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Topic: Looking for a first PSG |
Daniele Gilioli
From:
Italy
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Posted 16 Jan 2010 1:31 pm |
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Good morning to all members. I just join this forum, I hope to exchange a lot of information and to meet new friends. I'm a musician playing since 28 years in a Bluegrass Band in Italy.Now we are approaching more Country style so that I'm going in touch with the amazing PSG intrument since I use already finger picks for Banjo and Dobro. I like USA Instruments but it's difficult to have PSG at good price available in Italy and Europe. I'm checking comments on WBS German made for instance or other suggestion related to USA or non USA products.
I would like NOT to buy the entry level like Carter starter or other student level. I would prefear to by a middle E9 type. Could you please hel me in sending comments.
Many thanks and regards |
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Joe Gretz
From:
Washington, DC, USA
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Posted 16 Jan 2010 2:57 pm welcome
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Luca,
Welcome to the forum!
The GFI "Expo" is a Pro level instrument with a very attractive price. I have an Expo myself, and it is a great sounding, well built instrument...very dependable too.
There are other good choices as well. I am sure others will offer you their advise and experience shortly.
I wish you the best of luck my friend,
ciao,
Joe
P.S.: Your English is very good! 
_________________
Dattebayo!!! |
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Brian McGaughey
From:
Orcas Island, WA USA
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Posted 16 Jan 2010 3:02 pm
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Welcome Luca,
You'll get lots of opinions but let me be the first and recommend a used MSA Classic or Semi-Classic. These guitars are built like tanks, a little heavier than modern guitars (the Classics were built in the 70s) but a great value.
The Classics are double neck and the Semi's are single. I bought a single neck 1976 guitar for $600 that was more or less ready to play. I've since added another knee so this unit is 3 pedal/3 knee. Many will advise you to have at least 4 knee levers on E9 and this is good advice, but I can do plenty with 3.
I've been playing for a little over 3 years now and I think I'm ready for a different guitar. Not so much because this one doesn't work properly but I want to hear a different tone and want more knees and a lighter guitar as I take this one out lots now.
There'll be many opinions to follow and they'll all be fine. My vote is vintage Classic. In fact a semi-classic just sold here on the forum for $800 shipped US. 3 pedals and 5 knees. GREAT first guitar IMO.
Best of luck!
Edited to say CrowBear Schmitt is a regular poster to the forum and he lives next door in France. Perhaps he has ideas on finding a good steel at a good price in your part of the world. |
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Roual Ranes
From:
Atlanta, Texas, USA
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Posted 16 Jan 2010 3:21 pm
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lUCA,
Welcome.
I will agree with Brian 100%. |
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Joe Gretz
From:
Washington, DC, USA
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Posted 16 Jan 2010 3:42 pm Msa!
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Ah yes!
An older MSA would be a fine choice! They are great instruments, and usually priced well too. They are very dependable and sound beautiful.
They are heavy, but that be viewed as an asset when you are actually playing it...not so much when you are moving it from place to place though! Get a cart with wheels if you end up with one!
Joe
_________________
Dattebayo!!! |
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Clete Ritta
From:
San Antonio, Texas
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Posted 16 Jan 2010 11:03 pm
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I started on a Carter Starter, and still can recomend it as an entry level steel.
After playing a year on it I got Mullen SD10 E9, which I still use for recording and performing. I'd recommend a Mullen to anybody at any level!
Check out Mike Mantey, Mickey Adams and others for new or used Mullen steels.
Clete |
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Georg Sørtun
From:
Mandal, Agder, Norway
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Posted 16 Jan 2010 11:25 pm
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| I suggest you contact Wolfgang and discuss WBS Standard S10 or SD10 - maybe he has a used one. His steels hold their own against anything in their respective model/price ranges on the market. |
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Ryan Barwin
From:
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Posted 16 Jan 2010 11:40 pm
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Welcome to the forum, Luca!
I would also recommend a GFI Expo, or a MSA Classic. They're both quality professional guitars, but not too expensive.
_________________
www.pedalsteel.ca |
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Daniele Gilioli
From:
Italy
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Posted 17 Jan 2010 2:28 am
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Thanks a lot Joe, Brian, Roual, Clete. Georg & Ryan
for yr suggestions. I checked the PSG Manufacturer's list available in this forum, hoping to find some good idea.. however as you can image I'm now more confused, so that yr comments are really appreciated. I'm trying to make a cross reference exel file in order to take the final decision within some weeks. I think the main topics are : mechanical construction (solid and precise), expandable pedal configuration, weight,feed back from users (pros&cons&feeling). Is there any other important topic I missed? Please let me know. For what regards price my actual budget is around 2200 USD (including Shipping/custom duty charges,etc). Does anybody know which % I have to add on PSG price in USA, to have it in Italy (on average of course). Courious to receive additional feedback from members, Thanks and regards  |
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Peer Desmense
From:
Netherlands
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Posted 17 Jan 2010 3:59 am
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Luca,
If you don't live to much down in southern Italy, you could consider doing businessw with dutch Jan Visser. His website is called Promota Music Sales and Jan is an excellent PSG builder.
I myself ordered my psg from Bobbe Seymours shop and that costed me the the instrument price plus some 25% taxes and freight, but it got me a Garritt and I'm very pleased with this guitar.
In Geremany and Switzerland there are some excellent builders too .
Good luck.
Peer |
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Ryan Barwin
From:
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Posted 17 Jan 2010 4:28 am
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Okay, I'll try and address the issues you brought up...for the GFI Expo and MSA Semi-Classic.
Mechanical construction
-both PSG's are built very solidly, and if it's set up properly, will be very smooth and precise.
Expandable pedal configuration
-The GFI has a triple-raise/double-lower changer. (That means you can set up a maximum of 3 different pedals to raise that string, and two different pedals to lower it.)
-The MSA has a double-raise/double-lower changer. (You can set up a maximum of 2 different pedals to raise that string, and two different pedals to lower it.)
-You don't need more than double-raise/double-lower for a standard pedal configuration.
-Parts to add more pedals and knee levers are available for both guitars, but both will have three pedals, and four (or maybe five) knee levers already, and you don't need more.
-The GFI and MSA are both not very difficult to change the pedal configuration of the pedals already on the guitar. When you decide you want to do this, there's many forum members who can explain how to do it...but it's fairly simple to do.
Weight
-This is a big difference between the GFI and MSA
-The GFI is very light...only 26 lbs.
-The MSA is very heavy...I don't know the weight of it, but it could easily be 50 lbs.
-If you're carrying it around to gigs, weight is a very important issue.
Sound
-This is a personal preference, and lots of players like the GFI and MSA tone.
-Watch a lot of Youtube videos, and decide what sound you prefer.
-From what I've read, most players on here like the GFI's tone.
-The opinion about the MSA is very divided. Lots of players love it, and lots criticize it for sounding dull. But form your own opinion.
Look
-This is personal preference too, and not that important, but how the guitar looks is a consideration. Take a look at some photos of both, and decide which looks nicer to you.
Hope that helps...
_________________
www.pedalsteel.ca |
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Daniele Gilioli
From:
Italy
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Posted 17 Jan 2010 5:57 am
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| Peer Desmense wrote: |
Luca,
If you don't live to much down in southern Italy, you could consider doing businessw with dutch Jan Visser. His website is called Promota Music Sales and Jan is an excellent PSG builder.
I myself ordered my psg from Bobbe Seymours shop and that costed me the the instrument price plus some 25% taxes and freight, but it got me a Garritt and I'm very pleased with this guitar.
In Geremany and Switzerland there are some excellent builders too .
Good luck.
Peer |
Dear Peer I checked Promota Web site but it's in Dutch.... And No Price indicated If I'm Right. I'll try to Check again. Thanks for yr reply |
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Daniele Gilioli
From:
Italy
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Posted 17 Jan 2010 6:14 am
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| Ryan Barwin wrote: |
Okay, I'll try and address the issues you brought up...for the GFI Expo and MSA Semi-Classic.
Mechanical construction
-both PSG's are built very solidly, and if it's set up properly, will be very smooth and precise.
Expandable pedal configuration
-The GFI has a triple-raise/double-lower changer. (That means you can set up a maximum of 3 different pedals to raise that string, and two different pedals to lower it.)
-The MSA has a double-raise/double-lower changer. (You can set up a maximum of 2 different pedals to raise that string, and two different pedals to lower it.)
-You don't need more than double-raise/double-lower for a standard pedal configuration.
-Parts to add more pedals and knee levers are available for both guitars, but both will have three pedals, and four (or maybe five) knee levers already, and you don't need more.
-The GFI and MSA are both not very difficult to change the pedal configuration of the pedals already on the guitar. When you decide you want to do this, there's many forum members who can explain how to do it...but it's fairly simple to do.
Weight
-This is a big difference between the GFI and MSA
-The GFI is very light...only 26 lbs.
-The MSA is very heavy...I don't know the weight of it, but it could easily be 50 lbs.
-If you're carrying it around to gigs, weight is a very important issue.
Sound
-This is a personal preference, and lots of players like the GFI and MSA tone.
-Watch a lot of Youtube videos, and decide what sound you prefer.
-From what I've read, most players on here like the GFI's tone.
-The opinion about the MSA is very divided. Lots of players love it, and lots criticize it for sounding dull. But form your own opinion.
Look
-This is personal preference too, and not that important, but how the guitar looks is a consideration. Take a look at some photos of both, and decide which looks nicer to you.
Hope that helps... |
Of course it help Ryan thanks a lot. I will include yr comments in my table. However the weight is becoming important for me since I leave in apartment and I have to carry it ones a week for Band jam and sometimes for some gig in pubs etc. PS:I had a look to web site of yr band. I found very good music  regards |
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Ryan Barwin
From:
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Posted 17 Jan 2010 6:41 am
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| Luca Gilioli wrote: |
| Of course it help Ryan thanks a lot. I will include yr comments in my table. However the weight is becoming important for me since I leave in apartment and I have to carry it ones a week for Band jam and sometimes for some gig in pubs etc. |
If the weight is important, go with the GFI Expo.
| Luca Gilioli wrote: |
| PS:I had a look to web site of yr band. I found very good music regards |
Thanks Luca! Does your band have a website? I'd like to hear your playing.
_________________
www.pedalsteel.ca |
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Peer Desmense
From:
Netherlands
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Posted 17 Jan 2010 6:54 am
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Hello Luca,
I see you're right about the Promota web site. I remember Jan used to indicate the prices for his Devis, but indeed he stopped doing so. I don't know why, but I'm sure he'll be cooperative when you send him an email. Jan is a friendly guy!
I also see his site is in Dutch. Should you however want to know more, I am willing to translate for you.
Once again: good luck!
Peer |
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Daniele Gilioli
From:
Italy
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Posted 17 Jan 2010 7:09 am
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| Ryan Barwin wrote: |
| Luca Gilioli wrote: |
| Of course it help Ryan thanks a lot. I will include yr comments in my table. However the weight is becoming important for me since I leave in apartment and I have to carry it ones a week for Band jam and sometimes for some gig in pubs etc. |
If the weight is important, go with the GFI Expo.
| Luca Gilioli wrote: |
| PS:I had a look to web site of yr band. I found very good music regards |
Thanks Luca! Does your band have a website? I'd like to hear your playing. |
Yes Ryan the web is www.BovisastringBand.it is there also My space link. Please consider that we are playing since years for fun. Regards. Daniele (Daniele is my name. I'm 48 years old Father of Luca that's is 22. I used his Paypal account to pay to become forum member and I couldn't change the name in the profile so that I asked my son to post my request. He's also a fan of bluegrass and country music. Now I think it is better to use my name posting directly since the discussion is becoming interesting and personal)  |
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Ryan Barwin
From:
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Posted 17 Jan 2010 8:33 am
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I had a listen to your band...sounds great!
If you send an email to Bob, he can change the name on your Forum account.
_________________
www.pedalsteel.ca
Last edited by Ryan Barwin on 17 Jan 2010 8:41 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Daniele Gilioli
From:
Italy
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Posted 17 Jan 2010 8:37 am
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| Ryan Barwin wrote: |
| I used my father's Paypal account to register, and it made my forum account under his name. I sent an email to Bob and he changed it for me...you should do that too. |
Thanks Ryan. Just done ! |
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Sonny Priddy
From:
Elizabethtown, Kentucky, USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 17 Jan 2010 9:05 am steel
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| I Have A SD10 GFI Ultra I Got From Bobbe Seyymour At Steel Guitar Nashville About 5 years Ago Been Played Hard Never Had to Do Anything To it. Give Him A Call You'l Be Glade you Did.(615-822-5555) Great Guitars. SONNY. |
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Daniele Gilioli
From:
Italy
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Posted 17 Jan 2010 1:13 pm
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| Ryan Barwin wrote: |
I had a listen to your band...sounds great!
If you send an email to Bob, he can change the name on your Forum account. |
Ryan as you can see now my name appears as member. 
Thanks for yr comment on my Bluegrass Band.
Daniele |
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Pit Lenz
From:
Cologne, Germany
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Posted 17 Jan 2010 2:51 pm
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Ciao Daniele,
If you´d care fot yet another opinion (to feed the confusion factor) here´s mine:
After getting many recommendations, I bought a used Carter U-12 (regular model) through this great forum almost two years ago for less than half of the new price and I couldn´t be happier with it!
It arrived in Germany in very good shape (customs thought it was new and didn´t want tot let it pass as a used instrument).
First thing I did was to change the knee levers copedent to match my old student model´s setup, that was very easy.
It plays really well, mechanics are precise and smooth.
Then, it is very light, which was a factor for me as well.
I like the looks and the sound, too.
You can listen to it here
Carter´s website is very informative.
That´s my mezzo Euro, of course, and the more people chime in, the more different (honest and true) recommendations you´ll get...
greetings from across the alps
Pit |
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Daniele Gilioli
From:
Italy
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Posted 18 Jan 2010 3:57 am
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Hi PIT Thanks a lot for yr information.
May I Ask you how much was in % the difference in price respect the Carter buying price in USA ?
(25, 30%...??) In case of import I need to calculate price to my home including duty, shipping, VAT etc.
I'll have a more deep look to carter WEB, maybe they calculate already price in Europe.
Ah ! I have a 2nd question. Since you live close to WBS, for sure you checked them before Carter order. If so, could you please be so kind to give me some comment ?
Thanks a lot |
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Daniele Gilioli
From:
Italy
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Posted 18 Jan 2010 10:08 am
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Ciao PIT
Yr Band is making really good Music PIT. Also My Bluegrass band is approaching more country from H.Williams, J. Cash, W. Nelson and W.Jennings recently. Very Daniele |
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Gianni Gori
From:
Livorno, Italy
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Posted 18 Jan 2010 11:11 am
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Ciao, benvenuto!!!
I'll go on writing in english; keepin' on typing in italian won't be that kind... :-P
You're right, it's so hard to find anything related to the pedal steel guitar in Italy...
When I started I couldn't do but buy in USA, choosing a used MSA.
Now things are a lil' bit better, but not that big deal. The only italian dealer selling PGS's is Wilder Davoli, but they just deal with Carter Starter and Magnum.
Magnum guitars are built from Carter as well, they don't seem to be bad at all, but I never had a chance to play them.
Take a look at Thomann.de website, they have both S-10's and D-10's Magnum.
Gerry Hogan in UK (Hogan Music) is selling them too.
About WBS... I tried to contact Wolfgang twice in last few months without getting any reply.
I meant to go and visit WBS factory this weekend and I do think he lost a sale! LOL
Should you need accessories, Alex Valle used to sell some.
Where are you from...?
Gianni |
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Daniele Gilioli
From:
Italy
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Posted 18 Jan 2010 11:49 am
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Ciao Gianni,I'm living in Milan.
Thanks for yr infos,I'll consider them of course.
hmmm Strange that Wolfgang was not availabe... it seems from the other member's comment he's a friendly pro mamufacturer. It's my intention to contact him in the next future. I'll keep you updated about results.  Daniele |
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