The Steel Guitar Forum

I'm brand new to both pedal steel and this forum. I've just bought an old Sho-Bud Pro III Custom D10, and it's in the shop at Scotty's getting some TLC performed by Don.

About 16 years ago, I was in a motorcycle accident which did serious damage to my left leg. As a result, I wear an ankle brace and don't have the ability to flex my left foot and ankle. I can however operate the pedals by pressing down with my thigh. The main problem is the lack of sensation in my left foot, so it's hard for me to tell where my foot is by feel.

Have any of you ever encountered anyone with a limitation such as this? I have no doubts that I will be able to play, one way or the other, but I know using the pedals will present a special challenge for me.

I am a serious tinkerer, and have even thought of rigging up some kind of "Rube Goldberg" linkage to allow me to switch the pedals to the right foot, but I'll admit this would be a mechanical nightmare!

I'm open to any suggestions, even far-fetched ones. I'm determined to get this to work somehow!

Thanks!
Mike

Hi Mike.....
I have a friend in Prescott, Az whose name is Gary Hood. Gary had polio as a child and has limited use of his left leg. He is a right handed steel player who operates the pedals with his right foot. His left foot maintains the volume pedal. Talk to Don Curtis about moving your pedals to the right end of the pedal bar (of course all the linkage on the undercarriage will need to be moved, too). That may be a viable solution for you. It will take rebuilding the underside of the guitar, but these things are hard enough to play without any handicaps. Anything you can do to make it easier is a plus. I don't think Gary is on the Forum, but send me an email, and I can probably put you in touch with him. Good luck!!


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Billy Easton
Casa Grande, AZ
Where the Sun Always Shines