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Topic: Need some advice on just what to look for in a pedal steel.. |
Craig Bartock
From:
California, USA
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Posted 13 Apr 2011 3:56 pm |
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Hello all. The lap steel bug bit me about 3 months ago and I'm loving it, but I would also like to have a pedal steel. The thing is that this is more of a hobby/occasional steel guitar part in a track kind of deal with me. So, I'm really looking for advice here. I don't need an expensive instrument, just something decent, can hold it's tuning and not overly complicated.
Bottom line is as much as I'm enjoying my 8 string lap steel, I'm missing the ability to bend the and get different chord variations. Any thoughts on what I should look for and where? (and what I should avoid?!!) |
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Brett Day
From:
Pickens, SC
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Posted 13 Apr 2011 5:19 pm
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There are lots of great steel guitar companies. If you're lookin' for a sound similar to a Sho-Bud, the Jackson Steel Guitar Company can help you. They've got several models to choose from, like the BlackJack, BlackJack Custom, Madison '63, Pro IV, and Shot Jackson Commemorative model and Ultralite, and also an Acoustic model. They are built by Shot Jackson's two sons, David and Harry Jackson.
Brett |
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Craig Bartock
From:
California, USA
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Posted 13 Apr 2011 5:35 pm
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Someone locally is selling a Rustler twin necks Pedal steel 8 pedals 4 knee levers for $1,000. Any thoughts on this? Might be a bit more than I'm looking for, but it might be something worth pursuing if this is a decent steel guitar and that price sounds right.
Any thoughts? |
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Bob Blair
From:
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Posted 13 Apr 2011 6:38 pm
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| Great sounding and great looking guitars, and if it is half decent shape that's a very reasonable price. They are said to be quite heavy, and there is always a risk of mechanical issues with an older guitar like that. It might be counter-productive to be fighting those kinds of issues when what you want is something trouble-free to learn on. But having said that,if everything works on it it is probably going to be a lot more guitar than you could otherwise get for your money, and I have always wanted one! |
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Allan Jirik
From:
Wichita Falls TX
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Posted 13 Apr 2011 6:43 pm
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| Check out Stage One, licensed by Zumsteel, made by Doug Earnest. |
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Ford Cole
From:
Texas
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Posted 13 Apr 2011 6:45 pm
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| I would strongly recommend that you find one with the designation "G2" on the right front side!! fc |
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Craig Bartock
From:
California, USA
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Posted 13 Apr 2011 6:51 pm
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| The Stage One does look like a good way to go. |
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Stu Schulman
From:
Ulster Park New Yawk (deceased)
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Posted 13 Apr 2011 8:21 pm
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Craig,Not sure what part of Ca. that you live in but it would be worth taking a drive to Jim Palenscar's steel guitars of north county in Oceanside,he knows everything about them and should have a whole bunch to chose from,plus he's a great guy! 
_________________
Steeltronics Z-pickup,Desert Rose S-10 4+5,Desert Rose Keyless S-10 3+5... Mullen G2 S-10 3+5,Telonics 206 pickups,Telonics volume pedal.,Blanton SD -10,Emmons GS_10...Zirctone bar,Bill Groner Bar...any amp that isn't broken.Steel Seat.Com seats...Licking paint chips off of Chinese Toys since 1952. |
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Mike Perlowin
From:
Los Angeles CA
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Posted 13 Apr 2011 9:37 pm
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Stu is correct. Jim Palenscar is THE guy to go to.
What you want in a pedal steel guitar is a minimum of 10 strings, 3 pedals and 4 knee levers. DO NOT buy a steel with only one knee lever.
Rus-lers are fine guitars, but as has been pointed out, they weigh a ton, and you might need to have lot of expensive work done to it to get it in playing condition. Also, original parts are not available. if you need a part, it will have to be custom made.
_________________
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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Craig Bartock
From:
California, USA
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Posted 13 Apr 2011 10:33 pm
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Stu, unfortunately I'm in Northern CA. Too bad because I lived in So Cal forever. I guess my timing is off by a couple of years! I'll contact Jim and see what he has in stock.
And thanks for the advice on the knee levers, Mike. There was a Carter Starter for sale up here that looked like a possible candidate but it looks like the seller flaked out. I believe those only have 1 knee lever .... is that correct? |
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CrowBear Schmitt
From:
Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
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Posted 13 Apr 2011 11:37 pm
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if you did consider gettin' a Carter Starter Craig, please pass on it & get a ZumSteel Stage One
much better quality, reliability & bang 4 $ |
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Craig Bartock
From:
California, USA
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Posted 15 Apr 2011 7:35 am
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| There is another Carter Starter here locally on craigslist today (unused according to the seller) for $600 but after the wise advice from everyone here on this forum, I do believe the best thing for me would be to pass on that and spend the extra $400 and get a Stage One. |
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