More About Playing Steels in the Rooms......

Billy Henderson · From: Portland, AR, USA

Pete he didn't have to tell me but once. As far as I am concerned it was uncalled for, rude, and mean spirited. Having said that I have moved on but that experience has me gun shy of hanging around steel guitar rooms at Dallas or St Louis. In fact I don't plan to attend either one ever again.

That is all I have to say about that. It is their guitars, their business and they can run it anyway they want.

Mike Mantey · From: Eastern Colorado, USA

As a manufacturer I do my best to get you to try a guitar. I don't feel a $49.00 set of headphones and amp would allow you to really hear what the guitar sounds like. I would not try and sell a $5,000 guitar if all I had to display was some headphones. This is one reason people play in the rooms. The other is entertainment; that is what we are there for. We are a tight community, not only am I trying to sell guitars, but I am giving the players of our guitars the opportunity to better their careers and get some exposure. I don’t ever get to see these people play, and that is what many come for. We are always willing to do what it takes for the customer, so if you would ask, I am sure any manufacturer would stop everything so you could try one, or set up a time to. We cannot please everyone, but with people like Austin, Tyler, and Mickey Adams playing in our room, that is what the guitar can sound like. What you should be doing is listening and saying, ok here are 3 or 4 different guys all playing a G2, with totally different setups, pickups, amps, and what do they all have in common, (besides their good looks) they all sound great.

All I got to say is speak up, I would have happily accommodated you, and so would the other guys, which is what we are there for.

Scott Swartz · From: St. Louis, MO

I have never had a problem in getting to try out a steel at ISGC.

It is true you might have to come back at an agreed upon time, or talk to a couple guys to get it set up or whatever, but given how much opportunity there is to try out steels if you are not at a show (ie nil), having to arrange something doesn't seem like too big a deal to me.

None of the steel makers are pushy salesman IMO, which I like, some will ask if you want to try one and leave it at that no problem there, others wait to be asked, either way is fine with me.

I am sure they all want to move guitars, and if you work with them a little, you can put yourself behind any of them.

I don't find it any more hassle than trying out 6 strings at Guitar Center or whatever, that certainly has its challenges also, just a different set.
_________________
Scott Swartz
Steeltronics - Steel Guitar Pickups
www.steeltronics.com

Bill Dobkins · From: Rolla Missouri, USA

The St Louis Convention has grown to where it is because the love of the instrument and getting to hear it being played. If a poll was taken I would venture to say a very high percentage of people don't even play but love to listen to the music.
Getting to go to one place and hear so many great artist has to be a big draw. If it came down to just salesmen and buyers that would shut out a lot of people, me included. I go to see and play music with my friends. Everyone has their own reason for being there. It is a great place to check out new products,
But also to hear some great music. Take either away and it wouldn't be the same. I think there needs to be a seperation between sales and music. There are a lot of people who want to show off their talent in hopes to be heard by a perspective cleint or just want to play some good music but don't get to because they don't play a certain brand, which I fully understand. There needs to be a place where a Zum player can set next to a Derby or Emmons ect. and play. IMO which I have plenty. BTW its nice to know I wasn't the only one who had a problem this year.
_________________
Custom Rittenberry SD10
Boss Katana 100 Amp
Positive Grid Spark amp
BJS Bars
Z~Legend Pro,Custom Tele
Honor our Vet's.
Now pass the gravy.

W. C. Edgar · Posted 3 Sep 2008 11:19 am

I must agree with Tony. I came to the show with a nice guy I have been giving lessons to for about six months. He had just sold his home and had some cash to purchase any guitar his heart desired. I was apalled that the former "Big Daddy" of the steel guitar manufacturing world didn't even have a room with guitars and amps for trying them out. Face it, if you buy a guitar based on what you are hearing through a pair of headphones you are in for a big surprise once you crank it up to club volume so you can actually hear what the tone sounds like. Rest assured, I'd bet that a lot of potential sales were lost because of this fact. My background playing the steel guitar speaks for itself and I wouldn't buy a brand of steel guitar that I'd never owned before before I'd played it "live" through an amp. I'll probably have those of you that don't see it this way but it's like buying a car before you test drive it. Buddy Emmons described it best on an old Jimmy Day Album and said something to this effect. "The Steel Guitar is a Vehicle of Musical Expression" So taking that into effect I would play a guitar "live" through an amp before I turned loose of my hard earned cash.

Greg Cutshaw · From: Corry, PA, USA

My experience has been much like Tony's and W. C.'s. A lot of very quiet and unassuming people are walking around with a wad of cash to spend but are far too intimidated to sit down at a guitar with all the super pickers around or hold their own in a conversation with a long time expert. On the other hand, I can understand how scary it is for a dealer/manufacturer to let someone walk in off the street and start putting fingerprints all over a new steel. Or worse, watch while someone accidentally drops a bar against the new finish or scratches a fretboard.

It seems you are far better off at a dealer's store or possibly making arrangements ahead of time, through this forum, to try out a certain brand of steel guitar in someone's private room. Or perhaps there could be 15 minute time slots for signing up to play a guitar in a private room just like you sign up ahead of time for rides at Disney.

Many people go to a convention just itching to spend money and buy things. This is not a knock on any dealers or the convention itself, just a fact that the current format is great for entertainment (world class) but not so hot for trying things out before buying them.

Before I bought my Williams guitar, I drove 100 miles to a picker's house in New York to try it out at full volume through a real amp. The owner then graciously let me inspect the case and the guitar's underside. I left with no questions unanswered!

Greg

Pete Young · From: Quebec, Canada

Well speaking for a guy from Canada who was down to the conv. in 2002 I walked into the Sierra room when Joe wright was playing. We were the only two there and I did not know who he was. But after five min. I sure found out LOL. But even Joe tried to get me to try a guitar, but there was no way I would even put picks on in front of him. I must say every room I went they offered me a chance to try a steel and even sit in on some jamming. I thought that was super of them. Sorry to hear of your bad time. I think you must have hit a bad day. Just hope I can get back next year.

David Wright · From: Pilot Point ,Tx USA.

But this time, you went overboard. Just my thoughts.
George,
I guess it wasn't me...i accept your apology .. and please don't get that stick out, that Jim C. likes to use.. Whoa!

Jerry Lee Newberry · From: Prim, AR USA

No David, it wasn't you. He described the man as having long white hair. As far as I have ever seen, YOU DON'T HAVE ANY HAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!! We still love you though!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Donna

Bill Dobkins · From: Rolla Missouri, USA

David, I've heard that rubbing Viagra on your head will grow hair. Laughing

....Let me know if it works.
_________________
Custom Rittenberry SD10
Boss Katana 100 Amp
Positive Grid Spark amp
BJS Bars
Z~Legend Pro,Custom Tele
Honor our Vet's.
Now pass the gravy.

Tony Glassman · From: The Great Northwest

Tony Palmer · From: St Augustine,FL

I'm sorry one person has reported rude behavior but that is not what i experienced.
I merely experienced indifference, and from reading these posts, it seems the consensus is the two big shows are NOT the place to go to buy a new steel, with one or two notable exceptions.
But they are a hell of a place to hear good steel music played up close and personal in the jam rooms.
I just will change my expectations and enjoy the music...which was awesome (and postpone my purchase indefinitely).
_________________
Sierra S10 (three!), Peavey 112 and 115, Benoit dobro, Beard Model E dobro, Beard Roadophonic, MSA Superslide, Dean Nickless custom dobro

Pete Burak · From: Portland, OR USA

Chris LeDrew · From: Canada

I'm sure practically every company has read, or is aware of, this thread or will be soon. It may spur the companies into making their products more accessible at the steel shows.

In 2007, Jackson had a booth in the lobby at Dallas with a few steels on display, as well as a private suite with a few more steels. In the lobby, you could look at the body, undercarriage, etc. If you liked what you saw, one of the Jacksons could bring you up to the suite. This is how I picked out my Blackjack. In the suite, you could turn up the steels and really give them a go. Although this may be cost-prohibitive for some dealers, it is the ideal situation.
_________________
Jackson Steel Guitars
Web: www.chrisledrew.com

Roger Edgington · From: San Antonio, Texas USA

I tried out 7 or 8 steels this year. I wasn't really in the market,but I wasn't in the market when I bought all of my current equipment. I like to see what's new and try it out. It's been my experience you can try out nearly everything there if you show a little interest and sometimes return at a better time. It was mentioned earlier that dealers have to protect their guitars from scratches and bar dings and most customers are very carful about that. The other thing is that some of the guitars on display actually belong to a customer that is often on the show.

I went into the Mullen room and there were about 3 or 4 steels playing different songs through an amp. I went back later and tried out a G2 and they were very helpful and polite. I usually enjoy playing a Carter and picking a tune with my friend Billy. I also enjoy the up close seats in the rooms to hear the big boys play. If I get to buy another new steel I'll probably buy it at a show.

David Wright · From: Pilot Point ,Tx USA.

Bill,
Do you have some I can borrow??? Laughing

I'll try anything once and twice if it don't hurt the first time!! Very Happy

Pete,
Lets hope it wasn't the guy with the white hair and beard Whoa!

Pete Burak · From: Portland, OR USA

Bill Dobkins · From: Rolla Missouri, USA

Actually David I have 5 cases my wife bought me last christmas and I'll never use it all... Oh Well

_________________
Custom Rittenberry SD10
Boss Katana 100 Amp
Positive Grid Spark amp
BJS Bars
Z~Legend Pro,Custom Tele
Honor our Vet's.
Now pass the gravy.

Ernest Cawby · From: Lake City, Florida, USA, R.I.P.

I played every guitar in the Fulwaka room last year, and sang lead for an hour or more with Lonnie and Roger eddington, what gret players to work with.
I played 2 guitars in the Derby room and would have bought the D10 if I had the money, I only went with $800.00 and spent it all. I played Carters several times, and in the Jackson played the guitar that was already sold 2 of them. In all the other rooms I was content to listen. I am sure ifg I went when no one was playing I could have sit and played. I carried my own picks just a small package, and bar, I bought a BJS and love it. Also I bought some books from Herb Steiner I allready have now 2 of them.
ROGER I MISSED BEING WITH YOU THIS YEAR, WE HAD A BALL N 07. and never mentioned the A word.

ernie

Dennis Detweiler · From: Solon, Iowa, US

In 1982, I set out to buy a guitar during the convention. All of the vendors were set up around the room inside the concert hall. Each guitar manufacturer had at least one guitar, sometimes two, with headphones. True, not the sound you'd get at the club. But, all using headphones and in the sound of privacy. I sat down at each guitar around the room. I chose a guitar brand. Then repeated around the room again and played each guitar, noting sustain, pedal action and (tone, as best as could be audible). I ended up with a Zum. Since then there are more brands and much improvement in all brands.
Perhaps, this would be the way to set up again?
_________________
1976 Birdseye U-12 MSA with Telonics 427 pickup, 1975 Birdseye U-12 MSA with Telonics X-12 pickup, Boss 59 Fender pedal for preamp, NDR-5 Atlantic Delay & Reverb, two Quilter 201 amps, 2- 12" Eminence EPS-12C speakers, ShoBud Pedal, 1949 Epiphone D-8. Revelation preamp into a Crown XLS 1002 power amp.

Rob Parker · From: Paducah, Kentucky, R.I.P.

Mr Dennis,
That sounds good at first 'reading' But..The crowds in 1982 were far smaller than the ones that come now..And hooray for that..
Also ,to audition a guitar in the main ballroom, in my opinion, is not the place, due to the sound levels, and the hustle, and bustle of the crowd movement, and activities.
Plus , that is not possible I think because the vendors that have the booths inside the hall, rent their space year after year, and rent the same space.
Plus, because of the number of guitar builders, and vendors, there is just no room inside for all of them, plus the amount of products they bring to sell, and display is huge.Also they want a room, where their product can be set up on a stage and put through an amp..Hearphones are nice, and you can isolate a lot of the outside noise, but as has been stated in these posts, many times, a potential buyer wants to hear the guitar through an amp, to better ascertain the sound reproduction, and quality, and playability.
IMHO there is no perfect way to audition these guitars, that will please everyone..but I think they all do a great job displaying, and auditioning their product..And I would also say, if someone was really interested in amping their guitar, they would make arrangements with you to take their guitar to your hotel room, or their room and give you a personal "test drive".I have always found ALL the vendors to be very agreeable in helping prospective buyers audition, and choose a product..
That would be a small inconvenience, and time consumption, to place their product with a new owner..
Just MHO...Thank you for your support..
RP...'come on in'...

Jim Peter · From: Mendon,Mich USA

When I was in the market to purchase a new guitar back in ’97 the situation was pretty much the same. Being somewhat self-conscious, I did not want to interrupt a jam session so I could sit down in front of a group of strangers and try out a new guitar. What worked best for me was to get down to the demo rooms early in the morning and I would pretty much have the place to myself.

Jim

Pete Walthall · From: Arkansas, USA

RAINSroom had guitars set up lots of folks trying them out garry carp..spent a lot of time talking and ansering questions about the guitar. and even showing people licks .junior knight and corky did to.great bunch of guys.

Bob Snelgrove · From: san jose, ca

Johnne Lee Ables · From: Minnesota, USA

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