New to pedal steel, looking for buying advice, opinions

Bob Rion · From: New York, USA

Hi, I am a guitar player interested in giving pedal steel a try. I thought I could go to the usual on line music stores and just get an entry level pedal steel but that clearly is not the case. It seems about the only new entry level available is the GFI student. Other than that, something used seems to be the more likely choice. There are a couple in the classifieds on this forum that look like possibilities. One is a Carter Starter modified by Chet Wilcox for $775 and the other is a Chet Wilcox recently rebuilt with a case for $1250. So here's my dilemma. On the one hand I'm thinking I should spend as little as possible since I don't even know if I'm going to be able to play this thing. On the other hand I'm thinking that Wilcox sure looks nice and sometimes a better instrument can be a good investment for a beginner. I also need to consider resale value in the event that I give up in 6 months. So there you have it. Any and all opinions or advice about these two guitars or any others that you might recommend for my particular situation would be welcome. Thanks in advance for your help.

Bill Moore · From: Manchester, Michigan

http://www.stageonesteelguitars.com/

Dave Hopping · From: Aurora, Colorado

As a six-stringer who took up steel,I found that the most difficult parts of the transition involved bar technique and right-hand picking/blocking.IMO a lap steel like the ones you can get for a C-note at MF is a very cost-effective platform for picking up those techniques,which (again IMO) are far more essential to the learning process than knowing which pedal/knee lever combinations give which chord changes.

Bob Hoffnar · From: Austin, Tx

Where are you in NY ? There are steel players all over the state that can help you out.
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Bob

Rick Winfield · From: Pickin' beneath the Palmettos

I have owned 4 PSG's, and I would recommend a Carter.
Smooth, accurate, lightweight & solid hard rock maple under that mica.
Email sent
Rick

PS:
to quote the great Winnie Winston,
"buy the most expensive guitar you can afford".

Chris Dorch · From: Wisconsin, USA

Many beginners, semi-pros, and pros alike talk highly of Stage Ones...

Many don't speak too highly of Carter STARTERS. Carter pro models are just that... pro models..

BSG makes a good steel.

Used, you can always find a rock-solid MSA, Sierra, or Fessy for a good price.

If you don't know if you will play forever, look at guitars that have good resale value.

Do your homework....

Good luck...

chas smith R.I.P. · From: Encino, CA, USA

John Owen · From: Seattle, Washington, USA

I was in the same situation as you a couple of years ago. On the advice of a friend who's played PSG for years, I got a new guitar that I knew would be in good working order when I got it. After looking at several recommendations on this forum, I got a Stage One and have been VERY happy with it. Doug Earnest is a great guy and makes very playable, good sounding guitars that you can buy new for less money than you are likely to find a decent used instrument for. My 2 cents worth.

Good luck, have fun.

Bob Rion · From: New York, USA

Thanks for all the feedback so far everyone.
I am taking a look at the Stage One because I was not aware of that one before. It sure has a lot of positive posts on this forum and seems like a great deal.

Daniel Morris · From: Westlake, Ohio, USA

Another vote for Winnie's advice.
I started working with a guitarist who wanted to learn pedal steel. He had a Carter Starter, and as I watched him try to adapt to pedal steel, one issue that became apparent was he was sometimes fighting that guitar. (Tuning was another issue altogether.) It can be done, but I'd say get a good one. As everyone says, you can sell a decent one if you move up, but a lousy one......
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1979 MSA U12 Pedal Steel
1982 Kline U12 Pedal steel
2019 Sierra U12 Pedal Steel
2011 Bear Creek MK Weissenborn
Milkman 40W Mini amp w/Telonics 15" speaker.
Dr. Z Surgical Steel w/TT 15" speaker.
Frenzel MB-50 head.
Spaceman, Empress, Eventide, Pigtronix.

Bill Mayville · From: Las Vegas Nevada * R.I.P.

Why the Stage one isn;t in the spotlight more often
on this forum, I have yet to figure out.
It seems to be the only one that has always had the thumbs up.I don't think I have ever read about a tuning problem.

The fellows that have knowledge about the beginning
of a steel players road to music,I would say it is the Cadilac of all starter Guitars.

Blocker Bill
_________________
Bill Mayville
06 Jackson Commemorative ,S 10
Black.For Sale . $18,000 Kidding

Elton Smith · From: Texas, USA

I also am a guitar player turned steel.What I have learned about pedal steel ,is if you want to play the same licks on the steel as you do on the guitar a student model will not come close.If you don't want to loose interest in steel,don't buy a limted guitar.3 pedals and one lever will not get the range you need.I think getting your money back is not a problem as you know steels are pretty rare.I would say 3 pedals and 4 levers as a start.That way you may not think steels just don't cut it.
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Bob Rion · From: New York, USA

Thank you everyone for all of your help.
I just sent Doug an email and ordered a RED one! Based on your answers I am very confident that I have made a good choice.
Thanks again and when I can't figure out how to play the thing you'll be hearing from me some more.

Larry Baker · From: Columbia, Mo. U.S.A.

Bob, congrats on your purchase, I know you will be happy with the guitar. I haven't played a Stage One, but Doug is a great guy. Larry
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Bill Moran · From: Virginia, USA

oop's

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Bill

Bob Rion · From: New York, USA

What is that supposed to mean? Question

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Hi Bob. Welcome to the forum and the steel guitar. Congratulations on your Zum Stage One order. I don't have any first hand knowledge about them but I have only heard good things. Same goes for Doug Earnest.

I wish you lots of luck with your steel guitar experience and feel free to shout if I can help you in any way.

Don Drummer · From: West Virginia, USA

Stage One!

Elton Smith · From: Texas, USA

Bob,while your waiting go over to you tube and find Micky Adams steel guitar.He will teach you very much.Elbo
_________________
Gibson Les Paul
Reverend Avenger
Paul Reed Smith
Fender Telecaster
MSA S10 Classic
ShoBud
Old Peavy Amps

Elton Smith · From: Texas, USA

By the way he'a member here.
_________________
Gibson Les Paul
Reverend Avenger
Paul Reed Smith
Fender Telecaster
MSA S10 Classic
ShoBud
Old Peavy Amps

James Yoder · From: Texas, USA

I started on a Carter starter 9 years ago. I know about fighting tuning & a cheaper steel. After a year & a half I got a new pro, what a difference. By all means get a good used one. Name brand if you can. Take care of it & you will always get your money back. If you are just learning, put all other instruments aside & devote all the time to the steel, because you are learning to play a monster. You will never learn all there is to learn on a steel. That is the beauty of it. It will test your patience many times. Jim Yoder from South Texas

Karen Sarkisian · From: Boston, MA, USA

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