Money to spend

[Nick Bidmade]

The most lovely Mrs B has promised 2 presents for Christmas... yes, I know it's July, but this is an offer I need to make firm!
I have already identified a Hilton volume pedal as an essential. I like the Goodrich low profile pedal I'm currently using, but I have no technical knowledge whatsoever so if the string breaks or the pot gets scratchy and I haven't a clue how to fix it. Ken Byng kindly sorted me out last time I had a problem. but the postage costs between Newcastle and Southampton were considerable, and every time a pot goes or a string breaks it's going to be a costly repair... So, the Hilton is fixed in my mind.
What else?
I have a new Ben-Rom pedal steel which I'm really happy with. I have a Peterson Strobo Plus tuner and a 40 watt Roland GX amp. I don't really need any more power from an amp (and I couldn't even lift many of the higher powered amps) so, what do you all suggest as present No 2?
I could go for a set of George L cables, not cheap when you factor in the jack plugs as well. I could go for one of those 'Black Box' gizmos that make it sound better (or worse) than it does already... but I don't really know what they do, (or why) or I could go for something that improves the reverb or delay that's built in to the Roland amp.
The alternative is tuition book/s. Doug Beaumier comes highly recommended by my steel pals Derek Evans and Keith Glendinning. However, steelies home and abroad may have other suggestions.
I am mainly a home player with occasional small venue appearances. Your thoughts and ideas most gratefully received.

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

Nick, first thing is behave! it cost just £2-85 to send a Goodrich pedal via the post office have done it a few times..... a second pedal is nice for a spare although if you carry one around with you all the time you will never need it, leave it at home one night! and that is the very night you need it....
Also these electric pedals come with their own set of problems especially if you have a Walker seat, you can get away with the first75 gigs but on the next one you find the little power feed cable has got trapped under one of your seat legs..so.
you could ask for 10 rolls of gaffer tape?

[Nick Bidmade]

Thanks John. The Goodrich wouldn't be a spare - I'd sell it.
I have a roll of Gaffa tape - from around 1987, I think. Extra rolls might have been fun once upon a time, but Mrs B has put her foot down...

[Ken Byng]

Nick
With a Ben-Rom, a Cube amp and a Hilton you are just about there with your kit. The only thing I would add to your Christmas wish list is an Ezee-slide bar.

[Danny Mitchell]

Hi Nick,
Nice problem

I'd been thinking, a one to one Skype lesson with one of the giants out there. One of the Gartcosh Gurus had a day with David Hartley as a pressie, and said he benefitted greatly from the experience.

Or, employing a technique I've adopted; ask the missus to source a nice single malt because, and at this point I quote Laura Cantrell, "The Whisky Make You (play) Sweeter Than You Are".

But then I read Ken's post, and I've got to agree that an Ezee Slide is the way to go

I've got a John Pearse 1 inch bar which weighs a ton, so heavy that my wee, lady hands can't lift it from the strings and an Ezee Slide 7/8ths which is incredibly light and slick. I must say that I enjoy the tonal difference and speediness that I get from it.

Good luck with the quandry

[Nick Bidmade]

Thanks to you both! I toyed with the Skype lesson idea for a second or two before I realised I have no idea what Skype is or how to use it and I don't have the technical know-how, Danny. We are going to Mull next month so I'm hoping to sample several local malts before deciding which ones to bring home! Maybe they do a malt with a bottle that makes a great slide bar...
So, Ken wins by a TKO. A 1" Basil bar goes along with the Hilton VP.
Is it Xmas yet!

[Danny Mitchell]

Excellent choice, Nick

When you're waiting in Oban, for the ferry to Mull, be sure to visit the distillery. A little tour, with a sample of their wares, would be a welcome respite after your drive north. You can park up and toddle across the road for a taste of the lovely, fruity malt that they produce.
I hope the weather doesn't get too Scottish when you're on Mull it's a beautiful island and you should see a load of wildlife. (Pardon my enthusiasm if you've been there before It just dawned on me that I could be taking coals to Newcastle)

[Malcolm]

Nick, don't take a second pressy and put money away for a trip to Dallas show, you would love it.
Danny, played that one with Laura a few times when we toured with her many years back.

[Nick Bidmade]

Danny - I have to drive to Bunessan once we get off the ferry, so tours of the distillery are strictly off limits. If we have time, I might get hold of a bottle - for e-stressing after the long drive!
Malcolm - the cost of an Ezee- slide bar wouldn't cover a round of drinks at Dallas. I have heard all about Commonwealth Corner!
I'd need many birthdays before I could justify the cost.
Maybe a trip to Gartcosh?? (I probably couldn't afford a round of drinks there either!

[Malcolm]

Nick, Dallas is comparatively cheap, as long as Mr Blyng is not there, an absolute must at least once.Gartcosh on other hand is full of professional p*** artists.
Ps what did you do to make old Hornsby move?