Volume pedals

Carey Hofer · From: South Dakota, USA

I am a new 8 string C6 lap steel player. Just wondering, do most guys use volume pedals on lap steel? Bought one the other day, an Ernie Ball VP Jr. When I use it it it lifts up my right leg and tilts the steel towards me. For a better hand position for me (Because of stiffness and some arthritis) I am more comfortable with it level or tilted away from me a little. Any advice out there for me?

Nic Neufeld · From: Kansas City, Missouri

I bought one...the same model actually...when I first started lap steel several years back. I can probably count on one hand the amount of times I've plugged it in.

A lap steel stand would be one possible solution to make sure foot motion doesn't effect the position of the guitar itself.

But more broadly, whether to use or not use a volume pedal is going to be chiefly dependent on the style you want to play (and of course, your personal preference). Hawaiian style, with a few notable exceptions (eg Jerry Byrd), you generally don't use a volume pedal at all (maybe volume pot swells, on occasion, for effect...). If going for a country style (mimicking the pedal steel) maybe you would want/need a volume pedal. But I realized the volume pedal wasn't too useful or required for the styles I play, anyway.
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Fred Treece · From: California, USA

Slide your foot out away from you. That should lower your upper leg and level off your steel. A lower profile VP would help too. The EB’s are big honkers, even the Jr.

John Burton · From: Manassas, Va

good advice so far; yep; move your volume pedal further away; and no; you don't have to use a volume pedal. And actually you may not want one depending on style of playing.
I occasionally use one. Especially if I want to mimic pedal steel a bit or play more country style.
My biggest problem is I tend to overuse one when I play with one and really have to try and not use it as much, less is more. At least for me.
I'll add a simple solution: use a dictionary or phone book or block of wood (or unused guitar pedal) under your non volume pedal foot to balance out your knee height. Simple and works for when you want to play om your lap and use a volume pedal.

Gene Tani · From: Pac NW

If you can try different pots and also some preamp pedals like Hilton/Telonics/Goodrich Omni (which is a hybrid with pot) they all sound and act different.

Jimmy Herring has 8 EB VP's in his touring rig they must be good! https://youtu.be/Q59LudYw8Uw?t=670
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- keyless Sonny Jenkins laps stay in tune forever!; Carter PSG
- The secret sauce: polyester sweatpants to buff your picks, cheapo Presonus channel strip for preamp/EQ/compress/limiter, Diet Mountain Dew

Fred Treece · From: California, USA

I like that volume pedal controlled monitor mix Jimmy’s got going there in that rig video. It’s a little over the top, but hey, it’s one way to gitter done.

Carey Hofer · From: South Dakota, USA

Thanks everyone. That's what I like about asking questions here. Those duh, why didn't I think of that moments ie the phone book thing.

Gene Tani · From: Pac NW

also been longish threads about vintage NOS and new production pots, pots are complicated! Maybe try a 250k w/single coil if the VP is the first thing the pickup sees

https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=356424
_________________
- keyless Sonny Jenkins laps stay in tune forever!; Carter PSG
- The secret sauce: polyester sweatpants to buff your picks, cheapo Presonus channel strip for preamp/EQ/compress/limiter, Diet Mountain Dew

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