Who started you on playing steel!
Moderator: Shoshanah Marohn
- Bob Simons
- Posts: 603
- Joined: 18 Feb 2008 11:25 am
- Location: Kansas City, Mo, USA
The first record I ever paid for with my own money was "Your Cheatin' Heart" - Hank Williams. Don Helms' intro haunted me since the age of 5. I had to know how to make that sound!
In the 70's I came across an unknown, start-up, pedal steel builder in his first year of business near Kansas City, who built me his first ever 12 string- Bruce Zumsteg! (Boy did I get lucky!)
In the 70's I came across an unknown, start-up, pedal steel builder in his first year of business near Kansas City, who built me his first ever 12 string- Bruce Zumsteg! (Boy did I get lucky!)
Zumsteel U12 8-5, MSA M3 U12 9-7, MSA SS 10-string, 1930 National Resonophonic, Telonics Combo, Webb 614e, Fender Steel King, Mesa Boogie T-Verb.
- Dick Sexton
- Posts: 3554
- Joined: 2 Oct 2006 12:01 am
- Location: Greenville, Ohio
- Contact:
Marshall Dozier(TX), he sat in on steel with our band in 1970 something. First time up close to a steel and a great player. Bill Cunningham(GA), he was there when I was in the earliest stages of learning. Great player and Marine Brother. Bob Stone(NC), my first mentor and the person I still look up as my first instructor. A great player and nicest fellow you could ever know. Always held an open invitation for me at his house for a meal of "Fatback". Another Marine Brother. Thanks, my friends!
- Mike Ester
- Posts: 635
- Joined: 29 Sep 2005 12:01 am
- Location: New Braunfels, Texas, USA
- Contact:
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- Posts: 2603
- Joined: 9 Oct 2008 4:10 pm
- Location: Denham Springs, La.
Who started you on playing steel guitar
My good friend and mentor Wilburn Stewart. Taught me back in 1977. I was in the town of Livingston, La. at the courthouse one evening at the Sheriff's office. I was given the opportunity to do a ride along with a friend of mine's dad, was a deputy. While I was waiting for him to come pick me up. I noticed a gentleman working the radio, he had one arm.His right arm for picking. Anyway, he began to tell me that he could play the steel guitar. I had my doubts at first.But after I heard him. I was amazed how well and proficient he was in playing. So a couple of years later I told him that I was going to get at steel guitar and would he teach me some stuff on it? He told me he would,teach me. Wilburn is true gentleman and a man of his word. I appreciate him taking the time and showing on how to play this wonerful instrument that so many of us play. Either as a hobby or as a living, playing professionally, touring with the big names. Wilburn has never forgotten where he came from, nor has he ever been too busy to help someone learn the tricks of the trade of this instrument that we call the steel guitar.
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- Posts: 1104
- Joined: 5 May 2005 12:01 am
- Location: Enid, Oklahoma, USA
"Take it away, Leon"!----influenced me when I was in the 5th grade---about 1946. My folks got me a 6 string with the nut to raise the strings and away I went. I think I about drove them crazy trying to learn the Steel Guitar Rag. I have a personally autographed little 45 of "Faded Love" Leon gave me in my music room on the wall in a frame that has never been played. It says" To Jack Ritter, Good luck on your steel playing-----Leon McAuliff". I have always cherished this, and he was a very nice guy.
Zum D10 8x5,rev pre-amp, TC M300, Split 12, n-112, IZZY, Hilton vp, Geo L, BJS Hughey, Live Steel
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- Posts: 815
- Joined: 23 Apr 2004 12:01 am
- Location: Columbus, Georgia, USA
I played lead guitar for many years. Had a steel guitar picker named Tom Roughton. I watched his picking for a couple years and knew I wanted to learn to play the steel guitar. I begin to have trouble with my left shoulder, holding the guitar, the strap, made my shoulder go to sleep. I talked to my friend, Doyle Grisham who was playing steel for the Glasar Brothers and he said, why not play steel, took him up on that idea, bought an Emmon p/p in 73, practiced for a
few years and been playing steel till this day, same 73 steel and it plays wonderful today and I love it, Shorty
few years and been playing steel till this day, same 73 steel and it plays wonderful today and I love it, Shorty
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- Posts: 530
- Joined: 6 Mar 2009 5:25 pm
- Location: Georgia, USA
As a kid, I grew up in Birmingham,Al and was often draged around by my family to various "honkey tonks".
I got addicted to country music and especially the opening high octave intro played by Don Helms on"Your Cheatin' Heart". I got a Stella guitar about 1956 or 57. After years of playing regular 6 string, I switched to Steel a few years ago to be able to play those " honkey tonk sounds".
I got addicted to country music and especially the opening high octave intro played by Don Helms on"Your Cheatin' Heart". I got a Stella guitar about 1956 or 57. After years of playing regular 6 string, I switched to Steel a few years ago to be able to play those " honkey tonk sounds".
"Shoot low boys, the're ridin' Shetlands"
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- Posts: 15
- Joined: 14 Apr 2008 6:52 am
- Location: Texas, USA
- Tony Glassman
- Posts: 4470
- Joined: 18 Jan 2005 1:01 am
- Location: The Great Northwest
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- Posts: 132
- Joined: 6 Feb 2006 1:01 am
- Location: Hemet, CA, USA
I first developed the desire to learn the steel in 1975 when I heard Jay Dee Maness' steel break on the Ray Stevens recording of "Misty". I saw Ray live later that year and Larry Sasser was on steel. I watched everything Larry did that night in total awe. I didn't act on that inspiration for 30 years. In 2005, I bought my first steel and took the plunge. Jim Palenscar taught me and got me on the right track. Now I am trying not to derail.
- Kenny Martin
- Posts: 757
- Joined: 4 Aug 2009 9:41 am
- Location: Chapin, S.C. USA
I really appreciate the post guys!
I will also mention that along with Daddy the other big help came from Grady Lindler in Lexington SC!
He was and is still an Emmons expert! If Buddy played he learned it! He is 78 years old and still plays!
When i get stuck on something or something is wrong with my steel he is always there to fix me! He loved my Daddy and my Daddy felt the same for him!
At 12 years old i was invited along with Daddy to come see him play at the Flamongo club! Daddy had never been there so Grady ask us to meet him at the back door of the club! We went in and in a minute my Daddy grabbed me and turned me back to the door!
Along with some real country music being played was a few waitress's wearing pasty's which was my first time seeing that! Well, i had to hang in the back room while they played but it sounded good!
Funnt stuff right there!
I will also mention that along with Daddy the other big help came from Grady Lindler in Lexington SC!
He was and is still an Emmons expert! If Buddy played he learned it! He is 78 years old and still plays!
When i get stuck on something or something is wrong with my steel he is always there to fix me! He loved my Daddy and my Daddy felt the same for him!
At 12 years old i was invited along with Daddy to come see him play at the Flamongo club! Daddy had never been there so Grady ask us to meet him at the back door of the club! We went in and in a minute my Daddy grabbed me and turned me back to the door!
Along with some real country music being played was a few waitress's wearing pasty's which was my first time seeing that! Well, i had to hang in the back room while they played but it sounded good!
Funnt stuff right there!
- Matthew Carlin
- Posts: 463
- Joined: 25 Mar 2008 4:03 pm
- Location: Lake County, IL.
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- Posts: 7549
- Joined: 9 Jul 2005 12:01 am
- Location: Phenix City Alabama, USA
Hey Shorty,Yeah Tom is a good picker,and a nice guy,When I first started playing traded him a Fender thinline tele[with the F holes] I did,nt like the guitar,had what I call a club neck,for a Dekley D-10. He still has the tele,but that Dekley has been gone for years. By the way we will be at the casino at the racetrack Oct first,second,and third,come visit with us.YOU BETCHA,DYK?BC.
Hard headed, opinionated old geezer. BAMA CHARLIE. GOD BLESS AMERICA. ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST. SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC !
- Rick Schmidt
- Posts: 3258
- Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
- Location: Prescott AZ, USA
I grew up in Denver in the 60's and had no inclination to play the steel, even though I seemed to be surrounded by it. Rusty Young was playing rock lead-on-steel in local teen clubs with the band Boenzee Cryque. This was pre Buffalo Springfield and Poco. There were also a few honky tonks in my neighborhood that I'd ride my bike by and wonder what that sound was? Often times it was Dick Meis, Ronnie Miller, Clip Cookson, Wayne Gaylie, or Donny Buzzard.
I didn't think too much about it at the time. I was into the Beatles and Hendrix.
It wasn't until years later, after I veered off into jazz guitar, that my friends who became "Dusty Drapes and the Dusters", offered to buy me a steel if I'd learn to play it in their country band. They'd met Del Mullen from a musicians union book, who was in no way interested in playing with such a green outfit of hippies masquerading as cowboys. They were so impressed with him though, that they started calling me "Delmar", which stuck for years...even after I moved to California.
Sorry Mr. Mullen.
Dusty was also where Jr. Brown got his start. After me. Ha.
I didn't think too much about it at the time. I was into the Beatles and Hendrix.
It wasn't until years later, after I veered off into jazz guitar, that my friends who became "Dusty Drapes and the Dusters", offered to buy me a steel if I'd learn to play it in their country band. They'd met Del Mullen from a musicians union book, who was in no way interested in playing with such a green outfit of hippies masquerading as cowboys. They were so impressed with him though, that they started calling me "Delmar", which stuck for years...even after I moved to California.
Sorry Mr. Mullen.
Dusty was also where Jr. Brown got his start. After me. Ha.
- Richard Sinkler
- Posts: 17067
- Joined: 15 Aug 1998 12:01 am
- Location: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana
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- Posts: 944
- Joined: 21 Feb 2006 1:01 am
- Location: Forest Grove, Oregon, USA
Why did I start playing psg?
I'll make a longer story much shorter. My deceased wife, Linda, loved Ann Murray. One of her favorite songs was "Could I Have This Dance", which kind of became our song. I never knew who it was at the time who played that beautiful melodic steel behind Ann's wonderful voice, but it inspired me to purchase a guitar and begin learning pedal steel. That was about 4 years ago now, and with the good tutoring of Larry Behm, I've been at it ever since. In a way, it was a tribute to Linda to learn to play this beautiful instrument. The end of the story is even better! I attended the NW Steel Guitar Assoc. convention in Spokane a few years ago, and who did Larry introduce me to but JayDee Maness, the man who was identified as playing the steel on Ann's recording. This was memorable for me to say the least. Somehow I think Linda arranged this for me!
- Kenny Martin
- Posts: 757
- Joined: 4 Aug 2009 9:41 am
- Location: Chapin, S.C. USA
- Marke Burgstahler
- Posts: 136
- Joined: 7 Nov 2008 4:56 pm
- Location: SF Bay Area, CA
I've been playing bottleneck slide forever...always saw steel as a logical progression. I got hurt in a accident backstage after a sound check several years ago and began to lose most of the feeling and control in my left hand. After therapy I'm actually still only about 80% of what I used to be. But golly - I could still hold a bar in my left hand, right? Time to stop feeling sorry for myself!
On Christmas morning four years ago my wife pulled the sheet off of a brand new Carter S-10, all set up and plugged in.
I have to give credit to my lovely wife, Cynde. I probably would have never taken the plunge.
What a wonderful addiction!
On Christmas morning four years ago my wife pulled the sheet off of a brand new Carter S-10, all set up and plugged in.
I have to give credit to my lovely wife, Cynde. I probably would have never taken the plunge.
What a wonderful addiction!
"It Don't Mean A Thing If It Aint' Got That Swing"
- Archie Nicol
- Posts: 6830
- Joined: 25 Aug 2004 12:01 am
- Location: Ayrshire, Scotland
- Jeff Garden
- Posts: 3645
- Joined: 21 Aug 2003 12:01 am
- Location: Center Sandwich, New Hampshire, USA
I watched Nashville Now on TNN every nite to see Larry Sasser play pedal steel. I was fascinated with the sound and he seemed to be having so much fun playing it. Saved my money and bought a sho-bud that needed some work and have never lost interest (got a little frustrated at times, though). Got to meet Larry on several occasions over the years: great steel player and a great guy.
- Alan Brookes
- Posts: 13218
- Joined: 29 Mar 2006 1:01 am
- Location: Brummy living in Southern California
Don Helms on old Hank's recordings. I always wanted to play like him. I'm still trying.
This Forum created the unbelievable opportunity for me to communicate with him in person. I was thrilled.
This Forum created the unbelievable opportunity for me to communicate with him in person. I was thrilled.
Last edited by Alan Brookes on 26 Sep 2009 6:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- John DeBoalt
- Posts: 230
- Joined: 8 Apr 2000 12:01 am
- Location: Harrisville New York USA
I have to thank Carl Dixon. I'd always liked the sound of the steel, but was having a good time with the dobro. After attending one of his shows, and listening to all those great players, I got my hands on an S-10 at the first opportunity. John
Equipment: Carter D10, Zum Stage1,
Wechter Scheernhorn Reso, Deneve Reso, Fender Jazzmaster, Martin D16, Walker Stereo Steel amp, TC Electronics M One effects unit, JBL 15" speaker cabs,Peavey Nashville 1000,Peavey Revoloution 112, Morrell Lap Steel, Boss DD3 delay,others
Wechter Scheernhorn Reso, Deneve Reso, Fender Jazzmaster, Martin D16, Walker Stereo Steel amp, TC Electronics M One effects unit, JBL 15" speaker cabs,Peavey Nashville 1000,Peavey Revoloution 112, Morrell Lap Steel, Boss DD3 delay,others
I had a guy named Chuck Adams taught me how to play tunes like steeling the blues and basic steel guitar tunes of the time.He was a guitar player that also taught and played steelguitar. I was taught on a 3 neck fender with 8 strings on each neck..I then went on to get a fender 1000 double 8 and went to a sho-bud double 10 professional and then listen to Lloyd Green albums over and over again and again until I could get the phrasing in my mind.I guess he and Tom Brumley with together again got me really interested..Thank you Tom and Lloyd...RS
Franklin D10 Stereo - 8 and 6 - Black Box-Zum Encore 4 and 5 Nashville 400,Session 400, DD3 for delay ,also Benado Effects pedal.
Steeling with Franklin's..and Zum Encore
Steeling with Franklin's..and Zum Encore
- Jack Dougherty
- Posts: 1040
- Joined: 10 Dec 2003 1:01 am
- Location: Spring Hill, Florida, USA