Where and when did you buy your first Pedal Steel

[Barry]

My first steel was a Little Buddy, had it about 4 weeks, then went back for a Show Bud S!O. Got it from Denmark Street.

[Charlie Brown]

My first steel was a Bennett Sho-bud copy and I couldn't be happier, what an instrument... purchased it two years ago and after almost quitting (at least for 6 months) I can't stop playing the little beast!

So glad I listened to your advice to purchase a nice steel instead of going for a cheapo one, thanks guys

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

Went to the RED COW in Hammersmith late 69, Muskrat's were playing, heard a steel, talked to Gus York, he told me to go to my local music shop, had it within two weeks, 4 pedals, one knee. and a sheet of paper telling me how to tune it, and that was it.
Went to see Gordon Huntley in Newbury, he gave me some pointers and off I went, now I need to put it down, but I can't so here I am,still at it.

I went to the "Red Cow" in Hammersmith, feels like 100 years ago And saw Slim Pickins Pickin & grinnin... pretty much as he describes his experience with Gus York..... From there to Gordon Huntly and a shitty 8 string "Pierce" pedal steel then to a ZB student.... until I went down to the Broadway shop in Maidestone to look at my first real Shobud and Eric told me " give me your money and F*%£ off! .... I will never forget his endearing sales pitch.... but I did what he said and will always be grateful to him
R.I.P my old friend...

[Ken Byng]

I think it's fair to say that Snowball put pedal steel (per se) on the map in the UK. No doubt about it. Before Eric, the only pedal steels around in England and Scotland were mainly either bummed off of visiting American players, or hand built on these shores by the Dennis / Huntley enterprise. Many of us owe ES a massive debt of gratitude.