The Steel Guitar Forum

A hundred years ago they were saying that the lute was dead, that no-one played it any more; but now there are more lutenists in the world than there have ever been. Instruments don't die; they just go out of the public's view from time to time and then come back. In a hundred years time there will be as many, if not more, pedal steel guitarists than there are today.

One thing I feel that keeps more people from taking up steel is the cost and all that is required I mean you can find an electric guitar anywhere but steels are kind of hard to find.All that is required is also a factor I mean volume pedal is a basic thing you really need to have and they are not cheap you really need a pac a seat as well and a cheap steel is a long from from a cheap guitar its off by several hundred dollars.So in my opinion I think the main reason people dont take up steel young or old is because you just have to like it so much that you are willing to buy a steel and the accesories and then try to figure out how to play it.I know I try to talk people into it all the time and after a few minutes of telling about it they decide to stick with guitar.

If you think that the pedal steel guitar is expensive, try looking around for a vibraphone.

I started playing at age 14. At 53, it's a lifetime instrument. Ha, I removed the mirrors around the house so no chance of seeing anyone old!

Robert

PSG has no age boundaries. You either love 'em or you don't. I loved the cry of the steel guitar from the time I was a teen. I never saw one until many years later. If they carried them in stock in music stores like they do other guitars, I think we would see a lot more players of all ages.

Most every time there has been a young musician ( especially guitar players ) around where I'm playing pedal steel they have been really interested in the instrument. For a lot of them it's their first encounter with one but they are drawn to it. I'm just trying to think how many six string pickers I know of who would like to have a pedal steel...there's quite a few. The cost of getting started is the big drawback. What I'm seeing instead is guys buying inexpensive lap steels as a compromise.

Hey I got started very late in life. One Thing, at an young age everyone is involved in making a living and having a family. I've always love the sound of the PSG as a kid. Two years ago I said I was going to build a non pedal steel, and the wife said "RIGHT". I did but just could not get the right sound. After a major heart surgery last year and at the age of 76 I bought my first PSG (Rains) and having the time of my life. Can't believe I waited so long. Guess younger people have different goals .

Since I get to talk to a great cross section of steel players I have a different view point than I did a few years ago.

I keep hearing that all the steel players are dying and the instrument is dying.

I have gotten several orders in the last few months from steel players under 30. If we judge the age by the steel shows yes there lots and lots of older people there. What I have found is that the younger guys are out making a living (many on the road with acts - playing steel) just like the older people that are now playing shows.

For example, I sold at least 4 or 5 seats to young men in their 20's that are playing mostly older (my kind of) country. One had just gotten a gig on the road with a big name act.

I have more faith now than several years ago.

Joe Naylor
www.steeelseat.com

Heck yes! I am only 78 and still pickin' and grinnin'! 78 is just a number, that's all. Jack

I play at a place where the older ladies tell me "I love the steel guitar"

been learning to play it a couple of months now, im 39 and holding....never been more challenged or appreciated someone who could make music on a steel so much in my life! i figure its a young mans instrument, it just makes you feel old carrying all that heavy gear!

Patrick Thornhill wrote:Big rumor here in Austin is that Prince will be playing at a club called La Zona Rosa on Saturday....

"Prince" will help "keep Austin weird".