PSG Stores in Southern Calif.

Mark Eaton · Post by **Mark Eaton** » 18 Nov 2005 5:38 pm

Bobby-I get to Tall Toad about 4-5 times a year, and the only pedal guitar I have seen in the past few years is a Carter Starter.

I have seen a number old laps, and a few Stringmasters.

Not arguing with you, you may have seen a
used Derby or Sho-Bud or whatever in your visits there-but it is a "once in a blue moon" sort-of-deal.

Everytime there is a thread of this nature on an internet forum, there's always a post or two pointing out the exception to the rule.

My main point is that someone with knowledge and love for the instrument might be able to make a decent living specializing in pedal and non-pedal steels, along with dobros and weissenborns here in the greater Bay Area. If Jim is in it for the long haul in North San Diego County and can earn a living, than it certainly can be done up here.

You don't say to yourself: "I'd like to go check out a few pedal steels in person, so I think I'll head down to Tall Toad." The odds are going to be way against you finding even one.

I go to Music Biz a lot-My son has taken guitar lessons there for a couple of years-have yet to see a pedal steel in the place, I agree, have seen a few laps.

------------------
Mark
[This message was edited by Mark Eaton on 18 November 2005 at 06:25 PM.]

Mike Perlowin · Post by **Mike Perlowin** » 18 Nov 2005 5:51 pm

There use to be a store here called Valley Arts Guitar Center that stocked pedal steel guitars as part of their overall inventory. John Bidasio was the resident teacher/repairman.

The place was torched by a crazed fireman, an arson inspector named John Orr. There was a movie about him called "Point Of Origin."

A lot of good instruments were destroyed so that Orr could get his jollies.

Dave Zirbel · Post by **Dave Zirbel** » 18 Nov 2005 6:47 pm

Last time I was in Tall Toad there was a 13 string Fessenden. Right now they have a double 8 Gibson that was used by David Bromberg(?) on some legendary tour. The guitar has some literature about it's history-and that's why they're asking $1500! I've seen a bunch of SHoBuds (two of my own) a Mars and I can't remember what else, but you're right, I haven't seen much lately. All the steels I've seen there were consignments but now with Ebay, Craigslist, and maybe the Forum, there hasn't been many steels going through there.

DZ

Dave Zirbel · Post by **Dave Zirbel** » 18 Nov 2005 6:49 pm

Mark, there is a place called 2M Music in Farmersville, about 10 miles outside of Visalia that usually had at least three pedal steels for sale. Haven't been there in a long time so call first!

DZ

Dave White · Post by **Dave White** » 18 Nov 2005 7:39 pm

Mike--A friend of mine is a fire investigator for a local fire department, and he actually took investigation courses and attended fire seminars with John Orr. Said he seemed like a nice, normal guy, except that he seemed to enjoy starting fires. Turns out he was writing a book about the life of an arson investigator, and was torching places to get more background material for his book. He's doing life in prison now. It's a shame he destroyed all those steels just for a book deal.

Dave White · Post by **Dave White** » 20 Nov 2005 1:17 pm

Went to Jim Palenscar's place on Saturday. Had a great time. Jim is a true gentleman and a great host, and played some great PSG for my wife and me. Wound up getting a BMI S-10 with 3 + 3, took it home and played it all night and again this morning. Can't say much good came out of it (yet), but it's got me hooked and there is definitely some potential there, and I've already figured out some basic tunes and chords. Where has this instrument been all my life? Thanks for everyone's help and advice, and especially to Jim.

Joseph Meditz · Post by **Joseph Meditz** » 20 Nov 2005 3:40 pm

Hey Dave,

I too went to Jim's on Saturday morning and left at noon. It was a very productive visit. And I wound up ordering a guitar from him. But I couldn't decide on the color, burgundy or black, until I got home. Although I really dig burgundy, when I asked my wife which color would go better in the living room she said black. (I don't think she really wants the axe in the living room but I do!) So black is what I decided on. I then got to the PO before they closed to and dropped off the check. I now have a number of weeks of waiting ahead of me.

Joe

Jim Baron · Post by **Jim Baron** » 20 Nov 2005 7:11 pm

Hey Dave Z, 2M Music has been gone for a little over 3 years now and the Thursday jams are now just memories.
If your in the Fresno area, I usually have a steel or two around. Currently have S-10 MSA and a S-10 Mullen.

Dave White · Post by **Dave White** » 20 Nov 2005 10:19 pm

Joe--Some people have pianos or organs in their living rooms, so what's wrong with a Pedal steel? That's where mine is right now, it's black mica so it goes with anything.------------Dave

Mike Perlowin · Post by **Mike Perlowin** » 20 Nov 2005 11:05 pm

It's a shame he destroyed all those steels just for a book deal.

He destroyed a lot more than a dozen steels. steels. Besides torching an untold number of irreplacable vintage guitars at this one store, he destroyed dozens of other stores and hundreds of people's homes all over the state.

Sorry for the topic drift.