intro and copedant question

[Dan Fries]

Hi folks,
Dan Fries here, I'm a beginner to the Pedal Steel and happy to be here to connect with you all. I've been lucky enough to connect with Tom Bradshaw, who's set me up with a Fessenden S10 E9. I've charted the copedant which I'll try to attach to this post. It's similar to this one here: https://b0b.com/wp/copedents/e9th/
-- but not quite the same.

I wonder if any of you recognize it, and whether it looks like it makes sense for me to continue with, or whether I'd be better advised to adjust it in some way.

Notably, LKL adjusts the F#s up unevenly (one a half step, one a step)
LKV has only the middle B being lowered, rather than both.
Does the arrangement of LKL, LKR, RKL and RKR look ideal? Something I read mentioned certain levers should be kept right so that they're easier to combine with the pedals.

Also: I've seen some copedants with extra stuff going on on strings 1 and 2 - can't remember which pedal that was. Should I try this? Would it be feasible on the Fessenden?

Final question: I took a 2x wood scrap and put my left heel on it, in front of the pedals, which seems to help my inner ankle from getting scrunch strain. Anybody else do anything like this? Ill advised?

Many thanks in advance for your help!

[Dave Meis]

Set up looks fine to me.. I play with Es on the right...(just the other way around).😃 It has all the necessary functions..
For the other question..sounds like you might benefit from adjusting your pedal height, or slightly lowering the front two legs an 1/8" or so.. pics would help!
Welcome to the madness..

[Dan Fries]

Thanks Dave! I don't think I can lower the pedals any more - they're right up against the bumpers there.

Hey what do you mean that you have the Es on the other side? Is the chart meant to be "house right" or "stage right?" I'd assumed stage right, but maybe I'm wrong.

[Richard Sinkler]

That copedent is fine. What he means by "E's on the right", is the 2 levers that raise and lower the E strings, are on his right knee. He says the changes are the other way around, meaning his E to F changes are his right knee lever going left, and the E to D# lever goes to the right.

You can individually raise and lower the pedals, and it has nothing to do with the guitar legs. The ball joint that mounts to the ball on the pedal is adjustable. Loosen the nut on the rod, take the ball joint off the pedal, and turn the ball joint right to raise the pedal and left to make it lower. After you get them at the height you want, tighten the nut back up.

As far as the 2x4 under your heel, I think it is a horrible idea. I personally don't know of anyone who does this. I may have read about someone with a physical disability doing something like that. If you're talking about the pain in your ankles, everyone goes through that when they are first learning. You have to develop your ankle muscles to bend in both directions without your knee moving. If your knee moves left and right, they will start to actuate the knee lever, throwing you out of tune. When I was first starting, I would practice bending the ankle in both directions. I would grab my knee with both hands to keep it from moving, and bend the ankle back and forth. I could do this while watching TV, in class at school (I was in high school when I started), pretty much anywhere. After a while, you develop those muscles and can bend the ankles without moving your knee (very, very important) and best if all, no pain.

[Dan Fries]

Thanks a lot for the clarification and the advice Richard, I'll look into adjusting the pedal heights as you say. I think perhaps I need to wear some shoes with less sticky bottoms as well.

Much appreciated,
Dan

[Dennis Montgomery]

What he means by "E's on the right", is the 2 levers that raise and lower the E strings, are on his right knee. He says the changes are the other way around, meaning his E to F changes are his right knee lever going left, and the E to D# lever goes to the right.

Another term you'll hear is, "splitting the E's" which many of us do. What that means is the knee that lowers the E's is on the right (RKL) as you have, while the knee that raises the E's is on the left (LKL). A good reason to have the E raise on LKL is it's commonly used with the A pedal and makes that combination feel very comfortable. That said, there are many ways to skin the cat

[Dave Meis]

Dan, sorry I wasn't more clear..Richard has it right. The pic helps, as it shows lowering the front of the guitar is not an option ..some guitars have a 'lift kit' that raises the guitar, and in that case, you'd be able to lower it. As you play (over time), you'll be adjusting your pedals to accommodate your progress and improved technique. Nothing will end up like you started...so....get started! 😃
Another option is to wear shoes with a taller heel, like boots.

[b0b]

I believe that the original Sho~Bud setup had the E changes on the right knee, as you describe. Today, most people put the E to F change on LKL because it is so often used with P1.

Some people raise the 2nd string D# to E on their G lever. It's a more "modern" change - older instruments didn't have it unless the owner added it. It's not really necessary, IMHO.

Ergonomics are very important with our instrument. You have to be comfortable playing it. In your case, are the pedal rods long enough? You can make them longer by loosening the nut at the pedal end of the rod and turning the connector. This might not have been obvious, or maybe you've already extended them as far as possible. Be careful not to bottom out on the floor, though. Floors are not a reliable pedal stop.

[Dan Fries]

Hey thanks everyone! I lowered the rods, making the pedals lower - and it's made a big difference. No more 2x6 under my heel.

Now I'm trying to decide on blocking technique.
Anybody have experience with Paul Franklin's course? Seems like it might be a good idea to get my technique dialed in right from the start.

[Jon Voth]

Dan I'm one of those with a block under my foot. I'm newish <3yrs but I play a lot 'cause I want to be good someday.

I'm no dummy and did a lot of trial/error, feeling, experimentation, etc. And I have my pedals down as far as they can go into the office type carpet where I play most (basement). I feel my foot rotates better when pointing down a bit, or straight, but not up.

I use a piece of decorative marble (leftover project) with some rubber feet glued on. Heavy and non-slip. Probably a bit lower than your picture. Does add weight to my rig. Wish it were not so but it's where I am now.

Not to argue with those who don't, but this is what works for me.

Jon

[Jon Voth]

Also, full on to the PF course. Expensive but really good stuff. Helps me a lot and not a bad place to send your money.