What options do I have as a new pedaller??

Dustin Rhodes · Post by **Dustin Rhodes** » 31 Jan 2008 3:10 pm

I'm wanting to jump into the pedal steel world. I have some lap steels and a console that I play around on but all the steel sounds that I love are from a pedal steel. I would like to get a S-10 or SD-10 with the option of adding pedals or levers at a later date. I play other instruments too so I'm very much in favor of getting something nice right out of the gate and not wanting to upgrade after a year. I would like a nice vintagey sound and something thats durable. I like the options on the Jackson Xtreme but I'm not sure what else is out there in that price range ($2600). I'd like to stay under that preferably. Whatcha got for me?

Calvin Walley · Post by **Calvin Walley** » 31 Jan 2008 3:16 pm

you gotta love a Mullen

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 31 Jan 2008 3:18 pm

Especially in your price range, a Carter is definitely to be considered. John and Bud will do all they can to help, and Ann will do all she can to keep John and Bud working. A first-class operation.

Archie Nicol · Post by **Archie Nicol** » 31 Jan 2008 3:24 pm

Don't jump! Think of the kids.

Theresa Galbraith · Post by **Theresa Galbraith** » 31 Jan 2008 3:26 pm

Can't go wrong with a Jackson!

John Roche · Post by **John Roche** » 31 Jan 2008 3:29 pm

get yourself a uni 12 ,two tunings in one for the price of one,sooner or later you'll go there, the Sierra is a cracking guitar.

Dustin Rhodes · Post by **Dustin Rhodes** » 31 Jan 2008 3:30 pm

I think I just want to stick with 10 string E9. Those Sierra's are a bit pricey too.

John Roche · Post by **John Roche** » 31 Jan 2008 3:38 pm

Those Sierra's are a bit pricey too

I picked up for $2ooo, only been played a few times.

Kevin Mincke · Post by **Kevin Mincke** » 31 Jan 2008 3:42 pm

Can't go wrong w/the Blackjack or Carter Starter...Here's a previous thread:
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=126374

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 31 Jan 2008 3:45 pm

You should give Desert Rose a look if you like that "Vintage"sound. http://www.desertroseguitars.com/

Dustin Rhodes · Post by **Dustin Rhodes** » 31 Jan 2008 3:46 pm

Kevin Mincke wrote:Can't go wrong w/the Blackjack or Carter Starter...Here's a previous thread:
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=126374

I want something I can upgrade. Everything I've read said that both of these have very little room to grow.

Bob Hoffnar · Post by **Bob Hoffnar** » 31 Jan 2008 3:50 pm

Dustin,
If you can hold on that long go to the Texas Steel show in march.

http://www.texassteelguitar.org/

You will be able to sit behind all sorts of steels and see what you like the best.

John Roche · Post by **John Roche** » 31 Jan 2008 4:00 pm

want something I can upgrade

everythng you'll need is on the Uni 12,

Dustin Rhodes · Post by **Dustin Rhodes** » 31 Jan 2008 4:04 pm

John Roche wrote:
want something I can upgrade
everythng you'll need is on the Uni 12,

I'm really just interested in a Single 10 in E9 right now.

John Roche · Post by **John Roche** » 31 Jan 2008 4:07 pm

It is a single 10 with 2 extra strings,check it out

Jim Eaton · Post by **Jim Eaton** » 31 Jan 2008 4:15 pm

IMHO - a great value and a really good sounding and playing 1st guitar would be a Zum StageOne.
Single 10, 3/4 (fixed set up, but so much can be played on one of them) I have 2 Emmons PP, MSA SD-12 Legend and I recently got a StageOne for a light weight guitar for coffee house gigs, jamming, quick sessions and it has earned its place in my stable!
JE:-)>

Bob Hoffnar · Post by **Bob Hoffnar** » 31 Jan 2008 4:21 pm

Dustin,
Do have some local players you can talk to ? Getting the bulk of your information from the net is not a good idea. The world of working steel players and builders is a very different place than this web site.

One thing to keep in mind is that it takes a while to sort out what you want from a pedalsteel as a player. You might want to start with a cheaper used steel to get going on and then buy something perfect when you know more about what you are doing.

John Roche · Post by **John Roche** » 31 Jan 2008 4:31 pm

Dustin, buy once, believe me I've had more steels then you have had hot breakfast's , buy the best ,buy the lightest , buy the most easiest guitar to adjust, because you will have to sooner then later.
Dustin your a smart guy , you play other instruments so it won't take long for you to figure out the steel guitar, after all it's only strings and scales you only need to worry about they layout of the steel guitar.Ie what the pedals do , what the knee levers do..

Brett Day · Post by **Brett Day** » 31 Jan 2008 4:54 pm

GFI makes some nice S-10 steels.

Brett-Proud owner/player of "Redgold Beauty"

Sonny Priddy · Post by **Sonny Priddy** » 31 Jan 2008 5:25 pm

Pick The Best. JcH-GFI- MAGNUM. IMHO. SONNY.

Calvin Walley · Post by **Calvin Walley** » 31 Jan 2008 5:26 pm

the Zum Stage One OR the GFI
are both great entry level guitars

Dustin Rhodes · Post by **Dustin Rhodes** » 31 Jan 2008 5:59 pm

Well I think going to Texas is out of the question right now. I'd love to but I just can't right now.

Local players? I'm going to try and make the KSGA meeting sunday.

And John I definitely want to only buy once. I own alot of music gear and don't want to buy a lower end model and not get what I want and have lower resale.

Dennis Lee · Post by **Dennis Lee** » 31 Jan 2008 6:09 pm

Dustin, you owe it to yourself to see, play, and hear a Rittenberry. Just ask those who have a Gary Rittenberry guitar, most never let go of them.

Sonny Priddy · Post by **Sonny Priddy** » 31 Jan 2008 7:44 pm

Rittenberry's Are Great Also. SONNY.

Casey Lowmiller · Post by **Casey Lowmiller** » 31 Jan 2008 8:05 pm

My Gary Rittenberry built LaGarritt won't be for sale anytime soon. I LOVE THAT GUITAR!!!

Casey