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Topic: Steel documentary |
Christian Hoepfner
From:
Texas, USA
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Posted 17 Apr 2006 8:03 am |
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Hi there,
I'm a San Antonio,TX based film /video producer, steel fan and new forumite. I play six string (tele with G and B string bender, Gretsch archtop) and I've been dreaming about learning to play pedal steel for years now. But with two children the time just never seemed right to go out and drop a fairly large chunk of cash on a selfish indulgence. But I finally made up my mind and decided to buy one anyway (I'm thinking I'll buy a Carter Starter).
On a different note, I would like to make a documentary about pedal steel. The goal is to make it appeal to both enthusiasts and the general public. This idea springs more from a love for the instrument rather than an actual idea for a documentary. Therfore, I'm still looking for the right angle, the thread, the narrative glue that pulls it all together. I was wondering if you guys would like to share your insight or opinions and give some input as far as stories that you feel should be told.
Any comments are much appreciated. |
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Doug Childress
From:
Orange, Texas
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Posted 17 Apr 2006 8:45 am
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| I believe any documentary on the Pedal Steel guitar must begin at the beginning. The origin of the instrument through subsequent evolution and development. The reasons for the changes in design. The innovators who brought about the changes. The musicians who influenced the acceptance of the PSG. The use of the instrument in today's music and the future as seen by player's, artists, and producers. |
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Ray Minich
From:
Bradford, Pa. Frozen Tundra
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Posted 17 Apr 2006 9:36 am
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For a possible comparable theme/structure/storyboard/arrangement, you might want to check out the episode of (I think it was) American Experience on PBS that chronicled the life of Mr. Carter of the Carter family. They went way back to the roots of the music in the hills of Kentucky, Tennessee, etc.
"Will the circle be unbroken" has an awesome history... |
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Larry Jamieson
From:
Walton, NY USA
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Posted 17 Apr 2006 12:18 pm
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| You might want to consult with Bobee Seymour. He is writing a book of steel guitar history and has been around for much of it... Other good sources, Bud Carter of Carter Steel Guitars, Shot Jackson's son, Buddy Emmons, Reece Anderson, John Hughey, and I am sure there are many others. I would be very interested in seeing your finished product. It would make a good PBS Special. Larry Jamieson, Walton, NY |
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Mark Edwards
From:
Weatherford,Texas, USA
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Posted 17 Apr 2006 12:37 pm
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| Christian - For info close to home you might contact Dick Price (he's around the San Antonio area), excellent steel player and has been around a long time. Up in the Fort Worth, Tx area there is Gary Carpenter/Corky Owens not only are these two gentleman great steel players with about 60 years experience between them, they also build (Rains) steel guitars. Also in the DFW metroplex there is the folks at GFI in Arlingtion, Tx. And those that have already been mentioned the folks at Carter Steel Guitar, or MSA Steel Guitar in the Dallas area. |
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Buck Dilly
From:
Branchville, NJ, USA * R.I.P.
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Posted 18 Apr 2006 8:42 am
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| I hope you are ambitious. This is a great project that needs doing. I don't have any advice, only encouragement. Go for it. |
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Mike Ester
From:
New Braunfels, Texas, USA
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Posted 18 Apr 2006 9:10 am
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| Greetings from New Braunfels. This is quite a laudable ambition that you have. |
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Mike Kowalik
From:
San Antonio,Texas
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Posted 18 Apr 2006 9:12 am
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| Christian....Mark is referring to Rick Price...... |
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David Wren
From:
Placerville, California, USA
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Posted 18 Apr 2006 9:50 am
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I would only suggest it be complete, from Jerry Bryd to Paul Franklin, from Sneaky Pete to Buddy Emmons, from Lloyd Green to Robert Randolph, ect.
It would be good to have interviews with leading manufactuers to highlight technical improvements over the years as well, and recording producers, to note the changes in use of the steel guitar.
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Dave Wren
'96 Carter S12-E9/B6,7X7; Twin Session 500s; Hilton Pedal; Black Box
www.ameechapman.com
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Joey Ace
From:
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Posted 18 Apr 2006 10:03 am
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| Moving to "Pedal Steel" |
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John Ummel
From:
Arlington, WA.
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