Fender 400 Pedal Steel

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$2,525.00 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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4.0 (9)

$2,525.00 2 available Used

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Average Price: $2,525

High-end/Boutique

$799

$2000+

Price Tier

In the Lap & Pedal Steel Guitars category, Fender 400 Pedal Steel is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Unlock the rich, expressive world of pedal steel guitar with the Fender 400 Pedal Steel. Perfect for musicians looking to expand their sonic palette, this instrument offers a unique blend of traditional and modern features. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to pedal steel, the Fender 400 provides a versatile platform for exploring intricate melodies and lush harmonies.

Crafted with precision, the Fender 400 is noted for its single-neck 8-string setup, ideal for both Western swing and classic country sounds. Its straightforward design includes four pedals, which can be customized to suit your playing style, offering you unparalleled control over chord voicings and pitch bends. The solid construction and high-quality materials ensure durability and reliability, whether you're in the studio or performing live.

Equipped with a proprietary pickup, the Fender 400 produces a warm, resonant tone that captures the nuances of your playing. The intuitive layout and responsive pedals make it easy to transition between notes, allowing for seamless, expressive performances. This classic instrument remains a favorite among pedal steel enthusiasts for its balance of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation.

Key Features:

Single-neck 8-string configuration
Four customizable pedals for diverse tuning options
Proprietary pickup for warm, resonant tones
Crafted with high-quality materials for durability
Ideal for Western swing and classic country music styles

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	400 Pedal Steel Guitar
Made In	United States
Categories	Pedal Steel Guitars
Body Shape	Non Cutaway
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Top-Load
Frets	Fretless
Number of Strings	8-String
Pickup Configuration	S
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed

FAQs

What is the tuning setup for the Fender 400 Pedal Steel Guitar?: The Fender 400 Pedal Steel typically features a unique 8-string setup, allowing for a variety of tuning configurations. Common tunings include E9 and C6, but players often customize their tunings to suit personal preferences or specific music styles.
Does the Fender 400 Pedal Steel Guitar come with pedals included?: Yes, the Fender 400 is a pedal steel guitar, which means it includes pedals that allow players to change the pitch of certain strings while playing, offering a distinctive sound and versatility.
How does the single pickup configuration affect the sound of the Fender 400 Pedal Steel?: The single pickup configuration provides a clear and focused tone, capturing the natural resonance of the strings. It allows for a bright, cutting sound that is ideal for traditional pedal steel applications in country and folk music.
Is the Fender 400 Pedal Steel Guitar suitable for beginners?: While the Fender 400 Pedal Steel Guitar offers a rich tonal palette, its fretless design and pedal mechanics can present a steep learning curve. It is generally recommended for players who have some experience with stringed instruments or pedal steel guitars.
What is the body type of the Fender 400 Pedal Steel?: The Fender 400 Pedal Steel features a solid body design, which contributes to its sustain and tonal clarity, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

Videos

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HeXx Henderson

1970 Fender Pedal 400 Demo

HeXx Henderson

Fender 400 tone test

Dave Zirbel

Fender 400 pedal steel through Mojotone tweed champ clone

Dave Zirbel

Reviews

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PROS

Great for beginners; eight-string setup is simpler than ten-string
Vintage sound appeals to enthusiasts and collectors
Pedals work effectively for smooth play
Economically priced for new players learning pedal steel

CONS

Archaic design with limited availability of replacement parts
Fragile construction may lead to durability issues
Requires pre-purchase inspection to ensure condition

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender 400 Pedal Steel.

Setup and maintenance

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Rebuilding Fender 400s is reportedly easier than other pedal steel guitars; cleaning the changer and proper lubrication are crucial for restoring functionality.
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Cleaning the changer may require hours and wire brushing; an ultrasonic cleaner can assist in cleaning cables and parts.
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Users suggest sourcing single strings for the Fender 400 due to the lack of 8-string E9 sets; consider using a 10-string set and omitting two strings.
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For a short-scale Fender 400, it's advisable to use slightly lighter gauge strings compared to the longer scale version to maintain proper tension and playability.
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Features and functionality

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The cast foot pedals (post-1964/65) are noted to feel more solid compared to older sheet metal pedals referred to as "cheese graters."
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Use cases and applications

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For an E9 pedal setup, common configurations include raising Es with Pedal 1, Bs to C# with Pedal 2, G#s to A with Pedal 3, and lowering Es with Pedal 4.
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Mods and upgrades

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Using light oil such as gun, sewing machine, or pneumatic oil is recommended for lubricating pivot points and mechanisms effectively.
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User experience

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Owners of the short-scale Fender 400 find that using a standard 6-string set supplemented with a few singles can achieve a suitable E9 tuning configuration.
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Artist usage

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Sneaky Pete Kleinow

Guitarist

The Flying Burrito Brothers

Verified via Lostlivedead

Sneaky Pete Kleinow often used a Fender 400 pedal steel, as mentioned by Burrito Brothers bandmate Bernie Leadon in his interview with biographer John Einarson.

Sneaky uniquely played an eight-string Fender cable pull steel tuned to B6 instead of the more common C6. He played an usually more jazz or swing tuning in a style that most other players use an E9 tuning for. His rationale was [that] B is the 'five chord,' or dominant chord, to the key of E. This resulted in absolutely-to-Pete steel licks. And no one else thinks like him anyway.