new member here and a big hello!

[country frank]

Hey there everyone, very nice to make your acquaintance.

I am a long time 5 string [bluegrass] banjo player who has also dabbled in lap steel for over 25 years.

Its time to face the facts that the pedal steel has always been the most intriguing instrument, and as such i figured that by joining the professionals [you guys and gals] i might be able to learn whats what in terms of instruments to avoid and ones to covet, tech and playing tips and eventually [hopefully] invest in a full blown pedal steel.

I have seen a few on ebay recently and with the exception of a Bennetts S10 [currently on there] they have all been a bit lacking to the untrained eye [and ear].

I very much look forward to trawling the advice and posts on here and all the very best from sunny London.

[Uncle Roy]

Welcome to the forum Frank, what part of London are you from?
There are meetings held in London when possible so if you keep an eye on the site I am sure Jonathan or one of the other London guys will inform you when a date is fixed.
Enjoy the forum.

[country frank]

Many thanks Uncle Roy!

I am living in south London [Thornton Heath] and working in Milbank so computing through the pea soup and smog every day :0)

London meet ups hey, well that sounds like a wealth of fun and info. many thanks for your kind words and warmest from Millbank.

[Danny Mitchell]

Hello and welcome Frank
Roy's advice is sound. The London meetings are the place to be. Speaking from experience, attending the Gartcosh meetings as a rank newbie, helped me no end. The steel community is the most generous spirited collective I have ever came across.
On the purchasing front, there is a steal of a steel in the For Sale section at the moment, that would be perfect for a first guitar (I reckon). It's the keyless Bennett that Ted is currently advertising.

Good luck with your Steel adventure, this instrument is like musical Sudoku which I'm hoping will stave off the loss of marbles

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

Welcome aboard Frank, I am about 50 mls north of London but if you can travel that far I have four different makes of Steel set up here and your welcome to try all of them and learn what the difference is between them.... You don't have to buy anything but it is important to learn what you are getting into.
If you decide to come, Please don't bring the Banjo,,,,,,,,,

[RonMc]

Welcome to the group Frank, If you can get to John Davis's you will get all the advice you would need, he will help you as much as possible.

Regards Ron Mc

[country frank]

Many thanks for the welcome words everyone, you guys really are really lovely.

Ron and Dan, very nice to make your acquaintance and John that is a very kind offer indeed!

If i am able to get 'shore leave' from the missus [and my 2 daughters] i'd relish the opportunity to take you up on the offer of a visit and a fast track learning experience!

Oh, and i promise NOT to bring a banjo :0).