From lap to pedal…

[Snapperharmer]

Hi all,

Just introducing myself really, as a guitarist and lap-steel player wanting to make the leap to pedal steel. Seeing Matt Park recently with Los Pacaminos cemented the decision (although of course it would be unfair not to mention Mel). I had a chat with Matt after the gig who suggested I have a look here…

So it’s the usual story - what to buy?

Unlike the guitar world opinion seems pretty unequivocal about getting what you pay for. I’m lucky to own some lovely guitars but have had as much pleasure from a £350 Squier as from a Custom Shop special. They both do the job, the differences are clear but subtle and you could definitely start playing on the cheaper instrument.

I’ll keep scouring the forum for advice and tips but it seems to me I probably need to bite the bullet…

Promenade Music? Are there any other retailers of new instruments?

P

[rodeoclown39]

Hi there
I have been playing lap for a few years now. I found my first PSG on this site- it's a beautiful Sierra 10 string with a 3 pedal/ 4 lever fairly " manageable" copedent. I have only had it out the case and tuned for a week or so- I would say that once you can tune this instrument you will feel a surge of inspiration ( I did at least...) and then you can just jump in. Go for it- skip the hype, do your research, reach out to a few folk. I know Ive got a hell of a learning curve but this is what life's for.

[Willie Gamble]

Hi there, if I were you I would contact Ted Nesbitt in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland.
You will get him on this forum

Asleep at the steel

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

Best advice IMHO is get the best you can afford in the quality secondhand range Ted is a fair man to deal with.
I would not advise new as shops charge so much for them you are bound to lose big when it comes time to part but a qualty 2nd hand at a fair price will always give you your cash back.
There are a couple of good steels on the market out there but at the price its obvious the owners overpaid.....they have been for sale a long time.......
Did Matt tell you where he got his Shobud from?