Greenhorn here

Thomas Heath · Post by **Thomas Heath** » 28 May 2012 9:08 am

First Post! Just bought my first steel a couple months ago at Scotty's music in St. Louis. GFI starter (3x4) going through a fender twin reverb. I'm 25, diving in this head first. Was wondering about popular mid grade volume pedals to use, as I have really no idea what separates them. Also, other effect pedals (reverb, delay ect.) that are useful. I mostly listen to singer songwriters and country - old and new. I'm trying to learn everything I can about this machine as quickly as possible. I purchased the Winnie Winston book and having a pretty good time with it. Any information helps. Thanks yall

Ray Anderson · Post by **Ray Anderson** » 28 May 2012 9:49 am

Welcome to the forum and the expansive world of PSG. I am a "Newbie" as well of 1&1/2 years into this. First at hand is to do your homework and ask lots of questions from the veteran players about what you really need and what are just tone subtitutes(tone is in the hands and feet, not some gadget) I learned this the hard way. I'm not trying to bring you down, just don't want to see you get discouraged and spend a lot of money that you don't have to spend. There is nothing quick and easy to PSG, it takes time and much practice and there are lots of people on here that will help in every way possible. As far as volume pedals, there are different types. I use a pot pedal Goodrich L120(reasonably priced, you can find them on here for @80 to 125 dollars)or you can choose the Hilton or Telonics which are a little more pricey. Hope you have a wonderful journey with this and Happy Steein'

Chas. J. Wagner · Post by **Chas. J. Wagner** » 28 May 2012 10:16 am

Here's a couple past threads on these subjects (click on the title in blue)...
Volume Pedals
What Type of Volume Pedal
My Volume Pedal Odyssey...
Effects
Effects for PSG
About Special Effects...
Best Small Reverb Pedal...

Dave Grafe · Post by **Dave Grafe** » 29 May 2012 9:06 am

Welcome aboard, Thomas, don't worry too much about the gear, get an affordable volume pedal to learn with, you can upgrade later when you know what you want; you've already a great amp and its onboard reverb is all the effects you will need for some time to come (or maybe ever, depending...).

Tim Marcus · Post by **Tim Marcus** » 29 May 2012 9:49 am

welcome aboard!

I think the most important thing for any beginner is to find a volume pedal that fits your leg in relation to the pedal steel. If you are tall, and have a long leg, you may want a low profile pedal. If not, anything will do. You can also tip your steel forward a bit to make sure your leg fits in there with your foot on the pedal.

have fun!

Eric Philippsen · Post by **Eric Philippsen** » 31 May 2012 2:32 am

I'm sitting here eating breakfast, browsing thru the Forum, and I read your post. After reading it I thought how long ago I was in your shoes. Wow, that was 30 years ago. I've been playing the dang contraption for three decades. Now I have 11 of the things and I really don't know how many steel amps. Yeah, I've pushed those A+B pedals a few times.

I got a kick outta reading that you're starting with the Winnie Winston book. Dang, that was my first instruction book, too. Back then, you pretty much were on your own starting out. Teachers were scarce as hens' teeth. Videos and the Internet weren't even thought of. But Jeff Newman was a bit south and I took a week-long class from him. That helped a lot.

Anyway, enuff reminiscing. You ask about volume pedals. A good volume pedal is important. They can cost from $39.95 to $500. That high-dollar one is real fine and I use it in the studio and for some big gigs. But maybe it'll be a while before you need that one.

For 25 years I played a Goodrich VP. Heck, I still carry one in each of my seats as a backup. Get yourself a Goodrich. You can probably find a used Model 120 for between $75-100. Somewhere around that cost. Or, heck, just email me. I've got somewhere around 10 of them sitting around. There was a peculiar 6 months or so when I kept running across and buying used Goodrichs practically every time I visited a store. Anyway, I don't need that many and I'll sell you one at a good price. I'm not a dealer or anything like that.

Effects pedals? You can really go overboard on those. I did. In looking back I coulda' just gotten myself a used Boss DD5 delay pedal. That's all you need.