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Topic: New to PSG and forum. First Steel Suggestions |
Steve Howard
From:
High Ridge, Missouri, USA
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Posted 20 Oct 2004 5:27 pm |
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Hi guys, want to introduce myself. My name is Steve Howard and I'm from STL area and am interested in learning the pedal steel guitar. I have played lead guitar for years and have played banjo a couple years now too. I have a pretty good understanding of my theory so I hope that helps with the complexities of steel.
So, I am just kind of curious what I am in for? I realize it will be tough, but hopefully the banjo finger picking will help some. I hope I could do some simple 1,4,5 chord stuff within a month or so. Is that realistic?
Also, I am mainly doing this not just because I think I would like the PSG, but also because I realize it will make me very valuable as a musician. I play in a mostly new country band right now. As far as I understand most of that stuff is done on E9 tuning. Is any of the newer stuff done with C6. When I purchase my first steel, will there be much I can't do with the single E9?
Thanks for the help and look forward to interacting on this forum.
BTW - If any of you are over at tdpri, I am showard44 over there. I saw T Prior over here. I met you at the Players concert in Nashville (w/ Brent Mason and Paul Franklin). |
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Steve Hitsman
From:
Waterloo, IL
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Posted 20 Oct 2004 5:40 pm
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Steve,
Get yourself to Overland and into Scotty's. Introduce yourself to Don Curtis and arrange for some lessons. There should be some steels there for you to check out, too. I'm just across the river if I can do anything for you. |
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Travis Bernhardt
From:
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Posted 20 Oct 2004 6:00 pm
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If you've got musical experience then you'll be well beyond simple three chord progressions within a month. The fact that you're used to fingerpicks is a good head start. And do take advantage of the fact that you're so close to Scotty's.
A single neck E9 is plenty. The E9 tuning is very deep, and there really isn't much you can't do with it (the main issue is range). Of course, if you've got the money and don't mind the extra weight, a properly equipped double-neck may be the last pedal steel you'll ever need to buy (emphasis on need...).
-Travis |
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Ray Minich
From:
Bradford, Pa. Frozen Tundra
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Posted 20 Oct 2004 6:33 pm
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Take joy in the fact that yer not geographically challenged like some of us that live a million miles from Steel-land 
Welcome to the party... |
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Dan Sawyer
From:
Studio City, California, USA
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Posted 20 Oct 2004 7:10 pm
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| "I am mainly doing this not just because I think I would like the PSG, but also because I realize it will make me very valuable as a musician." Steve, i hope that will change, because this axe takes a lot of dedication. Your banjo picking should help with the right hand. In general C6 is more for close-voiced jazz chords, but either neck can do whatever you want if you know how. E9 should cover most all of the standard country tunes. The Carter Starter and GFI student models have been getting great reviews. |
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Per Berner
From:
Skovde, Sweden
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Posted 20 Oct 2004 10:19 pm
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Welcome to the Forum, Steve! You will find it an invaluable resource for useful info, and a few good laughs as well.
Sure wish I had some banjo chops. Wouldn't hurt my banjo playing either!  ...
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Emmons Legrande II D10 8+5, Goodrich 120, Peavey Nashville 1000
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Klaus Caprani
From:
Copenhagen, Denmark
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Posted 21 Oct 2004 12:59 am
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Hi Steve!
Nice to see that I'm not the newest on this instrument anymore
I've played steel for a little more than half a year by now, and it's extremely awarding, especially when things start to happen by themselves and you don't have to think too much anymore. Believe me. There's A LOT of thinking involved especially to begin with.
Welcome!
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Klaus Caprani
MCI RangeXpander S-10 3x4
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CrowBear Schmitt
From:
Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
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Steve Howard
From:
High Ridge, Missouri, USA
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Posted 21 Oct 2004 2:57 am
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Thanks all for the welcome.
Trust me, I am not just doing this to be a "valuable musician" I have always liked Steel licks but have just liked the freedom on stage of being a guitar player.
You all mentioned Scotty's so I assume you are familiar. Some buddies of mine know Don Curtis a little bit and have great things to say about him.
I wanted to get a head start on this forum before I actually purchased as I was hoping y'all might be able to help a bit with suggestions. I wish I would have had a resource like this when I bought my first "crap" banjo. I have since learned my lessons.
I was going to save for another thread but may be able to start it here. I am looking for a PSG that "could" be the last one I ever buy. My wife and I try to keep a fiscally conservative outlook on things, but that unfortunately can cut into my music wants.
So, if I know steel is something I will stick with, I am trying to look for something used in the $1300 range that is up to par so I could play for years. If any of you had time to check out the "Steel Inventory" on Scotty's webpage and give me any thoughts on some of those, it would be much appreciated.
I am so ready to go out there and buy one now, but my wife's deal includes getting the basement finished first so it may be another two months. I always feel bad going into music stores if I am not ready to buy yet. |
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Will Holtz
From:
San Francisco, California, USA
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Posted 21 Oct 2004 10:02 am
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Scotty's doesn't seem to have many used S-10s currently listed on their web site. The Mullen SD-10 would probably last you forever, but it is more than your $1300 budget. None of the S-10s listed for under $1000 are 3x4 or better, which is probably the minimum you should consider.
You should definately be able to find something for $1300 that will last you a long time. Your best bet is probably the used instrument listings here on the forum. I got a hardly used Carter S-10 off the forum for $1350. There are currently some Emmonds S-10 3x4s for sale in your price range -- however someone more experienced should probably give you advice about the pros and cons of starting out on a push/pull psg. |
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Mark Ardito
From:
Chicago, IL, USA
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Posted 21 Oct 2004 10:39 am
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Get yourself a Sho~Bud Pro I with a 3x4 setup on it. Will last you a lifetime.
Mark
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Sho~Bud Pro I, Fender D-8 (C6&E13) http://www.darkmagneto.com
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Steve Howard
From:
High Ridge, Missouri, USA
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Posted 21 Oct 2004 10:43 am
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Mark, Is that sho-bud in my price range? And where would I find?
Also, can someone give me the rundown on push-pull psg as opposed to ????
I don't know anything about the complexities or inner workings of a PSG or how they may effect me.
Sorry for the newbie questions, but just want to make sure I am educated when I buy. |
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Brian Wetzstein
From:
Billings, MT, USA
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Posted 21 Oct 2004 11:29 am
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Hi Steve! Welcome!
You are in good company here. You will find lots of help with just about any steel question in this forum.
If you are patient you can find a good steel within your price range. I would try to stick to the major brands just because there are usually parts available. I had to buy three steels before I found a usable one to learn on! In fact, I have a Sho-Bud Pro-I with three pedals and four knee levers just like the guitar suggested above and it is more guitar than I can even use at my playing ability.
I am tenstrings on the TDPRI and I love that place too! Welcome and keep the questions coming!
brian |
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Terry Sneed
From:
Arkansas,
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Posted 21 Oct 2004 12:12 pm
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Steve, welcome to the board, keep your eye on the "Instruments for sale" forum.
there are usually different steels on there daily. I would say just make sure the steel has at least 3 pedals and 4 knee levers.
Sho bud, Carter, Emmons, GFI, MCI all these are good guitars and you should be able to find one in your price range.
ps- your about to experience an addiction!
Terry[This message was edited by Terry Sneed on 21 October 2004 at 01:20 PM.] |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 21 Oct 2004 4:40 pm
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I agree with Travis, get an S10 guitar with 3+4. That'll keep you busy for many years. For a beginner, I'd recommend an all-pull design over an Emmons push-pull (I own both). The p/p has a nice sound, but they're just not as versatile and easy to work on as a modern all-pull guitar. Yes, the old Emmons p/p's have a certain "cachet" or mystique to a lot of players, and at one time they were the guitar to own, but the simple truth is that very few of the "top dogs" use them these days, probably for the reasons I've already stated.
Times change...and so does music and guitars. |
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Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Posted 21 Oct 2004 4:51 pm
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| Quote: |
| Some buddies of mine know Don Curtis a little bit and have great things to say about him |
That's cuz they only know him "a little bit".  Oops! Did I say that? Naah! We love ya, Donny, ya big mugg! |
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Mark Ardito
From:
Chicago, IL, USA
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Posted 22 Oct 2004 5:53 am
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| Quote: |
| Mark, Is that sho-bud in my price range? And where would I find? |
You should definitely keep your eyes on the "For Sale: Instruments" section. Sho~Buds go fast around here. Yes, you will get a Pro I with a 3x4 setup in your price range. They used to be a lot cheaper, but everyone wants a "bud" these days.
Happy Pickin'
Cheers!
Mark
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Sho~Bud Pro I, Fender D-8 (C6&E13) http://www.darkmagneto.com
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