New Member

Pete Knapton · Post by **Pete Knapton** » 21 Sep 2004 2:39 pm

Hi all,

I'm shinny new to the forum.
My musical background has been 25yrs with harmonica, 6yrs on lap steel and a few days on pedal steel. I've had a strong background in country, gospel and blues and over the last 7yrs or so focused on funk, groove and jazz/blues. Currently leading a 5 piece originals funk groove outfit called 'the 650s'.

I've discovered many similarities between harp and lap steel and their role in a band. Also, musically they are both very individual and expressive, ie bending notes, single notes, partial chords etc.

Anyway, I've now got my beautiful mechanical beastie which is a MSA classic XL super sustain II, s10, 3p 4kl, E9th.
I've got a stack of questions about this new instrument and how I get my head around it.

For now, I'd like to say hi to everyone and that i look forward to the pedal steel journey

Pete Knapton
New Zealand

Les Pierce · Post by **Les Pierce** » 21 Sep 2004 2:58 pm

Hi Pete,

Welcome. There is a ton of information to be had here, (sometimes burried under a ton of something else).

Use the "Search" function, when you have a question, also. (Don't forget to search the old "Bar Chatter" archive). You just wouldn't believe the amount of expertise that has been shared on the Forum over the years.

Enjoy, and best of luck!

Les

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Strat,Tele
Dekley S-10

Larry Robbins · Post by **Larry Robbins** » 21 Sep 2004 4:36 pm

Welcome Pete,
Your sure to love this place!

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Sho-Bud ProII,Nash 400,
TC Electronics M300.
"Kindly keep it Country"

Bob Lawrence · Post by **Bob Lawrence** » 21 Sep 2004 4:58 pm

Welcome aboard Pete. I enjoy the Harmonica as well. I have a few Steel Guitar CD's with the one and only Charlie McCoy on Harmonica. Great!!!!

Paddy Long · Post by **Paddy Long** » 21 Sep 2004 6:42 pm

Hi Pete, welcome to the forum - I know you will love it. I tried to let you know about my weekend gigs but lost your phone number, I now have your email address though so I will keep you posted.

Gene H. Brown · Post by **Gene H. Brown** » 21 Sep 2004 7:06 pm

Hey Pete, Welcome aboard.
I'm married to a Kiwi, they are really nice people!
Gene H. Brown
Whitehorse, Yukon Terr
Canada

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If You Keep Pickin That Thing, It'll Never Heal!

Paul Matthews · Post by **Paul Matthews** » 22 Sep 2004 3:27 am

As there is already a newmwmber thread I thought I may as well but in here for my first post.

My backgroung is 25+ years of playing rockabilly double bass, and fancying something more portable<G>

I have bought a Bennett Freshman 3+3 E9 that I have had for less than a week!

I looks forwards to the fun.

Paul.

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Absolute beginner!
Bennet Freshman E9 3+3

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 22 Sep 2004 6:53 am

Welcome to this Great Forum Peter
it's a Gold Mine here, there's plenty for all, so dig on in
the nuggets do get shared here

Ann Fabian · Post by **Ann Fabian** » 22 Sep 2004 12:14 pm

Welcome to the Forum, Pete!

If you wish, you are invited to list yourself on the Online Steelers Directory at www.OnLineSteelers.com

Again, welcome!

Ann Fabian

Carter Steel Guitars
www.SteelGuitar.com
www.SteelGuitarINFO.com
www.CarterStarter.com

Ron ! · Post by **Ron !** » 22 Sep 2004 12:22 pm

Paul.

Welcome to the forum.I have seen a picture of that Bennet.Who made it and where is it from?
Sure looks great.
http://groups.msn.com/TheBritishSteeliesSociety/hutchmattpics.msnw?action=ShowP hoto&PhotoID=571

Ron

Nikaro SD10 4x6<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Ronald ! on 22 September 2004 at 01:31 PM.]</p></FONT>

Pete Knapton · Post by **Pete Knapton** » 22 Sep 2004 5:31 pm

Thanks guys for your warm welcome
Pete

Paul Matthews · Post by **Paul Matthews** » 23 Sep 2004 1:42 am

Ronald - the Bennetts are made by a guy in England called Ron Bennett. He is in an area called The Wirrall, which is in between Liverpool and Chester if you know much about the UK.

I am fortunate that he is less than an hour away.

As a first steel I quite like the idea that he is local.

The price is also excellent - UKP688!

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Absolute beginner!
Bennet Freshman E9 3+3

Andy Zynda · Post by **Andy Zynda** » 23 Sep 2004 5:09 am

Hey Paul!
WOW! 25 years of slapping the doghouse! Your hands must have callouses like armor plate. I just started slapping about 6 months ago. I needed "the sound" for a CD project I have coming up, and I couldn't find anyone who could slap.
Welcome to steel country! Easier on your hands, but rougher on the gray matter.
-andy-

Chippy Wood · Post by **Chippy Wood** » 23 Sep 2004 5:18 am

Hi Pete,
Come on in, the waters lovely.
You'll find it compulsive but you will never regret joining.

Good luck

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Ron (Chippy) Wood
Emmons D10
Carter SD10

David Doggett · Post by **David Doggett** » 23 Sep 2004 7:11 am

Paul, if you are planning to play steel in a rockabilly group, you really need to look into a universal or double-neck, or even an 8-string lap steel, for the "6th neck" sound. I play sax and pedal steel in a group that plays rockabilly and alt country. For the rockabilly stuff on steel, I use the B6 mode of my universal a lot. You can sort of get the effect on E9 with the A and B pedals down (gives an A6 chord), but there's a lot more stuff on a uni or C6 neck. Good luck gettin' started on pedal steel.