The Steel Guitar Forum

As has been noted in countless other threads, you don't hear classic styles on country radio these days. You look elsewhere.

That being said, the band was all to happy to accept an invitation from our regional, country station to strut our stuff at a terrific festival. We were VERY well received.

Prior to sound check, "on-air personality" (country) comes over to chat and asks:

"So, what kind of instrument is that?"

- end of story -

h

Sadly, I'm not surprised.

I was pretty amused.

A quick witted band mate told him it was a "20 string cheese slicer".

Then, a quick lesson.

h

Howard Parker wrote:
A quick witted band mate told him it was a "20 string cheese slicer".

h

Another favorite is "an Electric Table".

I've known several people who ended up as radio dj's and the path to that career quite often has absolutely nothing to do with music at all. Some of the people I know would have been just as oblivious with a rock band or dj or orchestra. They don't know what they don't know and no one giving them jobs expects anything else.

It may be because modern country doesn't feature pedal steel much anymore... but I wonder if 30 years ago country music fans back then would have recognized your electric table instrument? Mine was often called a keyboard, synthesizer or slide guitar by the announcers back then!

Dustin Rhodes wrote:I've known several people who ended up as radio dj's and the path to that career quite often has absolutely nothing to do with music at all. Some of the people I know would have been just as oblivious with a rock band or dj or orchestra. They don't know what they don't know and no one giving them jobs expects anything else.

Indeed!

The role of commercial broadcasting is to sell advertising. It's always been thus!

I was shocked when the station hired us as "RFC" (radio friendly country) we are not.

That being said, the gig was great for us and great for the crowd.

"Fist City" was a hit!

h

What a great opportunity to spread the word about pedal steel guitars to someone in their position. Now they are a not quite so ignorant on air personality. Hopefully that person picks up an interest for the instrument.

Actual musicians are just as guilty as DJs or other peripherals. I am in the process of training the other members of our band to introduce my instrument by its proper name and not "lap slide" or some other perversion. This process has just entered its third year, but they're a great bunch!

Dom Franco wrote:It may be because modern country doesn't feature pedal steel much anymore... but I wonder if 30 years ago country music fans back then would have recognized your electric table instrument?

30 years ago? Maybe not. But 50 years ago was a different story.

In my area (Baltimore/Annapolis), I can assure you it did!

I can remember going bar-hopping with our band leaders many times in search of jobs back in the '60s and early '70s. And usually, the club owners weren't interested in changing bands...until the bandleader told them..."This is my pedal steel player, right here!" Man alive, they'd get a big smile and ask..."When can you fellas start?" Doors opened up and we got to play in places other bands never could! Made me feel pretty good, too.


Yes, those were the days...the golden age of country music and pedal steel guitar.

Personally, I <b>love</b> it when somebody cares enough to ask about the weird instrument I'm playing (I play other weird instruments besides pedal steel ). Whether it's a genuine question or just a friendly set-up from an MC, I'll take it every time.

I agree it's tempting to shoot back with a "smart" answer, but trust me, the folks who are out there listening were probably all wondering the same thing, and will absolutely appreciate a genuine & informative answer.

I always get followups after a show when I've been given a chance to talk on-stage about the odd thing I'm banging on. If you like to connect with your audience, there's no better way to make it happen.

Even better when someone comes up and says "Great to hear a pedal steel - we don't get many". Appreciative and knowledgeable!

People might not know what a steel looks like, but most know the sound of it. That "twangy" sound.

Once did some tracks on a CD for a local Musician. All were original country songs and the small studio was operated by a Rock musician who was very good in his own right. He admitted he had never been around or heard much of a steel guitar. Did about 5 tracks on the CD project. When I went back to here playback in the control room I and they were so pleased. Thee steel parts were so clear, clean and blended as is. When I got the finished project the engineer had all my sound either compressed or fuzzed somewhat and totally different than what I had hoped was going to come out. Oh well, life's like that.

I was shocked when the station hired us as "RFC" (radio friendly country)

I never met a radio I didn’t like. Until I turned it on.

"I never met a radio I didn’t like. Until I turned it on."

THAT is funny!!!

I’ll be here all week. Try the veal….

years ago,had a family member ask about my "iron" guitar playing!!!!!

Right at the very tail end of this clip, someone asks.... “ What is that called?”

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WhYsDnvQHbI

"iron" guitar

I've heard "metal steel", and my grandmother called it my "machine".

You know, "armpit guitar" feels fairly warm and intimate in contrast to these cold, industrial references.

Ian Rae wrote:Even better when someone comes up and says "Great to hear a pedal steel - we don't get many". Appreciative and knowledgeable!

Yessir,and to me,when that happens,it's as rewarding as the modest pay i am getting.Makes it worth lugging my gear around.

Chris Templeton wrote:People might not know what a steel looks like, but most know the sound of it. That "twangy" sound.

Isn't the twangy sound from the Telecaster. It seems the steel guitar has a crying sound, not a twangy one.

I like Joe Wright telling the story of the guy who said to him in an elevator.

"I love they way you play keyboards.'

Yes, you are right, Darrell, it does refer to the tele most often.
...For the uninitiated listener, when I've described the pedal steel in the past, people have responded "oh, that twangy instrument", which also implies a musical genre.

Years ago, I set my guitar up beside the stage steps, Which was close to the back door to the kitchen. I had let the guitar set a while to temperature adjust. Came back to check the tuning. 2 Little white haired ladies was looking at my guitar, They were in a argument. One said it was a cheese slicer, The other said no it was a noodle cutter, Look you could adjust the noodle width by shoving one of the pedals. I had to go hide I laughed so hard.

When our band went on stage I looked out in the crowd and there they sat. I would like to to what they thought when I was on stage playing the Cheese Slicer/Noodle Cutter.