Advice Needed.......

Dave Ledbetter · Post by **Dave Ledbetter** » 15 Dec 2005 12:26 pm

There's a new Carter Starter under the Christmas tree with my name on it! I don't know a thing about playing one....all I know is that I love the good ole' stuff, George Jones, etc. When I hear a steel, it almost makes me cry! Think back when you guys first started to play and give me some advice, PLEASE.

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[This message was edited by Dave Ledbetter on 15 December 2005 at 04:04 PM.]

Nic du Toit · Post by **Nic du Toit** » 15 Dec 2005 12:38 pm

This will start the ball rolling again. First you'll have to tell us a bit about yourself....like musical experience, etc.
Regards,
Nic

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1970 Rosewood P/P Emmons D10 Fatback 8x4
Peavey Session 500 unmodfied
CD "Nightmare on Emmons Steel"
CD "Steel Smokin'"
Veruschka's CD "Don't Dream it's Over"
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Jack Dougherty · Post by **Jack Dougherty** » 15 Dec 2005 12:38 pm

Hi Dave...

GREAT!!! another Steel addict...

There are many teaching tools available...Too many to mention. However, if you get some of Jeff Newmans programs, for my dollor, it's the best place to start.
Although Jeff is no longer with us, the music and teaching material he left behind is priceless. You might want to try this and when you feel more comfortable go out and get some of the other fine teaching aids that are out there.
So welcome on board.....The journey is a long one filled with all sorts of surprises....
You will need the"FORCE" with you on this one

JD

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There is no such thing as too many steels!! Zum D10 8/8
Walker Stereo Steel Amp

Calvin Walley · Post by **Calvin Walley** » 15 Dec 2005 1:06 pm

welcome to the wonderful world of pedal steel guitar

calvin

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ZumSteel

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 15 Dec 2005 2:07 pm

First you put the legs on...

but not before you take it out of the case.

Welcome, Dave. That's a good guitar you have there.

Randy Reeves · Post by **Randy Reeves** » 15 Dec 2005 2:25 pm

good advice Charlie.
without legs you would have one heavy lap steel.

welcome to pedal steel guitar.

I agree with the video example. the one I had really got me started.
then I found a Mel Bay chord chart for pedal steel. with that, I was able to see the chords and which pedals or knee levers were used to acomplish them.
with that little bit of help I was able to move around the fret board.
I still sound like sht, but Im playing pedal steel and learning and loving it.

also, look for another player/teacher in your area.

steelers come out of the woodwork when you look.
a nice comraderie.

Lawrence Sullivan · Post by **Lawrence Sullivan** » 15 Dec 2005 7:52 pm

Dave it says you are in Nevada, Bill Mayville is in Las Vegas, he has lesson materials and gives lessons there also if that is convienent to you
His web site is http://www.steelguitarlasvegas.com/ and has some samples of what he has you can listen to on it
Good luck
Larry

Dave Ledbetter · Post by **Dave Ledbetter** » 15 Dec 2005 9:14 pm

Thanks Larry,
I am in Las Vegas. Thanks for the link, I'll check it out!

Dave

Larry Strawn · Post by **Larry Strawn** » 16 Dec 2005 3:21 pm

Man Larry ,, ya took the words right out of my mouth,, Bill Mayville!!

Dave,,next you might want to consider a new car or something for your wife!!! Cause she aint gonna see much of you for a while,, and that will help smooth things over!! LOL..

Welcome to the world of steel guitar!!

Larry

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Emmons S/D-10, 3/5, Sessions 400 Ltd. Home Grown E/F Rack
"ROCKIN COUNTRY"

[This message was edited by Larry Strawn on 16 December 2005 at 03:22 PM.]

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 16 Dec 2005 6:42 pm

By any means, get a good teacher! All the videos in the world won't match a sit-down with a guy who can answer your questions as they arise. And PRACTICE!!!
Good luck!

Dave Ledbetter · Post by **Dave Ledbetter** » 16 Dec 2005 8:29 pm

Thanks everyone for the good advice! I've received some great emails that have really been helpful. My wife let me put the picks on but I can't get the rest of it until Christmas, ha-ha!

Dave

Tony Davis · Post by **Tony Davis** » 17 Dec 2005 4:41 am

Dave.....I will prob be in Vegas maybe last week in March.......after Dallas and couple of weeks in Nashville....my wife likes slot machines...I couldnt care less...so maybe iff you want to email me or something..we could maybe hook up...perhaps I can help...have a couple of beers and show you a little bit on your guitar......no charge....you would just have to pick me up and drop me off as I wont have wheels
Tony

Larry Strawn · Post by **Larry Strawn** » 17 Dec 2005 7:47 am

Dave,,
There's a good time, and a learning experience not to pass up!! Besides, it'll get Tony out of the Casinos! LOL,,

Larry

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Emmons S/D-10, 3/5, Sessions 400 Ltd. Home Grown E/F Rack
"ROCKIN COUNTRY"

Dave Ledbetter · Post by **Dave Ledbetter** » 17 Dec 2005 10:09 am

Sure Tony!
That'll be great! I'll be happy to pick you up and whatever else you'll need.

Are you sure you don't want to gamble because that's why we don't have State Income Taxes, ha-ha.

Send me an email when you're on your way. Thanks for the offer!
Dave [This message was edited by Dave Ledbetter on 17 December 2005 at 10:11 AM.]

John Coffman · Post by **John Coffman** » 17 Dec 2005 4:08 pm

Welcome aboard. I got the steel bug about a year ago starting with the Carter Starter. Since then I 1st purchased a D10 Thomas and last week I got a SD10 Thomas. Dave I have one of those high stress jobs and this is my relief. Good advice is use the forum. Read all you can. Practice all you can. I am very lucky here in Oklahoma. I have Jim Harper in commanche OK. Super great guy. Also have 2 great organization the Texas Steel guitar assoc. and the Oklahoma SGA. I have to say some of the best steelers here in North Texas and Ohlahoma. If you need a steeler pen pal to help keep you encouraged please feel free to email. If you can try to come to Dallas 9-12 March for the TSGA show. There will be hundreds of people and you can get some great items and training tips. I hope you progress fast and before long you will grow right out of that Carter. Again Dave glad to have you aboard. You will never meet better guys that right here on the forum. Please be sure to ask lots of question there is a huge amount of skill and knowledge that can save you time and money.

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Thomas SD10 3/4 and D10 8/5 Beginner

Dave Ledbetter · Post by **Dave Ledbetter** » 17 Dec 2005 4:25 pm

John,
Thanks for the encouragement. I'm in Dallas a lot. Where's the show at this year?

Dave

John Coffman · Post by **John Coffman** » 17 Dec 2005 7:04 pm

David here is the hyperlink. This gives you all the info. The host hotel is great but a little on the pricey. I will most likey stay there again this year. Oklahoma has one on Memorial day weekend also. I was not able to attend last year but is planned for 2006. Hope this helps.
http://www.texassteelguitar.org/tsgajamboree.html

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Thomas SD10 3/4 and D10 8/5 Beginner

Dave Ledbetter · Post by **Dave Ledbetter** » 17 Dec 2005 8:14 pm

Thank you John,
It looks like a blast. I can probably make it.

Dave