My fears starting Pedals at age 68

Bill McCloskey · Posted 28 Feb 2023 12:01 pm

I haven't posted a video for a while due to dealing with things like skin cancer and general laziness, but this is a topic I've been meaning to do my next video on: My biggest fears about learning Pedal Steel at age 68.

I just turned 69 and in the six months or so I've been playing, I've purchased (or traded for) three pedal steels and I have a D10 on order from Williams. I currently own a D12 Williams a SD10 Williams and a D10 Sho-bud Pro 3. I sold a Sd12 Williams E9ext.

My biggest fears where the following:

1. Am I too old?

2. I'm completely non-mechanical. To the point, as I told John Widgren, that I would pay someone to change my lightbulbs if I could. How would I deal with the mechanics of the Pedal Steel?

3. I have no idea what I'm doing, and being in New York, no place to actually try out instruments. What if I buy junk? How will I even know?

4. Physical issues at my age: I've had two knee replacements, two operations on my right foot, and operations needed on my left foot. Basically, disabled. The surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery told me I had the most deformed feet he had ever seen. Could I physically handle the challenge ?

What I found was: No. I'm not too old. In fact I'm having the time of my life. Of course, having been a lap steel player for 20 years and, even more importantly, an Eharp player for 5 years, put me in a good position. The Eharp tuning is very similar to the E9th tuning including many of the AB pedal changes (except without the pedals). I already played with 4 finger picks and was very accustomed to wide and difficult grips.

The mechanical part was a challenge. I struggled with things like: how the hell do you change the pedal height? And do I loosen legs by turning clockwise or counterclockwise?
The undercarriage scared the hell out of me. And tuning the pedals and levers was like facing my biggest fears. But slowly slowly I've become more confident. More sure of myself and, as John W has reminded me: he is there for the heavy lifting if I need it.

I have been fortunate to have purchased only great instruments. Every one is a treasure, is well maintained, and sound great. I stuck with the tried and true: Williams. Sho-buds used professionally. And I haven't been unhappy with a purchase yet.

Physically, again a challenge, but interestingly manageable. Fortunately the foot that has been frozen in place, I use that as my volume pedal foot. the foot that hasn't been operated on, can rock the pedals.

It took a while to get used to. I ached in my knees and feet for weeks after I started playing. But slowly the pain has dissipated.

But most importantly, every day I wake up excited. Every day I learn something new. And every day I sit down to these beasts and disappear into the beauty of the sound enveloping me.

This year I'll go to Dallas for the first time in 20 years.

Then I was a dobro player. Now I'll go as a pedal steel guitarist.

Doug Taylor · From: Shelbyville, Kentucky, USA

I started at 63 which was almost 4 years ago Bill. I am still excited to sit down behind it every day! Glad you are able to enjoy the journey.

Daniel Baston · From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Bill, what a cool post! Thank you for sharing your experiences.

John McClung · From: Olympia WA, USA

Bill, I have students in their 70s and mid 80's. They just enjoy the journey of making the effort to create as many pretty sounds as possible. They're not expecting to steal business from Paul Franklin or Mike Johnson, but enjoy having scheduled personal guidance and encouragement from our sessions together. Somehow I've become a specialist in working with seniors (I'm one myself, I'm astonished to admit!). Holler if you'd like to try some friendly and supportive studying with me via Skype. I teach only E9.

All best,
John McClung
Pedal Steel Lessons, Casuals, Sessions
Olympia, WA 98512
Email & PayPal fees – steelguitarlessons@earthlink.net
Easy PayPal link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme2/JohnMcClung
Website – http://steelguitarlessons.com
Skype name: professortwang
Cell & text: 310-480-0717
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Ben Elder · From: La Crescenta, California, USA

I’m starting over at almost age 70. I’ve had two reconstruction surgeries on my left ankle that have left it fused and supinated (tilted outward). I just found a converted GFI D-10->SD-10 that I’m having the ABC pedals moved from locations 123 to 678 for my right foot. (I’ll decide later whether to move the knee levers too.) I’m going to try to start over, re-learn everything methodically, develop some good habits for a change and try to play with greater precision, understanding that fantastic Buddy Emmons jazz rides and Speedy West extraterrestrial peregrinations will find no comparative mention in my future obituary. Maybe some singer will need some unobtrusive swells, fills and background accents in the meantime?

Anyway, here’s to us, the Fearless SGF/AARP/(GFI)/PSG Adventurers.
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Ian Rae · From: Redditch, England

I can quote no stats, but my impression is that a lot of folks start in their 60s (I was one). I guess you need to retire before you have the time to devote to it Smile

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HowardR · From: N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville

At 73, my most important warm up routine is checking the Gone Home section when I first wake up.......to make sure that I'm not on it......

John McClung · From: Olympia WA, USA

Gil James · From: Louisiana, USA

I'm also a late bloomer(boomer). At 62, after picking 6 stringers for 50 years,I wanted to learn steel,thinking how hard could this be? I soon found out ,about the only thing that I carried over from guitar was how to change the strings😖. 3 years in,and I'm hopelessly hooked and loving every minute of this endless journey of steel madness! Keep on pickin Bill!

Steve Rosko · From: Georgetown, Texas

I got my first steel when I was 62. We called it the rattle trap. Now 8 years later I have an Emmons PP and play a couple times a month with a band and having fun. It’s never too late😉
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Bobby D. Jones · From: West Virginia, USA

The main thing to remember when starting in later years. Check the weight of the guitar and amp before you get it.

I got serious in my 50's, Jammed, Played in bands, Shucked a MSA Classic guitar, Nashville 400 amp. and seat myself.
About 5 years ago, I Went to a GFI S12U, Quilter TB 202 Amp. 4lb. and a 15" LW Eminence speaker in custom cabinet 21 lb.
I will turn 80 before the winter snows.

Dick Sexton · From: Greenville, Ohio

My story...

I was born in Brownsville Texas, had a cousin who spoke good Spanish, so we never really had a need to learn. He was always there to speak or translate for us. I even took it in High School, to no avail. At 76 after meeting my new brother-in-law from Colombia, I decided it was time I got off my butt and learned it. I found a great self-study app on my cell phone, and I just started. I set no time limit, I swore it was for fun and I just began. I began by getting up in the morning and studying for 30 minutes a day. I just turned 79, I've formed an almost impossible to stop, habit of Spanish study every morning and it has changed my life. I've never dedicated as much of my time and life studying anything, even music, playing 5 instruments including steel. It IS about the habit, formed early.

Can I speak Spanish, I don't know and furthermore I don't care. I live in Ohio and Spanish speakers are few and far between. It is the study that matters. It is now a part of me, just like that first cup of coffee in the morning, Spanish is there. Could I live without it, sure, but it is just there. Study, news in Spanish on the radio in my earbuds and an occasional Spanish TV show when the wife is busy elsewhere.

So... should you learn steel guitar? By all means, don't procrastinate, just do it. If you can afford it, order the best you can afford, something that will sell later and start today. Don't set any limits on yourself, no time limits to learn it by, study every day, make the STUDY a habit and just enjoy it and have fun.

If nothing more it will exercise your mind and I believe, keep you young. Hasta luego!

Samuel Phillippe · From: Douglas Michigan, USA

[quote="Bobby D. Jones"]The main thing to remember when starting in later years. Check the weight of the guitar and amp before you get it.

Now you tell me (LOL)
I purchased mine a couple years ago from an attic sale....had to carry it down the stairs and load it in car, weighed in about 60 lbs (case and all)......Then found a Peavey Bandit and you guys know that weight.... well it is now permently set up in my front room, won't be gigging with this. I'm 84 and enjoying this challenge that a fellow guitar player forced me into....

Sam

Patrick Townsend · From: Hartselle, AL

I’m 65 and have been playing guitar almost 50 yrs. I have dabbled in dobro and lap steel on an off but pedal steel always scared me. All those strings, levers, and pedals were intimidating to a dumb ol guitarist/bassist.
My only real disability playing wise is rheumatoid arthritis but it’s under control and it doesn’t really effect my playing once I get warmed up.
I have been on a Stage One Encore now for almost a month and I’m pleasantly surprised at my progress. Over the yrs I guess I’ve learned enough theory and played enough non pedal that it’s coming along quite nicely.
Right now my only concern is changing the strings. Hoping that when it becomes necc it doesn’t throw the whole
copedent out of whack and I’m unable to get it back to where it plays in tune, lol.

Bobby D. Jones · From: West Virginia, USA

Changing strings is not a bad chore. Just be sure to check the 6th string. Plain or Wound, Replace with the same string and it takes little change on the pulls.
Good Luck and Happy Steelin.

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

Bill, I’m sure that using pedals will be a challenge, but it will also be rewarding and enjoyable. And though many players here preach gobs of pedals and levers, and their uses, consider this: As adept as you are playing on non-pedal steel and already knowing chords, tunings, and pick and bar techniques, even using just one or two pedals or levers can open up many new sounds and possibilities for you.

And remember, there is no such thing as “wasted time” as long as you’re learning something. Very Happy

Bill McCloskey · Posted 3 Mar 2023 7:14 pm

Agree 100% Donny. The more I think of it as a glorified lap steel, the more comfortable I feel. Today I just played for hours just playing against a jukebox of backing tracks on Youtube and I felt for the very first time that I could play the instrument and improvise no matter what was thrown at me.

Tomorrow I get an MORLEY ABC pedal because, as someone said, when I dive in, no half measures.

James Wishart · From: Rhode Island

Well Bill, you sure have started an interesting thread.

I am pleased that you are on the PSG road. I am 67, and started PSG at age 62, when, due to illness, I was forced to retire. Now, almost six years later, I am making good progress on the steel, and play with 4 different bands. One of my bands just released a CD, so I get to hear myself on the music streaming services.

I learned to keep it simple, in order to make it effective. The point is, You will find your way.

Keep it up, it will be an adventure. Who knows what opportunities await?

Dave Grafe · From: Hudson River Valley NY

Great post Bill! Give me a call and we can have a time.

Jim Sliff · From: Lawndale California, USA

Hey - I'm 70 and every day is like restarting pedal steel for me! Laughing

Don't worry about it - as my old friend and banjo guru Pat Cloud says. "just grab the handle and mash 'em down"! Mr. Green

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No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional

Larry Allen · From: Kapaa, Kauai,Hawaii

After 50+ years of playing, TOO OLD is now when my steel is TOO heavy to want to gig with! Larry 79YO .
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Dave Grafe · From: Hudson River Valley NY

Larry Allen · From: Kapaa, Kauai,Hawaii

Aloha Dave!! Yes it’s been TOO long since we got together.. We turned the music studio into a guest house with a smaller band room,, ready for you when we can do it Smile

Larry
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Excel steels & Peavey amps,Old Chevys & Motorcycles & Women on the Trashy Side

John Drury · From: Gallatin, Tn USA

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