Buying first steel - tips?

Jack Flynn · From: New York, USA

Hi all. This is my very first post Smile

I am a regular guitar player who wants to get into pedal steel. I've saved up enough to finally buy one, but now I don't know what model or brand to get, let alone whether to go for a D-10, S-10, universal 12, etc. I want to get something really good so that I don't need to upgrade later and so that I avoid quality issues that will discourage me as a beginner. But I also want to leave room for the possibility that I will upgrade later anyways, based on my yet-to-be-developed preferences, etc. So I don't want to go over the top only to want something else later.

I'm wondering if the GFI Ultra would be a good idea. Or the Jackson Maverick. I looked into MSA but there is a 18-24 month wait period and I don't want to wait that long to get started. Most important to me is that the guitar plays well, sounds good and holds its tuning well. Any recommendations, tips, pitfuls to avoid, would be greatly appreciated Smile

I've already benefitted so much from the collective wisdom of this forum so I figured I'd ask Smile

Henry Schuellerman · From: Columbus, Ohio, USA

Welcome Jack! I was in the same boat as you earlier this year, and just got my first pedal steel in May. After a lot of research and reading on the forum here's my 2 cents.

-Go for a modern/contemporary PSG if possible... it's more likely to hold tune & play well out of the box. As with vintage amps/guitars, a vintage pedal steel will likely need some TLC and setup. Also, vintage parts are likely harder to come by.

-Try to find a 3 pedal x 4 lever configured pedal steel if possible. You probably won't "outgrow" it anytime soon. These seem easier to sell too when you get to the point of wanting to upgrade (or go vintage).

-Don't completely write off "beginner" models, a lot of them are very nice, USA-made instruments.

I was balling on a budget so I found a GFI Student S-10 on facebook marketplace. I had the Growler GS-10, Justice S-10, MSAs on my radar too. Plenty of good deals out there, since a lot of folks buy a steel and give up trying to learn since it's challenging/takes a lot of time. I've been very pleased with my GFI- it's been easy to learn on and super portable... this is important because once your friends find out you play pedal steel, you will be in a million bands and always have a gig.

Happy hunting!!
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Chris Templeton · From: The Green Mountain State

Contact Jim Palenscar, he'll set you up nicely: https://steelguitars.me
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Nicholas Cox · From: CA

I think most people would recommend that you start on a s10 e9 tuning with at least 3 pedals and 4 levers. If it’s set up in a standard “emmons” copedent you will have the most amount of learning material available to help you. If you are interested in playing Western swing or jazz you may want to get a d10 to play in e9 and c6. Be careful about buying very used instruments as you don’t want a project Guitar when you are starting off. If you are anywhere near a shop where you can buy one in person I would recommend that.

Jeremy Reeves · From: Springfield, IL, USA

start on whatever you can get your hands on the quickest and don't buy anything you can't sell

Jason Altshuler · From: Brooklyn, NY

Welcome Jack! Are you set on buying new, or have you considering buying used? I (and many others) have had great experiences finding used steels on here. Mr. John Widgren in Wilton, Connecticut also often has guitars for sale and has been very helpful to those of us in the tri-state area.

The only other thing I wanted to add is that weight might be a consideration you take into account. The GFI for instance is quite light and would be easier to transport for gigs/rehearsals/lessons than others. That might not be something you'd need for some time, but if you're looking to get a lot of use out of your first instrument, worth considering.

Chris Brooks · From: Providence, Rhode Island

Jim Palenscar, yes.

But in our area, John Widgren, and he is close to NYC. Also think about Tommy Cass up in central Mass; and Billy Cooper has steels on the floor at his Virginia shop.

Dave Russell · From: Washington, USA

As a fellow new guy, I'd also recommend staying away from a 12 string unless you are specifically looking to learn it. I have one and those extra 2 strings don't seem like a big deal but they seem to mess me up anytime I go to play the 10,8,6 group. Maybe that's just me but I feel a 10 would be easier to learn on. Just my 2¢.
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Joe Bill Moad · From: Oklahoma

Such a fun and enjoyable time you are experiencing looking for your first PSG! I just went through what you are doing and I met the best people in the World and they were all found on this site by me researching for my Guitar. I might throw you a bone here that I know Johnny Boyd has a nice Magnum Select Plus that would be perfect for you. The reason I am shouting this out is because I bought my first D-10 Magnum Select Plus from a gentleman that babied this guitar and it was showroom new! Remember the Magnum is a Carter built guitar and they only made 350 of them and I know that it has a 12 hole bell crank which is Great! You won’t go wrong with the Magnum I guarantee! They stay in tune like none I have owned and are lighter than most. Johnny Boyd is real helpful and will explain everything to you better than I can.

Good Luck:

Joe Bill Moad
Oklahoma
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Bobby D. Jones · From: West Virginia, USA

I suggest stay away from student models. Unless you can find one cheap. Work with it for a couple months, Then go looking for a pro class guitar.
GFI Ultra is a very high grade guitar. The plus thing with GFI is parts are available and they are easy to work on. They are very easy to add pedals or levers if needed.
A guitar with 4 pedals and 5 knee levers has a lot of possibilities.

Good Luck on your journey with a steel guitar.

Larry Dering · From: Missouri, USA

I have several brands of pedal steels. I love them all. My GFI Ultra is great, so is my Justice Judge, BMI, Mullen, Derby, MSA and Stage One. There is nothing to fault in most modern pedal steels. I do recommend a Pro level steel with 3 or 4 pedals and 5 knee levers. If you want to learn the C6 tuning then the double neck 8x5 pedal and lever is a must. Buy new if you can afford it. If used please seek the advice of a seasoned steel player beforehand.

Joe Bill Moad · From: Oklahoma

Yes I agree! Ralph Mooney played one. What else can be said.

Great Post

Jbm
Oklahoma
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Jack Flynn · From: New York, USA

Thank you so much for the helpful advice all Smile

I'm so excited to get started Smile

Larry Dering · From: Missouri, USA

Yep, Mooney. Mike Sigler, Boo Miller and countless others played GFI

john widgren · From: Wilton CT

Jack,

If you are looking for quality pro level steels please feel free to call. Im nearby in CT

John Widgren
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