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Topic: 2008 is gonna be the year... |
Ed Sporn
From:
Housatonic MA USA
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Posted 6 Dec 2007 3:07 pm |
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...that I finally fulfill an urge that began in the late 60s to learn the peddle steel. As you can tell, it sometimes takes me some time to get off the dime. Anyway, this time I'm serious. My wife wants me to do it, my 16 year old son who like me is a pretty good guitarist wants me to do it. My daugther's 20 and in college and she doesn't care. Neither does the damn dog. That's 3 out of 5--majority wins.
So,I know I'm probably being nuisance by posting here among you experts and afficianados, but I thought perhaps someone would have the time to give me some guidance on what kind of guitar I should be looking for, whether I should start off with a used instrument of get a new one, the best way to learn, etc.
This is a lot of stuff but I would really be grateful is someone is willing to lend me some of their expertise. I'm not sure I can pay back the loan with interest, but I (and my wife and son, who I've been driving crazy about wanting to learn peddle steel) would be eternally grateful.
The dog won't care a whit, but that's the way dogs are these days.
The best to all of you,
Ed Sporn
Pelham, NY |
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Tony Prior
From:
Charlotte NC
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Posted 6 Dec 2007 3:40 pm
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Ed, best of luck to you on your journey to get a peddle steel..but make sure when you get one it is a "PEDAL" Steel....Those pesky "peddle steel" dealers will try to sell you anything ! 
an E9th student model or used PRO model with 3 pedals and 3 or 4 Knee levers will be enough to keep you burning the midnight oil for quite some time.
get a small practice amp with a headphones out so you can spare your family and Dogs for the first few months...
Check the Instruments For sale section to see whats out there and also visit the manufacturers/ vendors websites ( links above ) for details on guitars and such .
Ask questions, you will never be without some sort of answer on this small planet !
Maybe if you are close to one of the New York members you can get a lesson or two to get jump started.
tp
www.tprior.com |
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Ed Sporn
From:
Housatonic MA USA
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Posted 6 Dec 2007 3:53 pm
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talk about embarrasing!!! I guess I can say I was trying to make a pun but I would be lying through my teeth. I'll blame it on the fact that in London now on business and that I'm jet lagged-I am but it's still no excuse.
Here goes my first lesson: PEDAL steel, PEDAL steel, PEDAL steel.... |
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Larry Jamieson
From:
Walton, NY USA
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Posted 6 Dec 2007 3:55 pm
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Hello Ed,
First, what kind of music do you want to play? If its just country, or country and a little rock, get a single ten string (less expensive, easier to carry around.) If you want to play jazz, or western swing, you need a C6 neck. You can either get a double neck guitar, or a Universal model that gives you both E9 and C6 tunings on one guitar.
Double necks are more expensive, and extra weight to carry around when you get ready to play out. However, used double necks are not much more than used single necks, and are sometimes less than a new single neck.
Get a name brand guitar - Emmons, Zum, Carter, Williams, Excel, BMI, etc. Stay away from the older guitars - you are more apt to have mechanical problems. If you see something and you have a question, ask the Forum members. They are very helpful.
There are some good, less expensive student models out there for less than $1,000. Good, used pro model single tens are always available for $1,500 to around $2,500. Get at least 3 pedals and four knee levers. That will keep you busy for a long time, and you won't have to trade up too soon.
If you can afford it, get a new or newer pro model guitar to start with...
Finally, Come see me at my shop, located in Walton, NY and talk steel. I'll show you my Zum and Williams guitars, explain how they work, give you a free introductory lesson and answer any questions you have the best I can.
Larry Jamieson
Walton Music House
153 North Street
Walton, NY 13856
607 865-5670 |
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Jon Light
From:
Saugerties, NY
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Posted 6 Dec 2007 3:55 pm
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Hey Ed---born & raised in Mt. Vernon--my folks still live there.
Here's something I put together a few years ago. It is outdated and has holes in it you can drive a hummer thru but it talks about some stuff that may help inform you---at least towards asking your next questions which was really the reason I made it---to get folks over the hump of not even knowing what questions they want to ask.
<center>StartUp Steel</center>
Hope it gives you something. Besides heartburn. |
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Ed Sporn
From:
Housatonic MA USA
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Posted 6 Dec 2007 4:10 pm
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Jon,Larry,Tony--
Thank you so much for the advice. I really did arrive in London UK on business today (or is it yesterday???) and my brain's crying out that it's 5 am and I haven't gone to bed. If I don't get some sleep, I'm going to be a soggy crumpet tomorrow.
I'll look over the stuff you'all sent and if you don't mind, I'll follow up with some questions when I return home on Saturday.
Ed |
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Dan Meadows
From:
Texas
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Posted 6 Dec 2007 9:09 pm
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Jon:
I wanted to jump in here and say the startup steel page is really helpful to a beginner. I will be buying my first steel next year and this is good information. There is a lot to learn.  It's fun though.
Dan |
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Ron Page
From:
Penn Yan, NY USA
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Posted 7 Dec 2007 7:35 am
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Mostly I just want to welcome Ed to the family. 
I'd second the advice of staying with a late or new model. These things are mechanical and parts do wear out. That's not something you want to deal with, especially when you're trying to learn to play it.
The Dallas show will have many steel guitars you can touch, feel and hear. That's coming up I think in March. Getting up the road to a shop or two would be great too.
Sound off if you have any questions.
_________________
HagFan
Emmons Lashley LeGrande II |
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