My First Pedal Steel - Setup Help Needed

Instruments, mechanical issues, copedents, techniques, etc.

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Joseph Byrd
Posts: 6
Joined: 21 Dec 2020 9:20 am
Location: Cumming, GA, USA

My First Pedal Steel - Setup Help Needed

Post by Joseph Byrd »

Hello All, I appreciate the forums existence greatly! I recently took the dive and finally purchased an old pedal steel (been contemplating for years). Knowing nothing, I figured I could take the plunge on this and look around and find someone to set it up if I couldn't figure it out..

Upon further inspection, I may have been mistaken. there seems to be no one around Atlanta easy to find. Thanks to the local association I was able to find out a little but they recommended I post some pics here. Its brand is a "Cully" and it's really old and probably hand made by someone who knew what they were doing.

However, I'm still in need of some technical assistance. Specifically, I like to get the e9th and C6th Copendent setup so I can study and learn to play without too much need to be added in the future. I'd like to find out anything else about this instrument I can. Let me know if anyone here has any ideas.

On the E9th neck, the ABC pedals work mostly as they should except for the A pedal doesn't raise the B's. Only the left knee lever pushed right functions to drop the E's. Left knee lever left is disconnected and right knee levers likely need some adjustment. If I have to send this thing off I am totally willing. I haven't fully diagnosed the C6th neck yet.

Look forward to any assistance anyone can throw my way from the pictures I posted. I'm open to advice. Should I attempt to fix it up or should I sell and look for something else?
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Pat Chong
Posts: 377
Joined: 22 Dec 2015 9:04 pm
Location: New Mexico, USA

Post by Pat Chong »

Hi, Joseph.
Your unit looks like an all-pull system, which are easy to work on. I got into pedal steel, kind of in your position, with a steel that could use some work.
Check all of your pedals and levers, to see if anything is sticking or jamming, then work from there.
It has been mentioned, before, that getting into PSG should be learning to play, but NOT have to include working on it. So it is up to you, on how much you can do/figure out, if you should continue or not. But advice, here, is available, I wish you well on your endeavor to get into PSG
.......Pat.
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Joseph Byrd
Posts: 6
Joined: 21 Dec 2020 9:20 am
Location: Cumming, GA, USA

Post by Joseph Byrd »

Just wanted give a huge thanks to Bob Simmons and Barry Coker. These guys PM’d me on my post. They helped me out and also made me a good deal on a Carter Pro. I couldn’t be happier. If anyone is in Alabama/Georgia area, I would highly recommend them for tech support. New guitar pics below.
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Larry Dering
Posts: 5076
Joined: 17 May 2013 11:20 am
Location: Missouri, USA

Post by Larry Dering »

Wow, good looking guitar and a way better method to start. You will be more than satisfied. Now find a teacher and get some pointers and go at it. Have fun.
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Gene Tani
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Joined: 14 Mar 2019 8:07 pm
Location: Pac NW

Post by Gene Tani »

Excellent choice, my 2nd was a red 2000 Carter d10 too, really wonderful instrument, well, a little heavy.

I do have some maintenance tips if you want them, dog bones, mostly... Also i put nonskid material on the ABC pedals
- keyless Sonny Jenkins laps stay in tune forever!; Carter PSG
- The secret sauce: polyester sweatpants to buff your picks, cheapo Presonus channel strip for preamp/EQ/compress/limiter, Diet Mountain Dew
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Bob Sykes
Posts: 210
Joined: 16 Nov 2009 2:23 pm
Location: North Carolina

Fretboard?

Post by Bob Sykes »

Nice looking Carter!

I'm curious about the fretboard. Have not seen one like that before.
Carters Starter, D10 8+7, SD10
ISO Sustainus Ad Infinitum
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