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Topic: What do you think of a beginners idea? |
Garry Simpson
From:
Oklahoma
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Posted 10 May 2007 12:13 pm |
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Hello all, this is my first post. You folks have a great site and hopefully you will put up with my questions.
First of all, I know nothing about steels. Ziltch. I used to work in a band and the steel player would leave his rig set up at my house when we practiced and I would fool around with it and wonder what all those pedals and levers were for.
Anyway, I'm 58, getting ready to retire and move back to Tulsa, Ok. My brother in law has a band and my objective is to be able to play a little in a year. So my plan is to order a Carter Pro model, the S-10DB standard setup. I plan on keeping it for a long time (as I do everything). I have all kinds of music stuff around the house and I've always started out with the lower end stuff and wound up upgrading.
I guess my question is, knowing nothing (except I know I'm serious about learning to play) am I nuts for taking this approach and skipping the entry level steel? Thanks for your ideas and comments.
Garry |
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Marc Jenkins
From:
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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Posted 10 May 2007 12:18 pm
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Hi Garry,
I've been playing pedal steel for almost a year, and have definitely outgrown my Carter Starter. I just took the plunge on an old Sho~Bud right here on the forum... If I could do it again, I would have gone pro right away. Of course, I had NO idea I would love it so much!
You are not nuts. |
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Jon Light
From:
Saugerties, NY
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Posted 10 May 2007 12:20 pm
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Hey Garry. Cool!
The only reason to buy an entry level steel is to save a lot of money--especially in the event that you find that steel isn't for you. You've messed around with a steel and have a good basis for your decision to go for it. So go for it! Ask a million questions here and save yourself a lot of lost time by getting some instruction to get you going right. The Winnie Winston book is a great way to start, too. |
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Daniel Eaton
From:
Weare , NH , USA
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Posted 10 May 2007 1:47 pm
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| Hi Gary, Just so you know you are not alone. Just a year ago iI was in the same way. I was was looking to find a Carter Starter and Carters web Site directed me to a music store in NH. The man I spoke with didn't have a sarter but he did have a Sho-Bud d10 with 8 & 4 he would sell. I reached out to the web and who did I get but Jon Light[ Remember me Jon?] After speaking to him it was a easy choice. Sho-Bud wins. Soon after speaking to Jon I had comited wyselfe to the bud owner but before I could get all the money I had a small stroke.Four months later I was knockin on Jim Eibners' door and to my surprise he still had it and was keeping it for me,not knowing I'd had a stroke.Two months ago I collected enough coin to purchase that Bud and couldn't be happier. The folks here at the forum will not steer you wrong although they all have differant oppinions and differant reasons they all want us beginers to succeed. I love my Bud and hope whatever your choice you will succeed. |
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Bill Ford
From:
Graniteville SC Aiken
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Posted 10 May 2007 2:04 pm
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Garry,
With your background, I would opt for a pro model, whichever brand you decide on. Also, I would reccomend you find a PSG player you can trust[not someone that's hung up on a specific brand]and have him assist you in looking if you don't buy a new one.There are a lot of top knotch guitars out there,new and used.Look in for sale .
_________________
Bill Ford S12 CLR, S12 Lamar keyless, Misc amps&toys Sharp Covers
Steeling for Jesus now!!! |
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Garry Simpson
From:
Oklahoma
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Posted 10 May 2007 2:35 pm
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| Jon Light wrote: |
Hey Garry. Cool!
The only reason to buy an entry level steel is to save a lot of money--especially in the event that you find that steel isn't for you. You've messed around with a steel and have a good basis for your decision to go for it. So go for it! Ask a million questions here and save yourself a lot of lost time by getting some instruction to get you going right. The Winnie Winston book is a great way to start, too. |
Thanks for the recommendation on instruction. I need to figure out where to start and which books or course to get. It will help if I can locate some one on one instruction. |
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Garry Simpson
From:
Oklahoma
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Posted 10 May 2007 2:39 pm
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| Thanks for all the ideas, I have a friend that is steel player and I'll get in touch with him and see what he has to say. The single 10 with the double padded neck (or whatever you call it) looks like it would be more comfortable than just a single neck. Is this the case? |
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Dennis Schell
From:
Shingletown, Shasta county, Kalifornia
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Posted 10 May 2007 3:03 pm "The Steel Bible"
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I'll second the notion for Winnie Winston's book. I'll bet most of us here would agree that it's "The Bible" for beginning steelers. I just got a new copy recently to replace a misplaced dog eared edition I've had for decades. It comes with a CD now, used to be a "floppy plastic" record. (Good thing! Try and find a good turntable these days!)
I think b0b can fix you up with one or ask for Oak Publications, order number OK 63115 at your local music store....
Jump on in Garry, the water is fine!
Dennis
_________________
"Bucks Owin" |
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Larry Strawn
From:
Golden Valley, Arizona, R.I.P.
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Posted 10 May 2007 3:30 pm SD/10
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Garry,
I play a single 10 with a double body because of the comfort for me. The knee levers are positioned more comfortably for me, I don't seem to have to get up so close to my guitar. Others like the single body, so it's really a matter of personal likes. If you could try each while you're shopping that would be great! 
Lots of luck which ever way you decide to go, and welcome to the Forum.
Larry
_________________
Carter SD/10, 4&5 Hilton Pedal, Peavey Sessions 400, Peavey Renown 400, Home Grown Eff/Rack
"ROCKIN COUNTRY" |
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David Arel
From:
Connecticutt, USA
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Posted 10 May 2007 3:34 pm
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Garry,WELCOME.cool site, here's my story, I bought a Carter Starter,and in a year,with hours of pratice daily,I made the move to a new Mullen RPSD-10,LOVE IT. the pro model's play like a dream.So if your going to stay with it,It's a good choice getting a pro-steel,I'm working on 2 years playing,and don't miss a day of playing,LOVE IT.never to old to learn a new toy,I myself am 52,and also play,6 string guitar, banjo,fiddle,mandolin,dobro,keyboard,harp,My wife thinks I'm crazy,but loves to listen...this site is the best,alot of great people. Well have a good day, and KEEP ON PICKING....Dave
Dave Arel
Mullen RPSD-10
N-112 |
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A. J. Schobert
From:
Cincinnati, Ohio,
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Posted 10 May 2007 4:23 pm
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| As long as you can afford it. I always get the best that my money will allow but also be realistic. Where in Ky are you from? |
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Larry Jamieson
From:
Walton, NY USA
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Posted 10 May 2007 4:44 pm
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Hello, please let me offer two or three suggestions...
1. There is a Memorial Day steel guitar show coming up in Tulsa, near the airport. Find the information in the "Events" portion of the index, and attend. You will meet lots of area steel players, have a good time, and learn some about the instrument.
2. There is a steel guitar club, I believe, which meets in Siloam Springs. Join that club and attend their meetings.
3. I believe John Buffington lives in the Tulsa area, and teaches steel guitar. Call him and arrange some lessons when you get your guitar. You will make much faster progress working with a good teacher than on your own.
Have Fun!
Larry Jamieson, formerly or Claremore and Stillwater, OK, Now in Walton, New York |
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Garry Simpson
From:
Oklahoma
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Posted 10 May 2007 5:05 pm
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| A. J. Schobert wrote: |
| As long as you can afford it. I always get the best that my money will allow but also be realistic. Where in Ky are you from? |
I live in Owensboro, Ky right now. I've been here the past six years because of work. I'm from Tulsa, Ok and go back frequently to visit. In mid December of this year I plan on moving back to Tulsa. I'm pretty excited about retiring (from this job, may work some more), going back to T town and picking up some new hobbies. |
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Garry Simpson
From:
Oklahoma
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Posted 10 May 2007 5:07 pm
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| Larry Jamieson wrote: |
Hello, please let me offer two or three suggestions...
1. There is a Memorial Day steel guitar show coming up in Tulsa, near the airport. Find the information in the "Events" portion of the index, and attend. You will meet lots of area steel players, have a good time, and learn some about the instrument.
2. There is a steel guitar club, I believe, which meets in Siloam Springs. Join that club and attend their meetings.
3. I believe John Buffington lives in the Tulsa area, and teaches steel guitar. Call him and arrange some lessons when you get your guitar. You will make much faster progress working with a good teacher than on your own.
Have Fun!
Larry Jamieson, formerly or Claremore and Stillwater, OK, Now in Walton, New York |
I have family in Tulsa so I make it back quite a bit, I'll try to work this in, it will be easier when I relocate. Thanks for the ideas. |
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Alan Rudd
From:
Ardmore, Oklahoma
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Posted 10 May 2007 7:03 pm
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| I waited a long time to get a pedal steel myself. I would say, if you can afford it, go for it! I missed a great deal on an Emmons LeGrande nearly twenty years ago and kicked myself, but I'm really kicking myself now that I'm playing. Could have had another 15 or 20 years under my belt, instead I thought I didn't have the money. Man, I didn't have the money when I bought this one either, but I got it anyway. Get a good one, and you may never need another one, even though you'll still want something else later. |
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Alan Harrison
From:
Murfreesboro Tennessee, USA
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Posted 12 May 2007 5:33 am Pro Model Steels
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Gary, I too would go with a good pro model, there are quite a few listed on the forum. Sounds like with your many years of musical experience, you will pick it fairly quick. Practice, Practice and then practice some more. Good Luck.
_________________
Mullen (Black) Pre G-2 9x7, B.L. 705 PUP's, Evans SE 200 Telonics NEO 15-4, BJS Bar, Peterson Strobo Flip, Steelers Choice Seat, Folgers Coffee and Hilton Pedals.
"I Steel Without Remorse" |
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Rick Winfield
From:
Pickin' beneath the Palmettos
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Posted 12 May 2007 7:51 am pro
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As stated earlier I also took the plunge on a used pro model. Bought on the Forum and no regrets. It's more than I can handle "right now", but I will eventually grow into it. I also highly recommend the "Winston & Keith book as stated above, although I find that they have you doing some "in depth " moves" (for a novice like me) right away. But as always Practice, practice, practice.
Good Luck |
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Jim Walker
From:
Headland, AL
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Posted 12 May 2007 5:11 pm
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Welcome to the Forum Garry. It's good that you have set a goal to be playing in a year. I did the very same thing in January 2006. December 2006 I was out playing with bands. That is where the real learning happens, on stage, under fire.
I say "GO Pro". I owned a few student type guitars. If I had to do it all over I would save my money and go pro guitar the first time.
Take care,
JW
_________________
Show Pro D10, Session 400 |
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Wayne D. Clark
From:
Montello Wisconsin, USA
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Posted 12 May 2007 8:43 pm
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Been there done that, Don't repeat my Mistake. (1) Went the Stater rout. 3 months later sold it, (2) Went D10 8/4 [Two] much. Sold it.(thanks to Billy Carr) Finaly got it right (for me) S10 3/5 (4 would have been good enough but the Vertical was a bonus)
Desert Rose s10 3/5
Goodrich 120
Nashville 400 |
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Garry Simpson
From:
Oklahoma
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Posted 13 May 2007 6:29 pm
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Thanks for all the responses. I think this week I will place an order for a Carter (Is there a better deal out there?) and a Hilton volume pedal. I've got an old Fender twin 68 model with JBL's, a peavey special 130, a Peavy stereo chorus 212 with scorpions, a Peavy mace, and a Peavy PA system so I should have an amp until I figure out what I need. I had an old echoplex tape delay I got rid of but now I have a digital delay, a compressor (do you use compressors with steels???) a stereo chorus gadget and a bunch of boss overdrive stuff. So I think I have enough toys to start with. You guys are great.
Thanks again for all the information! |
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Bill Ford
From:
Graniteville SC Aiken
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Posted 14 May 2007 10:06 am
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Gary,
There are two S10 Carters listed on for sale list.
_________________
Bill Ford S12 CLR, S12 Lamar keyless, Misc amps&toys Sharp Covers
Steeling for Jesus now!!! |
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Chip Fossa
From:
Monson, MA, USA (deceased)
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Posted 14 May 2007 2:25 pm
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Gary,
I think you should go with a "pro" model rather than a student.
Why? If you decide steel isn't for you, you are stuck with at least a steel that has more return value and possibility-of-selling on your investment, then you would have with a student model.
In a couple of years, you may actually recover all of your investment. I doubt that with a student model.
JMHO. 
Chipper
_________________
Chip
Williams U-12 8X5; Keyless; Natural Blonde Laquer. |
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Dennis Schell
From:
Shingletown, Shasta county, Kalifornia
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Posted 15 May 2007 3:50 am
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| CHIP FOSSA wrote: |
Gary,
I think you should go with a "pro" model rather than a student.
Why? If you decide steel isn't for you, you are stuck with at least a steel that has more return value and possibility-of-selling on your investment, then you would have with a student model.
In a couple of years, you may actually recover all of your investment. I doubt that with a student model.
JMHO.
Chipper |
I'm with Chipper. And not to slam the CS, but as he said you'll have more "value" in a pro instrument at resale/trade in time. I'd look warily at a used CS too as I've heard rumors of wear "issues" with that model's undercarriage. You wouldn't want someone else's headache. (And you'll likely spend a LOT of time with whatever axe you get, they're addicting!)
Again, not to pick on the Carter Starter, I've never seen/played one....
Happy PSG trails,
Dennis
PS That Twin w/JBLs should sound great!
_________________
"Bucks Owin" |
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Garry Simpson
From:
Oklahoma
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Posted 15 May 2007 5:09 am
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| Dennis Schell wrote: |
| CHIP FOSSA wrote: |
Gary,
I think you should go with a "pro" model rather than a student.
Why? If you decide steel isn't for you, you are stuck with at least a steel that has more return value and possibility-of-selling on your investment, then you would have with a student model.
In a couple of years, you may actually recover all of your investment. I doubt that with a student model.
JMHO.
Chipper |
I'm with Chipper. And not to slam the CS, but as he said you'll have more "value" in a pro instrument at resale/trade in time. I'd look warily at a used CS too as I've heard rumors of wear "issues" with that model's undercarriage. You wouldn't want someone else's headache. (And you'll likely spend a LOT of time with whatever axe you get, they're addicting!)
Again, not to pick on the Carter Starter, I've never seen/played one....
Happy PSG trails,
Dennis
PS That Twin w/JBLs should sound great! |
Thanks for the comments, As in my original post my plan is to buy a Carter Pro S-10DB. I'm looking at the options of a new vs used one now, I hope to get something done this week. |
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Jerry H. Moore
From:
Newnan, GA, USA
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Posted 15 May 2007 6:07 am
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| I went from a Carter Starter to a Fender 1000 to a Sho Bud. If I could go back, I would leave off the Fender 1000. The Carter is a good entry level guitar. I have a pro ii that has been converted to a single with a pad and definitely would recommend that style setup.If you're gonna keep it forever then get a pro model. Good Luck. When all else fails ...Go To The Forum |
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