The Steel Guitar Forum

really nice steel- lol, 85 lbs in case could give some poor guy a hernia!

James- PM sent.

I was thinking of getting one of those 6 string 2 pedal steels that Fessenden or Hudson do, maybe with one K lever for good measure (all things being equal) for something light weight with just enough of that steel sound for simple fills/licks. I'm aware it's not your 10 string 3+4 E9 set up, but wh...

could anyone recommend some tablature writing software (free online would be a plus ) that is straightforward and easy to use? I'd be using it to tab out melody lines for 6 string lap steel. Having the option to insert lyrics would be useful. Would use it with a PC with Windows. thanks.

Hi Joel I'm often too lazy to grab my fingerpicks, especially if it's late at night, so just slip on the old thumbpick and play. I find playing with the bare fingertips actually nice and a change; seems like I have a bit more control and it's easier to get those grips. However I also play with the p...

Brad- if the A6 was with the C# at the top that you mentioned it would be fairly straightforward to transpose to an E6 tuning with high G#.

I have a few tabs that are tuned for A6, from high:
E,C#,A,F#,E,C#

anyone come up with an EASY way to transpose 6 string A6 tabs to 6 string E6 (from high G#,E,C#B,G#,E)? thanks.

I play lap steel and a big fan of all things Hank Williams. The book by Don Helms for E13 (Your Cheatin' Heart) has been really useful for learning some of these songs. Don didn't play steel on all of Hanks recordings, would anyone out there know of any source or have any other of Hanks' songs tabbe...

totally enjoyed it. Can I ask, is there a separate clip up on youtube or vimeo for the Darick Campbell section (13:14 into the movie) 'While the Spirit is Moving?' thanks

you can't go wrong with one of Bob's steels.

how sweet it is!

to add to Rob and Brads advice, you can try winging it with playing some 2 note harmony runs for whatever key your in. As you know, each scale can be played with 2 or 3 note harmonys. Sometimes just playing these tastefully can come across just fine - often its the sound of the pedal or lap steel th...

Bob, I've been trying to find some well written tabs myself for 8 string in C6, high G on top, contemporary C&W from Merle Haggard to the Eagles and anyone in between. There's a lot available for 6 strings in C6, but haven't seen much for 8 strings. Dick Meis has some basic tabs for 8 string in ...

I'm working with D on top with 8 strings in C6. My tuning from high to low is: D,G,E,C,A,G,E,C. Actually a C6 with the high G, then a D on top of that. Georgeboards has a DVD, 'D On Top' which is packed with cool tips and examples on using the D at top which I found really useful. While I'm here I w...

Very nice arrangement Roy, as all the songs in your E9th course are. I've learned a lot from using your tabs. I can see where having 10 stings would be really useful for expanding on this, but as you say 8 are more than enough.

Congratulations Sean! Bob made me a Pro 8 and I agree, he makes one fine instrument, lovely tone,sustain,response, couldn't ask for more. Excellent price as well.

Anyone know if the Kelly are similar size to Herco, but hold on better?? Carl- I've just tried some of the Kelly 'Freedom Picks'. They seem to be Ok for fingerpicking an acoustic guitar, but for my two cents worth I didn't think they were suited for lap steel. If I'm going to use fingerpicks, I'll ...

Golden Gate thumb pick... thats all folks BTW, sure is nice getting to play without a cast on my left arm. >:-) That must be nice getting that cast off - I cut my index finger on my left hand once pretty bad and had wear a large bandage - had to play electric (not lap steel) guitar in a band using ...

no one should convince you to stick with anything tuning wise be it C6, Dobro,Leavitt, E13, A6 - you'll found what you like sooner or later I'm sure. And as another member recently said here, if you stick with any tuning long enough you'll be able to play just about anything. I came from guitar play...

Rune, I've not come across the Fred Kelly fingerpicks, they do look innovative. Have you tried the F.K. 'Freedom Pick' at all on a lap steel?
I've used Dunlop, Keyser, National, etc. fingerpicks, might try the Feedom Pick out of curiosity. Anyone else try these on a lap steel?

good analogy with/without fingerpicks.
fast tremelo does seem to be one drawback, would have to don the picks if knew I wanted to use it on a particular number. muting of strings does seem to flow much more easy.

I've been playing pedal and lap steel on and off or a while now, always used fingerpicks on the right hand. lately I've been finding playing with my fingertips only on lap steel more satisfying and interesting, and may even carry on using my fingertips more often. I've seen other players use fingert...

Salut Paolo, nothing like an old National! Nice playing.

would like to add to Brad's message that the Melbert Pro 8 may be the least expensive 8 string lap steel out there, but there is nothing 'cheap' about it, just ask anyone who owns one. It is amazingly good value for money, don't know how Bob can produce such a fine instrument at that price.