The New Guy

Kurt Hagardorn · Post by **Kurt Hagardorn** » 6 Feb 2006 10:00 am

Hi, I'm Kurt. I play electric guitar sometimes in a band with Rich Gilbert, a Forum member.
I also just bought a Maverick from George King.
I've played guitar for many years, but this is my first pedal steel. I've got two questions. Rich recommended a "good heavy bar", but not the biggest "cause they get a little ridiculous". How big is big enough? I saw the post about BJS bars. How might I order one?
Also, about the right hand finer picks. Are they the same kind that banjo players use, or specific to steels? I got a thousand questions, but that'll get me started. Thanks for your time!
Kurt Hagardorn

Ben Jones · Post by **Ben Jones** » 6 Feb 2006 10:40 am

Hi Kurt, welcome to a great place to learn. I am new also. I think the fingerpicks are the same as banjo picks, thumb picks seem to vary quite a bit..I just bought a bunch of different kinds and am still tryin to decide what i like, I see different players using a wide variety of different thumb picks. Common bar size is 7/8 X 3 1/4. Not sure on the weight. I bought a "thermo cryonic" Pearse (sp?) bar, weighs 8 oz. More expensive, but less prone to wear. You can find em here:

http://www.jpstrings.com/braccess.htm
[This message was edited by Ben Jones on 06 February 2006 at 10:41 AM.][This message was edited by Ben Jones on 06 February 2006 at 10:43 AM.]

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 6 Feb 2006 10:52 am

Hi Kurt. Welcome aboard. If you go to the links area above, then click on Manufacturers, then scroll down to Related Products you will see a link for BJS bars. They are the best quality bar for my taste. 7/8ths is standard although I'm ready to go to a 15/16ths. I've tried the others. Finger picks are the same as banjo players. I uses Nationals with a white Dunlop thumb pick. There are few brands and everyone has there own preference.

Grant Johnson · Post by **Grant Johnson** » 6 Feb 2006 10:56 am

Howdy Kurt!
Welcome!
I am a pal of Rich's as well. My wife and I visited with him in Nashville a few weeks ago. One of the nicest guys in the business, and his E9 playing is getting real good!
I would get the Dunlop 3/4" 10 string bar. It's cheap and its just the right size to get your feet (fingers) wet...

Nic du Toit · Post by **Nic du Toit** » 6 Feb 2006 11:27 am

Welcome, Kurt,
I see you got most your answers. Just shout if you get stuck!

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Grant Johnson · Post by **Grant Johnson** » 7 Feb 2006 8:10 am

Kurt-Also, the picks that you would use for banjo also work for pedal steel...

Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 7 Feb 2006 7:18 pm

Welcome Kurt,from Alabama.