new member never played steel

Michael Febbie · Post by **Michael Febbie** » 9 Feb 2015 1:15 pm

Hi, I've just become a member. I want to learn how to play steel and I would like to buy one but I'm not sure what to do.I don't want to spend 2K and find I can't learn but don't want to go to cheap and have a lot of headaches. your help would be appreciated.

Thanks Mike

Sandy Inglis · Post by **Sandy Inglis** » 9 Feb 2015 1:25 pm

Hi Mike
Welcome to the forum. I started out by wanting to play electric slide, but started to build a lap steel from plans on the internet. During this time It was suggested by a local Pedal Steel player to look for a PSG. I found a ShoBud S10 and bought it, added extra knee levers etc. I now have two D10's
IMO I would suggest you build or buy a cheap lap steel and start to develop picking and bar skills while you look around for a modest priced PSG. Don't buy a cheap PSG, but get as good a one as you can afford.
Good luck,
Sandy

Michael Mathieson · Post by **Michael Mathieson** » 9 Feb 2015 1:55 pm

Hi Mike, Another newbie here.
Like I am about 3 weeks ahead of you. There is tons of info on the forum, and the members are very helpful. I will tell you to be careful buying your first PSG. I made the mistake of not knowing what I wanted/needed and ended up buying not 1 but 2 used guitars from a local shop that were essentially useless to me. That all happened BEFORE I joined the forum. Read the forums, ask questions and don't be in a hurry. Don't repeat my mistakes.
Just my 2 cents (actually my 800 bucks!!)
Good Luck, Mike

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 9 Feb 2015 2:06 pm

Wise advice by a so-called newcomer,
and welcome Michael.
Read a lot here, follow the links around;
read sagas like the other Michael's. Don't be in a hurry to buy a pedal steel. Did somebody say that?

Don't get in a hurry. An inexpensive lap steel is a great place to start like Sandy said.

I don't want to spend 2K and find I can't learn but don't want to go to cheap and have a lot of headaches.

That's right, you don't want to do either of those things.

Dick Wood · Post by **Dick Wood** » 9 Feb 2015 2:08 pm

Find a steel player in your area and have him help you make a decision. I started out on a $350.00 MSA Sidekick which was good to see if I really would want to learn how to play. After a few months of lessons it was obvious I needed something better and moved up to a $1200.00 ZB SD10 which worked for another year and then I moved up to a $1900.00 Dekely which I played for 16 years.

There are some good beginner steels as well as used ones out there that will get you going for under $1000.00

mike nolan · Post by **mike nolan** » 9 Feb 2015 3:13 pm

Michael,

Where are you in NY? If you're in the city, and can make it out to Forest Hills, I have several guitars that you could test play to get some Idea of what you are looking for.

Michael Mathieson · Post by **Michael Mathieson** » 9 Feb 2015 3:58 pm

Michael, The other newbie Michael here. I am in NY state too. I am about 45 mins south of Rochester. If you are nearby, I know there is another member outside of Rochester also. If you are close let me know. Mike

Hal Braun · Post by **Hal Braun** » 9 Feb 2015 4:33 pm

Just another tip.. While it is a frustrating to use sometimes, the search function will provide answers to probably the first 500 questions you will have.. I try to remember to use it first and can usually find where someone has already asked My question and been answered.. Trying to keep the pros from answering the same things over and over!

Welcome and good luck!

Dan Robinson · Post by **Dan Robinson** » 9 Feb 2015 5:11 pm

Welcome to the craziness.... errr, I mean it's a nice little hobby. We all understand why you're drawn to the pedal steel. Highly recommend meeting some steel player(s) near you. They'll understand why you're interested, and most players will be eager to show you around.

You don't need to spend 2-grand. You don't need a special amplifier. You don't need 24 strings/2 necks/9 foot-pedals and 14 knee-levers.

These STAGE ONE guitars pop up here frequently. They don't last long:
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=278736

Plenty of other great choices, and lots of good input available.

It's a real joy... will change your life. Welcome!

Scott Duckworth · Post by **Scott Duckworth** » 9 Feb 2015 6:24 pm

WORD OF WARNING!@

Pedal Steel is a mistress that will snuggle up to you and ENSNARE you!

Dan Robinson · Post by **Dan Robinson** » 9 Feb 2015 6:29 pm

Scott Duckworth wrote:WORD OF WARNING!@

Pedal Steel is a mistress that will snuggle up to you and ENSNARE you!

Well, look at that... Scott is so ENSNARED that he's describing his "mistress" with his Missus standing right there next to him.

You've been warned. And he wasn't kidding.

Daniel Policarpo · Post by **Daniel Policarpo** » 10 Feb 2015 4:32 am

Hi Mike, I was in the same boat as you a couple years ago. After a few weeks of serious inquiry I settled on a Stage One pedal steel. It sounds great, the parts are robust, and it plays very smoothly, and if you can't find a used one, Doug Ernest will build you one for somewhere just above a grand-but I think there is a line standing about 3-4 months deep?
If after a time you find you do not want to immerse yourself in pedal steel anymore, you will be able to sell the used Stage One in a day or two. These go quick around here!

Michael Febbie · Post by **Michael Febbie** » 10 Feb 2015 7:11 am

I think I have deceided on the stage one, It.s brand new. I've hear some good things about them. I can get it by April.

Joe Huggins · Post by **Joe Huggins** » 10 Feb 2015 7:21 am

That is what I did and I'm happy with it. The wait is a killer though.

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