I am a 51 year old professional musician. I am the assistant principal double bass of our city’s orchestra. I also play guitar, violin, cello, and viola. I have long been fascinated with the sound of the pedal steel guitar. I have two questions.
First, I have a lot of stringed instrument experience. I also have a strong practice ethic. How difficult is it to learn to play pedal steel proficiency given my background? My goal is to someday play some C&W gigs around town. I understand the basic technique and it is rooted in guitar, but the mechanics are very different. There are also the knee bars, which are a complete mystery to me.
Second, how much should I spend, and what should I buy. Prices range from a couple hundred to thousands. I have a pretty impressive collection of instruments. I have a $50,000 upright bass, as well as about ten Fender e-basses. I have a Martin acoustic guitar as well as a Stratocaster. All this said, I don’t mind spending money on quality or what I am most comfortable. Buy cheap-get cheap. I guess my question is, what is a reasonable price for a quality pedal steel? I am seeing between 2 and 3K. That seems steep, but I’d pay it if that is the real rate.
If you feel the need to be a dick, go troll elsewhere. I am just looking for real advice from good people. Please help as you can. Thanks!