New Player Suggestions?

Noah Feldman · From: Connecticut, USA

Hi all- I’m looking to buy my first PSG in January (ish). I play guitar and keys, and quite a bit of slide guitar and some lap steel, so it’s not a totally alien instrument, but I know there will be a steep learning curve. I’m based out of CT and cobble together a full time living teaching music, gigging, and running a small studio- I see PSG fitting into potentially all three aspects.

I have a few questions:

I’m looking to spend $1000-1500 on my first PSG. I know that is pretty tight for a good instrument as I have gathered that a 3x4 is really a must, but that’s probably all I can afford right now as a full time player/teacher. With that in mind, I’m looking at the GFI Starter, Stage One, and maybe a used Justice S10 in 3x4. Anything to be wary about on any of those three in particular? Any other options in budget that aren’t on my radar? I’m not super clear on how they might sound or feel different, be easier to work on, etc.

How much do the accessories matter up front? Are Dunlop finger picks, Ernie ball volume pedal, a Shubb tone bar all going to serve me fine? I have seen that you can spend a frightening amount of money on any one of those, but I am not sure if the cheap stuff is really a barrier for entry.

Lastly, is there somebody in the CT/tri-state/southern New England area doing service, lessons, or even selling steels? I’m sure I’m going to need some help eventually and would rather know who to call up front.

Any other advice is welcome! Thanks for having me in the forum!

Jim Cooley · From: The 'Ville, Texas, USA

Hi Noah - I'm sure You'll get lots of good suggestions. I'll offer a few (probably too many) thoughts for starters. I won't recommend specific manufacturers or equipment brands, since those would be subjective. You have the experience of being a musician. That will help. A 3 X 4 is a great choice, and will not only get you started, but will serve you well for a long time, maybe forever. There are several good manufacturers. GFI, Stage One/Encore (the Encore has more setup versatility), Justice, Rittenberry, Mullen, MSA, Williams, Jackson, Emmons, Show Pro, BenRom, Excel among current manufacturers. I'm sure I have overlooked somebody. There are several out-of-production quality manufacturers: Sho-Bud, Derby, Rains, BMI, Carter, Fulawka, Fessenden, ZB, Marlen, ETS, and more. You're probably looking at the high end of your budget for a good quality steel.

The forum is the best place to find a steel. There are many reputable members who offer steels for sale here, and who won't lead you astray. However, there are also a few fly-by-nighters. Some accounts were recently hacked. It's important to get as much information as you can before you buy. Search the Members section of the forum before you buy from someone. See how long they have been a member, how many postings they have submitted, their history as sellers, etc. Ask questions. If a potential seller won't answer questions or seems vague when replying, that's a huge red flag. It's always best to be able to sit behind a steel and play it before you buy, but that is often not possible. Learn as much as you can about how these things work. The pedal steel is a machine that makes music. There are lots of parts and many of them move. They wear out over time. There are differences in woods and wood grains. Two steels of the same model by the same manufacturer can feel and sound different from each other when they are brand spanking new.

You'll need picks, a bar, and volume pedal. Accessories matter, but many of them are just accessories. Effects are nice and often desirable, but you don't need them to learn. Your Dunlop finger picks will work, at least until you find some you like better, but you might stay with them. Lots of players use Dunlops. The Ernie Ball volume pedal will get you started. If it's a passive pot pedal, it likely has a 250k pot. Most steel guitar pot pedals have 500k pots. That affects output and tone. It will play, though. You will likely adapt much better if you get a bullet shaped steel guitar bar rather than using your Shubb. It will move more easily across a ten string neck. You will probably like the tone better too, but that is subjective.

You've done the right thing by asking for advice here. You will get a lot more, from people more experienced and better players than I. Probably most important advice I can give is be patient, both in learning and buying. Your experience as a musician will likely serve you well, but this is a new world. It's a niche within a niche. There is a lot to absorb, and it can take a while. Don't hesitate to ask for more help. It's why we're here.

Noah Feldman · From: Connecticut, USA

Thanks, Jim!

I don’t have a VP right now, so I will buy a 500k pedal, I know from swapping pots in my telecasters how much difference that can make. I figured the bullet bars are the way to go, I like the shubb for lap but I do a lot of pull offs and hammer ons, which aren’t probably applicable on PSG.

I appreciate the advice on vetting potential sellers- that’s something I don’t always think about in a community like this. I’ll keep an eye out!

Fred Treece · From: California, USA

If you can stand it, wait until you can raise your spending limit to around $2k. It will expand your options significantly. Don’t buy a fixer-upper.

Once you acquire a nice guitar, bookmark the Forum Beginner’s page -
https://dhdube.wixsite.com/psgbeginner

Good luck!

Dennis Belt · From: California, USA

Hi Noah,
I am very much like you in being an experienced guitar/slide/lap steel guy. I was in your position a couple of months ago. I came across a Stage One PSG at a good price. It is really an excellent instrument; sounds great, stays in tune and iwas easy to adjust the pedals and levers to suit me. The main drawback, as I understand it is one cannot alter the pedal and lever functions. I don’t see any need for that; I’m happy with it as is.
Just my 2 cents; I’m sure there are other excellent steels at around the same price. Good luck!

Noah Feldman · From: Connecticut, USA

Fred Treece · From: California, USA

There are probably several thousand Forum members who come from the guitar/slide/lap steel background; yours truly included. It was an advantage to some degree having 35 years of experience before starting on pedal steel, but I think it’s best to think of it as a different instrument. Basic technique is something to take seriously. If you skim over it, you’ll have to go back later and correct the things that impede further progress. Channel your excitement about learning to play into both learning and playing.

I am also a satisfied Stage One pedal steel owner - it’s the guitar I started on. Sorry, not selling, but you should be able to find one used and in your price range.

Noah Feldman · From: Connecticut, USA

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