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Topic: Suggestions for a 1st steel... |
Charley Paul
From:
California, USA
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Posted 9 Sep 2018 2:53 pm |
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Hi folks,
The steel bug has definitely bitten me. Been playing guitar for 25 years, professionally for the past 10 years. I love that steel sound and am finally ready to get one.
Feeling pretty good about already having accessories like a Lehle Volume pedal, delay pedals, and a 66 Pro Reverb to play it through. I have a pretty firm grasp of music theory, and already play guitar, banjo, and mandolin. Familiar with jumping from instrument to instrument and ready to pick up a new technique!
I’m a bit confused about which guitar to get. Price is definitely a considration as I probably max out around $2500. I’m looking at brands like msa, gfi, and Emmons. I’d like to get at least 10 strings.
What would the advantage of a double neck be?
Please help me decide which model will be the right fit! |
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Paul Sutherland
From:
Placerville, California
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Posted 9 Sep 2018 3:09 pm
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Charley: Where are you located in California? Someone near you could probably meet up and let you sit down at a steel or two and get a better idea what you are considering?
As to one neck or two, what kind of music do you intend to play on a PSG? The E9th neck is far more useful for most styles of music, but the C6th has it place. Then there's the 12 string universal that some guys swear by.
Regarding brands, the ones you mentioned are all good, except the Emmons company has gone out of business. You should also consider Mullens, BMI, Rittenberry, Williams, Fessenden, Justice, Desert Rose, and probably a few others I've neglected to mention.
There are tons of choices to be made. For $2500 you can get a very good PSG, perhaps even a new one, particularly if you go for a single neck guitar.
PS: If you are anywhere in southern California you should make the trip to Oceansides to Jim Palenscar's shop, Steel Guitars of North County. You will not regret it.
_________________
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.
Last edited by Paul Sutherland on 9 Sep 2018 7:19 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Kevin Fix
From:
Michigan, USA
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Posted 9 Sep 2018 5:45 pm
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| No Maverick..... |
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Charley Paul
From:
California, USA
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Posted 9 Sep 2018 6:37 pm
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Thanks for the info Paul!
I play in a rock band with a country sort of sound. A lot of jamming and improvisation. Somewhere in between Willie Nelson and the Grateful Dead, stylistically.
Which tuning do you think would be best for that? I was thinking E9. I’m not sure I would need two necks, I just kind of like the look of those instruments. However, maybe a more rational approach would be to start with a 10-12 string single neck and work up from there....
I’m not even sure what I am supposed to look for in a steel guitar. I just know that I want a toneful, stable and sturdy instrument that is inspiring to play.
FYI, I’m near San Francisco. I have already looked at the webpage for Steel Guitars of N County. There seems to be a few options there that are in my price range:
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Paul Sutherland
From:
Placerville, California
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Posted 9 Sep 2018 7:16 pm
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Based on your reply, I think you should be looking for a single 10 or 12 string guitar with a standard E9th tuning. It can be a true single neck or a single neck on a double body, often referred to as a SD10 or 12.
If you want to make a trip to Placerville, we can chat more and you can sit at a D10 Emmons Push-Pull, and an SD10 Rains, all pull guitar. Just send me a pm.
PS: My guitars are not for sale.
_________________
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.
Last edited by Paul Sutherland on 9 Sep 2018 7:21 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Charley Paul
From:
California, USA
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Posted 10 Sep 2018 6:19 am
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| I’ve been eyeballin that Mullen... |
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Charley Paul
From:
California, USA
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Posted 10 Sep 2018 7:48 am
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Can anybody tell me what type of maintenance is required to keep a steel functioning well? What should I expect to do, and how often? What parts or tools should I have with me at all times?
What accessories will I need besides guitar, amp, fx, and bar? Will I need a special stool, or will any old chair work? |
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Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Posted 10 Sep 2018 7:53 am
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Volume pedal (preferably one with the input and output both on the right side, instead of in front), a hex wrench for tuning the pedal stops, a plastic thumb pick and 2 or 3 metal finger picks (Dunlop or National are popular brands). Keep a long-nose pliers, spare strings and a string winder in your kit. You might also want to invest in a tuner.
There are specialized seats made for steel that also serve to carry all this stuff but you don't have to buy one. Some players like a drum throne. The main point is that it should be the right height so your knees can reach the knee levers comfortably. You might have a suitable chair at home but if you're planning to play elsewhere, you'll want to bring your own seat so you don't end up with something of the wrong height.
_________________
www.JimCohen.com
www.RonstadtRevue.com
www.BeatsWalkin.com |
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Larry Baker
From:
Columbia, Mo. U.S.A.
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Posted 10 Sep 2018 8:35 am
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The Mullen Jim referred you to is a great
Buy and a great guitar. I’ve been playing
Mullen for 9 years with no issues, and
Mullen factory service is top notch. Good luck
_________________
Mullen G2 SD10 3 & 5 The Eagle
NV112 amp===Earnie Ball V.P. |
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