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Topic: First Pedal Steel, First post. |
Peter Knight
From:
Queensland, Australia
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Posted 24 Nov 2020 6:08 pm |
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Hi
I just ordered a Black Cherry, 6 string Hudson Pedal Steel.
I am located in Australia, and its easier to find and catch a four legged chicken than a reasonably priced pedal steel, to start out on.
Been playing guitar forever, play slide on a resonator, but really want to get the pedal steel sound on my original songs.
I am sure I will have a ton of questions, hoping it arrives soon.... probably not before Xmas, but you never know.
I see there are some good tutorials on YouTube by a guy named Troy, using the Hudson so I will bury myself in them.
I have always played slide in standard tuning, and the Hudson will be E9 so that will be a challenge.
If you want to hear some of my music here is the single off my last album...
https://peterknightmusician.com/album/1653945/guitar-strings-pen-paper
I have a stevens tone bar I have used for ever on resonator...I notice most pedal steel players use a , ahem, different shaped bar than that  is that something I should get?
Also, I have always played with my fingers, should I go finger picks?
cheers
Wiz |
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Paul Sutherland
From:
Placerville, California
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Posted 24 Nov 2020 6:39 pm
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You can play a pedal steel with a Stevens style bar, but most people prefer to use a round nose (bullet) bar. Don't start out with a great big bar. I recommend a 7/8th inch diameter or less, and no longer than 3 inches length, given your steel only has six strings.
You can play a pedal steel with your bare fingers, but most people prefer to use a thumb pick and two (or less commonly three) finger picks. There are many brands to choose from. You'll most likely burn through a bunch before you find what feels right to you.
No doubt you will have lots of questions. That's what the forum is for. You may find many of your questions have already been covered in prior threads. Use the search box in the upper right to find a wealth of information.
Good luck and have fun.
_________________
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing. |
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Sandy Inglis
From:
Christchurch New Zealand
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Posted 25 Nov 2020 12:25 am
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Hi Peter
Welcome to the world of Pedal Steel.
I would try to contact the Brisbane Steel Guitar club, as they are quite active. I don't have their details.
I've been to a couple of their annual festivals and they would be a great local resource.
Paddy Long goes to them every year and he may have a contact? let me know if you have problems?
Sandy
_________________
01'Zumsteel D10 9+9; Sho Bud D10 SuperPro; 6 String Lap Steel (Homemade); Peavey Nashville 1000; Fender Deluxe 85;
1968 Gibson SG; Taylor 710 CE; Encore Tele Copy; Peterson Tuner; HIWATT T40 C 40W/20W Combo |
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Ian Rae
From:
Redditch, England
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Posted 25 Nov 2020 1:07 am
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Peter,
Welcome to this truly international forum. Paul's advice is good. The sound you have heard that's inspired you to play pedal steel is got using the picks and bar he describes.
They'll be weird at first, but anything worth doing needs a bit of perseverance. When I started I had only played bass and never used any kind of bar or picks, but they felt quite natural after a while.
_________________
Make sleeping dogs tell the truth!
Homebuilt keyless U12 7x5, Excel keyless U12 8x8, Williams keyless U12 7x8, Telonics rack and 15" cabs |
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Pete McAvity
From:
St. Louis, Missouri USA
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Posted 25 Nov 2020 9:57 am Welcome
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Heya, Peter!
Congrats and welcome to your one stop for rabbit hole fractals of information. This is a lifelong hobby with no end of interest if you want it to be.
_________________
Excel Superb D10, Sarno Black Box or Freeloader, Goodrich L120, Boss DD5, Baby Bloomer, 1965 Super Reverb chopped to a head, feeding a mystery PA cab w/ a K130.
They say "thats how it goes". I say "that ain't the way it stays!" |
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Joe Krumel
From:
Hermitage, Tn.
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Posted 25 Nov 2020 11:16 am
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| Welcome Peter to this madness/insanity that we all seem to love. This is the best place to hang out and learn.enjoy the new Hudson.enjoy the journey! |
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Andrew Goulet
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Posted 25 Nov 2020 11:26 am
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Hey Peter! Those 6-string Hudsons seem really fun. You've probably got enough on there to keep you busy for a long time.
Troy Brenningmeyer's lessons are great. I also like the Steel Picking channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SteelPicking
This forum is a gem and a trove of information. You're never alone with the Steel Guitar Forum.
_________________
Marlen S12 and a ZT Club |
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Peter Knight
From:
Queensland, Australia
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Posted 25 Nov 2020 4:46 pm
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Thank you all so much for the warm welcome, and great advice!
Is there a particular shop you guys get all your pedal steel accessories from... would appreciate the recommendation...
bars, picks, string etc
cheers
Wiz |
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James Sission
From:
Sugar Land,Texas USA
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Posted 25 Nov 2020 5:04 pm
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Hello, there's quite a few items, including strings available right here at the forum store. Your purchases here will ship quickly and will help pay the bills to keep the forum open. Here's a link to some of the items.
https://www.steelguitarshopper.com/accessories/ |
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Peter Knight
From:
Queensland, Australia
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Posted 25 Nov 2020 5:14 pm
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| James Sission wrote: |
Hello, there's quite a few items, including strings available right here at the forum store. Your purchases here will ship quickly and will help pay the bills to keep the forum open. Here's a link to some of the items.
https://www.steelguitarshopper.com/accessories/ |
Awesome
thanks
Wiz |
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Peter Knight
From:
Queensland, Australia
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Posted 26 Nov 2020 4:21 pm
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| James Sission wrote: |
Hello, there's quite a few items, including strings available right here at the forum store. Your purchases here will ship quickly and will help pay the bills to keep the forum open. Here's a link to some of the items.
https://www.steelguitarshopper.com/accessories/ |
Just ordered a bar, some thumb and finger picks from the shop...
thanks again everyone...
Wiz |
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Charley Bond
From:
Inola, OK, USA
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Posted 28 Nov 2020 2:47 pm A new Journey for You
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They say the longest Journey is started with a single step... I guess I'd say you are off & running...
Good Luck,,, & Welcome to the Club...
_________________
Steel Guitar players are members of a Special Family |
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