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Topic: Just got my first Pedal Steel |
Randy Keiser
From:
Indiana, USA
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Posted 31 Jan 2025 7:59 am |
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Been looking for a couple of months now and found a good price (at least I think it is) on a Carter Starter 3x4. I have been taking some theory lessons to get a very basic understanding of it and will continue to do so.
I have a bass amp for now and a slide/picks. I am going to get a volume pedal but not sure what else I should get to set me up for success.
I love the sound of PSG and have always wanted to learn how to play it so I am excited (even knowing it will not be easy not having much musically background at all).
I plan on signing up for Freeman Arthur's steel lessons in a month or two once I get some basic stuff down I guess. |
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Jerry Overstreet
From:
Louisville Ky
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Posted 31 Jan 2025 8:49 am
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Congrats on the axe acquisition and welcome to the forum.
Great bunch of folks here. Feel free to hit us up regarding any questions, mechanical issues, technique and/or otherwise problems or discussion. |
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Dave Grafe
From:
Hudson River Valley NY
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Posted 31 Jan 2025 9:04 am
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| Volume pedal, good reverb, a clean sounding amp and lots of practice. All you need right there. |
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Randy Keiser
From:
Indiana, USA
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Posted 31 Jan 2025 9:20 am
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| Dave Grafe wrote: |
| Volume pedal, good reverb, a clean sounding amp and lots of practice. All you need right there. |
To be honest, I do not even know what a reverb is or does. |
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Brett Day
From:
Pickens, SC
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Posted 31 Jan 2025 9:53 am
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| Welcome to the wonderful world of steel guitar! It is an awesome instrument to play! |
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Bill McCloskey
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Posted 31 Jan 2025 10:42 am
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Congratulations Randy.
Reverb: have you noticed people like to sing in the shower? The reason is reverb: your voice bounces off the wall and creates a nice full sound that people like. A pedal steel will sound very dry without reverb. It will sound fuller with reverb. |
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Daniel McKee
From:
Corinth Mississippi
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Posted 31 Jan 2025 10:43 am
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In time you may wanna get a slide (tone bar is actually what you are needing) that is comfortable for you so definitely make sure its not too heavy or long for your particular instrument.
I feel like your amp will be okay for now just focus on playing. Moyo makes a good and reasonably priced volume pedal (got mine on reverb) |
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Dave Grafe
From:
Hudson River Valley NY
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Jack Hanson
From:
San Luis Valley, USA
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Posted 31 Jan 2025 3:54 pm
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Most people consider reverb a big piece of the pedal steel puzzle, but personally, I'm not in that camp. I would definitely consider the volume pedal essential, however. Due to its relatively steep learning curve, the sooner one gets started with it, the better.
Also, this particular book, even though it's a half-century old, I would consider nearly essential for a beginner:
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Tom Sosbe
From:
Rushville,In
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Posted 31 Jan 2025 9:57 pm
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| I set you a p.m . about the indy. steel club jam |
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Larry Jamieson
From:
Walton, NY USA
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Posted 1 Feb 2025 7:02 am
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| Randy, welcome to the madness! Under "Steel on the Web" there is a Pedal Steel Beginner Page with lots of good information. There is also an index of lessons from Mickey Adams that you can watch for free. Have fun and don't be afraid to ask questions. |
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