Average age of a steel player

Jim West · Posted 25 Jun 2003 4:41 pm

I just finished adding up all the ages of those who posted in Wayne Bakers post "Survey: age of most steel players " and came to the average age of steel players. This is not scientific by any stretch but it does say something.

Average age: 50.33 years

This coincides well with the people who attend steel shows that I have been. The crowds look to be in this age bracket with more older and a few younger.

What will be the average age be in let's say 20 years or maybe 30? If some more younger players don't start picking up the instrument it could well be on it's way to extinction. Let's hope not.

Any thoughts?

Bobby Lee · From: Cloverdale, California, USA

This is the same result we got when we took the survey 3 years ago. Since we're all 3 years older, we must be attracting a younger crowd now!

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Bobby Lee - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs, Open Hearts
Sierra Session 12 (E9), Williams 400X (Emaj9, D6), Sierra Olympic 12 (C6add9),
Sierra Laptop 8 (D13), Fender Stringmaster (E13, A6),
Roland Handsonic, Line 6 Variax

Miguel e Smith · From: Phoenix, AZ

I'm going to echo one of your statements about extinction by saying that getting younger players involved is an absolute must for our future. The downturn in record industry sales doesn't help nor does the economy in general (this is an expensive sport).

Fresh blood and fresh ideas are critical for the instrument. Yes, there are more steel events than ever before, but with very few exceptions, they generally glorify and pay tribute to musical styles and playing that was created many decades ago. I too love that stuff and the players who were willing to go for it when it had never been done before. They will always have my personal admiration and respect, but those glory days have come and gone.

Unless we all somehow, someway plant some creative seeds now, you might as well spend your money on cameras and recorders cause it's all gonna be gone around that 20-year mark (save a few stragglers). Creating new events with the same format is basically rearranging the chairs on the Titanic.

I encourage anyone and everyone out there who can hear and read to give some serious thought as to what they can personally do to not just shore up the tunnels we now have, but to dig new ones. All the great cats we idolize didn't have a roadmap and neither do we. At present, we're heading quickly into little more than a social club with uniquely talented members.

Mike G. Smith

[This message was edited by Miguel e Smith on 25 June 2003 at 07:36 PM.]

[This message was edited by Miguel e Smith on 25 June 2003 at 10:14 PM.]

Bobby Lee · From: Cloverdale, California, USA

Oops, I'm mistaken. The March 2000 survey yielded a slightly younger average.

Jeff A. Smith · From: Angola,Ind. U.S.A.

I won't pretend to know the future, but I do know one thing: The pedal steel guitar is capable of producing sounds at least as beautiful as those of any other instrument. Everyone I talk with, who is hearing the instrument for the first time, comments on the basic beauty of the sound.

Just considering that, I can't believe the instrument will die away. That would violate nature somehow

. The PSG hasn't even been at its current level of manufacturing quality for all that long. I would think that an instrument as evolved as the pedal steel could at least expect to live in maturity for an extended period before it died out. I'm trying to think of an obsolete instrument which would parallel the pedal steel in maturity and beauty of sound. Most obsolete instruments, I would guess, either had limited practical use or were followed by something that did the same thing better.

Besides possible inroads into rock, blues, and jazz, I think there is a huge potential for PSG as a solo instrument, playing what will be the classical music of tomorrow.

[This message was edited by Jeff A. Smith on 25 June 2003 at 10:22 PM.]

Miguel e Smith · From: Phoenix, AZ

I agree with every single thing Jeff has said about the potential and the beauty of the instrument and especially about the other forms of music it can (and occassionally) does enter into.

I doubt any of us wants to believe this art form would go away, I certainly don't. In the worst case scenario, I think what is in danger of happening is that the archives will last a long, long time and a few players will too but there will be only a literal handful. Kinda like collectors of old west handguns and those who practice quick drawing as an artform. (although maybe this should be brought back today ??).

If enough cats get really good (and I'm talking seriously good) and apply it in a big way to other form of music...we stand a good chance. I too find folks who love what the instrument sounds like and does, but they just don't know what to do from there.

David Doggett · Posted 26 Jun 2003 11:48 am

If you hear Robert Randolph playing pedal steel on a hip hop hit, you will know the pedal steel will survive and thrive in the future. If not...? It seems to still have a secure place in commercial country, but more as a sometimes coloration thing rather than the mainstay of previous years. Even if the pedal steel could move into more prominence in jazz, that is now a niche art form, and no longer much a part of popular music - same with classical music.

There will probably always be some small following, even among young people, for old country music and Western swing, but it may be a niche for city-billies, like bluegrass and old-time music. The bluegrass story gives some hope. It's in its 3rd or 4th resurgence, and every time a lot of young people spend big on instruments and work hard and develop advanced skills. On the other hand, you can get started in bluegrass on a cheap instrument from any music store, whereas steel...?

Bobby Lee · From: Cloverdale, California, USA

A lot of us old guys (I can say that, being past the median age) talk the talk about young steelers, but then dis the youngsters when they play in unconventional ways.

Face it, guys. The younger generation isn't very interested in playing "A Way To Survive" or "I Love You Because". Some see the value in exploring the roots of the instrument, but most of them just want to be able to jam with their peers. Sometimes that means finding a place for steel parts in tunes by Nirvana, Pink, Pearl Jam, Blink 182, etc. It can be done, and it's a lot of fun for anyone who tries.

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Bobby Lee - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs, Open Hearts
Sierra Session 12 (E9), Williams 400X (Emaj9, D6), Sierra Olympic 12 (C6add9),
Sierra Laptop 8 (D13), Fender Stringmaster (E13, A6),
Roland Handsonic, Line 6 Variax

Miguel e Smith · From: Phoenix, AZ

I certainly feel hope when I hear Robert Randolph play as he is definitely taking the instrument to audiences that would not normally be exposed to steel. I’m looking forward to that unfolding story and the impact not only he but his axe makes.

Bobby made a valid point about the interests of our younger generation. My son plays guitar, drums and some horns and loves Ska mostly. However, a friend had left a prototype steel with me for awhile once and my son kinda took an interest in it. I offered many times to show him some of the basics but he wanted to go his own direction even with technique. It was interesting to hear his interpretation when not coming from the traditional country roots I had.

Also, for the benefit of the cats that still love and cherish the traditional stuff like “Way To Survive”, the stuff we’re saying about getting current and fresh is not meant to dis any aspect of that music or era. For any lover of music there is no expiration date on the label and we can pull it out of the box and enjoy it whenever we get that itch. What I have seen though is that many folks see anything outside of the ‘traditional’ vein as being a threat to a belief system instead of being a wonderful addition to the promotion of the instrument. Wouldn’t it be ironic if cats like Robert were responsible for the salvation of the future of the axe?

Jesse Harris · From: Ventura, California, USA

Well,
I'm a young guy (29)living in southern califonia, and I have to say the steel guitar is alive and well. I played a gig last night with a couple of bigger rock bands somewhat in the vein of the Wallflowers, I was playing steel and 6 string in the first band, and the last band had a guy that did the same, well the steel guitar was a big big hit that night, I had a ton of people coming up to me, and everyone really dug it even when they did not know exactly what it was. It was kind of an industry show and I handed out about a dozen cards mostly to self proclaimed producers. I think that if your immersed in country music the steels place is not bleak but for sure not where it was, which can cause some dissapointment, and the music itself os very saddening and maddening, and mostly revolting IMO, and hard rock like a lot of whats on the radio doesnt have much of a place for the PSG, and it also revolting mostly, but I have to say the cool music that I have been seeing in clubs in LA these day deffinately has a nod to tradition, but is not country music. These are rock star looking guys who have been influenced by Wilco, Son Volt, and before that the FBBs, and Poco, and before that Buck, Merle, and the Possum, and before that Hank Sr., jimmy rogers, and the Carter family. musicians are still into this stuff big time, and I dont just mean roots oriented guys and gals, and if you care and love Son Volt or Wilco or Whiskey Town, you will foollow that chain that I mentioned above to get to the roots, so I don't think its as bad as you all might think. I'm not saying there is no cause for concern and we must continue to take this instrument everywhere but I highly doubt that the PSG will become like a hammer dulcimer or something like that, because it has too great of powers and no replacement.

Pat Burns · From: Branchville, N.J. USA

Jesse Harris · From: Ventura, California, USA

thats classic,,,big R i love that one.

[This message was edited by Jesse Harris on 26 June 2003 at 05:09 PM.]

Eric West · From: Portland, Oregon, USA, R.I.P.

Pat:

I'm

Glad

you

did.

Many

of

"us"

don't

"think"

well

laterally.

I

knew

I'd

add

Something

to

this

place..

EJL

PS. Another 60 days or so, and I'll be exactly 50.33 yrs old. I'll finally be "average"..

Possibly though, the results are skewed by those not responding being averaged as
"zero", or god forbid, anybody "shaded the truth".

Miguel e Smith · From: Phoenix, AZ

I know there are a few Jesse Harris’s out there and I’m glad about that. One of my local gigs is playing with a group that does Staind, Eve 6, Matchbox 20, stuff like that and although I do mostly keys, I do play steel on some of that stuff and folks also seem to really dig it. I’ve just yet to see anyone be influenced enough to show interest in taking up steel (maybe they have and I just don’t know it…?).

I hope Pat Burns vision is more of a reality than the other possibilities out there. Maybe none of us can predict the future exactly (of course, I like the unknown), but I do hope that there may be some mentoring in some of our ranks (and no, I do not personally teach anymore. I would though…if I found the right young cat).

I also hope the joy’s of commiseration of some will give way to positive feedback concerning ways in which we can all plant seeds of growth not only for ourselves but some for our trade as well. Well…I’ve got to get back to work. I’m close to figuring out the cure for the common cold as well as peace in the middle East.

Jesse Harris · From: Ventura, California, USA

i try to discourage anyone from playing the PSG when I talk to them, that way maybe when Jaydee, Leisz, and a few others have hung it up Ill get all the gigs hehe,

damn that was morbid,
sorry

Bob Mainwaring · From: Qualicum Beach Vancouver Island B.C. Canada

I liked Jesse Harris' input of what's being tossed around here and would like to add that steel should be heard in other forms of music too - notably sounds such as modern type folk music.
Years ago I was in a folk group playing "5 string banjo" and doubling on steel to start out with, the audience after a while, wanted more steel...this lead to us forming a "country band".
We always took the steel when being booked for a folk night. It was surprising how many people came up showing great interest in the old Z.B. so much so that a couple of guys in the audience even started playing steel.

Bob Mainwaring. Z.Bs. and other weird things.

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Chris Schlotzhauer · From: Colleyville, Tx. USA

Well, my 50th birthday was April. That makes me exactly 50.33yrs old. Yup, I'm very average.

forrest klott · From: Grand Rapids Mi USA

Hey all,

I'm a "young'un" too, as I'm going to be thirty-one in a couple of months. For myself, I can say that I was obsessed with the instrument from the time I was seven or eight. The reason being for that is because I was born into the unusual situation of my mom being a very popular singer in the area and achieving some national status in the sixties, including a write-up in Country Song Roundup during that time where she was billed as the "Pride of the water-wonderland". For much of her career, she was married to one of the hottest steel players on this half of Michigan who also played on her first recordings, on her later recordings she had none other than a very "young" Lloyd Green backing her. After ten years, she flat burned out and quit the business as I have tried unsuccesfully to do a couple of times.

The first memory I have of steel is the intro on one of her local records called "It's Easy to Forgive You". From the time that I was able to put the sounds of that intro and the funny looking thing on legs the guy played on Hee-Haw together, I've been adicted to it. She tried in vain to steer me towards piano or guitar and I even played french horn for five years in school, but I eventually wore her down and she bought me a Fender "maveric" when I turned eightteen. When other kids were drawing names of popular rock bands on their folders in school, I was drawing Emmons logos and double tens. It seems more in the last few years of playing in bands that I've had more people come up to me on gigs and comment on how they've always wanted to play steel, or ask me how hard they are to learn or where to get one and how much they cost. I always tell them that anybody can learn to play one, but they have to WANT to in the worst way as there is much frustration in the first few years of the process. If someone comes up to me that already knows something about guitar, say a musician in another band, I explain to them the basics of "pedals up" and "pedals down" and it never fails to draw an expression that can only be described as "wow, that's a LOT going on". I think the complexity of the instrument, as well as the initial cost has something to do with causing potential new players from possibly shying away from it. That, and the fact that there is only one music store in the entire state that I'm aware of that caters to steel, that being Harrison Music run by fellow Forumite Danny Hullihen. Seems to me that if more music stores treated it as less of a novelty, or it was more mainstream in popular music like it was in previous decades, it would be easier to get more younger people into it. I played two sets at my lead singer's wedding this past weekend, and as we were getting my rig mic'd by the fellow that headed up the rock band, he asked me what the little box was hooked into the jack between the guitar and volume pedal was. I told him it was a fuzz-tone and his eyes got real big and made an exclamation that he'd never heard of steel being played with distortion. I said "who else is going to play the intro to Free Bird?". He laughed and said this I can't wait to see. Even though I consider myself a very mediocre player who is unfit to change the strings of many of my fellow Forumites, I got bows of "we're not worthy" from all memebers of that band when we finished our set. They never had a real idea of what the steel can do.

I've gotten off-track with my ramblings, so I'll finish off here and remain a hopeless junkie probably till my dying day.

Skeeter

Wiz Feinberg · From: Mid-Michigan, USA

I am going to be 55 on July 19 and aside from the current very dry spell I am enduring, gigs have been fairly steady for me. I play various styles of music including classic Rock-N-Roll, Oldies Rock, New Country, Old Country, Medium Country, Reggae, Hard Rock, Crossover music, MOR, and originals by artists I record for or backup.

I use all kinds of stomp boxes for effects, including a phaser, envelope filter, tremolo, fuzztone, compressor, chorus, echo and digital reverb. I also use an EBow, a Sitarbar and a 3 1/2" broomhandle-end for special sounds.

Sometimes I don't use my pedals or knee levers on fills and breaks, duplicating the sounds of a strap-on Melobar or slide guitar player. I am shopping for a Melobar and expect to find one I can afford, then add it to my stage gear. I believe that visual appearance is important on live stages.

I can only offer my opinion that if steel players are willing to play alternate forms of music, and even double on slide guitar or lead guitar, that they will be able to keep working for a long time to come. Listen to the steel lines on Shania Twain's "Forever and Always," or "That Don't Impress Me Much." They are not traditional steel sounds, but a steel guitar produced them, hence a steel player got to pay his rent from playing music that day.

Just my 2 cents worth.

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Bob "Wiz" Feinberg
AIM Screenname: Wizcrafts
Sho~Bud Super~Pro with 10 and 10, L710s and aluminum fingers from Bobbe Seymour. Nashville 400 amp.
Keep Steelin' but don't get caught!

Jeff A. Smith · From: Angola,Ind. U.S.A.

Wiz, what a positive and flexible attitude you have.

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