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Topic: Picks and sound bars |
Bob Ripperden
From:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Posted 8 Feb 2010 12:26 pm |
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Hi, I'm a beginner P-steel player...I need to buy some finger picks and a sound bar. I see finger picks from .013 to .025 degrees, don't know what it means or what I need.  The same with the bar I see there are different weights and lengths to choose from. What do you recomend?
Thank you.
Bob |
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Steve Hitsman
From:
Waterloo, IL
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Posted 8 Feb 2010 12:40 pm
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Bob,
You couldn't be located much better to figure out what you need. Go to Scotty's and try a selection of picks. I like Blue Herco thumbpicks and medium Propiks. Start with those and then try some others. There are guitars there that you can try 'em out on. You'll get dozens of different answers about which picks are best but you have to figure out what's best for you.
Same with the bar. 7/8"x3 1/4" is pretty much standard but some guys like a bigger diameter. BJS is probably the most popular brand but there are others. Scotty's should have several.
I'm in Waterloo if you'd like to try my rig. PM me and I'll give you my phone number. Also, you should make the steel jam in Swansea on March 21. |
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Joe Gretz
From:
Washington, DC, USA
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Posted 8 Feb 2010 1:07 pm Bars and picks
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Bob,
I would recommend getting the best bar you can afford. I like the BJS bar (mine is a 1"), but there are others, like the Cobra Coil for one. Good bars are made of higher quality steel, and help you get better tone. You will be able to tell the difference, I promise!
I use the Jeffran finger picks, and a National thumb pick. Like Steve says, try a bunch! Remember that you will likely need to adjust the finger picks, and possibly the thumb pick too. They should fit you snugly, not too tight.
As important as good gear is, good technique will serve you best! I would suggest getting a lesson or two, or at least meeting up with someone who can point you in the right direction!
Good luck!
Joe
_________________
Dattebayo!!! |
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Ryan Barwin
From:
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Posted 8 Feb 2010 1:30 pm
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BJS bars aren't cheap, but the difference between a cheap bar (like a Dunlop) and BJS is very significant, and it's definitely worth it. I use a 7/8" BJS bar....tried some others, and they don't compare.
As for picks, I'd recommend Blue Herco thumbpicks and ProPik or Dunlop fingerpicks. (I use both regularly). They're not too expensive, so you can try a few different gauges and see what you like. Whatever fingerpicks you get, make sure you bend them properly for your fingers.
_________________
www.pedalsteel.ca |
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Jerry Kline
From:
Macomb County , Michigan, USA
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Posted 8 Feb 2010 6:03 pm Hi Bob!
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Welcome Bob.
Ditto the comments on BJS Bars.
If you want to surf the web a little
give Jeffran College a look-see. Great
Instructional material and the
'accessories' section has some good picks.
But as Steve wrote, go see Scotty's. |
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Bob Ripperden
From:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Posted 9 Feb 2010 8:33 am
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thanks to all for the info.
Bob |
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Ernest Cawby
From:
Lake City, Florida, USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 10 Feb 2010 4:55 am hi
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Jeffs finger picks are the best, the right gauge thickness, I use Golden gate thumb picks last forever, Jeffs thumb picks breaks after abouit 3 months. I have found a different thumb pick a little shorter length I use now going to the store today to find some more like it.
ernie |
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