Aussie steelers I need some advice!

Dean Gray · From: New South Wales, Australia

Hey guys, I have met some of you in person - Damian, Benj, Michel, though we seem to be scattered pretty far and wide!

After 7 years on dobro, and 2 on non pedal steel, I am really itching to get started on PSG. I love the challenge of slants and finger pulls on the non pedal, and have a 10 string with a couple of "chromatic" strings on top to get some of those PSG scalar runs. I am playing once a month as the resident steel guitarist/dobro picker for the Northern Beaches country music club, and most people can't really tell the difference between pedal and non pedal steel.
More and more though, I find it's the sounds and players of the pedal steel that really grab me.

My question is this:

Where can I go in Sydney, or further if I have to, to try out some quality steels? I know where I can find a new Carter Starter, though I have pretty much ruled them out, since most people here on the forum seem to outgrow them in 6 months or so.

I am thinking of starting on a U12, since that is probably where I will end up anyway.

If any of you could point me in the right direction, or even share some tips regarding how you got started on pedal steel, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance guys, and I look forward to meeting up with some more of you this year.
_________________
If it’s on the ground it can’t fall down.

Ned McIntosh · From: New South Wales, Australia

Hi Dean,

The South Coast Country Music Association has a "Have-A-Go" night every Wednesday evening 7pm-9.30pm in Kembla Heights, behind Wollongong. There are two steel players who frequently attend, I play a Carter D10 and the other player has an Excel U12 in Extended E9th.

If you PM me I can give you contact details. Wollongong isn't so far to drive, although from the Northern Beaches you may need to factor in the usual Sydney traffic.
_________________
The steel guitar is a hard mistress. She will obsess you, bemuse and bewitch you. She will dash your hopes on what seems to be whim, only to tease you into renewing the relationship once more so she can do it to you all over again...and yet, if you somehow manage to touch her in that certain magic way, she will yield up a sound which has so much soul, raw emotion and heartfelt depth to it that she will pierce you to the very core of your being.

Dean Gray · From: New South Wales, Australia

Hi Ned, that sounds great! I don't mind driving to Wollongong at all, and to get to hear two steel players is a bonus. Hope you don't mind if I ask lots of questions though!

PM with contact info sent.
_________________
If it’s on the ground it can’t fall down.

Paddy Long · From: Christchurch, New Zealand

Dean - this link might be helpful for you with equipment for sale, and also as a contact source for someone in your area !

Good luck mate

http://www.brissteelguitar.com/
_________________
14'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
08'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
94' Franklin Stereo D10 9+8
Telonics, Peterson, Steelers Choice, Benado, Lexicon, Red Dirt Cases.

Damien Odell · From: Springwood, New South Wales, Australia

G'day Dean,

You're welcome to come to my house sometime to try both E9 standard or a U12 (if you don't mind driving to the Blue Mountains)

I have a fair few gigs coming up in the Syd area - but it might be better to come to my place one day and have a play.

At one stage the Guitar Factory at Gladesville in Syd were selling Carter Starters....but having played one of those once I personally think that if you're going to the trouble of buying a PSG in oz you may as well go straight for one that you'll be able to keep long term.

The link Paddy sent is great - it amazing how many steels pop up on there...there are a lot more PSG players out here than I ever thought.

I think you have my number - but if not call me on 0412 169 439 if you want to catch up for a close look at my guitars.

damien

Dean Gray · From: New South Wales, Australia

Thanks Ned and Paddy!

Ned sent me an email last night, and then straight after called me on my mobile inviting me down to Wollongong to talk steel guitar and try out his D10 Carter! What a nice guy.

Paddy - thanks for the link, and I just received an email from Noel and Shirley Anstead from Anapeg Guitars, inviting me to the Steel Guitar Festival in Brisbane, this June. Lucky I like driving! I have only seen one Anapeg "in the flesh", and was impressed to say the least.

I feel honoured to have been contacted by Ned, Paddy, Noel and Shirley. Thanks again. What a great forum.
_________________
If it’s on the ground it can’t fall down.

Paddy Long · From: Christchurch, New Zealand

hi Dean - yes the steel show in Brisbane is a lot of fun and you will meet a lot of guys there as well who will be able to point you in the right direction. Noel and Shirley are absolute gems of people.
_________________
14'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
08'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
94' Franklin Stereo D10 9+8
Telonics, Peterson, Steelers Choice, Benado, Lexicon, Red Dirt Cases.

Dean Gray · From: New South Wales, Australia

Hey thanks Damien - somehow I missed your post!

I will definitely call you to arrange a time to come visit, and thanks for the offer. I met your brother up at Tamworth in January. Hope you and your newly expanded family are doing well.

Thanks again mate, I will be in touch very soon.
_________________
If it’s on the ground it can’t fall down.

Ben Hoare · From: NSW Australia

Hey Deano Gladesville guitar factory can get the starters but Im with Damien find something else Ive bought two steels so far off ebay ,one from Ireland and one from Oz ,both Franklins and haven't been bitten yet though it can be risky if your brave enough.My advice would be if you can get time off !They're offering really cheap tickets to the US at the moment about $850 .Id go there, you'll get more better quality 2nd hand steels on offer ,have a holiday and probably still save money on what you can get here.Just my two cents.
_________________
www.myspace.com/benspickin

Mike Kirkley · From: Helendale, California

Howdy, Dean,
Like Damien and several of the other guys here, I'd be honoured if you'd consider coming over to my place and having a go with my old Sho-Bud. Paul Chalker at Gladesville does sell quite a few of the Carter Starters, and they're great guitars, if you're just starting to learn how to play...in fact, I've sent people to him on numerous occasions, and he has sent people to me for lessons. In your case, though, I agree with Damien that a Carter Starter probably isn't the best option. Like Paddy said, the Brissy Steel Club's show in June is a fantastic place to go to meet lots of steelers, from all over Australia and New Zealand (wait till you hear Paddy and Ivan Posa play...they're both GREAT!!!). Plus, Norm's Anapeg guitars are not only gorgeous, but very technically advanced. Ivan Posa plays his beautifully. If I could afford to buy another psg, I'd very strongly consider one of Norm's guitars. Anyway, if you'd like, please feel free to ring me on 0434 259 180, and we can kick this around some. Take care!

Adios for now,

Mike Kirkley

Dean Gray · From: New South Wales, Australia

G'day Mike, thanks for getting in touch with me.

This has been such a great response, I am stoked with the generosity extended to me. I got a call from Ned the other night, Damien called today, and to get your message today Mike, really makes me feel happy! I will call you tomorrow to have a chat.

Thanks again mate,

Speak to you soon.

Deano
_________________
If it’s on the ground it can’t fall down.

Jerry Eilander · From: Hadspen, Tasmania, Australia

Hi,
if ever coming to tassie, you can have a go at my
"linkon" canadian made D10.
cheers Jerry

Forum Index > Pedal Steel		Next oldest topic :: Next newest topic

All times are GMT - 8 Hours	Jump to: