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Topic: What's your pedal steel really like |
Bo Legg
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Posted 12 Feb 2008 2:41 pm |
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I was wondering if anyone knew of a group like AA for Steel players something that might be called PSGA (Pedal Steel Guitar Anonymous) for pedal steel players that can’t admit that their steel guitar is less than perfect. You know the Players who make the following statements.
1.I never have to tune pedals on my Steel
2.I take it out of the case and its ready to go
3.Most times I don’t even have to tune it
4.I never break a string on this steel
5.All the pedals and knee levers work smooth as silk
6.Absolutely no cabinet drop, zero zilch nada
7.Never needs any kind of maintenance
8.It’s got the prettiest color I’ve ever seen
9.I won’t take this baby out of the case for less than $200
10.I don’t need a new steel
11.I would never sell this beauty
12.I won’t take less than $1500
13.Hey everybody check out my new steel I just bought
14.It’s a beauty I never have to……………………………..
For a change let’s hear what your Pedal Steel is really like |
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Bo Legg
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Posted 12 Feb 2008 2:44 pm
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I'll start out.
The rods and levers rattle so bad on my sho-bud if I played at a senior citizens dance the rattling would be louder than the music. |
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Bent Romnes
From:
London,Ontario, Canada
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Posted 12 Feb 2008 2:59 pm
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On mine...
The Franklin pedal won't frank...
Three knee levers won't tune properly. Luckily for my playing I have enough to do with the 2 that raise and lower the E's
I can hear the rods underneath rub together when I mash the pedals
The linkage on the Eb lever make a weird noise.
Other than that she's a jewel  |
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Robert Cates
From:
Maine, USA
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Posted 12 Feb 2008 2:59 pm perfect guitar
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Bo
you are right..nobody's guitar is perfect is it? But if you just payed thousands of dollars for it. it would not be a good idea to get on here and shoot it down.
It seems like there are a lot of very good guitars out there. I guess they don't have to be perfect unless the guy playing them is.
Maybe we can all put our heads together and come up with one that is perfect...you think???
Bob |
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Bo Legg
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Posted 12 Feb 2008 3:01 pm
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| My sho-bud cabinet will twist a little on an uneven stage floor to the point I will have to complettly retune everything if I move the Steel to another part of the stage. I have since learned to tune it with the legs. |
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Dave Mudgett
From:
Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee
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Posted 12 Feb 2008 3:28 pm
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| Quote: |
1.I never have to tune pedals on my Steel
2.I take it out of the case and its ready to go
3.Most times I don’t even have to tune it
4.I never break a string on this steel
5.All the pedals and knee levers work smooth as silk
6.Absolutely no cabinet drop, zero zilch nada
7.Never needs any kind of maintenance
8.It’s got the prettiest color I’ve ever seen
9.I won’t take this baby out of the case for less than $200
10.I don’t need a new steel
11.I would never sell this beauty
12.I won’t take less than $1500
13.Hey everybody check out my new steel I just bought
14.It’s a beauty I never have to…………………………….. |
This goes for most of my guitars:
1. The changes are pretty stable, but I need to touch them up every once in a while. Occasionally I need to deal with a bit of hysteresis via lubrication or adjustment of the roller nut or some part of undercarriage.
2. I take it out of the case, and usually it's pretty good, but I do sometimes need to tighten things up a bit.
3. The tuning's usually pretty good, but I generally need to touch it up before I play, and maybe during set breaks.
4. I don't break strings very often, but very infrequently the E9 third goes BOIIING for no apparent reason. I also need to change strings at least every 2-3 weeks or I lose the tone I like.
5. The pedals and levers generally work well, but some changes (e.g., G# to F#) might have a bit longer throw or be a bit stiffer than I'd like. This gradually evolves as I work on them more. I attribute any deficiencies to my imperfection as a steel mechanic.
6. Cabinet drop is perceptible in a quiet room if I listen real carefully, but I split the difference between pedals up/down and it's not a big deal.
7. Every guitar needs some basic maintenance - basic cleaning, light Tri-flow lubrication, adjustment, etc. I need more time to do this more often.
8. Most of my guitars are black, except for the Sho Buds which are lacquered curly maple. 'Nuff said.
9. I do or do not take a guitar out of the case for any bloody reason I deem fit.
10. You will never know when or why I might decide I need a new steel guitar. Neither does my wife.
11. Everyone has a price.
12. Depending on the guitar or life circumstances, my price might be higher than you want to pay.
13. For the most part, I'm perfectly happy to just appreciate my guitars myself - I don't want or need anybody else's validation.
14. They're beauties - but they're all way too short unless I raise them up at least 2-3 inches.
15. The guitars with single coil pickups tend to buzz like a hornet's nest in some rooms.
16. I wish they all had the split-tuning screws like on my Legrande.
17. Of course, it would be ideal if they were each about 20 pounds with a versatile 4-raise, 4-lower changer, perfectly stable to hard pedal and knee lever action, and were as easy to extract a good tone out of as a good P/P or old Sho Bud. Dream on.  |
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Larry Strawn
From:
Golden Valley, Arizona, R.I.P.
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Posted 12 Feb 2008 4:13 pm
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Well Bo,
I've got to admit my steel is in a lot beter shape than I am, and it plays a LOT better than I do! 
With that said, it has a few issues that I've just learned to deal with such as my 6th string lower lever and my 5th string lower lever. I tune them both with the pedals down then forget about trying to use them with strings open.
It is just a little low for me, but a 1" lift kit is to much, so I tilt it forward some to compensate. Doing this I have to be carefull not to let my left wrist lay on the pad.
The guitar is pretty quiet underneath, and everything works nice and easy, I think it's a keeper.
Some day if I ever get perfect on the steel I'll look for a perfect guitar,but I just don't anticipate this happening! 
Larry
_________________
Carter SD/10, 4&5 Hilton Pedal, Peavey Sessions 400, Peavey Renown 400, Home Grown Eff/Rack
"ROCKIN COUNTRY" |
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Eugene Cole
From:
near Washington Grove, MD, USA
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Posted 12 Feb 2008 4:25 pm
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A couple of my steels are not as good as they once were. But they are as good for one note as they ever were.
The Low e-string on my U14 will not tow a 1-ton pickup out of a ditch (a Toyota Corolla might be within its capabilities). 8^p
I love how quiet the EMG pickup on my Universal is; but I do miss having coil-tapped pickups.
_________________
Regards
-- Eugene <sup>at</sup> FJ45.com
PixEnBar.com
Cole-Luthierie.com
FJ45.com
Sierra U14 8+5 my copedent, 1972 MSA D10 8+4, and nothing in the Bank. 8^) |
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Michael Douchette
From:
Gallatin, TN (deceased)
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Randy Gilliam
From:
San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Posted 12 Feb 2008 6:04 pm My Steel
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| Sounds Like Gold . Yes Its A Push Pull |
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John Kingsley
From:
Los Angeles, CA
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Posted 12 Feb 2008 6:22 pm
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I think it's pretty common knowledge that that E9 3rd string is a weapon of mass destruction. Just aim it at the singer and rock that B pedal  |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 12 Feb 2008 6:41 pm
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Rule #1...
When you think your steel is "holding you back", let someone else play it (you may be surprised).
Rule #2...
Yes, we who frequent the Forum KNOW what kind of steel you like or play (it's not necessary to keep repeating it in every post).
Rule #3...
If you think your steel is a piece of junk, really, and everyone agrees, throw it away - like in a dumpster or landfill. For some reason, there are people who want to restore steels that weren't very good when they were brand new. (If you restore an ugly Yugo, all you'll have when you're done is a nice looking Yugo.)
Rule #4...
People who say they'd rather just play nice, slow, pretty stuff probably can't play anything else.
Rule #5...
All steels and amps (as well as all cars, hair products, philosophies, people, dogs, etc.) have problems, issues, or shortcomings. If there was a "BEST" anything, that's what EVERYONE would use.
Rule #6...
Realize not everyone has the same problems you do. Over 90% of the time, the real problem is between the seat and the steel.
Rule #7...
Most of the time, what you think really helps you sound better really doesn't.
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Roger Crawford
From:
Griffin, GA USA
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Posted 12 Feb 2008 7:04 pm
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| Love it, Donny! |
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Michael Douchette
From:
Gallatin, TN (deceased)
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Posted 12 Feb 2008 7:05 pm
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1. Always keep the steel pointed in a safe direction.
This is the primary rule of steel safety. A safe direction means that the third string is pointed so that even if it were to go off it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the keyhead or rear end of the barrel tuners are pointed at all times. Common sense dictates the safest direction, depending on different circumstances.
2. Always keep your fingers out of the finger picks until ready to play. When holding a bar, rest your finger along the side of the bar. Until you are actually ready to play, do not touch the strings.
3. Always keep the steel loaded in the case until ready to use. Whenever you pick up a steel, immediately engage the back safety device if possible, and, if the steel is extremely heavy, remove it carefully after opening the case and looking into the undercarriage which should be clear of debris. If you do not know how to open the case or inspect the undercarriage, leave the steel alone and get help from someone who does.
(Apologies to the NRA...  )
_________________
Mikey D... H.S.P.
Music hath the charm to soothe a savage beast, but I'd try a 10mm first.
http://www.steelharp.com
http://www.thesessionplayers.com/douchette.html
(other things you can ask about here)
http://s117.photobucket.com/albums/o54/Steelharp/ |
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David Doggett
From:
Bawl'mer, MD (formerly of MS, Nawluns, Gnashville, Knocksville, Lost Angeles, Bahsten. and Philly)
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Posted 12 Feb 2008 9:57 pm
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I think Bobbe Seymour once said they worked all the cabinet drop out of a prototype, and it made the tone worse. And Buddy Emmons, who we all know invented the push-pull and its glorious tone, said he had to put one aside and use an all-pull in one session, because he hadn't been playing a p/p for awhile and had lost the knack of efficiently getting it adjusted right. And we all love those beautiful lacquer instruments, but most of us take something finished like a kitchen counter top to gigs, so no one sees that beautiful lacquer but our spouses and our cats. If anyone actually succeeds in making a perfect pedal steel guitar, it should be embedded in clear epoxy and put in a museum. 'Cause if anyone actually tries to play it, the 3rd string will pop them in the eye, it'll detune 10 cents the first time the pedals are used, and as soon as a lower is used hysteresis will set in. If it's lacquer, some checks will appear along with some cigarette burns. If it's formica, it'll go dull and come unglued somewhere.
And like Donny says, the worst steel I ever had could play an almost infinite amount of stuff I couldn't.  |
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Mike Perlowin
From:
Los Angeles CA
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Posted 12 Feb 2008 11:41 pm Re: What's your pedal steel really like
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1.I never have to tune the pedals on my Steel check
2.I take it out of the case and its ready to go. Check
3.Most times I don’t even have to tune it. check
4.I never break a string on this steel. check (so far at least)
5.All the pedals and knee levers work smooth as silk. double check
6.Absolutely no cabinet drop, zero zilch nada. check (not so you can hear anyway.)
7.Never needs any kind of maintenance. No, I can't say that.
8.It’s got the prettiest color I’ve ever seen. Take a look and decide for yourself.
9.I won’t take this baby out of the case for less than $200. Heck, I'll play for free if I like the band.
10.I don’t need a new steel. check
11.I would never sell this beauty. check Would you?
12.I won’t take less than $1500 ^&$^&%*
13.Hey everybody check out my new steel I just bought
14.It’s a beauty I never have to…………………………….. BREAK MY BACK CARRYING IT AROUND BECUASE IT ONLY WEIGHS 29 POUNDS!
_________________
Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
http://www.mikeperlowin.com http://soundcloud.com/mike-perlowin |
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Craig A Davidson
From:
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin USA
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Posted 13 Feb 2008 4:31 am
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| Mike, she is a beaut. |
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Scott Hiestand
From:
MA, U.S.A
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Posted 13 Feb 2008 6:13 am
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Hi....my name is Scott...and I'm a ZB-aholic
1. "Clackity-clack" pedals
2. Somewhat "mushy" knee-levers
3. Weighs a ton
4. Finicky hysteresis on E's
5. Once in a blue moon a rod will bind against another
6. Alcohol required before performing maintenance on the underside. (In me, not the guitar!)
....but....I had a newer steel with none of these issues. I sold it. The sound and looks of this guitar have me hooked, for good I'm afraid. Or put another way...."Glutton for punishment, stickler for tone"! |
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Mike Perlowin
From:
Los Angeles CA
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Posted 13 Feb 2008 6:17 am
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| Craig A Davidson wrote: |
| Mike, she is a beaut. |
Craig, Lonnie Bennett has one exactly like it for sale. The posting is in the "instruments for sale" section, several pages back, so you'll have to look for it.
He wants $4,000 for it. |
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Craig A Davidson
From:
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin USA
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Posted 13 Feb 2008 6:57 am
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| Mike I can't afford it but I like it. |
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Scott Henderson
From:
Camdenton, Missouri, USA
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Posted 13 Feb 2008 7:07 am
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If I played a steel that did all that I would probably pee a little. My old JCH needs a refurb but I love it. Matter a fact I need a refurb! 
_________________
D-10 JCH Dekley U-12 D-8 Magnatone Mullen RP Evans RE 200 profex 2 BJS bars
Dentyne gum (peppermint) |
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Bo Legg
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Posted 13 Feb 2008 11:39 am
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Donny Hinson...
| Quote: |
Rule #5...
All steels and amps (as well as all cars, hair products, philosophies, people, dogs, etc.) have problems, issues, or shortcomings. If there was a "BEST" anything, that's what EVERYONE would use. |
like your rules. Me and my Steel are like a married couple. I got married and then I feel in love and I learned to love all her faults.
I played mostly Sh..t tours and sit down house jobs and my Steel was just a tool that I used to make money. I used Sho-Buds because at the time I could buy one for $800.
I use peavey steel guitar amps because you can buy them anytime for $300. My stuff was always on a bus or in a van or on the stage. Over the years I lost all my equipment in an auto accident, had my steel stolen, had my stuff seized by a club owner because the band leader ran up a huge motel bill and one time we showed up to play and discovered that the State had lock the doors on the club for back taxes with our equipment inside. I slept better knowing for around $1100 I could be back in business as apposed having a brand new three or four thousand dollar Steel and worrying about someone scratching it or god forbid stealing it.
I used the Sho-Bud and the Peavey amps so long that I got used to the sound and nothing else sounds right to me. As I said I got married and then I feel in love. |
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Randy Gilliam
From:
San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Posted 13 Feb 2008 3:55 pm steel
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Mike They dont Makem Any Prettier Than That One. RKG  |
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Randy Gilliam
From:
San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Posted 13 Feb 2008 3:56 pm steel
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| Mike They dont Makem Any Prettier Than That One. RKG |
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James Cann
From:
Phoenix, AZ
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Posted 13 Feb 2008 7:31 pm
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| Quote: |
| If there was a "BEST" anything, that's what EVERYONE would use. |
Would they now! And how long then would it take for the manufacturer to realize its market lock and price the product accordingly (read out of reach)?
Thanks for the laugh. That line gets me every time. |
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