Advice for a New Guy

Nick Krol · From: Rhode Island, USA

So I'm new to Pedal Steel and have been doing a lot of research into them lately. I'm in the process of trying to buy one, but I can't really find anywhere to do so in the New England area.

I'd like to get a D10 for a reasonable price, and I'd love any suggestions people have. I found a Dekley D10 at a shop in California for around $1750, but I've found some other threads here that suggests that's a bit high.

I have a lot of experience with electric guitar and theory and would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

i don't think that's too high for the dekley.
there have been some great deals on d10 carters lately here on the forum. low 2 thousands.
well worth the price.

Jon Light (deceased) · From: Saugerties, NY

One universally accepted bit of advice is that buying a used steel is a gamble---more than a lot of other instruments because of the mechanical nature of the beast. You really want the instrument to be checked out by someone who knows their stuff.

HOWEVER--if that Dekley is the one at Steel Guitars of North County, that is pretty much the same as having a friend check it out for you. Jim is someone you can trust and he is an ace repair guy. I would buy a guitar from Jim on his sayso that it was in good working shape.

If the price reflects time that he has put into bringing it up to snuff, that might be something to consider (vs. a cheaper guitar that may need work).

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

How many levers?

Nick Krol · From: Rhode Island, USA

It is at North County, it has 8 pedals and 4 knees. Think that would be a good guitar for a starter?

Rick Barnhart · From: Arizona, USA

I'll second the motion for Jim at Steel Guitars of North County. If he says it, you can believe it. Sounds like an excellent deal for anyone.
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Clinesmith consoles D-8/6 5 pedal, D-8 3 pedal & A25 Frypan, Pettingill Teardrop, & P8 Deluxe.

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

That guitar will take you almost everywhere you need to go.
AND, and this is freaking important, Jim has gone through her.
You're not buying a guitar with machinery. You're buying a machine that makes music. And a newbie won't even know what to look at when buying a used horn.
Buy this one.
I've OFTEN said that newbies should buy used axes under two conditions only:
1) an experienced player looks at it and pronounced it fit for purpose, or
2) it comes from a dealer who has gone through it. Jim Palenscar does good work.

Yes, you can buy a cheaper guitar. But if it will require repair and adjustment that you don't know it needs and don't know how to perform, your steel experience is gonna suck. That makes the pig in a poke a false economy.
Buy this axe.
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2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

Mike Wheeler · From: Delaware, Ohio, USA

I don't think the price is too high, either. And a Dekley is a true professional guitar that's built to take a pro's work-load. It can last you a lifetime with a little basic care. I say "buy it" also.

You just can't go wrong taking advice from Jim Palenscar. If he says it's good to go, you can take that to the bank!
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Best regards,
Mike

Larry Jamieson · From: Walton, NY USA

You can talk With Billy Cooper at Billy Cooper's Music in Virginia. He has new and used steel guitars
in stock and he makes sure they are in good playing condition before selling them.
Jerry Fessenden builds steel guitars in Vermont.
He sometimes has a used guitar or two for sale, or may know of one for sale in the area. You can find both of these businessmen by clicking on the "Links"
green box in the upper right hand corner of this page. Good luck.

John Booth · From: Columbus Ohio, USA

I had a Dekley back in the late 80's and it was as solid as a rock. I played that thing for 2 years about 3-4 nights a week and nothing ever broke but strings. As I recall it was very heavy tho. Good guitars, and I second that if Jim Palenscar went over it, it's gonna be a fit piece.
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Jb in Ohio
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GFI S10 Ultra, Telecaster, a Hound Dog, and an Annoyed Wife
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Mike Perlowin · From: Los Angeles CA

Another vote of confidence for Jim. If he went through it, it's going to be perfect.
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Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
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Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

Bob Hoffnar · From: Austin, Tx

http://www.risga.com/home.html

There are plenty of players in your area that can help you out. I great guy to work with is John Widgren in Wilton, Ct.

Get some personal hands on lessons/assistance.

With that as far as buying a steel goes Jim Palanscar is as good as it gets !
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Bob

Paul Awalt · From: Greenwich, Ct.

Don't forget Billy Cooper in Orange, Virginia. Definitely worth the trip.

James Wolf · From: Georgia

I also recommend the Dekley. Mine is solid, reliable and has a monster tone. That price is right on that one too.

Bob Moore · From: N. Rose, New York

There is a steelguitar club in RI near Providence look in announcements for dates. Bob M

Bob Moore · From: N. Rose, New York

The listing is under New England Steel Guitar. Vincent Doyle is the Pres. I hope this helps you. Bob M

Russ Tkac · Posted 13 Mar 2015 4:35 pm

Dekleys are great steels and that sounds like a good price from a man who also has made sure it is good playing condition.

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