New member first post

[Ukjonathan]

Hi I’m new to this forum and new to this wonderful sounding instrument. I will be a student or beginner trying to learn this instrument. I’m desperately trying to find out as much information on my hopefully first purchase as possible, so will be asking for advice if that’s ok.
I don’t know if I’ve even left it too late as I’m now newly retired and played blue grass banjo and organ for a few years.
I first fell in love with the steely in the early sixties while in a drunken haze at a country festival that I ended up at. The sound simply blew me away and ever since I’ve loved the sound. I tried to buy one many years ago but they were far and few so I settled on a blue grass banjo. Anyway I’m waffling on so sorry for that and I look forward in my new journey of discovery
Jonathan

[nevada150]

Hello Jonothan,
You'll definitely find lot's of help and assistance on this Forum. Good luck in your attempts.

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

Hi Jonathan, Welcome aboard you will find the help on here, Where are you located? if not to far from Cambridgeshire I have Emmons, Carter, and Shobud here and your welcome to try them all, Best advice get a player to help you decide on your first steel and make sure it is playable before you buy.
Good luck in your quest....

[Ukjonathan]

Hi and thanks for welcome, I sure will need some help as I want to hopefully buy a good starter one that I can hopefully learn. I’ve got plenty of time on my hands now and I’ve got lots of patience so mistakes makes me more eager.
I live in Yorkshire so I need something near. And I can’t drive yet I’ve just had a new hip done
Thanks for welcome again and any advice greatly excepted.

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

Most on here will tell you starter guitars are the road to frustration IMHO if you can get a pro guitar to start with it is the best way to go and you should just about get your money back when it comes time to sell, if its a proper recognized make . If I were in your position my preference would be a pro model even if it needs a little work there are members near you that can help......

[Ukjonathan]

Hi John I do like the look of the shobud and the zumsteel I must admit and I want a decent make then there will be a bigger chance it’s me making it sound bad and not the instrument. I always think a decent instrument is by far best to learn than something cheap cheap. Reason I’m looking second hand to get more for my money hopefully thanks for all advice
I don’t seem to be able to find anything in Yorkshire area but I’ll keep looking

[Danny Mitchell]

Welcome Jonathon,
Good luck with your search for a decent pedal steel. I was a late starter myself and, with hindsight, I wish I had gone for a pro standard guitar. I could've avoided all the uncertainty with tuning and pedal/lever accuracy.

If you can make it to John's living room I'm sure you'd get a better picture of the whole pedal steel deal.

One consideration, if you've got any health issues, these things are heavy buggers. I've ended up with a single neck, no pad, keyless model, that is quite manageable for the more mature gentleman.

And, finally, if your in North Yorkshire, and once your new hip settles, you should try to get along to the North East Steelers Meetings. There you'll find encouragement and advice, and, allegedly, a good pint available.

Good luck with your Steel adventure.

[RonMc]

Welcome Jonathon, there are plenty on the forum who will be more than willing to help, John Davis could help steer you in the right direction regarding a first purchase.

[Ukjonathan]

Hi Again and thanks for the new posts.
I have just contacted John to inquire about a steely that would be suitable, so I’m on the way as they say. I also will try at some point to make it to a gathering as I’m sure it’s up my street talking and listening to like minded people. Once again a big thank you for the warm welcome

[simon_f3]

Hi Jonathan, glad you've made contact with John Davis - there is a wealth of good advice and knowledge on this forum, but a visit to John's will definitely help you to get to grips with what is essential and what is not. Plus he is an absolutely top guy and I cannot sing his praises highly enough as a musician, teacher, and general all-round human being!
My biggest mistake in learning PSG was to buy a lower quality instrument when starting. I managed to knock out a tune or two, but it only took a few months to grow out of it. John sourced a beautiful Sho-Bud Pro 3 for me, and now I have an instrument that will probably keep me going for ever. Yes, it was more money than the cheap one, but it is a lot more playable. Plus it's set up like John's so it's easier to steal his licks
Another thing I should say is that a good steel will hold most (or all) of its value, so although the initial investment may be high you wouldn't expect to make a big loss if you decided to sell later on. This may also be true of a starter guitar but my experience was that although I bought a cheap one, I still lost 25% on it when selling as it had limited appeal.
Hope that's a help, and good luck in your quest