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Topic: Non-pedaler in need of an education |
Chase Swan
From:
Largo, Florida
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Posted 15 Jul 2010 11:56 am |
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HELLO! I've been passionately playing non-pedal steel for about 3 years now and I'm starting to look into getting my first PSG. However, when it comes to PSG I have no clue what I'm doing.
Unfortunately, I don't have the biggest budget, somewhere around $1200-1500. I think a single 10 is what I'm after, and I don't think a student model is for me. Nevertheless I'm looking for something solid and very reliable.
-Is push/pull better than other mechanisms?
-Are old Fender models (400, 1000) worth it?
-What features should I be looking for and what brands give the most bang for your buck?
THANKS! |
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Dave Grafe
From:
Hudson River Valley NY
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Posted 15 Jul 2010 1:36 pm
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With a budget like that you have a large range of instruments to choose from, Chase.
Emmons Push/Pull guitars are famous for having "that sound" but there are lots of other guitars that sound truly fabulous as well and are perhaps easier for a newbie to work on mechanically. That being said, if you can find an older S10 Emmons E9 with 3+4 or better in good condition for a good price go for it and ask questions later. There are a lot of fine older ShoBuds out there also, a fully loaded (3+4 or better) single-neck E9 ShoBud is the best bang for the buck IMHO over the long haul, but there are some good newer guitars as well....
As for the Fender guitars, I personally would recommend that you not begin there unless you just really dig them.
Keep an eye on the Instruments For Sale section of this forum and keep asking questions about what you don't know and you will do just fine.... |
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Larry Jamieson
From:
Walton, NY USA
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Posted 15 Jul 2010 5:41 pm
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Look for a guitar that has at least 3 floor pedals and 4 knee levers. Try to find something which is set up Emmons style, rather than Day style, because most of the instructional material is designed for Emmons set up.
Try to stay with a name brand instrument. I bought some less expensive guitars when starting out and ended up buying a new, pro model. Here's some good buys in used pro models:
Older MSA Classic models. Look for the aluminum pocket around the pickup. These guitars are good mechanically, sound good, and are often inexpensive for what you are getting. They are HEAVY, built like a tank, and will work forever.
An older BMI (Beck Musical Instruments) guitar in good shape is often a good buy as well. These are pretty good playing and sounding guitars which are often less expensive. Parts are still available.
You often see pro-model Carter single ten guitars in
mica finish going at quite reasonable prices, in the $1500 ball park, which are only a few years old. These are also a good buy.
Quality brands: Zum, Williams, Carter (avoid the "Starter"), Mullen, Rains, BMI, Desert Rose, Emmons and some of the older ShoBuds (avoid the Maverick).
Some of the older "Buds" had some pot metal parts that are subject to breaking easily.
Feel free to ask questions on the Forum any time before jumping into a purchase. If possible, have a pedal steel player check out the guitar you are buying before you pull the trigger.
Buy the BEST guitar you can possibly afford. It can last a lifetime and bring you many years of enjoyment. Quality is with you long after price is forgotten... Good luck!
Larry J. |
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Brick Spieth
From:
San Jose, California, USA
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Posted 15 Jul 2010 10:27 pm
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| I'm amazed at what $1500 can buy you these days. Just keep checking the instruments for sale section. |
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Steven Welborn
From:
Ojai,CA USA
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Posted 15 Jul 2010 11:54 pm
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i just purchased a nice BMI D10 for $1400 +sh through forum clasifieds. A solid looking used BMI S10 just sold on ebay for $786. one lever but a few more hundred would make it a 3+4. it wsa black too  |
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David Collins
From:
Madison, North Carolina, USA
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Posted 16 Jul 2010 3:06 am
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By all means, don't be afraid of a GFI either. A LOT of pro quality steel at a very good price!
_________________
David Collins
www.chjoyce.com |
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Bob Vantine
From:
Freeville, New York, USA
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Posted 16 Jul 2010 3:14 am
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I picked a brand new STAGE ONE for many reasons .Sound,weight,quality,service,and it didn't hurt that some pros spoke very highly of it and also use as "fly gig rig". Oh , can't forget $$$$$$s !
_________________
EQUIPMENT:
"TEAK" ZUM STAGE-ONE Steel / C6th Lapsteel
Peavey NV112 , CLASSIC and EFX112 amps
Peavey Guitars |
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Chase Swan
From:
Largo, Florida
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Posted 20 Jul 2010 5:25 pm
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wow thanks for all the great advice! This forum has been such an amazing resource for a young steeler like myself! Best $5 I've ever spent!
Is there anything I should look for in a used pedal steel? i.e. How can I know if everything is in working order and what questions should I ask a seller? |
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Stephen Cordingley
From:
Ontario, Canada
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Posted 20 Jul 2010 7:49 pm Re: Non-pedaler in need of an education
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| Chase Swan wrote: |
Unfortunately, I don't have the biggest budget, somewhere around $1200-1500. I think a single 10 is what I'm after, and I don't think a student model is for me. Nevertheless I'm looking for something solid and very reliable.
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Here's my unsolicited 2 cents worth: get a Carter S-10. (a used one should be in your price range)
The Carter Starter is fine for learning (especially the crucial left and right hand techniques), but the more expensive Carter feels like a "real" pedal steel guitar. They are quality in construction, sound good, and are stable in tuning, intonation etc (imho). If you pride yourself on mechanical aptitude and like tinkering with stuff, maybe other makes are for you. Personally, I want to focus on the considerable challenge of playing, with a minimum of mechanical distraction.
On the subject of what to ask a seller, ask how to adjust the tuning and intonation etc. on the steel. If the explanation blows your mind, think twice about that particular steel.(unless that kind of challenge invigorates you!)
I would recommend having the steel looked at by a qualified set up guy before or after you buy it; factor in that expense as part of your purchase.
Anyway, that's just the opinion of a hacker psg guy who started off playing really crappy and depressing steels... |
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Danny Bates
From:
Fresno, CA. USA
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Posted 20 Jul 2010 8:24 pm
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Chase said:
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| What features should I be looking for and what brands give the most bang for your buck? |
This is all good advice but if you buy a nice looking Sho-Bud, you can have James Morehead completely redo it with a "barrels behind two hole pullers system" and he'll set it up just the way you want. It will look and play just like a new guitar when he's done.
Prices are down on Sho-Buds tight now so I really believe you will be investing your money in a steel guitar that looks cool, sounds great and has a brand name too.
This is only just my opinion but I'm sticking to it anyway!  |
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Bobby D. Jones
From:
West Virginia, USA
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Posted 20 Jul 2010 8:27 pm Non-pedelar inneed of an education
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Don't forget that the guitar is not the only expense. You will need a set of cables, a volume control, and a good amp. and a good chromatic tuner.
And some type of books or DVD of lessons. AND DON'T FORGET A GOOD SET OF HEADPHONES UNLESS YOU ARE A BACHLOR. THEY WILL HELP KEEP THE CATS, KIDS AND MOMMA HAPPY. BEST OF LUCK |
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Dick Sexton
From:
Greenville, Ohio
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Chris Dorch
From:
Wisconsin, USA
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Posted 21 Jul 2010 9:15 am
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| Fessies and BSGs are also nice.. A used fessy can be found in that price and a new BSG can be built for that price... |
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Bob Moore
From:
N. Rose, New York
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Posted 21 Jul 2010 7:09 pm Good guitar
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| Bobbe Seymour has a great deal on a new GFI with amp and accessories. Check it out. Around 1700 with all needed to start. Bob |
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Roy Dick
From:
Tahlequah okla. USA
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Posted 22 Jul 2010 2:26 pm
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Yes Chris. glad you mentioned fessie's. They are a good solid guitar with tone out of this world.
_________________
Fessenden SD10, Peavy Nashville 112, Fender Fat Strat, Crate glx 212, Crate GLX 65, Peavy foundation bass, Epiphone flat top Taylor flat top Epiphone Led Paul Epiphone Shreraton Hilton and Goodrich pedals one understanding wife |
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Chase Swan
From:
Largo, Florida
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Posted 22 Jul 2010 7:52 pm
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Thanks everybody!
Any thoughts on a Sho-Bud Pro II Custom? |
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Danny Bates
From:
Fresno, CA. USA
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Posted 23 Jul 2010 12:38 am
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Chas asked:
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| Any thoughts on a Sho-Bud Pro II Custom? |
They are a great looking and sounding guitar. Beware because they have some parts made out of pot metal and I've read many have horror stories about them breaking at gigs.
If you're mechanically inclined, you can get upgraded parts and replace them yourself. If not, you might have somebody give it a complete rebuild. I mentioned this in my above post. If you do that, it will be a great guitar. |
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Mike Perlowin
From:
Los Angeles CA
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Posted 23 Jul 2010 2:26 am
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| Larry Jamieson wrote: |
| Look for a guitar that has at least 3 floor pedals and 4 knee levers. |
I second this advise, regardless of what brand you buy.
_________________
Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
http://www.mikeperlowin.com http://soundcloud.com/mike-perlowin |
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