Volume Vs. Tone

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

Do you guys find the same as me?, that when a band gets too loud (and ego`s get too proud) all the little subtle things you play on steel that sound so sweet are lost forever and you might as well be banging away on a six string to achieve the "noise" your steel is making???? Huh??
I`ve been told things like "if its too loud your too old" but IMHO thats crap!! and I reckon my one good ear is better than all three of theirs!!

[Shaun]

I'm only a beginner and as such haven't played steel in a giging situation. However I do attend a local guitar club where they kindly let me take my steel along and join in. Last week there were only about five of us, against the usual twelve or so. For me it was great to actually able to really hear what I was trying to play, also the other club members said it was great to be able to hear the steel properly (maybe they were just being kind:-). So I guess that kind of backs up what John is saying.

[Zumbilly(Murdoch)]

John, You are bang on(as usual)
Having played with all sorts of "musos" I have always found the good ones are the guys who know where the volume knob is.
We have all met and played with the super pickers who can play ten times faster and louder than anyone else,it's a look at how good I am kinda thing.
I play a pub gig and our lineup changes whenever any of us has a "Band" gig.I am quite lucky in that the regular players are of the non ego type and We allow one another to play and be heard when required.
I still feel though, that the beauty of the pedal steel is compromised on the bandstand unless the rest of the band are accoustic and the steel player can then
use the vol pedal to accentuate the subtle moves.
I also find that playing at a lower volume is much better tonewise as well as easier on the ear.
Billy