Starting with pedals again

George Kovolenko · Post by **George Kovolenko** » 26 Jun 2010 4:29 am

I've been playing 6-sting lap steel (C6th) for the last 3 years and am thinking of moving to a pedal steel. I own a Sho-bud Maverick that I bought back in the mid 70's when I was playing county folk music. Based on reading a number of posts here, would I be better off staying with the Maverick for a while to learn or would I be better off upgrading to something a little more current that has more than 1K and 3 P's? Thanks, George

Andy Sandoval · Post by **Andy Sandoval** » 26 Jun 2010 7:10 am

Hi George, I would recommend at least 3 pedals and 4 knee levers. Most of the instructional material out there is geared to a 3X4 setup. I'm not familiar with the several entry level steels that are available but I'm sure someone will chime in here soon with more info for ya. Good luck with your playin.

Carl Kilmer · Post by **Carl Kilmer** » 26 Jun 2010 7:11 am

Hi George,
If your going to be serious about playing a pedal steel,
you should have a minimum of 3 pedals and 2 knee levers.
You will at least need to raise and lower the 4 & 8 strings.
I started with a Sho-bud Maverick back in the early 70's too
and found I couldn't do much at all with it, and got rid of it.
Almost every steel today has at least 4 knees, and others have 5.
Just my 2 cents, to help you get started in the right direction.
I'm relearning from scratch again after an accident 3 years ago.
It takes time, dedication, and a lot of practicing to play good.
Stick with it, and don't get discouraged. I'll know you'll make it.

Carl "Lucky" Kilmer

Allan Jirik · Post by **Allan Jirik** » 26 Jun 2010 7:58 am

George,
I'm back with pedals too. I'd say sell the Maverick and look into a quality intermediate guitar or a used "pro" model. I've got a Stage One 3x4, reasonably priced. I love it! Good luck.

Carson Leighton · Post by **Carson Leighton** » 26 Jun 2010 7:59 am

George,,although there is a ton of stuff you can play on that little Maverick,,I would look for something with at least 3 pedals and 4 knee levers..You'll be ahead in the long run...Just my opinion...Carson

Ray Minich · Post by **Ray Minich** » 26 Jun 2010 9:48 pm

One thing I found out a month or two ago...

If you spent your formative years "pedal-less", then graduated to pedals, when called upon to flail away on a non-pedal, it's easy.

Bob Vantine · Post by **Bob Vantine** » 27 Jun 2010 9:25 am

George....

Everything that Allan said is a duplicate for me .

Mav in the late 70s , back to pedals now with a Stage One .

****Bob V****

George Kovolenko · Post by **George Kovolenko** » 27 Jun 2010 9:33 am

Good advice guys. I think I'm going to set up the Maverick and take some pics here soon to sell her. In the meantime, I'll use it to practice on a little to get used to E9th tuning, string spacing etc. and look for a decent 3pX4L to upgrade to. Thanks for all of your input. BTW, I still also plan on playing the Lap Steel.