallel 9-12VDC (center pin negative) with dedicated power protection, Loop, Two dedicated Outputs.
MANUAL (PDF)
TECHNICAL SPECS
- True Bypass
- High-quality components, carefully sorted & checked by Sage Benado
- 16 gauge Steel Enclosure w/ glossy powder coat finish
- 9VDC (up to 12VDC for extra headroom). Power Supply Not Included. Any 9VDC–12VDC center pin negative will work — ensure your power supply is 500mA or above.
- Dual Parallel dedicated Power In/Out jacks (center pin negative)
- 160mA current draw
- Recommended power supply: Truetone (formerly Visual Sound) 1 Spot
- Dimensions: Length 14″ (355.6 mm), Width 5.57″ (146.05 mm), Height 2.75" (69.85 mm)
- Weight: 4.5 lbs. (2.04 Kg)
Audio and Video Clips coming soon!
Individual Effect Pedal Descriptions coming soon!