my first pedal steel

Daniel Seltzer · Post by **Daniel Seltzer** » 12 May 2015 7:46 am

new member; long time 6 string player; cant get rid of that itch that wont go away..

since I plan to "retire" some day, what better way to fill the days and while away the hours than learning to play pedal steel? Finally came to a head 2 weekends ago when I could not stop from being overwhelmed by the beauty and musicality of a steel player in a lounge band.. man, that's what I want to do!

So, I know you have all heard it before, but where do I start? I have perhaps 50 guitars, ukes, mandolins, mandolas, etc that get played in variable frequency.. I am lucky enough to be able to afford (within reason) what I want.. I have bought enough "junk" guitars to know I dont want to buy something that will prove a hindrance to learning, but also dont want to waste money on bells and whistles I wont use and which will just confuse me.

You can walk into most any guitar store and find many 6 strings..Finding a steel is another matter- especially living in a smaller town.. I have bought a ton of stuff off of e bay and know enough to keep myself out of trouble with 6 string- but a man's got to know his limitations, so I will be the first to admit I dont know enough about steel to make an intelligent purchase

Help the newbie out, please...

Shal (although my official name is Daniel, my friends call me Shal)

Fred Justice · Post by **Fred Justice** » 12 May 2015 8:09 am

Shal, here is a link to our website.
We build 5 different models.
Go look around and read up on what we have to offer.
Thank you for looking.
http://justicesteelguitars.com/

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 12 May 2015 11:59 am

BTW, Fred makes a damn fine guitar.
Currently, nobody is really making a bad guitar (or one with a reputation for inconsistent quality control).
If your inclination is to a single neck and your budget allows under $2500, ANY of the new guitars fitting your budget will do the job admirably. If your budget stops at $1500, everything THERE is still great.
The guitars above that are either prettier or have technology which is nice but not strictly necessary.
Buying used can be hit and miss, because these things are machines first, guitars second. A used machine can be great, it can be worn out. Try to find a player to offer assessment if you're gonna but used. If you're within an hour or so of Topeka, I'll do that for you (but not next weekend).

Mike Wilkerson · Post by **Mike Wilkerson** » 12 May 2015 1:08 pm

Lane Gray wrote:BTW, Fred makes a damn fine guitar.
Currently, nobody is really making a bad guitar (or one with a reputation for inconsistent quality control).
If your inclination is to a single neck and your budget allows under $2500, ANY of the new guitars fitting your budget will do the job admirably. If your budget stops at $1500, everything THERE is still great.
The guitars above that are either prettier or have technology which is nice but not strictly necessary.
Buying used can be hit and miss, because these things are machines first, guitars second. A used machine can be great, it can be worn out. Try to find a player to offer assessment if you're gonna but used. If you're within an hour or so of Topeka, I'll do that for you (but not next weekend).

Great point Lane if his budget allows him how would that Zum stage one or encore fit his needs?

Daniel Seltzer · Post by **Daniel Seltzer** » 13 May 2015 5:55 am

Fred Justice wrote:Shal, here is a link to our website.
We build 5 different models.
Go look around and read up on what we have to offer.
Thank you for looking.
http://justicesteelguitars.com/

Hi Fred

The more I think about it, the more I think maybe new makes more sense as opposed to "vintage."... I have the skill set to do many 6 string guitar repairs or fixes. I have zero for steel. Plus, while it is nice to have re sale value, that is not exactly what I am looking for..Trouble free use, is probably much more important to me now

So coming back to your instruments, how much assembly is required?

Shal

Fred Justice · Post by **Fred Justice** » 13 May 2015 6:13 am

Shal, the only assembly required is,

1. Open the lid of the case
2. Attach the four legs to the guitar
3. Attach the pedal bar to the 2 front legs
4. Attach the pedal rods from guitar to pedals
5. Lift it out of the case, plug it in and play

Shal I'd love to talk to you, email me your Ph. number and I'd be happy to call you.
God bless and thank you for looking.

Mike Perlowin · Post by **Mike Perlowin** » 13 May 2015 2:33 pm

I agree. Fred makes excellent guitars.

Given the choice between a Stage One and an Encore, (Both of which are made by Doug Earnest,) I recommend the Encore, for one reason. The pedal and knee lever setup on the stage one, which we call the copedant, is fixed, and can't be changed. It can be changed on the encore, as well (I believe,) as on Fred's guitars.

This might not seem important now, but sooner or later you'll want to experiment with different setups. You might find that you prefer the E string raises and lowers on a different knee, or one on each knee. When that time comes, you'll want a guitar that will allow you to make those changes.

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 13 May 2015 10:27 pm

Mike, both Doug Earnest guitars are excellent and good fits.
I'm too addicted to a whole string drop of 6 to be happy with a stock Stage One, but that CAN be made to work.
Value for money, I think the Stage One is nearly unbeatable.

Mike Perlowin · Post by **Mike Perlowin** » 13 May 2015 10:52 pm

Lane Gray wrote:. I'm too addicted to a whole string drop of 6 to be happy with a stock Stage One, but that CAN be made to work.
Value for money, I think the Stage One is nearly unbeatable.

Hi Lane. I'll take your word for it that the 6 string lower can be made to work on the Stage One, but if you're going to customize the copedant in any way, doesn't it make sense to get a guitar that's designed to let you do that?

Bob Hoffnar · Post by **Bob Hoffnar** » 14 May 2015 5:50 am

Find a guy near you to help you in person. There is a very good steel playing community in Wash state. I would not base my decision on something I read on the internet.

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 14 May 2015 12:05 pm

Indeed it does, Mike. But for a grand (give or take a meal or two), there's a well-made guitar.

Daniel Seltzer · Post by **Daniel Seltzer** » 14 May 2015 12:41 pm

Bob Hoffnar wrote:Find a guy near you to help you in person. There is a very good steel playing community in Wash state. I would not base my decision on something I read on the internet.

easier said than done..I have never seen anyone local play steel in almost 10 years here..If you go to the town around here, maybe.. That is what I am doing now..Small towns are problematic

Daniel Seltzer · Post by **Daniel Seltzer** » 16 May 2015 11:46 am

To all who send kind words and offered advice...Thank you so much for starting me on my path in steel.. Going to buy Pete's guitar

Shal

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my first pedal steel

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