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Topic: A thought |
Mike Perlowin
From:
Los Angeles CA
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Posted 14 Aug 2011 10:43 am |
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We keep reading here about how the pedal steel guitar is dead, and at the same time we have steels and new builders
Here are some the new builders who have spring up in the last few years. These are just the people who come to mind offhand, there are undoubtedly others I've omitted.
Jackson
Rittenbury
Raines
Frank Carter's Infinity.
Mark Giles' Star
Bud Carter' new ETS
Rus Hicks' new Russler
Martin Weenick
Bent Romnes.
Seems to me that these builders wouldn't be making them if people weren't buying them. If the pedal steel guitar is dead, why are these people in business?
I think our instrument is in better shape than some folks here realize.
_________________
Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
http://www.mikeperlowin.com http://soundcloud.com/mike-perlowin
Last edited by Mike Perlowin on 15 Aug 2011 7:07 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Hal Braun
From:
Eustis, Florida, USA
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Posted 14 Aug 2011 11:26 am
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Mike,
I tend to agree, and I personally am doing everything I can to spread the use of steels into other forms of music besides country to expand the market! 
I also think that the steel guitar manufacturing industry is a great "cottage" industry as well, where individuals can differentiate their offerings and make a decent living without being a "Fender" or "Gibson".
I love that part of the business, being able to talk with the guy who in all probability is going to walk out back to his shop and build your steel. Try that with your next Strat! |
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Dave Hopping
From:
Aurora, Colorado
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Posted 14 Aug 2011 12:28 pm
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| Hal Braun wrote: |
Mike,
...I love that part of the business, being able to talk with the guy who in all probability is going to walk out back to his shop and build your steel. Try that with your next Strat! |
It's easy.If you speak Mandarin. |
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CrowBear Schmitt
From:
Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
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Posted 15 Aug 2011 1:00 am
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you're right on the button Mike
i was thinkin' the same thing when i saw the new Russler
psg is dead ?
gimme a break  |
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Jason Hull
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Posted 15 Aug 2011 2:42 am
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| Hal Braun wrote: |
I also think that the steel guitar manufacturing industry is a great "cottage" industry as well, where individuals can differentiate their offerings and make a decent living without being a "Fender" or "Gibson".
I love that part of the business, being able to talk with the guy who in all probability is going to walk out back to his shop and build your steel. Try that with your next Strat! |
There are a LOT of great luthiers out there, even ones who will make a Strat for you. |
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Rick Winfield
From:
Pickin' beneath the Palmettos
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Posted 15 Aug 2011 3:31 am Vibraphone
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I many ways, I view the pedal steel, as I do a Vibraphone. It's unbeatable in some arenas, and unpopular in others. That doesn't take away the skills, talent, and music that can be produced, only exemplifies the "narrow minded-ness" of the general public, with their "Pop & Rock" music.
Yes
The instrument grows, and continues to do so.
The issue of "entry price", (though well deserved by builders), is a major drawback to it's popularity, for beginners, et al.
Of course this is all IMHO
I LOVE
both pedal, non-pedal
as well as vibraphone, and many other instruments
I'm a big fan of Cello, and Piano, although, I don't own either.
I guess It's obvious I'm not a big country fan, but consider myself a "music fan", of all types, as well as "some country", while being a multi instrumented musician, & wannabe jazz man.
Rick
PS: let's not forget Kevin Hatton's "NEW ZB", and "Mr.Sho-Pro", Jeff Surratt
Last edited by Rick Winfield on 16 Aug 2011 9:47 am; edited 2 times in total |
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Jim Cooley
From:
The 'Ville, Texas, USA
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Posted 15 Aug 2011 5:43 am
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| ...and Fred Justice. |
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Charles Curtis
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Posted 15 Aug 2011 5:59 am
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| Mike, IMO this is a great post. I fell in love with the sound of the "steel guitar" when I was quite young. I believe that it's in my genes. I am getting a little "long in the tooth" but I'm not going to sell my guitars. I'm going to leave them to my grandchildren. I am especially fond of my Emmons PP and '65 Fender Twin with JBL speakers. I totally agree with Bob Seymour and his opinion of this guitar. Also when I see top musicians, like Jay Dee Maness playing this guitar, it speaks volumes to me. |
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Bent Romnes
From:
London,Ontario, Canada
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Posted 15 Aug 2011 6:07 am
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Mike thanks for mentioning me in your list.I am humbled and pleased to be included with those fine builders.
I was also pleased to see how well my Blue was received here in Norway. The first guy who bought it decided to have me show it and possibly sell it where I went to the steel meet. When David Hartley played it, the steel literally sold itself and was gone in an hour and a half.
_________________
BenRom Pedal Steel Guitars
https://www.facebook.com/groups/212050572323614/ |
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Mike Perlowin
From:
Los Angeles CA
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Posted 15 Aug 2011 7:12 am
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Bent, I'm sorry I misspelled your name. I fixed it. (If it makes you feel netter, my name was spelled Parlowin on one of my only 2 album credits, and Purlamunde in a magazine artlcle.  )
_________________
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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Joey Ace
From:
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Posted 15 Aug 2011 12:21 pm
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Saying PSG is dead is an exaggeration.
What would be more correct is to say it's not as popular as it used to be.
No one is mass producing PSGs, you won't find them in music stores, as was the case a few decades ago.
This actually has positive results. Since there's not enough sales to justify mass production, we are left with builders who produce small amounts of high quality instruments.
I like the exclusivity that the instrument has.
This is the Golden Age, not for numbers, but for quality. |
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