Things to know for first pedal steel

[kate1234]

Hi all, I've been lurking around here for a bit and researching pedal steels recently and I've got a couple of questions.

I've been playing lap steel for a few years (relatively seriously for about a year) and enjoying it a lot. But I can't get away from the fact that the more I get into steel guitar, the more I find my favourite licks and favourite players use a pedal steel. I'm after the wider variety of chords and some of the moves that can only be done on a pedal steel. Now I'm by no means good at lap steel yet and I'm sure I can learn a lot more to get closer to this (and I'm planning to keep practicing that anyway) but I think I'd really like to try a pedal steel to see if it clicks. From what I've read I'm asssuming a standard 3 pedal, 4 knee lever E9 setup is probably what I want at least to start out.

Now in getting one, I'm weighing up between getting one new and used. The only new ones I can find that I might actually be able to try are GFIs at Promenade Music - I'd be looking at the cheaper model as I don't want to spend too much on something for my first guitar! I'm definitely averse to buying anything without trying it first in general. Are there any other options?

Otherwise, when buying used are there any key things to look out for? The obvious ones for me would just be general condition, does it wobble, electronics work, do the levers and pedals all work OK in tune, but anything that may not be obvious to a novice? And similarly are there brands/models to avoid? I would say my budget is up to around £2000 at a push, based on what I've seen are the prices looking around, but if I can get a good guitar for less than this I am all ears! As obviously it's a fairly big investment for a novice. But on the other hand I have a lot of experience playing other instruments and so I know I want to get something decent and reliable so I can enjoy playing and learning, rather than a cheaper guitar that I'll spend half the time fighting with to keep in tune or that breaks. I've been browsing the "for sale" section here but of course it's hard to know what's what!

And slightly away from the issue of buying one, just something I'd like to understand for the future, is there anywhere in the UK to get a guitar repaired if something happened in the future? Or do you need to learn it all DIY? I don't mind learning a thing or two and can handle electric guitars no problem but I'm curious as to what's out there if I got in over my depth somehow.

Any other advice very welcome!

[Zumbilly(Murdoch)]

A very interesting post Kate.
You will get some very good advice here.
You did not say what part of the country You are from. Do You know any pedal steel players within a reasonable distance where You could arrange to have a try at one.
I was desperate to get a pedal steel initially and the price was quite off putting. I could not afford one (famiIy came first).
After a lot of hard work and overtime I was eventually able to seriously consider buying. I opted for a high cost top name guitar and I can honestly say if I had chosen a cheap no name I would have given up after a short time. I was determined to become a "player" and after a lot of practise I was able to sound not bad, I continued learning (and still am).
You have stated Your ability to handle the bar and picks and obviously intonation so I have no doubt You will be successful.
This forum is a good place to purchase a used instrument and I have never heard of anyone getting a "clunker" here.I would strongly say that You should not buy unseen or at least have a trusted player to attest to anything You are considering.
Good luck in Your search and keep us informed.
Best regards
Billy

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

Kate you are welcome at my place if St neots, Cambs is within reach for you?, always a steel or two set up here and advise is free come play.

[kate1234]

Billy, thanks for the advice, I hear what you're saying and I'm inclined to agree, I'll be better off with something solid. And yes regarding buying without trying, I've reluctantly done it with guitars a couple of times, but would not do it for something so expensive (and unknown, having not even played a pedal steel!). So I'll certainly be finding a way to try one out. I'm in Manchester, I don't know if there is anyone local but if anybody happens to know of any players around there it would be great to find out!

John, thanks for your offer! In theory it isn't too far, but I'm not sure when I'll next have the time. I will definitely think about that though.

[Jif]

Hi Kate, here's my tuppence worth. I'm a relatively new player compared to most of the old hands on here and can still remember being where you are now. It's a big commitment to make and I remember being quite nervous of diving in, I wasn't aware of this forum at the time so was flying blind. I ended up buying a GFI student model with 3 pedals and 2 levers. It was an OK steel, but you get what you pay for. It did give me the opportunity try it and see if I could learn it, but looking back I wish I had gone for something a bit better. There was a certain amount of grappling with it to make it work accurately, and it did wobble a lot

So I agree with you when you say you would want to get something professional to start on, with at least 3 pedals/4 knee levers.

The fact that you have been learning lap steel will help to make the initial transition to pedal steel. You will have a good idea of bar use and using picks? It's still a lot to learn, I know when I first started, it was very frustrating as I sort of knew what I wanted to do but getting my limbs to co-ordinate and do it was a different story. Anyway, a lot of practice and blood, sweat and tears and it started to come together. What really helped me was going to the Scottish Steel Meetings at Gartcosh and learning from experienced, professional players.

In any case, good luck with your search, it may help to post info etc of any steel you are considering buying here, I'm sure the guys here will be able to help you with any details you are unsure of.

[kate1234]

Thanks! I appreciate the input and I'll definitely take it on board. This forum seems like a wealth of knowledge so I'll be sure to ask any questions (perhaps too many!). But not in any rush so I'll just keep my eyes open and wait for a decent opportunity I think.

[Jif]

Hi Kate, good luck and you're right, no need to rush, better to find the right steel for you.

Forgot to say in my post. Although I found it a very steep learning curve and sometimes frustrating when I first started playing, I'm so glad I went for it. It's been my favourite go to instrument for a lot of years now, in fact I almost stopped playing guitar altogether for a while. It's an amazing instrument, beautiful sounds, endless possibilities and very enjoyable and rewarding to play