Steel Guitar Stores in Michigan

[Duane Noom]

Are there any Music Stores in Michigan, or close to, that sell Pedal Steel Guitars? I don't know of anything.
I'd like to try a Couple.

[Harry Dove]

Duane, I'm trying to think where Whithall is but I can't recall off hand. Isn't that near Muskegon? There is a store in Harrison but they don't have an inventory of steel guitars. It was a good place to get strings and other stuff you might need. I can't say what they have now because I haven't been there for a few years. I have seen a few guitars there but they appear to be their own. The price of them prohibits carrying an inventory. I've heard there is a store in Detroit, but I don't go there. Other than that, I don't think there is any. This isn't exactly steel guitar country. The best you can do is find someone near you that plays or go to one of the shows like St Louis. Even there most everything is already sold. But at least you can get a chance to pick on one. Otherwise take a vacation and go by one of the stores in other states that have some in stock. These would be mostly used guitars though and a fairly long trip.

[Jim Cohen]

The best you can do is find someone near you that plays or go to one of the shows like St Louis...

Unfortunately, the St Louis convention is now a thing of the past...

[Allan Jirik]

I don't believe there are any music stores in the Detroit area that regularly stock steel guitars and accessories. There used to be in the 1960s-70s but no more. Occasionally a pedal steel pops up on Craigslist or on consignment at a local shop but that's about it. Slim pickins so to speak. Harry's suggestions- finding someone in your area who plays or taking a trip to a pedal steel store out of state are about the best you're gonna do, IMO.

[Harry Dove]

Jim I didn't know that. When did that happen? I guess I don't know of any other shows big enough to have guitars on display.

[Jim Cohen]

Harry, this past Labor Day weekend was the first one in over 40 years without an International Steel Guitar Convention. Following the passing of Scotty, the Scott family decided not to carry on with it. As George Harrison would say, "All things must pass" and here's one of them.

More info here: http://scottysmusic.com/isgc2016.htm

Also, b0b has kindly just restored the ISGC sub-forum so you can read the Forum announcement and ensuing discussion here: http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... 86&start=0

Now, if you're up for a trip, the biggest show in the northeast happens this coming Sunday, Nov 6; it's the PSGA show in Norwalk, CT. You can usually see Fessenden guitars on display there, and perhaps one other brand, depending on who's coming this year. But you'll hear and can see up close lots of brands, and talk with the players, etc. Plus you get to hear the always amazing Buck Reid and the wonderful Cindy Cashdollar. Check the Event Announcements section of the forum for details.

[Abe Levy]

For a few hundred bucks you could fly to Southern California and go to Jim Palenscar's shop steel guitars or north county. He's got a large inventory on the floor. Well worth the trip, I'd say. Jim is a really great person too, you'll probably end up with a steel guitar and a new friend to boot!

[Mark Hershey]

Elderly Instruments is probably your best bet, and I don't think they carry anything. If you gave them a call I bet they could at the very least point you in the right direction for your best option.


My .02 either find a player in Michigan and check out their steel or take a trip to Nashville or any other steel store that's close to you.

Other than that you'll probably have to do what the majority of us do, buy sight unseen.

[Ronnie Boettcher]

When I was ready for a good steel guitar in 1977, I went to Nashville, from Cleveland Ohio. Played many brands, and took Lloyd Green's advice, and got a LDG. Then a few years ago, I wanted a new top line 5-string banjo, and drove to Maryland, southeast of DC, and got to play about a dozen different banjo's, and was very satisfied with my pick of the litter.
Your best bet, in my way of thinking, is to drive to Nashville, and visit a few places that have steels. Try out some, and make a commitment.
My 2 cents, Ronnie

[Brett Robinson]

Hey Duane,
I second the comment on Elderly in Lansing for buying strings. It's a world famous shop full of lap steels and weissenborns; sometimes they get an old Sho-Bud in as well. I used to live a couple blocks away and still drive down to buy my strings. Motor City guitars in Waterford has had an old Pro-II sitting in a case the last two times I was there. Needed a bunch of work. I'm moving to Nashville next week, but until then, I'm in Montrose and have a Show Pro I'd be glad to let you check out in person.

Edit: Just to clarify, my Show Pro isn't for sale, haha. Just always excited to let someone see how great Jeff's guitars are.

-BR

[Harry Dove]

Thanks for the info Jim. I was not aware of that at all. Guess I have been too busy lately, and I'm supposed to be retired.

Elderly Instruments is a very interesting place. I go there fairly often. They have a lot of good stuff there.

I believe that Danny, at the Harrison store, was running the Jagwire string business. I haven't heard much about that lately though, so I'm not sure what is happening with that.

It's good to see there are a few other steelers in Michigan.

[Kevin Fix]

BILLY COOPERS MUSIC IN ORANGE, VIRGINIA IS A GREAT PLACE TO CHECK OUT. I BOUGHT A COUPLE SHO BUDS FROM HIM OVER THE YEARS. BILLY AND WANDA ARE GREAT PEOPLE TO DEEL WITH. CHECK OUT THERE WEB SITE. www.billycoopersmusic.com.