Couldn’t agree more with what Andy said above:

“Doesn't matter to me. I started out on dobro and am learning to play lap steel and pedal steel also,I enjoy all of them. The lap and pedal have their own unique challenges that that when finally learned can be very rewarding.”

Bas is clearly right on point with this reply as I am finding out:

“IMHO Pedals are harder to learn but easier to play when learned, conversely, non pedal is easier to learn but MUCH harder to play to a standard of, say, Jeff au Hoy's.”

Especially what B0B (Sysop) stated:

“There are two sections for the instruments because steel guitars can easily be divided into two categories - those with pedals and those without. Some people have an interest in one but not the other, so it is a convenience for them.”

But I would add to B0B’s with all due respect: Some are interested in both. IMHO: Non Pedal & Pedal compartmentalization is good on the forum.

The comment Ed Meisse especially resonated with me. I had to wrestle with the same sentiments he expressed too.

Still, I went ahead and acquired my first pedal D10 last week, got three hours time on it! I am very, very happy to say I’m thrilled that I did. Fer sure there is a learning curve to deal with, but that’s the fun. But I will never stop playing my D8 either. There plenty of room for both! TX

Rgds,

Steelguitar Player (Like Howard, I try)

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JCFSGC member 2005 "Be of Good Cheer"
"55" Stringmaster D8,
"Emmons LeGrande SKH" D10 8 & 5
"67" Telecaster,
"60"Fender Concert Amp 4-10's

Nothing like a refreshing reverse slant, dropping the bar, to remind one of how much one misses the pedals, Whatta' ya think?

All one family, trying to master the unmasterable. (How do you like that word? I just made it up). Everybody's welcome at my house.

Phred

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"From Truth, Justice is Born"--Quanah Parker-1904

Since when are Reece and Tommy a couple?

But seriously, everybody, what I think Gene is getting at is that the physical differences between pedal and non-pedal shouldn't be getting in the way of the music. When I hear Cindy, I'm thinking about what great non-pedal playing it is, but more importantly I'm thinking about what great playing it is. The instrument is important, but the music is even more important.

As Nathan says, maybe you can take the physical capabilities of an instrument too far. (Some heavy-metal shredders like Malmsteen are great guitarists, but I don't want to listen to them.)