Newbie Advice

Joey Aguilera · Post by **Joey Aguilera** » 13 Oct 2004 12:10 pm

Hello,

First I would like to introduce myself. My name is Joey Aguilera and this is my first post on the forum. I live in the Southern California area. I have never played a Pedal Steel so I am a complete beginner. In fact I don’t even own one yet so I am beyond a beginner! I have played guitar for about 17 years and picked up the lap steel within the last 1 1/2 years.

I am in the process of selling my amp this week and I was wondering what advice you could give me in purchasing a decent used pedal steel.

Currently my budget is $600.00 - is that a realistic budget? I was thinking of going a little higher and getting the Carter-Starter, what are your opinions of this model.

Last - does anybody in the Los Angeles area know of any local and reputable sellers I can deal with?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

Travis Bernhardt · Post by **Travis Bernhardt** » 13 Oct 2004 12:34 pm

There's a used Carter Starter in the Forum Buy & Sell for $500.

-Travis

Paul Matthews · Post by **Paul Matthews** » 13 Oct 2004 12:50 pm

Hi - I am just a couple of weeks ahead of you. The carter starter seems well regarded - I bought one made by a local guy (England) though.

There are lots of very friendly and helpful guys around here.

Paul.

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Absolute beginner!
Bennet Freshman E9 3+3

Tim Bridges · Post by **Tim Bridges** » 13 Oct 2004 1:05 pm

Nothing against the Carter Starter, but if you'll view the forum on a regular basis, search the archives for PSG and educate yourself a bit, you'll discover that it might be worth saving a little more money and purchasing a good used PSG from a forumite. Most of these people are honest and trustworthy. You'll see all kinds of steels comin'across the buy and sell. In fact, post on the Want To Buy. You might be able to get a nice Pro 1 Sho Bud, or s-10 PSG for $1000.00 +/- $200.00. But do your homework and know what to look for regarding wear and tare.

Even if you get a guitar that requires a little work (which means a little more money), in the long run you may be happier. But contradicting myself, you don't want a guitar that mechanically discourages you. There's alot to learn underneath the guitar as well as on the top. Good luck!

Wayne Baker · Post by **Wayne Baker** » 13 Oct 2004 1:21 pm

Hey man, welcome to steel guitar. I think a Carter Starter would be great for you. What kind of amp do you have?

You can get some really great gear right here on the Forum from trustworthy people. I have bought a few things from here. Also, on the links page you can find products as well. I live here in Vacaville for the next couple week, then off to a remote assignment for 15 months, but I would be glad to help you in any way I can. My number is 707-447-2780. Give me a call some time.

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Thanks,
Wayne Baker
Emmons Legrande d-10, w/8&5, Emmons S10 p/p
w/3&4 Nashville 400, Boss DD3.

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 13 Oct 2004 1:27 pm

What Tim says is true but it comes with a BUT..

The Carter Starter is configured with 3 pedals and 4 knee levers, and although the configuration cannot be changed it has enough music and capability on it to last for years, and a a price in your budget.

Make no misake, 3 pedals and 4 knee levers is probably the minimum standard now..considering most manufacturers offer 5 knee levers as standard on most Steels, 4 should be your minimal acceptable number.

As compared to a used older Steel, which in many cases they are in pretty fair shape, many of them will have minimal configurations such as 3 pedals + 1 knee or maybe 2 knee levers.

Considering your budget, a Carter Starter would give you enough to get right of the gate with for a very long time..

I know this sounds like weired stuff..but once get a little seat time you'll know exactly what vall this means.

good luck with whatever you choose..

t

Gary Shepherd · Post by **Gary Shepherd** » 13 Oct 2004 1:34 pm

I've had a couple of Carter Starters here - one right now because my Sierra burned in a house fire last year. Until I can replace the Sierra with a new one (now that Sierra is back in business) I'll play the Carter Starter. The copedent has nearly everything I want. The Starters stay in tune well enough. There's not much to work on under the guitar.

Go for the Carter Starter. Learn what's on it, then move on to a pro guitar.

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Gary Shepherd

Sierra Session 12

www.16tracks.com

George Mitchell · Post by **George Mitchell** » 13 Oct 2004 3:27 pm

I am new also and I have a GFI student and love it. It has a great sound and stays in tune great.
George

Farris Currie · Post by **Farris Currie** » 13 Oct 2004 5:44 pm

Hello JOEY!One thing to remember,buying from a person that can help you with problems,example,nashville steel guitars,stands behind the guitar,if you have any problem,send it back,and they will straighten it out.If you buy one from me,its yours!ha ha know what i mean? I've bought a few in my life,and if i hadn't been able to work on it,and know what i was doing,guitar would have been totaly useless.
not trying to promote Bobbe,althought he is a pretty good fellow!!! good luck.farris

Travis Bernhardt · Post by **Travis Bernhardt** » 13 Oct 2004 6:28 pm

I say go for the Carter Starter. It's a proven commodity that fits your budget and isn't missing anything crucial. And if you decide to upgrade you'll probably get most of your money back anyways (as long as you buy a used one, that is), so the argument of saving up for a pro model doesn't really apply, IMHO.

If your budget is $600, I don't think you'll do much better (unless you really luck out).

-Travis

Daryl Stogner · Post by **Daryl Stogner** » 13 Oct 2004 8:57 pm

Joey,

Check your email, I'm the one with the Carter Starter for sale on the forum.

Daryl

Joey Aguilera · Post by **Joey Aguilera** » 14 Oct 2004 11:07 pm

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all the replies and e-mails.

I just noticed something in the archives that I probably should bring up.

I am pretty short, 5'4" - is that going to be a problem with the knee levers?

Joey

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 15 Oct 2004 12:55 am

You wouldn't be the first to modify knee levers by adding stuff to to them..be it for length or angles..

t