New member in central London

[RiMartin]

Hi All,

Thanks for allowing me into The British Steelies Society!

I’m from the Solomon Islands and have just moved to central London to study at UCL for a year. I grew up on my dad’s Country & Western records and fell in love with pedal steel. I started playing in 2022 (Stage One Zum Steel, USA), mostly self-taught via online materials and a few casual gigs with friends.

I’m a keen daily player but couldn’t bring my gear, and I really miss it. I’d love to connect with London steelies for lessons, jams, shows, and any tips on borrowing or buying an affordable PSG in the UK.

I’m also exploring building a PSG. I’ve started a SketchUp design and would love to chat with anyone into fabrication or who can point me to a local machinist/builder.
Based in Bloomsbury; happy to travel.

Cheers and thank you!

Richard

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

Hi Richard, welcome to our Forum there is plenty of help on here, and if you dont mind 40 minute train ride from Kings X I am at st.Neots Cambs. Pm me if you wanna come up.

[RiMartin]

Thank you, John, for the warm welcome and the invitation. It would be an honour to meet you. I’ve sent you a PM.

[jonshack]

Hi Richard, welcome to the UK!

I have a S-10 that I rent out to pedal steel students, it's currently 'out' but I'll let you know when it becomes available. I'm based in NE London so would be easy enough to pick up.

John is your man for tracking down a used/affordable guitar. Not really any jams going on at the moment around London. I do a fair bit of gigging if you want to come along and say hello https://www.pedalsteelguitar.uk/gigs - Always good to meet players!

Good luck with building if you go that way and let us know how you get on!

Jonathan

[RiMartin]

Hi Jonathan,

Thank you so much for reaching out. Brilliant to hear you have a PSG available to rent. I’d be keen to rent and book some lessons as well. I would love to meet up at any of your gigs. I’ll find a suitable date on your schedule and PM you.

Yes, it’s been a long-term goal, or rather an ambitious project of mine, to build a PSG. I’d love to team up with a machinist/hobbyist to work on the design and see if it can be achieved. Not sure how far it’ll go, but it’s worth giving it a go!

Best regards,
Richard