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Topic: new member...new player |
Lyle Fritchey
From:
Sacramento, CA
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Posted 14 Dec 2007 1:14 pm |
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| I'm just starting pedal steel and had a few questions about buying a new instrument. I'm currently playing a borrowed MSA Sidekick, and definitely need to get my own upgraded instrument. My question is that I'm torn between getting a student model (I'm looking at the Stageone), or diving in and getting a more "pro" steel. My price range is around $1500 and I would prefer a newer instrument without having a wait time (like the Jackson Blackjack 2-3 months). Any suggestions? I'm thinking maybe the GFI Expo but haven't been able to gain any info aside from the manufacturer's website and Bobbe Seymour's posts. I thank you in advance. |
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Chris Buchanan
From:
Macomb, IL
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Posted 14 Dec 2007 2:52 pm
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Hey Lyle-I was in the same boat. I decided to buy a "pro" model, since I knew I'd be at it for a while. My GFI Ultra is reliable and versatile, and can grow with me. I don't know the Expo, but if it's from GFI I bet it's top notch. From what I've read on the forum, all modern makes and models are a safe bet. Try using the search feature here, or start a new thread to find out about what people think of the Expo, etc.
I'd say it's down to budget. Buy the best you can afford, before that money goes somewhere else. And don't forget to buy a quality volume pedal and bar. The learning process is a lot easier when you start with good tools.
_________________
GFI Ultra S-10, Nashville 112, stuff. |
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Steven Black
From:
Gahanna, Ohio, USA
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Posted 14 Dec 2007 3:04 pm What to buy
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| A GFI expo is built the same as the ultra in mechanicals and will perform just as good as the ultra or at least equal, these guitars are built by Gene Fields who has many years of designing steel guitars, but if you do not want to wait on a guitar then a MSA classic D10 is a good pro guitar to start with even though it is a double raise double lower pedal changers, the guitar is heavy but the pedal changers are full proof and reliable for using country tunes, but the MSA SS with a wood body offers a triple raise triple lower system if you can find such a guitar in excellent shape, the Zum stage one guitar is a student guitar but it does incorporate a 3 raise 3 lower changer and enough knee levers, just the height of guitar maybe an issue later on. |
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Lowell Whitney
From:
Waynoka, Oklahoma, USA
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Posted 14 Dec 2007 3:30 pm
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Howdy Lyle, greetings from Oklahoma and welcome to the forum. I have a Stage One and like it very well. It plays easy, light weight, and stays in tune. Also, it's not a bad sounding guitar. I play with a gospel band and use it sometime when we're playing a short gig. I use my Dekley D-10 for longer and/or paying gigs. Other forum members who own Stage Ones also seem to like them. Good luck, and best wishes for the Holidays.
LW
StageOne,Dekley,NV400,Artist VT,Express 112, an 18 yr old grandson, and a very loving and understanding wife
_________________
Carter SD10
70's Telecaster
Nashville 400/Express 112/Artist VT Bandit |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 14 Dec 2007 4:52 pm
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| i would think you could find a real decent used steel for under $1500....i have seen quite a few dekley 12 strings for $700-900...start asking around. |
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Steve Norman
From:
Seattle Washington, USA
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Posted 14 Dec 2007 4:59 pm
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watch some You-tubes and figure out what is making the tone you want. I have a GFI ultra, and love it. Bobbe Seymour plays an expo on a you-tube through a nashville 112. If thats the sound you want get one, GFI's are pretty neat.
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GFI D10, Fender Steel King, Hilton Vpedal,BoBro, National D dobro, Marrs RGS |
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Antolina
From:
Dunkirk NY
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Posted 14 Dec 2007 5:06 pm
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Keep an ebay as well. There's been some real nice ones go out recently at good prices. In fact I think a GFI Ultra is on there as we speak.
click here
A really nice sierra roled out the other dy for under $1500
Don't wast yer time on a student model anything unless you're not sure about playing. You'll outgrow it before the year is out.
_________________
The only thing better than doing what you love is having someone that loves you enough to let you do it.
Sho~Bud 6139 3+3
Marrs 3+4
RC Antolina |
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Lyle Fritchey
From:
Sacramento, CA
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Posted 14 Dec 2007 5:16 pm
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| Thanks to everyone for the information and suggestions so far. I have to tell you it's really difficult trying to pick one of these instruments. There are so many to choose from and without any prior knowledge or experience the ante gets upped a little. Not having a shop nearby (over 10hrs away) to play different models also creates problems. Thanks again, I'll keep doing research for a little bit but I think I'm just gonna have to pick one and run with it. |
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Sonny Priddy
From:
Elizabethtown, Kentucky, USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 14 Dec 2007 5:23 pm steel
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| GFI's Are Great Guitars I Play One Got mine from Bobbe Seymour Plays And sounds Great. Don't Have to do Any Thing To It But Play It. |
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Steve Norman
From:
Seattle Washington, USA
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Posted 14 Dec 2007 5:30 pm
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Try and snag that ebay one man,, Thats a cool guitar! You'll have that for years! Id try and contact him and offer the 1500 straight up!, that 4th pedal is pretty cool
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GFI D10, Fender Steel King, Hilton Vpedal,BoBro, National D dobro, Marrs RGS |
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Steve Norman
From:
Seattle Washington, USA
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Posted 14 Dec 2007 5:33 pm
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Lyle it might be worth it for you to drive to Blakie Taylors in riverside, and Jims spot in oceanside is not to far from that. You'll get to try just about every combo of steel guitar and amp there is between the 2 of them. It'll be worth the trip! every time I tour in Calif. I have to stop in at Blackies.
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GFI D10, Fender Steel King, Hilton Vpedal,BoBro, National D dobro, Marrs RGS |
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Lyle Fritchey
From:
Sacramento, CA
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Posted 14 Dec 2007 6:00 pm
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| I've thought about making that drive Steve. I have a stretch of time off in early January. If I don't buy a guitar by then, I'll make a mini road trip out of it. Maybe come back with a steel. |
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Larry Strawn
From:
Golden Valley, Arizona, R.I.P.
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Posted 14 Dec 2007 9:41 pm
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Lyle,
Don't forget Jim Palenscar in Ocean Side, "Steel guitars of North County" Jim always has a good selection of guitars on the floor, and he's a nice guy to deal with also.
And welcome to the Forum! 
Larry
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Carter SD/10, 4&5 Hilton Pedal, Peavey Sessions 400, Peavey Renown 400, Home Grown Eff/Rack
"ROCKIN COUNTRY" |
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Charles Davidson
From:
Phenix City Alabama, USA
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Posted 14 Dec 2007 9:50 pm
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Welcome Lyle from Alabama,good luck and happy picking,don't you know.
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Hard headed, opinionated old geezer. BAMA CHARLIE. GOD BLESS AMERICA. ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST. SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC ! |
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George Crowder
From:
Richmond, VA, USA
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Posted 15 Dec 2007 9:47 am
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| Hello Lyle, welcome to the SGF and pedal steel guitar. If you decide to go the route of an MSA Classic as was suggested in a previous post, Billy Cooper has a nice one in his shop. And, if you decide to go with a new GFI Expo, Billy has those too. Billy or Wanda (his wife) are great to deal with. Call 540/854-5940 or email: coopersmusic@hotmail.com |
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