Who plays but doesn't gig?

Darrell Prichard · Post by **Darrell Prichard** » 27 Jul 2006 5:05 pm

I've been lurking in this forum for a couple of years and am in awe of the talent and big names that are represented here. In To be honest, it's intimidating for a total PSG neophyte such as myself. Are there regulars in this forum who play but only as a hobby and only in the privacy of their own home?

I guess I'm looking for a little "comfort in numbers". I'm ready to take the PSG plunge (again) but I don't realistically see myself performing publicly.

(I had a brief stint back in '80 with an MSA U-12 and Winnie Winston's book.)

Steven Black · Post by **Steven Black** » 27 Jul 2006 5:19 pm

Hello Darrell, not since the mid to late eighties I have only played at home for a hobby because I just can not get the time to play out any where these days, so I am a bedroom steel guitar player.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 27 Jul 2006 5:32 pm

Darrell, I still gig or do a session occasionally (every month or so), but there's also some really fine players here who hardly ever leave their house.

Everybody does pretty much what they want to do. But remember...that doesn't translate into "all the really good players are working", as some here seem to think.

Farris Currie · Post by **Farris Currie** » 27 Jul 2006 5:42 pm

Darrell

I'll try not to be long winded!!!
I played bars 69-72 no happyness there.

Then i played Church for about 15yrs.
Lots of good times there.

I played 2yrs.with THE HARMONETTES and worked all wk. in a machine shop.

for 16yrs now i have been taking care of a invalid wife,and my playing is here at home in my old machine shop.

I know lots of Piano players who can play the fire out of them and all they do is play at home.

My personal advice!!!
Have a decent steel and amp. be happy.
I have traded and traded,and its just a habit.

I had a uncle who traded cars and trucks almost everytime he went to town.
He would come home with a bigger pc of junk than he went to town in.

If you go to church,its a great place to play and people enjoy it.

Have fun my friend !!!!!!!!

farris

Calvin Walley · Post by **Calvin Walley** » 27 Jul 2006 5:43 pm

don't let it bother you , i have never played for more than 3 people at any one time, i have no desire to play on stage .
for me its just something i like to do for myself

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Mullen SD-10 3&5 / nashville 400

Darrell Prichard · Post by **Darrell Prichard** » 27 Jul 2006 6:00 pm

Farris,
I'll try not to be too long winded too...

Been playing keyboards (piano, synth, organ) for 42 years. Grew up playing in church. From '80 - '86 played full time as a sideman - based out of Nashville. Walked away from it and moved back to Dallas get a "real" job. Now at the age of 46, I have job, wife, kids, house and a 5'1" Baldwin M baby grand. All keep me too busy to even think about playing outside the house (and frankly, I don't particularly want to). But, I'll never forget the few months I had that MSA and kick myself for not having stuck with it as a 2nd instrument. Now I'm just looking for an excuse to try the steel again but without feeling guilty for not wanting to necessarily leave the house.

Right at two years ago (and based on recommendations I got from the forum), I started to take the plunge back into the PSG and ordered a Carter Starter. But due to a bad experience with the order from Musicians Friend, I had to send it back and for whatever reason, I never replaced it. Now I'm ready to give it another shot.[This message was edited by Darrell Prichard on 27 July 2006 at 07:12 PM.]

John Coffman · Post by **John Coffman** » 27 Jul 2006 6:06 pm

I am a beginner. I just play at home and at lessons and I do not plan to make a living at it. I just love steel and dobro music. My plan is to become good enough to join in at church, jams, and maybe a gig or two. I have started with no music training but I am slowly getting there. My job takes alot of time and is stressful detailed work. I use my time at the steel to flex my mind and body. I find a good hour twanging the strings helps me cope. It just comes down to if you love it enough to devote your time to it you will make it happen. There are lots of excuses we can use. I know I will never be a smoking steel player but if I can learn a few songs that bring joy to me or others I will have met my goals. A wise man once told me that you make time for the things that matter to you. If you love to play. Play Best of luck

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Thomas SD10 3/4,Thomas D10 8/5 and Desert Rose S10 3/4. Beginner

Jim Eaton · Post by **Jim Eaton** » 27 Jul 2006 6:19 pm

As Donny said above "gig or session" once a month on steel, do a few songwriter showcases with a good friend,I play mandolin or dobro with him mostly. I have a few students and find the role of teacher always makes my brain get off it's butt and when you see your student all of a sudden get the "light bulb just when on" look, its nice.
I spent my time on the road from 72-84,about 300 days a year. Played clubs,casinos,cruse ships,festivals and stadiums where I could not see the back of the crowd from my steel on the stage.
Now I think it's so cooooooooool when my dog curls up on the floor next to me in my little studio. I play and he sleeps.
It makes me remember why I started playing in the first place.
JE:-)>

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Emmons D10PP 8/4 -75'
Emmons SD-12PP 3/4
Zum SD-12 5/5 - 91'
74'Session 400
06'Nashville 112 x 2
w/Knob-Guard

[This message was edited by Jim Eaton on 27 July 2006 at 10:21 PM.]

John Drury · Post by **John Drury** » 27 Jul 2006 6:35 pm

Darell,

I do not now, have never before, or have any intention in the future of playing for anything other than my own amusement.

I would be surprised to learn that even more than 25 to 30% of the people on this forum do play professionally.

I guess b0b or Bobbe would know more about that than I do, but when I used to do steel repair all the time, it was almost always for working stiffs just like myself.

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John Drury
NTSGA #3

Greg Cutshaw · Post by **Greg Cutshaw** » 27 Jul 2006 6:56 pm

Welcome back to playing Darrell. I lurk on a lot of forums. On many of them I don't know enough to contribute anything and on others I am pretty active. Since my kids are all grown now and I'm not coaching little league etc. I've had more time to kill. Lately I've just been recording at home and buying and selling gear for the fun of it. Playing the steel is fun again now that I don't have to haul it all around the state. It helps to have other hobbies and interests also so your mood is not all tied up into the ups and downs of just one thing.

Greg[This message was edited by Greg Cutshaw on 27 July 2006 at 07:57 PM.]

Delvin Morgan · Post by **Delvin Morgan** » 27 Jul 2006 7:27 pm

Darrell,
I am a beginner, just over a year at the steel. I have played six string for over 30 years, and in the 70's we had a little bar band but I hated it. So I don't ever plan on giging any more, just play at home and at jams, jams are a lot of fun. And like some one else said, I play for my dog, who sings quite well with me, OK howls.

Robert Thomas · Post by **Robert Thomas** » 27 Jul 2006 7:48 pm

I have played for close to 60 years now and most of those times were spent 2 and 3 nights a week in clubs, etc. The last 8 years have been spent playing for nursing homes, care facilities and alzheimers units, 3 times a week. I have to say that the last 8 years of my life have been the most enjoyable for playing. The satisfaction gained cannot compare with the stress of the bar scene in any way. I highly recommend all of you who have the talent to make music on the PSG to spend your playing time sharing your gift with others who will appreciate it beyond your wildest dreams. It is not what you get out of life but what you can give to others that really counts. This is not about money, but what really counts, giving and sharing your God given talent with others.

Tracy Sheehan · Post by **Tracy Sheehan** » 27 Jul 2006 8:01 pm

Hi Darell.> I have had a ball playing at home since i retired from full time music.About all i ever did.I quit a few times due to sickness.I got sick of it.But always went back on the road.I haven't played out for two years now but bought a new GFI Ultra two months ago.
These things are addicting.And the great thing about playing at home is no one requests Silver Wings.I would enjoy playing week ends again if i could get with a band that didn't play loud.LOL.Tracy
Tracy

Mike Perlowin · Post by **Mike Perlowin** » 27 Jul 2006 8:18 pm

I don't do gigs anymore, but every once in a while I'll sit in with a band just for fun.

When the element of money (and therefore responsibility ) is removed, it becomes a matter of playing for the sheer love of it.

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Warning: I have a telecaster and I'm not afraid to use it.
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My web site

[This message was edited by Mike Perlowin on 27 July 2006 at 09:19 PM.]

Mike Shefrin · Post by **Mike Shefrin** » 27 Jul 2006 8:51 pm

Hiya Darrell,
I am a semi-retired musician now although
I still get asked to sit in on some gigs
which is always flattering. I play at home
now mostly for my own amusement and make recordings. I also play for my girlfriend who loves the steel, and last but not least to annoy my creepy, cranky door-slamming neighbors.

John Bechtel · Post by **John Bechtel** » 27 Jul 2006 9:27 pm

I played for a living since ’67 and work gradually slowed down to where I haven't worked very many paying jobs since ’89 and ‘no’ paying jobs for more than 6-yrs. I do all my playing at home for my own Amazement and like to make my own simple Instrumental Tapes along with my own recorded Rhythm with either Flat-top Guitar or Baritone~Uke. If I had the opportunity to play out now, I'm not sure I could even get my equipment from the house to the SUV! But, I've managed to work the GOO a total of 4-yrs. with both Billy Walker and Stonewall Jackson. So, there are lots of pleasent memories working with them as well as several other Major Country Artists over the years!

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“Big John”
a.k.a. {Keoni Nui}
Current Equipment

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 28 Jul 2006 3:14 am

Darrell, you sound like me.
I think there are many fine musicians on this forum--more than actually post--that enjoy steel guitar.
My gigging days are past, but I like to record at home; it satisfies the need.

I too am looking for an MSA, a keeper this time, my last steel guitar (HA ha ha ha...).

Ernie Pollock · Post by **Ernie Pollock** » 28 Jul 2006 4:09 am

Where I live there is not much interest in steel guitar, I gigged for years though, but now just have a little group that does it every now & then + a few chruch gigs, but mostly I play here in my little steel guitar store with tracks, and I have a zillion of them. When I get wore out on steel I fire up my tenor sax & do that for a while, I will never quite playing till I can't physically do it anymore. I love music as well as any pro player out there & probably know more instrumentals than most of them!!
[I'll probably hear it for that last remark

]

Ernie Pollock http://www.hereintown.net/~shobud75/stock.htm

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Larry Strawn · Post by **Larry Strawn** » 28 Jul 2006 6:28 am

Darrell,
I come from a family of "back porch" pickers. Just about every one played something [at home, or in church], I quess Out of all of them I'm the only one that's ever worked at it, [even part time], and over the years I met some folks who could have played anywhere, or with anyone, but chose to play at home by them selves, or with some friends on the back patio.

Go for it Darrell!!! The fun, and enjoyment is in the music and the doing,, not where!!!

Larry

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"Fessy" S/D 12, 8/6 Hilton Pedal, Sessions 400 Ltd. Home Grown E/F Rack
"ROCKIN COUNTRY"

Ray Minich · Post by **Ray Minich** » 28 Jul 2006 6:43 am

Over the past 45 years, certain combinations of steel chords, notes, licks, passing chords, runs, just grab ahold of my heart and brain and stop me in my tracks.
Like that 1/2 A pedal move TB did in Together Again. I hear that, and it sounds so nice... I wanna be able to do that too, just for my own enjoyment and satisfaction, and to be able to play it when I feel like it.
So I study the works of TB, Jimmy Day, PF, BE, and all of the rest of the greats, and spend money on tab and lessons and video tapes and CD's in the hopes that one day I'll have down just a few of these neat note combinations.
I don't care if anyone else ever hears it.

Gigging is fun, but it's a lot of work too.

[This message was edited by Ray Minich on 28 July 2006 at 07:44 AM.]

Jim Peters · Post by **Jim Peters** » 28 Jul 2006 7:25 am

To each his own, but I never could get into bedroom playing. I practice at home with the purpose of playing for other people. If I like a song, I learn it so I can play it out. Not much enjoyment for me at home. JP

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 28 Jul 2006 8:03 am

I'm fortunate to play pedal steel in a band with some steady gigs. But I'd say some of the home pickers here could whip my behind. I play out a lot, but I practice home a lot as well. I try to work on at least 5 or 6 new licks for the next show, and I go through exercises to keep up my accuracy and speed. I still consider myself a student of the steel guitar in a big way.

But I am like Jim - all my home playing is geared towards the gig. I'm just getting my stuff packed up here now for another road trip - it never gets old for me, playing pedal steel in a good band. But if I never had a band, I'd still be picking like a maniac at home.

Post by **b0b** » 28 Jul 2006 8:25 am

I've moved this to the "Steel Players" section, which is where we usually run surveys like this.