Now I'm really confused

Gary Watkins · Post by **Gary Watkins** » 15 May 2004 9:22 am

After talking on the phone with Duane Marrs, Herby Wallace, Jan Jones and Steve Leonard, I don't know what I want to buy. All I "think" I know is that I want a steel guitar. Do I want a single neck or a double? Should I get one used or a new one? I am new to this post, so any information that ANYONE can offer will really be a great help. I have played bass for 25 years, so I know the chord progresions in music. I will be at the Bristol show in October, and I will make my decision at that show.
I don't want a "starter" type steel. If nothing else, I want to at least look good sitting behind it!
I just got a crown royal bag to put me bar in, and now all I need is a steel guitar to hang it on.
Glad to be a member of this "FAMILY".[This message was edited by Gary Watkins on 07 November 2004 at 07:10 PM.]

Duncan Hodge · Post by **Duncan Hodge** » 15 May 2004 9:38 am

I'm still kind of new to this business, but my experience has shown me that you should buy one that is easy to work on. My Fessenden D-10 that I bought from Bobby Boggs is real easy to work on and tune. In any event, as soon as you get one, you'll probably want to get another one too. They tend to start stacking up in your living room pretty quickly.
Duncan

Reggie Duncan · Post by **Reggie Duncan** » 15 May 2004 9:42 am

Be sure to get one with tuning keys to hold your bar bag!

Bill Moran · Post by **Bill Moran** » 15 May 2004 10:22 am

Lota bargins on the forum !!

John Daugherty · Post by **John Daugherty** » 15 May 2004 12:08 pm

I suggest you talk with the folks at Carter Guitars. Bud is an old friend of mine. Bud Carter or John Fabian will help you make a decision. They are honest and very well informed on what a steel player needs.

Skip Mertz · Post by **Skip Mertz** » 15 May 2004 12:51 pm

Even if price isn't an object, for a beginner looking for a Pro guitar I would advise that person to buy a good used one first time around. They can be had for $1000
and up to maybe $2500. That way you wont loose much when your ready for the Ultimate steel. Check here and with the guys that sell new and used steels. Good luck!

Gary Shepherd · Post by **Gary Shepherd** » 15 May 2004 1:01 pm

If you've never played steel, go with a Carter Starter. It has nearly everything you need to learn to play pedal steel - 3 pedals and 4 knee levers. And you can find them for around $500. Or a new one for $700 (I think) from Musician's Friend. You'll lose no money when you decide to sell it - either to upgrade or if you give up on playing pedal steel.

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Gary Shepherd

Sierra Session 12

www.16tracks.com

Jerry Roller · Post by **Jerry Roller** » 15 May 2004 1:06 pm

Gary, I would suggest you take a good look at the MCI that Al Udeen has for sale on this Forum. He has reduced the price to a no lose price. The MCI would make a great guitar for anyone at any playing level for its playing ease, simplicity to work on, weight and tone. I have not personally seen the guitar but it is my opinion that it would bring the price he is asking for it in 5 or 10 years down the line if you wished to upgrade. Also, Al is someone you can trust.
Jerry

Robert Thomas · Post by **Robert Thomas** » 15 May 2004 1:50 pm

Buy from Herby Wallace a HWP Mullen and you will never need another.

Larry Jamieson · Post by **Larry Jamieson** » 15 May 2004 1:58 pm

Gary, what type of music do you want to play? If it is mostly commercial country, get a single neck E9. If you want to play western swing or jazz, you may want a universal or a double neck. Double necks cost more (usually) and are heavier to carry around to gigs... Get a newer pro model guitar, a Zum, Mullen, Emmons, Carter, etc. Stay away from the older guitars and unknown makes which often have mechanical issues... The Carter starter is a good way to begin if you are on a budget. It is usually best to buy from a steel player rather than a guitar from e-bay where often the seller does not know how to play, or if the guitar is mechanically OK. It is a great instrument, lots of fun to learn, and the possibilities are endless. Find a guitar and have fun! One final note, there are lots more instructional material around for E9 than for universal tuning...

Gary Watkins · Post by **Gary Watkins** » 15 May 2004 3:49 pm

Thanks for the input. I still have time before the Bristol, Virginia show to decide.

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Steel players finger better!

Jennings Ward · Post by **Jennings Ward** » 15 May 2004 7:09 pm

Try renting one for a month or two, then get a different make, cheap way to educate yourself without becoming guitar poor....I personally prefer Emmons D10 , 10+10. I came to this conclusion after loosing a lot of money on outher brands.. Mine is a PP. Great tone, as outher pros have told me. 1981 model. Now i am as happy as if I had good sense and cents.....good luck,, Jennings Ward

Wayne Morgan · Post by **Wayne Morgan** » 16 May 2004 4:25 am

Hi Gary, Jump in with both feet, on most of the pro models you will do well on. Do you know George Kemmy that lives near you,, call him up and ask if you can play his steel, if that don't work out take an hour and drive down to Rutledge and you can play a couple of mine. Give me a cll sometime 865-828-4740
Good luck
Wayne[This message was edited by Wayne Morgan on 16 May 2004 at 05:32 AM.]

Richard Gonzales · Post by **Richard Gonzales** » 16 May 2004 5:59 am

Gary- When you can afford it, get a MSA Millennium! S12 Universal (9th/6th tuning on one neck),Less that 20Lb, Never have to work on it, just play, play,play! Does not break strings, stays in tune, changable pickups,good looking with precision quality!
I have had 3 other major brands and they did not come close in comparison![This message was edited by Richard Gonzales on 16 May 2004 at 07:02 AM.]

Joey Ace · Post by **Joey Ace** » 16 May 2004 6:23 am

There's one for sale at http://www.steelguitar.com/swapshop/swapshop.htm

I recommend the "buy a good used one for $1K - $2K route for a beginner. You'll get most of your money back when you learn enough to move up.

Most important, get someone who plays to help you check out the instrument.

Al Marcus · Post by **Al Marcus** » 16 May 2004 6:40 am

Richard-Is that all that MSA Millenium S12 Weighs? 20 Lbs all set up out of the case.?....al

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My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus/

Roger Kelly · Post by **Roger Kelly** » 16 May 2004 6:56 am

[This message was edited by Roger Kelly on 20 May 2004 at 09:30 AM.]

Doyle Mitchell · Post by **Doyle Mitchell** » 16 May 2004 7:44 am

Rodger, those pictures scared me and I been playing a long time, this guy will catch the next train to gooney goo goo land now! Can you cut the 4 necker into and make two doubles? Please tell me what they are and what tunings they use, you have got my curious up and going.Here we go!!!! more money to spend.... See Gary there is no end to it once you start, everything you see and hear you will want!!! Run Gary Run!!!!

Wayne Morgan · Post by **Wayne Morgan** » 16 May 2004 7:49 am

Hey Gary, Roger had those guitars made for him,,he also had bionic arms and legs installed to be able to play them. Since he took those pic's, he has had the steels ground up and molded into a U12.
That Roger,,what are we gonna do with him.
Wayne

Wayne Morgan · Post by **Wayne Morgan** » 16 May 2004 7:56 am

,,,,,,And Doyle,,we all thought everything was bigger and better in Texas, bet you guys don't grow steels like that, I think Roger lives near a Nuc plant.
Take care !
Wayne

Richard Gonzales · Post by **Richard Gonzales** » 16 May 2004 8:10 am

Al Marcus- Yes, the S12 Millennium is a little over 19 Lb. set up. Not including case.

Roger Kelly · Post by **Roger Kelly** » 16 May 2004 8:14 am

Yea Wayne I got another Bionic Knee Joint recently, to go with my Left one. The Left one is a Push Pull, and the Right one is an All Pull! Complete with Alemite fittings. LOL!

Gary Watkins · Post by **Gary Watkins** » 16 May 2004 8:35 am

Roger,
All I have is a regular drivers license. I don't have a license to drive a race car. By the way, how many miles to the gallon do you get? And I thought I was comfused before!!

Roger Kelly · Post by **Roger Kelly** » 16 May 2004 9:11 am

Gary, your milage will vary between a Single Neck and a Double Neck....

Also, if you know chord Progressions, and already have a Crown Royal Pick and Bar Bag, you will be starting out with a lot more than I did.

I don't think you will have any problems getting the hang of it, once you get your Axe.

Ron Randall · Post by **Ron Randall** » 16 May 2004 9:28 am

Here is an article by one of the best players and teachers.
http://www.b0b.com/infoedu/future1.htm