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Author Topic:   Newbie-Need advise for starting over
Cindy Burch
Member

From: Garland, Texas, USA

posted 26 September 2003 05:51 AM     profile   send email     edit
It has been 25 years since I've picked up a steel guitar. I've been playing a standard all this time. I really want to get back on the Steel. Can't believe I don't remember much. I learned Steel before Standard. It's age I guess. LOL
Can anyone recommend a good book or cd on learning to play? I am hoping once I get started it will come to me, like riding a bike? I still have my old bar it was made by Nick Manoloff? It feels pretty heavy now but it was fine 25 yrs. ago. hope you guy's will be patient with me if I post too many dumb questions.
Lindley
Member

From: Statesville, NC...USA

posted 26 September 2003 06:22 AM     profile   send email     edit
What are you calling a "steel guitar"? Did you play a lap steel?
Cindy Burch
Member

From: Garland, Texas, USA

posted 26 September 2003 06:44 AM     profile   send email     edit
I'm sorry.
Yes, I played a Lap Steel.
Never cared much for pedal steel.
nick allen
Member

From: France

posted 26 September 2003 06:58 AM     profile   send email     edit
The book/CD question really depends on the type of music/tuning you're going to play/use.
If it's C6, country swing type music, Scotty's Music has a C6 Non-pedal method (with CD) which is pretty good. Herb Remington has a tab collection for A6 (or C6 with a high G string). Scottys also has a Don Helms/Hank Williams book/CD.
For "dobro"-type G tuning, there are a number of books around, of which I only really know Stacy Phillips' books, which are quite widely available in music stores.
And of course, for general advice and information - right here (Don't forget the "search" function at the top of the page - you'll find a mass of information in the archives)
Have fun
Nick
Scott Houston
Member

From: Oakland, CA

posted 26 September 2003 07:11 AM     profile   send email     edit
Stacey Phillips' books for Dobro and Hawaiian steel are all absolutely fantastic. They're good for beginners but will keep you working for a good long while. Mostly for Dobro G tuning, but he spends some quality time with other tunings as well.

I've checked out some other tapes and books, but I don't think anything else compares in terms of the quality of information and instruction. (Everyone says good things about the Jerry Byrd manual, but heck, I'd have to sell my steel just to afford it.)

Hope the old bar still works.

Jeff Strouse
Member

From: Jacksonville, Florida, USA

posted 26 September 2003 07:19 AM     profile   send email     edit
I'd go with a video. Cindy Cashdollar, Herb Remington, and Bobbe Seymour all have a non-pedal series.

The Jerry Byrd course and video are well worth the investment. It's the most complete steel guitar course you'll find...it covers all the major tunings and techniques. If you're going to spend the money for the book and cassette course, pay a little more and get the video, too. It complements the book course perfectly.

IMHO, Video has an advantage over book courses, in that the viewer can actually see what to do.

Don't be shy to ask questions. The only dumb questions are those that aren't asked!

Hope this helps

Bill Leff
Member

From: Santa Cruz, CA, USA

posted 26 September 2003 07:50 AM     profile   send email     edit
Videos are great, but there's no substitute for a good teacher and a few lessons.
Donald Ruetenik
Member

From: Pleasant Hill, California, USA

posted 26 September 2003 07:51 AM     profile   send email     edit
Cindy Cashdollar's two videos are #1 on my list.
Jim Smith
Member

From: Plano, TX, USA

posted 26 September 2003 08:18 AM     profile   send email     edit
Cindy, while not non-pedal related, if you want to hear some pedal steel, my band is playing not too far from you at the Texas Star this Friday and Saturday. It's at the southeast corner of Ferguson and Gus Thomason. I haven't played non-pedal for over 30 years, but I'll be glad to talk steel guitar with you.
Cindy Burch
Member

From: Garland, Texas, USA

posted 26 September 2003 08:58 AM     profile   send email     edit
Thanks for all the great info. You guys are great!
I think I will look for Stacey Phillips' book.
(Dobro G tuning)
I am gonna get a few lessons in too.
Thanks Jim, I didn't know the Texas Star was still there. Went there years ago. Maybe we'll come up Saturday night. What's the name of your band?


Jim Smith
Member

From: Plano, TX, USA

posted 26 September 2003 09:05 AM     profile   send email     edit
It's Sweatin' Bullets. Their website hasn't been updated in a while, but you can check it out at http://www.sweatinbullets.com

Hope to see you there!

------------------
Jim Smith jimsmith94@comcast.net
-=Dekley D-12 10&12=-
-=Fessenden D-12 9&9=-
-=Emmons D-12 push pull 9&4 (soon to be 9&9)=-
Stereo Steel rig w/Boss GX-700
IVL SteelRider w/JV-880


Chuck Halcomb
Member

From: Wichita, Kansas, USA

posted 26 September 2003 01:02 PM     profile   send email     edit
I am going through the same process of learning after not playing since 1958. I am amazed at how much is coming back now that I am playing again and how fast it is coming back.

I 2nd the vote for the Cindy Cashdollar, Remington & Symore video's. I haven't gotten Bobbies yet, but am fixen to order it up soon as I can get around to it.

I think Herb Remington hit the nail on the head when he said, "remember, the point is to have fun" and boy am I finding that the steel guitar is providing me with lots of fun!

------------------
Remington Steel T-8 Steelmaster
Gibson Console Grande

[This message was edited by Chuck Halcomb on 26 September 2003 at 01:03 PM.]

Chuck Halcomb
Member

From: Wichita, Kansas, USA

posted 26 September 2003 01:05 PM     profile   send email     edit
One more thing. Don't forget that learning a bit of theory will go a long way in helping you get back on your feet with this or any musical instrument!!

------------------
Remington Steel T-8 Steelmaster
Gibson Console Grande

Donald Ruetenik
Member

From: Pleasant Hill, California, USA

posted 26 September 2003 03:11 PM     profile   send email     edit
What kind of Lap Steel are you playing?
Cindy Burch
Member

From: Garland, Texas, USA

posted 26 September 2003 05:07 PM     profile   send email     edit
I got a new Roustabout acoustic steel.
It was only 129.00. I don't need an amp.
So when I want to practice I can play anywhere.
Cindy Burch
Member

From: Garland, Texas, USA

posted 27 September 2003 06:13 AM     profile   send email     edit
Okay ya'll can stop laughing about my inexpesive little lap.
I think it is very good for the price. And for a beginner and just stompin' around ya can't beat it.
If anyone knows of a better deal please let me know.
I hope to get a good Dobro later. I love the dobro sound. But they ain't cheep. I hope I am not goin' about this back wards-by picking back up the steel then movin on to Dobro?
I do have a nice standard though-
Gibson Songbird.
Donald Ruetenik
Member

From: Pleasant Hill, California, USA

posted 28 September 2003 08:12 AM     profile   send email     edit
No one's laughing. I can only speak for myself but I'm sure many will concur that it's good to see you are having fun.

I wish I still had my first 'inexpensive' guitar from back in '65- a Sears/Silvertone. I'm sure others can relate with tales of their first guitars.

Justin May
Member

From: Lubbock, Texas, USA

posted 03 November 2003 08:14 PM     profile   send email     edit
Cindy, how is the volume on that Roustabout? Does it get pretty loud? I'm interested in playing in the back yard or while camping and such. What kind of strings do you have on it?


Cindy Burch
Member

From: Garland, Texas, USA

posted 04 November 2003 03:28 AM     profile   send email     edit
Hey Justin.
That Roustabout isn't real loud.
We have a little travel trailer out on some land in Wills Point and I take that Raustabout out there.
It is small and easy to carry around.
It isn't as loud as my Regal.
But it is a standard not a Resonator.
As far as the strings I still have the original ones on it.
I think they are standard steel. Flat wound .012 ect.
If you get one and don't like it, Chuck is a great guy and stands behind everything he sells.
I took a short video of me playin it.
I'll post the link. But don't laugh I'm a beginner.

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