How I got here. (my introduction part 1)

[Tim Carlson]

Hello all. My name is Tim. I currently live in Arizona. This is my story...(as it is until now)

Recently, I've been reflecting on how I've allowed music to slowly slip out of my life, and I've tried to devise an interesting way on bringing back into my life. I thought about taking piano or violin (fiddle) lessons, but struck that down for numerous reasons. While idling at work during a break a few weeks ago, I heard an unfamiliar, very blues-y song on the overhead. It was Dire Straits "Fade to Black". There is a very beautiful steel solo at the end that caught my attention.(lap or pedal, I don't know) After that was a Pink Floyd song that also has some steel in it, then an Allman Brothers song followed. When I returned from break, the satellite radio in our area had been changed to a pop country station, and there were more songs than I could count that had really cool steel parts in them. (I've also recently seen Derek Trucks playing slide for Eric Clapton) So it all clicked, and I started my research. As it turns out, there's much more to playing lap steel(which I've decided to start with, due to start-up costs) then just whacking away at the strings with a bottle, which seems to be descriptive of my technique when playing slide on my strat. In reading some of the posts here, it seems as if I've stumbled upon one of the greatest resources for musical information; other musicians with similar interests! I do hope you'll all bear with me through some of my newbie questions. I'll try my best to utilize the search function here, and I won't be offended if questions are replied to with "we've covered that. look here.-->"link" type responses.

[Kevin Greenberg]

Welcome from one newbie to another! I've only been hacking away at the lap steel for 2 years, and it is now an all-out obsession! This forum has taught me so much. I hope you benefit from it as much as I do. These are a great bunch of guys who can answer all your questions.

[Tim Carlson]

Thanks, Kevin. One hundred and fifty some odd views, and you're the only one to say "hi". I knew there had to be some good people on here. I suppose as I prove I'm not a complete idiot, some people will be a bit more chatty, although the few I've talked with have been very helpful. Right now I'm quite focused on getting my guitar working. A buddy of mine is going to make me a brass roller-bar bridge, as no one wants to sell me one. I'll do the nut myself out of aluminum angle iron. But all that is on hold untill I get my string ferrules. Once that's all done, I'll order myself a "starter" course, and re-learn some old rock standards while I wait. Then I want to do some "odd-ball" covers no one would expect to hear coming from a lap steel. And then.... Well, they say patience is a virtue....

[Cecil Almond]

Tim, They may not say hi, but you'll get lots of answers and tabs that will help you. Welcome, Cecil

[Peter Jacobs]

Hi, Tim -- I just saw your post and wanted to offer welcome and encouragement. I've been whacking away at lap steel for about 6 years now (been playing banjo for 30+). I still feel like a rank beginner every time I pick the thing up, but every once in a while something makes sense.

I play in an Americana band, so there's a lot of rock and blues elements. The only way I've found to learn it is to just dive in and do it. You'll make some annoying noises at first, and then it will start to work.

Please keep sharing your progress and be sure to ask questions.

Peter

[Carroll Hale]

WELCOME...&......HELLO....TIM

I am a relative newby on SGF and I can truly say there are many helpful and friendly folks here...I have asked lots of "stupid" questions (from my point of view)...but have always gotten good..sensible and friendly advice......some have sent pics ..some tabs..some mp3, etc........got chastised one time for changing the thread....(not on purpose), but I probably needed to be corrected....all in all these folks are knowledgable and helpful....so I say again, welcome
ch

[Craig Reed]

Hello Tim, welcome aboard. I'm a newby as well and you don't have to worry about any questions, this is a great site with folk ready to help. I have received so much help, i feel like i know these guys personally. I'm working on my first and second songs. (Recommended by Roy Thomson in case i get tired of one or the other) Have fun !!!! CR

[Tim Carlson]

Wow, now everybody comes out of the woodwork! Howdy, y'all. Thanks for the warm welcome. Now if I could just get all of my ordered parts to arrive!!