Who or What?

[Malcolm]

Baz, if I had a quarter of your talent and capability ( not to say over the moon to get to that level) I could probably manage with less levers or pedals.

[Danny Mitchell]

At this point I'd like to introduce a brand new raise into the mix and this is, LTD; that's left thumb down.

viewtopic.php?f=29&t=8621

Where will it end??? Like Bruce Forsyth, I've been blessed with an ample chin and am now wondering if you boffins out there could come up with some way of utilising this redundant protrusion

And as for recognising a player's style, I could spot Bob's anytime, by all the good stuff that's happening behind the melody.

Great thread, thoroughly enjoying it

[mick hearn]

Some good responses here, keep it going.

As for me? I now have a Sigler button and a Franklin button on my lap steel.

Which brings me to a different point. If I say I play lap steel, are there any preconceived ideas as to the type of music i am going to play?

[Malcolm]

Mick, Makes me think 1 Western swing, 2 blues 3 rock ( with distortion or overdrive 5 rockabilly 6 hawiian .Think it has a wide range of genres.

[hickenjr]

There is one place for making mediocre to okay quality, cheap and mass produced pedal steels... China.
Mainstream music stores would actually be able to invest in these Chinese steels to sell. Youngsters would probably be able to afford £300-400 considering most mid range guitars are in that region. The shop could be running at 100% mark up on them too. Liam Gallagher, Kongos, and more mainstream acts have started using steel. 2 pedal steels at Glastonbury this year. It's only a matter of time. Cheap labour, low cost parts, and flow/batch production methods would lead to low overheads. This would be ideal to get youngsters started until they could afford "The Gibson Les Paul" of the steel world. This is what many youngsters are like in the guitar world anyway. They don't order custom made guitars first off, they go to the local high street shop and buy the cheapest Chibson or more recently the Ch-ukulele. The reason most steels are expensive are because of the high quality parts, expensive labour, job production methods and the brand name/associated acts.

[GuitarMathew]

There is one place for making mediocre to okay quality, cheap and mass produced pedal steels... China.
Mainstream music stores would actually be able to invest in these Chinese steels to sell. Youngsters would probably be able to afford £300-400 considering most mid range guitars are in that region. The shop could be running at 100% mark up on them too. Liam Gallagher, Kongos, and more mainstream acts have started using steel. 2 pedal steels at Glastonbury this year. It's only a matter of time. Cheap labour, low cost parts, and flow/batch production methods would lead to low overheads. This would be ideal to get youngsters started until they could afford "The Gibson Les Paul" of the steel world. This is what many youngsters are like in the guitar world anyway. They don't order custom made guitars first off, they go to the local high street shop and buy the cheapest Chibson or more recently the Ch-ukulele. The reason most steels are expensive are because of the high quality parts, expensive labour, job production methods and the brand name/associated acts.

I agree with Steven totally, we need some cheap pedal steel guitars to promote this beautiful instrument more. I was telling to my friends how much my new WBS was when I bought it and they were shocked about the price. They can't believe it is that high, but when I explained it to them they understood. Furthermore, some of my friends want to play the pedal steel guitar but they don't want to spend much money for it because the 'risk' it too high! They said to me, I don't even know if it is a good match with me etc. and I agree with them. So hopefully in the future we get some student student student models like under 1000 euros, pounds or dollars to get those youngsters started!!!

[Malcolm]

Mathew, not going to happen, building a steel is labour intensive, to few built to get parts mass produced likes of Fender or other six string makers, bodies on those virtually machine built.The assembly and fine tuning are time consuming thus increase labour costs.Best option for a learner looking for a starter is an older used pro model, but buy from a reputable source, or take an experienced Steelie along to check it.Ron Bennett used to produce a very good "student" model 3x4 (unlike some that only give you 3x1 or 3x2), don't know if he is still building since his move up to Scotland. Other than that the Zum Stage One sold by Gerry Hogan is good guitar, but over the £1000 mark.

[SHAKEY]

Malcolm, of course you are right, it is far better to buy a second hand pro model rather than a student model with only one or two knee levers, but look at the prices people are asking for them. For example not that long ago you couldn't give an old MSA away, now look on ebay .com and the American forum and they are asking, in some cases upwards of 2 Grand, like this one, http://www.ebay.com/itm/MSA-CLASSIC-SD- ... SwTM5Y4G4e Yes it looks good but there is no telling what condition the changer is in. Naturally people see adverts like this they are going to follow suit and ask similar prices. Personally I can't see how anyone can justify that sort of price on an old guitar like that. I know it's a dealer selling it but all the same, way OTT in my opinion.

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

I think its a case of supply Vs Demand and market forces will always prevail but if you pay a fair price for a used pro guitar you will nearly always get your money back when it comes time to part..... this is not so with a student model, for a complete beginner I think these are the road to frustration.......
I stood in Al Brisco's shop and listened to him play a Carter starter and it made you want one but could I make it sound like that not a chance so what chance a complete beginner??