How many years have you been playing?

Tom Gorr · Post by **Tom Gorr** » 21 Dec 2014 1:40 am

My pat answer used to be 15 years going on 5, not unlike my age which is 45 going on 30.

However when looking at the real numbers i think i bought my first s10 in 1997/98 and a universal in 2001...plus or minus.

Generally...I've been at music for 40 years starting with classical piano, 32 years as a guitar player including a nine year run with a top regional band which i retired from in the fall of 2013.

I just completed my first hired session as a steel player and have played occassional live shows over the past year in an jazz influenced alternative folk trio which has been a fabulous experience due to the high quality of character and talent of my bandmates.

jim flynn · Post by **jim flynn** » 21 Dec 2014 6:31 am

Almost 40 years, but compared to you, it might as well have been yesterday.Ha! Keep it up ole man. I love your picken.
Jim

John DeBoalt · Post by **John DeBoalt** » 21 Dec 2014 7:05 am

I think I started with the pedal steel about 97 or 98, can't remember for sure. I'd already been playing the resonator guitar since 87, and had messed around with a lap steel. So I guess a little over 16 years, and I was in my mid 50's when I started. I told my wife the pedal steel was my middle age crazy toy.

Dennis Saydak · Post by **Dennis Saydak** » 21 Dec 2014 4:12 pm

After five years I've finally got the strings on the right way. My next task is to level my steelseat and then buy a bar. It's a long journey for me with not enough time.

Hal Higgins · Post by **Hal Higgins** » 22 Dec 2014 8:29 am

In March of 1970 is when I started on this journey......so it will be 45 lovely years.......I love this instrument. I want to thank the many players who have spoken encouraging words, and have asked me to play with and for them over these many years. Also, the ones who have inspired me to keep getting better. The manufacturers who, build these incredible instruments, are to be commended for their innovations in improving the over all quality of the Pedal Steel.

Robbie Daniels · Post by **Robbie Daniels** » 22 Dec 2014 10:52 am

I have been playing 68 years and still play with a group that plays about 2 dances a month. Love it.

Georg Sørtun · Post by **Georg Sørtun** » 22 Dec 2014 12:10 pm

Started playing a home-built PSG sometime in the mid/late -70s. I built two simple PSGs for myself back then, and had a lot of fun with them.
Upgraded to a Dekley slimline S10 in 1981 (me thinks), and that's when I really started playing steel. Modified that same Dekley to an 'Extended E Major' tuning in 1988, installed 'floating neck' on it in 1993-94. Still got the old, modded, Dekley, and it will probably always be my favorite PSG.

So, I've been at it for at least 33 years, with some breaks when I either did not want to play, didn't have time to play, or simply could not play for various reasons.

The latest "off-period" is recent, as blood-clot in my left leg followed by surgery back in November 2013, put me out of action for a year. Still cannot feel the pedals properly because of cut nerves in the lower leg, but well enough to practice at home as I write this.
At age 61 I think I can get back up to playing at my own comfort-level in a few months time, and that will do fine for me.

Roger Hand · Post by **Roger Hand** » 22 Dec 2014 12:16 pm

started in 1971. played last job in October for my band leaders funeral. 43 great years.

Larry Waisner · Post by **Larry Waisner** » 22 Dec 2014 4:30 pm

Dobro for last twenty five years, pedal steel for ten years.

Paul King · Post by **Paul King** » 22 Dec 2014 4:48 pm

Started in April 1979 which means 35 years. Where has the time gone.

Jerry Bartee · Post by **Jerry Bartee** » 23 Dec 2014 9:22 am

I'm 77 now. started playing guitar when I was 10. Started playing steel in 1959.started on a fender 2000 when I was playing on the road in Pendleton Or.
Met the Sneed family during that time. Danny was just starting on the steel.

steve takacs · Post by **steve takacs** » 26 Dec 2014 9:23 am

Richard Sinkler, using the Nigerian scam, I recently came into a tidy sum of money. Prior to reading your disinformation about me being 136 years old, I had planned to send you a first class round trip ticket to Beijing with a month stay in a fine hotel.

Santa reminded me you were very naughty, so to sum it up...no Beijing trip. Be a nice boy in 2015

For the record, I started briefly playing steel in 1979 steel but honestly did not have a clue until 1984 when I attended a 5 day Jeff Newman seminar . stevet

steve takacs · Post by **steve takacs** » 26 Dec 2014 9:26 am

sorry, double post

Bob Knetzger · Post by **Bob Knetzger** » 26 Dec 2014 10:03 am

Sometimes it's hard to tell from my playing but it's taken me 44 years to get just this far.

Never had a lesson, and I should let that be a lesson to me!

Finis Spier · Post by **Finis Spier** » 27 Dec 2014 8:12 am

Hi Jerry I love the ray walker custom i bought from you prettiest guitar i have

Jerry Berger · Post by **Jerry Berger** » 27 Dec 2014 9:28 am

Hi Finis....PM sent.

Ivor Greenwood · Post by **Ivor Greenwood** » 27 Dec 2014 11:04 am

I have had the best guitars and amplifiers for the past 5 years.....I still can't play a note...
I always thought I could persuade Mr Hartley to change that...It never happened...One of these days !!!!!!!

Larry Baker · Post by **Larry Baker** » 27 Dec 2014 11:55 am

5 and 1/2 years. Should have started a long time ago. Have always loved the instrument. I was too busy playing bass in a band before starting the steel.

Scott D. Smith · Post by **Scott D. Smith** » 27 Dec 2014 1:34 pm

Started on guitar at 12 years old,playing pedal steel for 35 years.Thirty of it on the same sho-bud ldg.

Bill Dobkins · Post by **Bill Dobkins** » 27 Dec 2014 4:37 pm

6 and 1/2 years.

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 27 Dec 2014 4:47 pm

Sitting in front of a steel guitar ...about 52 years.
Playing the steel guitar? ....depends on who you ask.

John Booth · Post by **John Booth** » 27 Dec 2014 4:53 pm

Mike Archer wrote:over 50 on tele

31 on steel

I've got over 40 on the Tele buddy.
Wish I could play my steel like I do my old Telecaster.
JB

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 27 Dec 2014 5:54 pm

steve takacs wrote:Richard Sinkler, using the Nigerian scam, I recently came into a tidy sum of money. Prior to reading your disinformation about me being 136 years old, I had planned to send you a first class round trip ticket to Beijing with a month stay in a fine hotel.

Santa reminded me you were very naughty, so to sum it up...no Beijing trip. Be a nice boy in 2015

For the record, I started briefly playing steel in 1979 steel but honestly did not have a clue until 1984 when I attended a 5 day Jeff Newman seminar . stevet

Still teasing me?

Fraser Moffatt · Post by **Fraser Moffatt** » 28 Dec 2014 12:47 pm

Bass and six string guitar: 34 years

Pedal steel, lap steel, dobro: 1 year.

Mark Draycott R.I.P. · Post by **Mark Draycott R.I.P.** » 28 Dec 2014 2:43 pm

38 years of 6 string and 2 years at the pedal steel

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