Steel Recommendations For a Short Non-Traditionalist

Ty Ueda · From: New Hampshire, USA

Hi there,

I've been lurking on this forum for a while now because I've been really looking to get into the pedal steel game. A little bit about myself: I play extremely non-traditional guitar music and have for a while now. A little over two years ago I was hit and run by a drunk driver and my left arm is locked in place now and my wrist can not longer turn over to play a standard 6 string. Doctor's orders: learn the pedal steel.

So for my first steel, I'm looking for a setup that won't hold me to traditional steel music (I love country but don't wish to play it). I'm leaning towards learning on the Universal 12 system. I was looking at the Jim Flynn built steel that was on the Tulsa Oklahoma craigslist but didn't pull the trigger fast enough and it sold.

Here's the kicker: I'm short. 5'3". Any other shorter players out there with suggestions?

I've really enjoyed looking around on the forum and looking forward to talking with all of you!

James Holland · From: Alabama, USA

I think most guitars can be setup for your size. Steel technicians are very resourceful, creative, and can figure about anything out - they will find a way. So, one approach is finding a good shop nearby, and let them know what you want and need.

Daniel Baston · From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Tal Herbsman · From: Wisconsin, USA

I'm 5'6", 5 ft 7 on a good day. My guitars are all one or one and a half inch shorter than standard which is fine. My guess is that 2-in shorter would be fine for you. If you buy a new guitar, the factory will make it anyway you want. If you buy a used guitar you can usually get whatever you need on this forum.

Don't have an opinion about tuning. There's no end to the kind of noise I can get out of either neck. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Barry Coker · From: Bagley Alabama, USA

Just a little FYI a standard steel seat is 21" floor to top of seat. 26" is a standard length for legs Williams has 25", 26" and 27" legs listed on there sight.
If you can find a player close or a dealer to sit behind a set up rig get an idea of how much lower you need seat and guitar may need to be looked at.
As for tuning the Uni 12 can give you a little of both worlds. Just my two cents.

Good luck
Barry
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Adam Tracksler · From: Maine, USA

As I have the opposite problem, you might find adjusting the back legs solved the problem. But that said. Pedal steel is a mechanics instrument and mechanics can make anything work.

Asa Brosius · Posted 20 Feb 2020 7:43 am

Hi Ty-

Retro Music in Keene usually has a few steels in the back- great people and extremely well priced stuff- might be worth checking out. You could also reach out to Tommy Cass just over the border in MA- an amazing mechanic who may be able to customize something for you.

Ian Rae · From: Redditch, England

Ty, don't be put off the E9 because of its association with country music. It's the simplest way to get to grips with pedal steel basics, regardless of genre, and there's a massive choice of used instruments out there.
Modern setups are not limited to simple chords - all the chromatic notes are available too.

On the other hand, if a universal came along there's no law that says you can't go straight in on it if you enjoy giving your brain a workout Smile

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Dick Sexton · From: Greenville, Ohio

I'm 5'2", use to be tall, 5'4"! I've lowered all of my steels. I like my forearms to be parallel to the floor. My current two steel guitars are String to floor, 27 1/2". I lowered my steels myself and if you are familiar with common hand tools, it is easy. Tubing cutter, hack saw, thread die, oil, JBWeld(maybe) and time between gigs. Don't be afraid to learn every aspect of your steel. That information is on the net somewhere or available from super guys like Mickey Adams. Steel guitars are nothing more then the most simple machines, that in the right hands can also make music.

K Maul · From: Hadley, NY/Hobe Sound, FL

Look into the B6 tuning Sneaky Pete used. He played with everyone from Jackson Browne to Zappa to Yoko Ono. Also check Paul Franklin's ideas on C6.
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Bob Hoffnar · From: Austin, Tx

Ty,
Get in touch. We can do a Skype thing and I’ll go over some things with you. The bulk of my professional work is non traditional. Let’s get a close look at a few things. Email me.

Bob
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Dennis Montgomery · From: Western Washington

Hey Ty,

I'm not a country player either and when I began a few years ago I was also concerned that E9 was only for country and wouldn't work for me. I can happily say I was completely wrong! I've arranged songs on E9 (technically extended D9 but it's basically the same thing) from The Beatles to King Crimson to my favorite doom metal band Cathedral and haven't yet run into anything E9 couldn't handle.

As far as E9 vs universal, when my Mullen SD12 was on order, I originally was going to have it setup as a universal. I learned everything I could about universal including buying courses from Joe Wright and Jeff Newman. After studying them closely, I knew it wasn't the right fit for me so I went extended D9 and it was definitely the right decision. YMMV.

Don't let preconceived ideas about E9 fool you, all the notes are there and any modern 3x5 will let you get to them in any way you want to Winking

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Ty Ueda · From: New Hampshire, USA

Hi all,

I wanted to reply here and say how nice it has been to read all these wonderful responses of encouragement.

Dick, thanks for the tips on being short! I'm fairly mechanically minded I'd like to think (I work as a videographer and a pinball tech) and I bet with some solid help I should be able to shorten some things.

Asa, your timing is serendipitous, I'll be driving to Keene next week and I'll be sure to stop in. Who knew! (you did obviously)

Dennis, this is also encouraging to hear. I'll have to consider it greatly then. Been thinking about purchasing some of those Jeff Newman lessons to help me along the way before I got a steel but haven't gotten around to it. As far as non-traditionalist, think Grouper and SOTL type drones and extremely long performances. https://wheyface.bandcamp.com

Bob, I may take you up on that. I'll also be in Austin mid March, might be a good opportunity to meet some people and see some music.

Dennis Montgomery · From: Western Washington

Chris Reesor · From: British Columbia, Canada

BJ played a Kline for many years in E9/B6, which is kind of extended E9 to my way of thinking, and got the Williams several years ago for whatever reason.

I visited his website four or five years ago, but it doesn't seem to be up anymore. Perhaps someone else has some more current info.

In any case, he's a great player who takes pedal steel to new territory.

OK, back on topic.

Ty, there is a recent thread on ergonomics that may help you get this project started.

And you really should take Bob Hoffnar's offer of guidance.
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