Right Foot conversion

Brian Henry · Post by **Brian Henry** » 10 Nov 2006 3:35 am

How difficult, practical etc would it be to convert a pedal steel so that your right foot operates the a b c pedals? One of my students is an older man who has arthritis in his left foot. He plays well, has great right hand technique and attack and his left foot could work a volume pedal. Any suggestions and thoughts would be welcome.

Thomas Brian Henry

Mike Wheeler · Post by **Mike Wheeler** » 10 Nov 2006 5:21 am

I think on the modern all pull guitars it could be done. The mechanics wouldn't be an issue since you can setup any pull on any pedal/knee. But, the player's position at the guitar would be very awkward. You wouldn't be able to sit centered at the 15th fret and reach the pedals with your right foot...at least not without doing some weird contortions.

Now with some custom machining, it might be do-able.

Lem Smith · Post by **Lem Smith** » 10 Nov 2006 5:32 am

I remember reading once that Weldon Myrick had his steel switched like that, after he broke his foot.

I know Gene Fields at GFI can do it. http://www.gfimusicalproducts.com/Pages/Custom%20Steels.htm and I'm sure the other builders could do the same.

Jim Palenscar · Post by **Jim Palenscar** » 10 Nov 2006 7:59 am

Depending on the guitar- on most guitars it would not be a problem- I'd be glad to do it. The only caviat is that, because of the changer taking up undercarriage space, the pedals cannot be placed as far to the right as they can to the left of the guitar.

Doug Seymour · Post by **Doug Seymour** » 10 Nov 2006 9:42 am

Gene Fields made an E9th steel for a friend of mine after Jim lost his left leg above the knee in a motorcycle accident a few years ago. Jim plays several instruments, but didn't want to give up the steel. Gene moved the pedals to the right foot.

Skip Edwards · Post by **Skip Edwards** » 10 Nov 2006 10:15 am

Years ago, around '73-74, Little Jimmy Dickens had a steeler that had his Sho-Bud set up exactly like that...vp on left foot and pedals 1-8 reversed 8-1. If I remember right, it was because the player had polio when he was young and he had a problem with his left foot.<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Skip Edwards on 10 November 2006 at 10:17 AM.]</p></FONT>