New to the pedal steel: have queries!

Matthew Tansey · Post by **Matthew Tansey** » 24 May 2009 8:16 am

Hey folks. I'm sure this topic pops up frequently but I'm having trouble figuring out what type of pedal steel to start out on. I've played guitar for many years and I just love the way the pedal steel sounds so I figure I might as well try my hand at it. To start out I don't feel inclined to spend all that much money on the instrument: certainly under 1200$. I am not all that interested in a second neck, just something really basic. I've thought about just picking up a carter starter to learn on. But I figured it would be better to consult those with experience. Fill me in. Any words of advice are appreciated. Thanks folks.

Paul Norman · Post by **Paul Norman** » 24 May 2009 11:06 am

My opinion. I started with a Carter Starter and I
was never satisfied with it. It is a Fair guitar, but
there is always something to be desired. If you shop
you buy a decent Pro type guitar that you will like from now on.

Brick Spieth · Post by **Brick Spieth** » 24 May 2009 2:19 pm

I was lucky to borrow a Carter Starter, and had I bought it, would have wanted something better in a short time. If you can find a Stage One used for around $800, that would be my personal low end. You could play for a year or more on a Stage One.

$1200 is the low end for a pro S10. $1200-1500 can buy a nice steel these days. There have been some nice guitars for sale recently in this range. I'd buy a relatively modern (within the last 20 yrs or so) mainstream brand for a first guitar. Make friends with some local steel players, as they can give you good advise.

I've been playing for about a year now, and moved to a pro guitar within the first three months.

Calvin Walley · Post by **Calvin Walley** » 24 May 2009 2:29 pm

somthing else to consider, single or SD-10

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... light=poll

i would never go back to single, the SD just has a better feel to it ( just what i like )

Brian Kurlychek · Post by **Brian Kurlychek** » 25 May 2009 5:30 am

Hey Matt,

I live in Maine and on Sunday June 7th at 12pm our small steel guitar club will be meeting at UNH in New Hampshire. . There should be plenty of different types of steels there for you to see depending on who makes it. You are more than welcome to join us.

If I read your post correctly, it seems you already have a good idea of what you want in a steel. The crux will be finding a steel you want within 1500 bucks. There are deals out there though.

Try to find a Black SD10 with at least 3 foot pedals and 4 or 5 knees. this way you have enough to not quickly outgrow it and the black always sells quicker (and sounds better according to some).

Feel free to PM me and I can get you my number and more details on our June meet if you are interested.

Cheers,

Brian Kurlychek

Walter Bowden · Post by **Walter Bowden** » 25 May 2009 6:52 am

I would definitely try to hook up with Brian's meeting at UNH. You can probably learn more from a group of players in one afternoon than would take much, much longer alone. Try to find a decent teacher as well. They will help you avoid learning bad habits in the beginning that are hard to "unlearn" later. I too played guitar for years before taking on the steel and was lucky enough to get some good practical advice and basic dos and don't s that made the transition easier and more enjoyable and I've never looked back. Good luck and keep coming back to the forum. Walter

Matthew Tansey · Post by **Matthew Tansey** » 25 May 2009 9:46 am

thanks for the words of advice, folks. Won't be able to make it to unh unfortunately for various reasons. Was that reference to a black steel related to its color or make?

Calvin Walley · Post by **Calvin Walley** » 25 May 2009 9:49 am

Matthew

be sure to let us know what you get

Jay Jessup · Post by **Jay Jessup** » 25 May 2009 10:12 am

The black reference was related to color---I happen to think the 'black guitar sounds better' line of thought is total BS but there are some seem to really believe it for some reason? I have been able to find some nice s-10's at less than a 1000$ over the years so just keep your eyes peeled both here and on e-bay for something with at least 3+4 and made within the last 20 or so years and you should be in pretty good shape. You'll find there's pleny of people willing to offer advice here so ask away when you find something.

Ed Kelly · Post by **Ed Kelly** » 25 May 2009 10:39 am

Hey Matt
being that you are in Vermont, contact Jerry Fessenden od Fessenden guitars in Montpelier. He builds the greatest axe on the market, and he is on your doorstep. I;ll bet he can help you with a great instrument around your budget!
Kelly G

Calvin Walley · Post by **Calvin Walley** » 25 May 2009 10:58 am

Jay said

"I have been able to find some nice s-10's at less than a 1000$ over the years so just keep your eyes peeled both here and on e-bay "

this can be costly

E-bay has some junk that if you are not familar with steel guitars you can get taken

buy from a reputable dealer or a forum member NOT E-bay

Brian Kurlychek · Post by **Brian Kurlychek** » 25 May 2009 11:17 am

Although the Fessenden is a great guitar at a heck of a price, Its not a 1200 dollar guitar. I know there can be some good deals on here but the lowest I've seen the fessy sell for is 1800 used. Don't mean to start any arguments here, thats just what I have seen. I still check the for sale section almost daily, and I will admit that one could have slipped by me.

For under 1200 bucks on the first page of the For Sale section:

Wilcox with pad, 3x4 and its black (lol)
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=159383

SD10 Magnum 3 x 4
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=159344

Carter Starter
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=159279

MSA SD12
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=159103

So there are some steels in that range, and to be sure, there are better deals now, than when I was looking for a guitar last year. The prices have dropped quite a bit and now you can get a decent price on a steel. Back when I was looking for a steel, the difference between new and used was not enough to warrant buying used.

Having said all the above I think its gonna be hit or miss at that price range, and as you can see you do have a wide selection. I think I even saw a D10 for around 1350.

My advice to you would be to continue to monitor the for sale section of this forum, and read all you can in the meantime. When you see something you are interested in, ask alot of questions about it, and then do a search on the forum for that name brand and find out what others experiences are with them.

One final last word from me on the steel: A great guy to talk to about this is Dana Flood up in Bangor Maine. He has a shop called All Steel Guitar and is a dealer and you can find his telephone if you google "all steel bangor" - anyway, he is who I first talked to when I was searching for a guitar, and you might let him know what you are looking for and the price range and see what he says. Also try sending Bobbe Seymour in Nashville an email or give him a call.

I hope this helps and Good luck with your search

Matthew Tansey · Post by **Matthew Tansey** » 25 May 2009 11:28 am

I have got to say I am very encouraged by the open and welcome reception I've received from this messageboard community. It seems the pedal steel draws some good folks.

Calvin Walley · Post by **Calvin Walley** » 25 May 2009 12:00 pm

Matthew

you have mail

Chris Morrison · Post by **Chris Morrison** » 25 May 2009 6:25 pm

Matthew,
I sent you an email...
Chris