Attracting New Players

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 7 Sep 2012 4:37 am

Alan,

I've heard about those big gatherings of musicians who gather each year in the state of OHIO. What happened? Do they still gather there by the hundreds once a year? I know that CONNIE SMITH (CONSTANCE JUNE MEADOR) met (JAMES WILLIAM ANDERSON the 3rd) BILL ANDERSON there during a talent show and he realized her great singing abilities. He didn't hesitate back then, circa 1965, to invite her to a show in TENNESSEE. Now you are suggesting that young people are not for the most part, interested in pedal steel guitars. Turns out that CONNIE met up with steel guitarist WELDON MYRICK almost 50 years ago. Country music fans who have aged somewhat from those days, are still requesting to hear those recordings from the 60's. If a person happens to be of the jittery type (can't sit still) then the steel guitar wouldn't be a good choice of instrument to
try to play with any degree of satisfaction. In reality, that is what we are dealing with in trying to promote a much wider interest in the instrument of choice; the pedal steel guitar. Spanish guitars were the chosen lead instrument in country music at one time. Not in this time period! Spanish guitars played properly, run a good second for my listening pleasure. Once again, I've thought for quite some time that OHIO was quite receptive to pedal steel guitars. After all, WWVA, WHEELING is your neighbor.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 7 Sep 2012 4:48 am

Bill Hankey wrote: Spanish guitars were the chosen lead instrument in country music at one time. Not in this time period! Spanish guitars played properly, run a good second for my listening pleasure. [emphasis added]

Bill, with all due respect, those two ideas don't have anything to do with one another. The first proposition, that Spanish guitars are no longer the chosen lead instrument in Country music, is just patently false. (What could you possibly be listening to that would lead you to make such an incorrect statement?) The second idea, that you prefer steel guitar over Spanish guitar may well be true (I don't doubt it), but it is completely independent of what instrument, factually, is the "chosen lead instrument" in the majority of modern country music, which is undeniably the (Spanish) guitar.

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 7 Sep 2012 5:05 am

Not every new steel player is interested in the steel guitar as the "lead" or main instrument. For many, it is a utility instrument and one that adds colors.

Most new players coming to the steel guitar are coming from guitar. I think it's becoming rarer to find the beginner who is drawn to steel guitar right from the start. First of all, in most cities, it is extremely difficult to find a pedal steel guitar to even check out. Lap steel guitars, on the other hand, are extremely common, and they are the perfect gateway to get players into steel guitar.

If you want to attract new players, stop telling them what they should be playing and try to be more open-minded. Things change--especially music. In the meantime, we can all go about playing what we enjoy.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 7 Sep 2012 5:52 am

Jim Cohen,

In the first place, we no longer are listening to country music as we once became accustomed to the pleasing sound of fiddles and steel guitars. You know, like a Mel Tillis or Ray Price recording. The Spanish guitar is no more than a courtesy instrument at the present time. Take away their monster speakers, and oodles of unnecessary gadgetry and what do you have then in a sound check with a double 12 steel guitar? An inferior instrument in comparison to say the least. Flamenco artistry is little known among buffoons, that is where the focusing should be centered. Electronics have made it too easy for bullying guitarists to crowd into what was once known as 5 piece country bands. Back in the 50's singers like FARON YOUNG wouldn't tolerate the 3rd world war racket we're hearing in the name of country music. Pull the plug on the concert performers. Let them try to impress large crowds with acoustic instruments. We've definitely missed the boat in country music. Check out CURLY CHALKER and JIMMY CAPPS (SP.) playing "WORKING MAN BLUES". Watch as JIMMY nods for CURLY to do his thing on pedal steel. Read from that, if you will.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 7 Sep 2012 7:42 am

Bill Hankey wrote:The Spanish guitar is no more than a courtesy instrument at the present time.

Well, Bill, if what you mean by "Spanish guitar" is acoustic 6-string guitar, I would agree that it's not the mainstay of current so-called "country music" (though is often in the mix). But if you meant to include electric 6-string guitars as being among "Spanish" guitars, then those ARE undisputably the mainstay of current so-called "country music". I don't think anyone who turns on the radio for 5 minutes could doubt that.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 7 Sep 2012 9:35 am

Jim Cohen,

I'm not about to become disputatious with an accomplished musician, such as you. Only those smarty-pants individuals with excessive confidence would foolishly challenge you in an open debate. I can see how people are subject to, and as far as I'm concerned, encourage different trendings throughout life. Take for example the little German automobile called the BEETLE. Why are they so steadfast in keeping with the same body style? I feel the same way about the sounds of steel guitars in country music. Only this time, an assortment of noncountry musicians have outnumbered those who are trying to preserve what they want most to hear.

Leslie Ehrlich · Post by **Leslie Ehrlich** » 7 Sep 2012 9:39 am

This thread is degenerating into a discussion about the state of country music.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 7 Sep 2012 9:54 am

Leslie,

"Action speaks louder than words." Do you happen to possess any specific preferences in this thread's subject matter? I don't seem to recall reading about strong points concerning this matter. You can't possibly think that there are no resolves in matters that are open to discussion among forum members. It's all about the almighty dollar. If you have a pocket full, there is very little that you cannot do.

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 7 Sep 2012 9:56 am

Bill (WILLIAM HANKEY)
Not desirous to even the most miniscule of intentions to seem to our beloved assemblage, the residents of FORUMLAND, the least bit disputatious, or, The Diety (as you may or may not know Him/Her) forbid, one iota of contentiousness, lest my demeanor appear somewhat declasse' or non-collegial, to which, and who amongst us would demur in the belief that, I have committed a phenomenon that could only be construed by the cognoscenti hereabouts as a faux pas of monumentous magnitude, I can only profer my heartfelt concurrence with the beliefs of my worthy constituent, that knowledgeable, perspicacious, lovely and talented resident of the historically gracious and welcoming City of Brotherly Love (an opinion we no doubt all share), JAMES COHEN, that the SPANISH GUITAR (an instrument I, and the majority of my musical colleagues, prefer to refer to as STANDARD GUITAR) is in fact a major contributor to, and influence of, those commercially offered musical endeavors most frequently marketed today as "country music."

Bobby Hearn · Post by **Bobby Hearn** » 7 Sep 2012 10:15 am

Can we get a translator?

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 7 Sep 2012 10:31 am

"Why are they so steadfast in keeping with the same body style? "

I don't think the Beetle has had the traditional body style since 1974, 38 years ago. I guess they are not so steadfast. You need to get out the house more often Bill.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 7 Sep 2012 10:46 am

Herb,

Your insight in musical matters cannot be questioned. Perhaps your hearing is holding up better than a great many whose hearing has slipped, and has been downgraded in extent. Music is beautiful only when the decibels are kept within a safe range. Any proficient player such as you must cringe trying to remain seated near concert speakers. I was driven back during a DOUG STONE concert at RIVERSIDE PARK. Their bass player playing through the audio system created hammer-like blows to my chest walls. I moved back a good 50 feet from the speakers. Loud isn't enjoyable! To top it off Doug wasn't happy with the sound system. He threatened to reprimand the sound personnel after the show. Therefore, one of my "beefs" is centered around the excessive volume issues.

Alan Tanner · Post by **Alan Tanner** » 7 Sep 2012 11:05 am

Leslie Ehrlich wrote:This thread is degenerating into a discussion about the state of country music.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 7 Sep 2012 2:33 pm

Many of my friends are not loaded with cash. Many know what it feels like trying to scrape up a few dollars before their 40 hours per week payday rolls around. Most of those who enjoy country music, do so because many of the lyrics express in words the hardships that we've experienced. In other words, we can relate to what is meant by hard times. I understand that some of these problems at the present time are carrying over into the socially superior households. For that reason, perhaps traditional country music will once again make its way back into larger numbers of followers. The crying steel guitar will be waiting in the wing, if it should happen. Just to be able to recognize voices would be a big plus as I drive through the countrysides.

Stephen Silver · Post by **Stephen Silver** » 7 Sep 2012 4:17 pm

And to Herb Steiner goes the Golden Keyboard award for the longest run on sentence to date on the forum.

Bill, you can't even begin to compete with such a master of wordsmithing.

Well done, sir, well done.

S

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 8 Sep 2012 4:44 am

Most responsible folks who can be observed out shopping around town for odds and ends, (or who knows what), probably wouldn't look twice at any of the colorful steel guitars, should they be placed in a showcase window display. Perhaps one out of twenty, the type who is curious about everything under the sun, would stop to peer at the strange object standing obtrusively in his\her line of vision. We now know, at least in matters involving the pedal steel guitar, the introduction to newcomers is virtually nonexistent. Similarly, most shoppers aren't going to bend over, unless they see paper money strewn along a walkway. They would snap to attention instantly. To capture the excitement of finding something valuable, whereby its rightful owner is unknown, (such as metal detecting), is becoming very popular among treasure hunters. There should be a way to go beyond visual introductions of the pedal steel, by engaging promising musicians
to an in-depth study of the instrument's incomparable
possibilities.

Stephen Cowell · Post by **Stephen Cowell** » 8 Sep 2012 5:58 am

Bill, are you paid by the word? My eyes glaze when I see your byline...

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 8 Sep 2012 7:35 am

Stephen,

No, I often wonder what draws me to responding to articles of interest, written by musicians who will never pass by my favorite city. It's just a hobby of sorts, knowing that most share the same interests as I do. There is a small country town nearby, called Stephentown, in New York State. My niece owns a beautiful home there. Lots of country music fans live in that area. Maybe you had a distant late relative living there years ago.

Pete Finney · Post by **Pete Finney** » 8 Sep 2012 8:07 am

Bill Hankey wrote:It becomes very easy for the train of thoughts to suddenly jump the tracks and catapult down a slope of no return.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 8 Sep 2012 9:09 am

Pete,

I consider you to be one of the staunchest members on this forum. I've wondered many times about where you have been performing more recently. I don't seem to catch any news about your playing activities. I know that PAUL FRANKLIN, TOMMY WHITE, RANDY BEAVERS, and a few others have been busy around NASHVILLE. I haven't heard one negative comment, past or present about you. Therefore, I can only assume that few people have ever rubbed you the wrong way; and vice versa. I always seem to step into something however, whenever I try to confer with you.

Doug Paluch · Post by **Doug Paluch** » 10 Sep 2012 4:00 am

I can say that I shied away from trying steel for years, because I was told countless times that it takes 25 years to be bad at the instrument. There is a general assumption in these parts that the instrument is just too difficult to play...it was too late to start at my age

I've been playing since April, and though I know I'm nowhere near where I would like to be, I'm mildly satisfied with my present ability...That probably can be attributed to the stereotype that I, or anyone else that didn't have 25 years, would never be able to play it.

With the amount of teaching material out there, I think that the prospect of playing psg with even the smallest amount of success is much more realistic.

It will always be niche market, but I think that this is a good thing.

Attracting new players should not be a problem. I'm not exactly young (39), but I'm new to it.

I think it is safe to say that I wouldn't have stuck with it had I started when I was in my teens.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 11 Sep 2012 5:25 am

Doug Paluch,

Thanks for the brief diversion characterizing the woes and triumphs that we all experience as newcomers to the study of the musical instrument known as the pedal steel guitar. I personally find it of great interest to read more about your present steel guitar brand name. Specified maker's name amplifiers, and other pertinent data allows the reader to draw a better picture of existing circumstances out and away from immediate areas. Equally interesting, is learning how far along you've progressed on the instrument since starting in April. Thanks again for touching bases as a beginner. I can't speak for other forum members, nevertheless to read about problems incurred along the way in the learning process, isn't at all uncommon, and helps others in knowing that many of the readers experience similar dilemmas.

Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 11 Sep 2012 10:31 am

Hey Bill,As the great Ronald Reagan once said[Well there you go again]You always insist you never call anyone names[What is your reference to buffoons and flamenco guitarist if not name calling ?] It seems that you think if a person does not know who Ramon Montoya,Nino Ricardo,Sabicas,Lucia,etc,are, then they are BUFFOONS, IS THAT RIGHT ? I admit I'm familiar with only a couple of the great classical composers,I guess by your standards I'm a buffoon. YOU BETCHA,DYK?BC.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 11 Sep 2012 1:20 pm

Charles,

Those who commit buffoonery are not necessarily buffoons. I've known some absolutely rationale members of our society who go off on a ridiculous tangent, harping and carrying on interminably. I'd be very reluctant to pin that label on individuals in our society of musical entities. That sort of behavior usually is witnessed in out of the way places, where they can rail to their heart's content, with no social penalties. Personally, I'm sensitive to behaviorism unbecoming to what would be expected as the norm in civilized groups.

Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 11 Sep 2012 7:35 pm

Once again Mr. Bill takes FIRST prize for the art of BLOVIATION [the art of rambling on and on and on and saying absolutely nothing that can be understood. $:\$ YOU BETCHA,DYK?BC.