The Steel Guitar Forum

Hi Len I'm thinking about going to a non pedal Steel.It is getting to the point I think I will stick with my Dobro and a Non pedal Steel. Now the thing is to find a good one and to keep The price down.What are you going to get for a non pedal Steel??
Sam White

Hi Sam:

As usual I use the shot gun approach on steel. I started off with a few Peavey Power Slides at $200/ea for different tuning. The bridge and nut are stamped but a mini file and a few strokes to deepen the string slots improves sustain and sound.

I also have a Gretsch lap steel an MSA D-12 SS and a 8 string MSA SS on the way.

The Peavey is a decent unit to get you started without spending a fortune. Also, a smaller amp gives a sweeter sound than using a Nashville 400 or a steel amp.

Bluegrass Reso player for about 15 years before playing some rock with lap steel, then really started concentrating on PSG in the rock/alt country/Jam band. ...absolutely love them all. Right now still enjoying exploring the PSG.
I feel the PSG has improved my my theory, as well as my listening ability in an ensemble has improved. With that much sustain, one has be be perfectly deliberate in everything you do. Some right and left hand techniques cross-over from the three, but they feel worlds apart. Gigging the last three years with PSG and Lap..(too much stage volume to make the reso work well..) I am able to switch from pedal to Lap in about 8 seconds..so I'll even switch in mid-song..usually takes me longer than that to make the mental transitions.. Fun!

Edward Meisse wrote:I have some of those same comfort issues on the PSG. And BTW, Doug bears some responsibility for my having got one. And I'm glad I got it. As Reece used to say, playing PSG teaches you things about the lap steel and vice versa. Since I only play C6, the main advantage for me with the psg is versatility. A lot more really can be done on it. But still, I find that with my style, the pedals seldom come into play. But they make a huge difference when they do. I'm squarely and decisively on the fence when it comes to a preference.

Not sure, but you may or may not be a bit indecisive

I play my Tremblay 8 strings C6 lap steel in a western swing band and my MSA 12 strings Universal E9/B6 in a country band. I split my time between the 2 and I think they both help me learning the other.

I try to play all the lap steel chord and licks I do with slant on the pedal steel by using the pedal, it help me learning what the pedal really do. I also try to play what I do on pedal steel by founding new position and slant on lap steel.

If you have the time I think it help doing more creative practice.