purchase recommendation & more questions

Gabriel Deknatel · From: Kentucky, USA

PSG newbie here. I usually play a standard tuned electric guitar. I'm planning on purchasing a new PSG to learn and incorporate into my regular playing repetoire.

I'd like recommendations for what type of psg and what brand to buy. And i have some basic questions and thoughts that should inform the purchase.

I'm looking for a typical or standard setup, but want to start off with a quality professional level instrument. I'm not scared to spend a good chunk of money to get something that will work great, sound amazing, and last me a long time.

What should indicate whether to buy an E or C guitar? What's the difference between the types of tuners, keyless etc?

I'm interesting in pursuing an ethereal and also a bluesy sound, but wouldn't want to rule out typical country sounds and styles.

I'd be happy to give any more info that would help, and would love to hear any thoughts, considerations, and ideas to help me decide and learn more!

Many thanks!

Erv Niehaus · From: Litchfield, MN, USA

There is no such thing as an "E" or "C" guitar.
There are two tunings that are used on most pedal steels and they are the E9th and the C6th tuning.
These tunings can be used on any pedal steel if the pedals and knees are set up appropriately.
On a double neck pedal steel you can have both tunings. On a single neck pedal steel you have to decide on the tuning you want. The E9th tuning is the most popular.
I forgot to add that there is also the universal tuning. This is a 12 string tuning and combines the E9th and C6th (actually a B6th) tunings.

Gabriel Deknatel · From: Kentucky, USA

Thanks for the clarification on the Universal. I had heard the word, but didn't know what it meant.

I understand what you're saying about E9 and C6. I didn't know if a single neck pds was tuned one way or the other if you wouldn't typically change between the tunings and how hard that would be.

Thanks!

Jeff Mead · From: London, England

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Welcome Gabriel. Well, you're going to get nearly as many opinions as there are people here, so I don't know how much that's going to help you.

I'll offer my own here. I would encourage you to buy as good and as much guitar as you want to invest and stay with a builder that is currently building guitars so you will have access to parts and service etc., if/when the need should arise.

Mullen, Justice, Fessenden, Show Pro, Williams, Lamar, BMI et. al. plus many more....can't list them all here. [See the Links button above for a list of some manufacturers.]

For a new single neck professional quality guitar, 3 or 4 pedals with 4 or 5 knee levers, expect to pay upwards of 3K.

Some of the "fly" guitars like the Mullen Discovery, Zum licensed Encore, Justice Pro Lite probably less than that.

New E9 & C6 double neck 10 strings ea. guitars, as well as Universal 12's probably no less than 4K.

Double neck guitars give you 2 separate tunings, while Universal 12's have most characteristics of both on one neck.

Keyless models are generally smaller and lighter in weight than guitars with keyed headstocks.

Well known builders of keyless guitars are Williams, Lamar, Excel, GFI, .

You're probably going to have to visit one of the shows like SWSGA in Arizona in Jan. or the Texas Convention in Mar. in order to sit down at some of the current builds and get a feel for how they might fit you. Sound and tone is subjective, of course, but all of these mentioned are quality built, play and sound fine. Of course I have my own favorites just like everybody else.

Feel free to message me if I can help you in any way. JO.

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

While Jerry makes some very good points, the highly abundant MSA models from ca. 71-85 are both cheap (because of the abundance) and easy to work on. And although the current MSA isn't supplying parts, there are at least two people making high quality parts for them.
Ideally, find a local pedal steel player to "audition" and inspect any used axe you're thinking about. If you are within an hour of Topeka (I didn't think to look before I hit Reply), I'll do that, and I'm also a trucker rolling across all points from here to Hagerstown Md.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

Bob Hoffnar · From: Austin, Tx

Get in touch and I can show you what people are talking about over skype if you use that. It might help to see and hear the different types of tunings and then go over your options.
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Bob

Gabriel Deknatel · From: Kentucky, USA

Thank you Jerry, Bob, and all. BTW Jerry, I'm in Louisville too.

Bob, thank you! I may well take you up on the Skype offer. That sounds really helpful in terms of getting a better understanding of the options.

I'm currently investigating the websites of the various manufacturers, hoping to glean more information.

I will presumably go with a single neck, E9 tuned, possibly keyless, with atleast a 3/4 pedal setup. There's still quite a few terms I don't understand, but trying to take it all in.

Thanks!

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Here's a website that might be helpful for you and other newcomers. Might explain some things to you.

http://www.steelguitar.com/

...also, there are a bunch of steel players in and around the Louisville area as you probably already know.

Ed Boyd · From: Illinois, USA

I'm a keyboard player by trade. Some other keyboard player was wanting to get a steel and was asking similar questions. Fellow keyboard player Steve Nathan asked Paul Franklin what he would suggest. Paul's advice was to buy something you can sell in 6 months. LOL.

I guess either because you get frustrated or decide you want something different.

Kevin Fix · From: Michigan, USA

Paul had the best answer!!!! Practice 4 hours aday for four years and you will think you still suck!!!!! If I had to do it over again, HELL YEAH!!! 35 years now and still learn something new every time I play!!!!.

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