How many years have you been playing?

About Steel Guitarists and their Music

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Tom Gorr
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Joined: 12 Sep 2000 12:01 am
Location: Three Hills, Alberta

Post by Tom Gorr »

My pat answer used to be 15 years going on 5, not unlike my age which is 45 going on 30.

However when looking at the real numbers i think i bought my first s10 in 1997/98 and a universal in 2001...plus or minus.

Generally...I've been at music for 40 years starting with classical piano, 32 years as a guitar player including a nine year run with a top regional band which i retired from in the fall of 2013.

I just completed my first hired session as a steel player and have played occassional live shows over the past year in an jazz influenced alternative folk trio which has been a fabulous experience due to the high quality of character and talent of my bandmates.
Last edited by Tom Gorr on 22 Dec 2014 3:11 pm, edited 3 times in total.
jim flynn
Posts: 592
Joined: 8 Apr 1999 12:01 am
Location: Salado,Texas

how long?

Post by jim flynn »

Almost 40 years, but compared to you, it might as well have been yesterday.Ha! Keep it up ole man. I love your picken.
Jim
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John DeBoalt
Posts: 230
Joined: 8 Apr 2000 12:01 am
Location: Harrisville New York USA

Post by John DeBoalt »

I think I started with the pedal steel about 97 or 98, can't remember for sure. I'd already been playing the resonator guitar since 87, and had messed around with a lap steel. So I guess a little over 16 years, and I was in my mid 50's when I started. I told my wife the pedal steel was my middle age crazy toy.
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
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Dennis Saydak
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Joined: 15 Feb 2008 5:05 pm
Location: Manitoba, Canada

Post by Dennis Saydak »

After five years I've finally got the strings on the right way. My next task is to level my steelseat and then buy a bar. It's a long journey for me with not enough time. :lol:
Dennis
Just when you think you're getting ahead in the rat race, the rats get faster.
Hal Higgins
Posts: 1990
Joined: 6 Jul 2001 12:01 am
Location: Denham Springs, LA

Post by Hal Higgins »

In March of 1970 is when I started on this journey......so it will be 45 lovely years.......I love this instrument. I want to thank the many players who have spoken encouraging words, and have asked me to play with and for them over these many years. Also, the ones who have inspired me to keep getting better. The manufacturers who, build these incredible instruments, are to be commended for their innovations in improving the over all quality of the Pedal Steel.
HAL...Excel D-10 w/ 8 & 5. SteelSeat.com w/back,SteelSeat.com Pedal Board on Legs with Quilter Tone Block 200 amp, Boss GE 7, Boss DD 3, Boss RV 6, Boss RT-20 Hilton Expression Pedal, Evans Cabinet with 4 ohm Eminence 15" speaker. BJS birthstone bar, Powder coated Tone bar by Michael Hillman. Dunlop Coated finger picks and Zookies L30 thumb picks.
Robbie Daniels
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Joined: 4 Nov 2002 1:01 am
Location: Casper, Wyoming, USA

Post by Robbie Daniels »

I have been playing 68 years and still play with a group that plays about 2 dances a month. Love it.
Carter D12, MSA S12, 12 String Custom Made Non-Pedal, Evans FET 500LV, Evans SE200, Peavey Nashville 400, Fender Steel King
Roger Hand
Posts: 182
Joined: 23 May 2005 12:01 am
Location: Maine, USA

longivity.......

Post by Roger Hand »

started in 1971. played last job in October for my band leaders funeral. 43 great years.
Larry Waisner
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Joined: 20 Jan 2009 10:00 am

Post by Larry Waisner »

Dobro for last twenty five years, pedal steel for ten years.
Paul King
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Location: Gainesville, Texas, USA

Post by Paul King »

Started in April 1979 which means 35 years. Where has the time gone.
Jerry Bartee
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Joined: 30 Oct 2011 8:33 am
Location: Arizona, USA

Post by Jerry Bartee »

I'm 77 now. started playing guitar when I was 10. Started playing steel in 1959.started on a fender 2000 when I was playing on the road in Pendleton Or.
Met the Sneed family during that time. Danny was just starting on the steel.
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steve takacs
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Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
Location: beijing, china via pittsburgh (deceased)

Santa sent me a text message

Post by steve takacs »

Richard Sinkler, using the Nigerian scam, I recently came into a tidy sum of money. Prior to reading your disinformation about me being 136 years old, I had planned to send you a first class round trip ticket to Beijing with a month stay in a fine hotel.

Santa reminded me you were very naughty, so to sum it up...no Beijing trip. Be a nice boy in 2015

For the record, I started briefly playing steel in 1979 steel but honestly did not have a clue until 1984 when I attended a 5 day Jeff Newman seminar . stevet
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steve takacs
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Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
Location: beijing, china via pittsburgh (deceased)

Post by steve takacs »

sorry, double post
Last edited by steve takacs on 27 Dec 2014 8:27 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Bob Knetzger
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Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
Location: Kirkland, WA USA

Post by Bob Knetzger »

Sometimes it's hard to tell from my playing but it's taken me 44 years to get just this far.

Never had a lesson, and I should let that be a lesson to me!
Finis Spier
Posts: 1293
Joined: 12 May 2005 12:01 am
Location: Texas, USA

ray walker custom

Post by Finis Spier »

Hi Jerry I love the ray walker custom i bought from you prettiest guitar i have
Jerry Berger
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Joined: 22 May 2013 10:59 am
Location: Nampa, Idaho USA

Post by Jerry Berger »

Hi Finis....PM sent. :)
Last edited by Jerry Berger on 27 Dec 2014 12:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Ivor Greenwood
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Joined: 17 Nov 2008 10:55 am
Location: Northern Ireland
Contact:

steel Playing Time

Post by Ivor Greenwood »

I have had the best guitars and amplifiers for the past 5 years.....I still can't play a note...
I always thought I could persuade Mr Hartley to change that...It never happened...One of these days !!!!!!!
Larry Baker
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Location: Columbia, Mo. U.S.A.

Post by Larry Baker »

5 and 1/2 years. Should have started a long time ago. Have always loved the instrument. I was too busy playing bass in a band before starting the steel.
Mullen G2 SD10 3 & 5 The Eagle
NV112 amp===Earnie Ball V.P.
Scott D. Smith
Posts: 43
Joined: 9 Jan 2012 9:40 am
Location: Bedford,Indiana

Post by Scott D. Smith »

Started on guitar at 12 years old,playing pedal steel for 35 years.Thirty of it on the same sho-bud ldg.
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Bill Dobkins
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Location: Rolla Missouri, USA

Post by Bill Dobkins »

6 and 1/2 years.
Custom Rittenberry SD10
Boss Katana 100 Amp
Positive Grid Spark amp
BJS Bars
Z~Legend Pro,Custom Tele
Honor our Vet's.
Now pass the gravy.
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Alan Brookes
Posts: 13218
Joined: 29 Mar 2006 1:01 am
Location: Brummy living in Southern California

Post by Alan Brookes »

Sitting in front of a steel guitar ...about 52 years.
Playing the steel guitar? ....depends on who you ask. :lol: :lol: :lol:
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John Booth
Posts: 2036
Joined: 25 Oct 2014 9:17 am
Location: Columbus Ohio, USA

Re: Years

Post by John Booth »

Mike Archer wrote:over 50 on tele

31 on steel
I've got over 40 on the Tele buddy.
Wish I could play my steel like I do my old Telecaster.
JB
Jb in Ohio
..................................
GFI S10 Ultra, Telecaster, a Hound Dog, and an Annoyed Wife
..................................
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Richard Sinkler
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Joined: 15 Aug 1998 12:01 am
Location: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

Re: Santa sent me a text message

Post by Richard Sinkler »

steve takacs wrote:Richard Sinkler, using the Nigerian scam, I recently came into a tidy sum of money. Prior to reading your disinformation about me being 136 years old, I had planned to send you a first class round trip ticket to Beijing with a month stay in a fine hotel.

Santa reminded me you were very naughty, so to sum it up...no Beijing trip. Be a nice boy in 2015

For the record, I started briefly playing steel in 1979 steel but honestly did not have a clue until 1984 when I attended a 5 day Jeff Newman seminar . stevet
Still teasing me?
Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, NV400, NV112 . Playing for 53 years and still counting.
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Fraser Moffatt
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Joined: 25 Feb 2014 6:20 pm
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Post by Fraser Moffatt »

Bass and six string guitar: 34 years

Pedal steel, lap steel, dobro: 1 year.
Rookie-ish steel player - currently tinkering around on a BMI S10 and a Guyatone S8. Bassist and vocalist for The Derringers.
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Mark Draycott
Posts: 129
Joined: 13 Jun 2012 4:29 pm
Location: Princeton, Ontario, Canada

Post by Mark Draycott »

38 years of 6 string and 2 years at the pedal steel
1976 Sho-Bud Pro II, 1976 Sho-Bud LDG, BF Fender Deluxe, Evans FET 500 LV, BF Princeton Reverb, '68 Vibrolux Reverb
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