How much do the big players make?

Rick Contino · From: Brattleboro, Vermont

I'm sure many of us dream of making it big as a steel guitar pro...where a day at work is a day spent perfecting technique, trying out new equipment, laying down track, and playing the occasional show. How much could a guy or gal expect to make at the top? It must be a lot per session if it's enough to support a family, own a home, etc.
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Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

Recently discussed.

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=261474
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kyle reid · From: Butte,Mt.usa

Some make hundreds of dollars a year!

Rick Kornacker · From: Dixon Springs, Tennessee, USA

Provocative thread...the link previously discussed sheds light on union scale,etc. The spirit of the question asks about a "guy at the top". Having been involved in and around the "Nashville "scene" for many years I could provide some insight, having had the privilege of knowing many of these players personally. I believe many of us know who the "guy at the top" is and has been..just how successful financially..who knows(he does!). I believe #2, someone who is experiencing more success lately but has had great "connections" in the biz for a long time...a great guy and player who you may not suspect. How much..he knows, but probably making much less than "#1". Guys #3 and #4 might be making a respectable income that many "skilled tradesman" would make. The prospect of anyone nowadays even coming close is not likely due to the relative popularity of steel guitar and the prospect of fortuitous work. The "guys" referred to above were there at a much "fatter" time when just the royalties from phonograph record checks alone were more than substantial.A player nowadays couldn't hope to be on that many sessions playing steel guitar. Was just inspired to take a somewhat educated "shot" here and not pretending to know it all. Respectfully submitted, as always, RK
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chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

i think probably the question is are there many living in a $50-1000,000 bracket? are many in the $30,000 bracket...just above poverty level?

are any in the $500,000 and above category?

Ray Montee · From: Portland, Oregon (deceased)

Several of the BIG TIMERS here in the USA.......lived out their final years in old, old, metal trailer houses with only clunker cars for transportation.

Rick Contino · From: Brattleboro, Vermont

Thanks for the responses. Rick, your roundabout answer has sparked my curiosity.

It's crazy to think that a steel player at the top of the heap, but not a "star," can only realistically make the income of a skilled tradesperson, yet at the same time, its crazy to imagine that one COULD make the income of a skilled tradesperson by playing steel.
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Willie Sims · From: PADUCAH, KY, USA

No matter what the top steel players make now, how they manage their income and their lifestyle. It will never be enough. I'm sure most of you can remember the two best steel players in my opinion, curly chalker' and Joaquin Murphy, who ended up there careers destitute. It was really a sad thing to happen to to great steel guitarist.

Willie SIMS

Bo Legg · Posted 16 Mar 2014 2:08 pm

Who nose?

Stuart Legg · Posted 16 Mar 2014 2:45 pm

Fake it till you can make it.
But If you can fake it you've already made it!

Hook Moore · From: South Charleston,West Virginia

This is one of those questions that "Only" the people that have no idea will give an answer...
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Bo Legg · Posted 16 Mar 2014 6:24 pm

not too much.

Peter Nylund · From: Finland

I consider myself a big player, I'm 6"5' and 250 pounds and I think I made 100€ last years. This year has been a bit slower
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Joachim Kettner · From: Germany

I'v heard you play Peter. You deserve better than this. And I'm serious.
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Barry Gokee · From: Sault Ste Marie Michigan, USA

Not sure if a rumor or true fact. Heard Tommy White has a part time job at Auto Zone to supplement his income. We gotta eat and pay bills. Not like it used to be.
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Rick Contino · From: Brattleboro, Vermont

That's just wrong.
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Bo Legg · Posted 17 Mar 2014 5:46 pm

The struggling artist thing has never been more true than these days for every art.
An artist who gives lessons and/or has a full/part time job/business outside his art seems to be the norm.

Dennis Detweiler · From: Solon, Iowa, US

The old standard advice: "don't quit your day job and/or don't quit school."
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Jim Hartley · From: SC/TN

Not to be disrespectful to anyone, but this entire thread to me seems a bit awkward. I guess I just come from the school of thought that it's really none of my business what someone else makes, nor is it anyone else's business what I make. That being said, I think it's fair to say that there are quite a few players who are very successful, live in very nice homes, drive very nice cars and have plenty of money in the bank. On the other hand, some are not doing as well. I'm also pretty sure that those who died with very little to show for their efforts and talent were victims of poor choices and lifestyles. Then again, the same could be said for drummers, bass players, piano players, electricians, plumbers, etc,etc,etc.......Just my thoughts.

Rick Barnhart · From: Arizona, USA

Well said, Jim Hartley. I agree.
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pdl20 · From: Benton, Ar . USA,

No matter what you do for a living it all has pit falls and good and bad pay I always tell young people wanting to do this music thing, get an education? or a skilled training of some type to fall back on cause Music likely won't support you and if you have a family, forget it., there is no unemployment benefits , sick pay, paid vacations ,steady income, etc. their are always exceptions to the rules but very few .been there ,done that, For me it did lead to a great job away from music and I did have benifts,retirement so now I can play when and where I chose and for what price and whenever I want.
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Alan Tanner · From: Near Dayton, Ohio

The other problem is also that you wake up one morning and find that you are 50years old. Borderline health problems starting, not much education, not much chance of starting over at something else, no retirement, and in many cases, not even social security. A lifetime of smoke, no exercise, horrible diet, stress on the road, and possibly drug or alcohol abuse, has taken it's toll. The reaper is waiting. Even tho for years you were a high roller, made the "big bux", played at all the steel guitar shows, and were highly revered as a top hand picker, you realize that the end is near. Soon you can only find gigs teaching a little or playing at senior citizen events. When you die, your wife has nothing, maybe not even a home to call her own. The local guys who knew you get together to have a charity event to try and help out your widow plant you. All of your equipment is sold for pennies on the dollar, and the scabs will try and rip off your family for that. This seems to be true of all musicians...drums, guitar, bass, etc. I think it best to make sure that you have a backup plan to fall back on. I know guys say..."yeah...I've made a living at it for years".....but in truth, did not. Health insurance, life insurance, retirement,rainy day savings, etc are all things that few full time pickers manage to get into place while they can. A yearly salary that is equal to a skilled trade is fine, but if you count benefits, you are sadly lacking.....just my opinion here.

Dennis Detweiler · From: Solon, Iowa, US

I don't think it's anyone's business what an individual makes, but it is anyone's business what a job or career pays if you're guiding a son or daughter or mentoring a musician. The facts are always good advice.
When I played full-time, I also had a part-time day job. When I had a full-time day job, I played part- time. I didn't get rich, but I'm retired, self sufficient and independent. I still pay my way and have a few benefits.
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1976 Birdseye U-12 MSA with Telonics 427 pickup, 1975 Birdseye U-12 MSA with Telonics X-12 pickup, Revelation preamp, Carbon Copy Delay and Hall Of Fame Reverb, Crown XLS 1002, 2- 15" Eminence Wheelhouse speakers, ShoBud Pedal, Effects Pedals. 1949 Epiphone D-8.

Jerry Kippola · From: UP Michigan, USA

I know a steel player, who works for a major current star, who makes $800/show. Before that he worked several years on the road for $400/show. Life on a tour bus.

Sonny Jenkins · From: Texas Masonic Retirement Center,,,Arlington Tx

Remember,,,,it's called "PLAYING",,,,,,,!!!!!

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