The Steel Guitar Forum

I sincerely request from all the ingenious members a solution(s) to a problem that I have in the makings. My problem is that I have a new Justice Pro Lite coming with a NV 112, now let me say that "is"not the problem. I misstated, must be a politian. Problem is I can't lift more than 30 pounds and I drive a Ford Escape. Groceries in and out a breeze, but PSG in case is 41 pounds and NV 112 is 45 or so. Will only need to move once a month to 6 weeks for lessons. Yes, I'm 62 and Fred Justice is building me a beautiful guitar and he got Jody Cameron to teach me how to play. I would appreciate all meaningful suggestions.

Thanks for the link Georg. I'll look in that direction also, though most seem expensive.

Hi Weldon, Welcome to the madness. It's a "nice little hobby."

"Split-Cases" have a small case for the pedal bar, four legs, and pedal rods, a second case for just the guitar body. Voila, your cased Pro-Lite is 10 pounds lighter. Ask Fred for a suggestion.

NV112 might be less than 45 pounds. 12" speaker made with neodymium magnet saves another 7 pounds or so. Some good ones are voiced for steel. A bit pricey but but your back will thank you.

I saw a post on here not long ago where a guy was using a soft sided keyboard "gig bag" to carry his P/P in. That might be an inexpensive solve for the guitar part of the issue. As for the amp. I have never taken an amp to a lesson as the teachers I used always had something I could plug in to just for the lesson. Is that an option ?? Or maybe get a small 15 watt practice amp to take with you to the lesson ?

The lightest split cases and my favorite are Brand X by Steve Hinson. I would use an amp of my teachers and skip carrying it.

If you use a Brand X case your heaviest item will be your seat.

Brand X split case for S-10 is an easy way to lose some ugly pounds, on the way to and from the gig. Or the lessons.

My solution was to sell my pedal steel and go back to lap steel....

As long as you are just transporting it for lessons, consider a keyboard gig bag. Maybe add some padding. This should get you to about 30 pounds or so. Maybe just lay it on the back seat. You can also use a rifle case to carry the legs and pedal board which will give you a little bit of a break. As long as you are careful loading it into the car, you should be fine.

Someone mentioned that your teacher may have an amp for you to use. I'd ask and if not there are many light weight amps that you can look into, for the purpose of your lessons. Good luck with your lessons.

I want to thank all of you good people for your thoughts and insights. You have given me a number of different avenues to pursue.
Scott, I'm sorry to say, but I'm not going to give up on my pedal steel.
Thanks again to all!

Maybe your teacher has a second amp so you don't have to bring yours?

Sorry, just saw that Bob already suggested this.

Howard Steinberg wrote:You can also use a rifle case to carry the legs and pedal board which will give you a little bit of a break.

Yep, in fact you can use just about anything to carry pedal bar and legs. A duffle bag will do, or duct tape your old pillowcase. Costs nothing, and weight of the main case is reduced. No points for style, but it's a way to find out for free if split cases are for you.