The British Steelies Society

Hello.I am a complete newcomer to the world of pedal steel,so please excuse my ignorance.I've been playing guitar for 50 years,but I've just been diagnosed with arthritis,and playing "ordinary" guitar is becoming painful.It's not only affecting my finger joint but also the pad of my finger making fretting unpleasant.
I play slide guitar,but my 1st love is jazz and jazz funk.Do you think these styles are possible on pedal steel?
I've just read this thread through,and it sounds kinda whiney and whingey, sorry about that

Could you recommend a good starter pedal-steel?

Thanks loads....Jerry

Hi James,
Thanks for your quick reply and welcome.Are the steel guitars you mentioned available in the UK? If so,do you know where I could look at one?
Thanks Loads....Jerry

IF YOUR FIRST LOVE IS JAZZ I WOULD SUGGEST THE C6 TUNING IS MORE UP YOUR STREET, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU CAN GET A STAGE ONE WITH A C6 TUNING, I COULD OF COURSE BE TOTALLY WRONG. IF I AM, SORRY CROWBEAR.

Thanks for your reply Donny.I've been looking on Youtube and it would seem that there are loads of Jazz pedal steel players.Are you from the UK?If so any ideas where I can get a good steel? Preferably on the South coast.
Thanks....Jerry

You could listen to Buddy Emmons playing some Jazz style..... it will either inspire you ...... or make you wanna give up ....its that good >>>> we all gotta hill to climb. If you want to come up as far as Cambs you can explore the different tunings here that is E9th and C6th it may be you would prefer a 12 string uni ???? at least you will get some help here>>>>>

HI JERRY, I'M FROM SCOTLAND, BEEN PLAYING OVER 40 YRS, DOESN'T MEAN I'M GOOD, JUST OLD. I'M SURE YOU'LL LOTS OF HELP ON HERE. WHERE ARE YOU FROM ? BEST REGARDS, DONNY

Thanks so much for your pleasant replies.I live in the deep south of Hampshire Donny! I guess Cambridge isn't too far,apart from the dreaded M25 bit,John.As soon as I get the results from the X-ray,and my GP's diagnosis I'll think about coming up.I can't bear the thought of not being able to play any longer.I am a music teacher at a local primary school and I have a horrible feeling this stupid arthritis may be a problem at school.Sorry,whingeing again

Thanks again.....Jerry

Hampshire is a hotbed of pedal steel guitar! I live in the distant north, but had to travel to Southampton to get my first "real" steel. Someone fairly close to you is bound to get in touch, for sure? Having said that, you cannot do far wrong by going to see John D. in Cambs. he may be able to find you a guitar too, if I'm not mistook. Tony.