Hands down the best music content on TH-cam to have ever existed! The cinematography is stunning, the switch from the subject to interactions with your family, the overall narrative and backing music is just 10/10. Thank you so much for making these!
As a relatively recent convert to all kinds of steel guitar (lap, dobro, console, pedal), it's a hell of a journey! Once you figure out that your left hand is the fret and your feet and knees are what your left hand would do on a guitar, you're halfway there. I did my first gig on pedal steel about 4 months after getting my BMI S10. Weeks to learn, a lifetime to perfect! Have fun!!!
I’d argue you don’t have to sweet the tuning. I use equal temperament with no issue. With that said, this is a very helpful video for beginners to understand the difference between PSG and whatever instrument they’re coming from.
I remember when this video came out, because i was looking to be myself a pedal steel at the time. I managed to get my hands on one in february of this year, and it has been my main instrument since. Seems to be more work for steel guitarists in my area than i was expecting! I came back to this video to ask how the practice is going? Will you make more steel content? Love this video.
That's right. You have a nice pedal steel so keep playing that thing. It's an incredible instrument that can play any kind of music you like once you get the hang of it. Enjoyed your video!
Great job Jon, there's nothing like a live audience to sharpen the mind. When I was a teenager we had end of year music days at school, one year the guitarist didn't turn up so I had to learn the lead parts to perform at the concert. I was strictly a rhythm player before then, and I learnt more in those three days than I would in 3 years. Changed my life.
Happy New Year and thank you for your videos! I recently discovered and subscribed to your channel after stumbling upon the Rubber bridge build. As a musician, father, and father of a 15y.o. musician that is better than I am, I have shared your channel with him. Because of the fun and experimental nature of your video, I purchased a Jim Dandy and all associated items to do that build with my son. While we preferred the guitar with the stock bridge it was an amazing bonding experience and life lesson for him and I. Thank you for your videos and have a happy new year!
My Grandfather was a professional steel guitar player, and I’ve been playing guitar for over 20 years. There’s absolutely no way I would’ve been able to pull off a 9 day prep. That’s crazy. Hats off man.
My father is a pedal steel player, 50 years of honky tonks and gigs under his belt, and my resolution this year us to start learning myself. I'm proficient at regular guitar, but its a whole new animal. Just sitting at it ergonomically has been a challenge, I'm excited to carry on his legacy!
I was first exposed to the sound of what I was told was a pedal steel back in 1969 on hearing Crosby Stills Nash & Young's Deja Vu album. The beautiful Helpless by Neil Young. Turns out it was a regular six string through a volume pedal played by Stephen Stills. I love that sound however achieved.
Good work Jon, without a reference on what you were going for, this sounds great! Do what you got to do to get through the gig. Pedal steel is no joke, good work. Always enjoy the vids!
Good job! The pedal steel takes a lot of seat time just to get the muscle memory and coordination going. But it's incredibly rewarding as well. The world needs more steel players, so I hope you'll continue playing it!
Good personalized video - and your PS journey was good too. It was a great reminder for me not to try to eat an elephant with a shovel but with a small spoon. The toughest part (that you seemed to have handled well) is getting the bar intonation down. If you can't hear it, you're in big trouble trying to play any slide style. I enjoyed your little documented adventure here - thanks for sharing.
Seeing your performance at the end was exactly what I'd hoped for. It was lovely, and joyous, and touched my heart as only music can. Thank you for that. The timing of this video was also ironic for me personally. I've obsessed over bender lap steels since I saw your video about a year ago, and in a hope to justify making that eventual purchase, I've been planning tonight to put some new flat wounds and a raised nut onto an otherwise unusable acoustic (warped guitar top beneath the bridge after years in storage) to turn it into a quasi-lap steel. And who knows? From there, maybe some day a pedal steel will arrive at my place, too.
Happy New Year, Jon! 2024 - The Year of the Steel - so when’s your next steel guitar gig? Lamb’s music in West Fort Worth can help if you need service. (they’re also a Taylor Guitars service center, if you are into that kind of thing.)
Love this content, also as a full time video creator, I'm impressed with the quality of the colors, the shot selection, and the storytelling! Subscribed!
You brave brave man! As an “owner” of a 58 string master Fender (no pedals) that I tend to drag out when needed randomly... I’m not unfamiliar with the sound of what I refer to as “cats in a blender”. Nice job!
Im just gonna say before the video starts, that I literally just bought a 1958 model 400 Fender Pedal Steel and am getting ready to crash coarse in learning how to play lol! Cool little info here: I located the original first owner today by stumbling upon his obituary, and low and behold they posted a picture of him playing it back in the late 50's early 60's!
I was told in Nashville, “The pedal steel separates the men from the boys.” True statement. I love this instrument and am currently on a journey to learn it as well.
Awesome fun video! Great job playing such a difficult instrument in so short a time! BTW “tired head” tell me you listen to the little Ticket without telling me you listen to the Ticket! Hahaha
It had a very nice Christmas vibe about it, pedal steel has a very poignant sound that suits this really well. I have a lap steel, those pedals would be overheating my engine. Happy new year from England.
This is so impressive i would be so stressed :D sounds good who doesn't like a pedal steel. My favorite lick is Tim McGraw Just to see you smile, so good never tired of it.
Sounded great! I love playing pedal steel. I studied music in college, but the steel not having the pedagogical base like piano or guitar and I love that freedom and having to figure out things by ear and muscle memory. I struggled with the tuning, I went with the Peterson strobe-o-stomp and used the E9 sweetened tuning system it has a setting to tune the pedal intervals as well. Just curious what IR you were using? Setting a HX Stomp to use on gigs with mine now.
British singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Hawley said of the pedal steel that its like a swan; all graceful up top with a whole load of crazy moves below the surface. Anyone reading this comment, go check him out (start with Cole’s Corner). His lap steel playing is also great.
This is a little bit spacey sounding but silent night was a good choice. Especially if you're just trying to play one piece. It sounds pretty good.. There's much much more to learn
How bout them rangers! I just got a lap steel. I never really wanted one bc I figured since I already have the technique from playing slide guitar I might as well just wait and get a pedal steel. But this one was given to me so I’m definitely gonna put it to use.
Happy New Year Jon! Congrats on putting a new toy into action so soon after buying it. It can be all too easy to tinker for months but never properly use something.
Well you sure knew more in 9 days than I did when I started in 72 or 73 and still don't think in numbers like you obviously do (though I can) You're gonna get to where you want to be and I'd guess sooner than many and sooner than you think.
Very well done and quite enjoyable! I out ignorance, thought that playing guitar for over 40 years would be a valuable asset in learning the PSG. It really isn't.
People come to Nashville every day And have only played a very short time and are gigging everywhere.. You do not have to be good on this instrument to work.. Trust me I know this first-hand
Happy New Year, and another excellent video. Though I think I secretly hate you, because your videos just kick in my GAS ("huh that little parlor guitar is cheap, I should get that to rubber-bridge it up" - luckily just got the rubber material and play w/ it on a current guitar, "wow those benders on a low endlap steel are neat!" - luckily just bought cheaper benders and put one on the B on my even lower end lapsteel I already had). I will not buy a pedal steel in 2024. I will not buy a pedal steel in 2024. I will not buy a pedal steel in 2024. I will not..aghghgh
Russ Pahl is one of the best steel players of all time. He does not use finger picks. Just a thumb pick. I wouldn't let the finger picks hold you back. Just set your amp a little brighter to compensate for that.
Nobody is talking about the crazy videography and colour grading
Oh yeah...Jon's videos always look amazing.
True, these are great movies!
As a pedal steel convert myself, 9 days to Christmas Eve was awfully ballsy lol. Congrats to you buddy.
Hands down the best music content on TH-cam to have ever existed! The cinematography is stunning, the switch from the subject to interactions with your family, the overall narrative and backing music is just 10/10. Thank you so much for making these!
Play stuffed animals bro,my son does the same thing when im busy but i never regret giving in.😊
As a relatively recent convert to all kinds of steel guitar (lap, dobro, console, pedal), it's a hell of a journey! Once you figure out that your left hand is the fret and your feet and knees are what your left hand would do on a guitar, you're halfway there. I did my first gig on pedal steel about 4 months after getting my BMI S10. Weeks to learn, a lifetime to perfect! Have fun!!!
I’d argue you don’t have to sweet the tuning. I use equal temperament with no issue. With that said, this is a very helpful video for beginners to understand the difference between PSG and whatever instrument they’re coming from.
I remember when this video came out, because i was looking to be myself a pedal steel at the time. I managed to get my hands on one in february of this year, and it has been my main instrument since. Seems to be more work for steel guitarists in my area than i was expecting! I came back to this video to ask how the practice is going? Will you make more steel content? Love this video.
As the father of a few little boys who loooove visiting me in my office while I'm working, I love that you keep some of the kid bits in.
That's right. You have a nice pedal steel so keep playing that thing. It's an incredible instrument that can play any kind of music you like once you get the hang of it. Enjoyed your video!
Great job Jon, there's nothing like a live audience to sharpen the mind.
When I was a teenager we had end of year music days at school, one year the guitarist didn't turn up so I had to learn the lead parts to perform at the concert. I was strictly a rhythm player before then, and I learnt more in those three days than I would in 3 years. Changed my life.
You came a long way in a week! I've been playing pedal steel for a little bit now and I'm very impressed.
Pedal steel is also the next instrument I like to learn. You did a great job!
Jon, that was a really wonderful video. Lots of heart and soul in your performance.
Happy New Year and thank you for your videos! I recently discovered and subscribed to your channel after stumbling upon the Rubber bridge build. As a musician, father, and father of a 15y.o. musician that is better than I am, I have shared your channel with him. Because of the fun and experimental nature of your video, I purchased a Jim Dandy and all associated items to do that build with my son. While we preferred the guitar with the stock bridge it was an amazing bonding experience and life lesson for him and I. Thank you for your videos and have a happy new year!
Man. Pedal steel and rubber bridge?! My favorites. Great video and congrats!
My Grandfather was a professional steel guitar player, and I’ve been playing guitar for over 20 years. There’s absolutely no way I would’ve been able to pull off a 9 day prep. That’s crazy. Hats off man.
My father is a pedal steel player, 50 years of honky tonks and gigs under his belt, and my resolution this year us to start learning myself. I'm proficient at regular guitar, but its a whole new animal. Just sitting at it ergonomically has been a challenge, I'm excited to carry on his legacy!
I was first exposed to the sound of what I was told was a pedal steel back in 1969 on hearing Crosby Stills Nash & Young's Deja Vu album. The beautiful Helpless by Neil Young. Turns out it was a regular six string through a volume pedal played by Stephen Stills. I love that sound however achieved.
Good work Jon, without a reference on what you were going for, this sounds great! Do what you got to do to get through the gig. Pedal steel is no joke, good work. Always enjoy the vids!
Good job! The pedal steel takes a lot of seat time just to get the muscle memory and coordination going. But it's incredibly rewarding as well. The world needs more steel players, so I hope you'll continue playing it!
Good personalized video - and your PS journey was good too. It was a great reminder for me not to try to eat an elephant with a shovel but with a small spoon. The toughest part (that you seemed to have handled well) is getting the bar intonation down. If you can't hear it, you're in big trouble trying to play any slide style. I enjoyed your little documented adventure here - thanks for sharing.
You did great! you didn't hotshot it, and you did what you realized you could pull off! you had fun, and thats what's important!
Seeing your performance at the end was exactly what I'd hoped for. It was lovely, and joyous, and touched my heart as only music can. Thank you for that.
The timing of this video was also ironic for me personally. I've obsessed over bender lap steels since I saw your video about a year ago, and in a hope to justify making that eventual purchase, I've been planning tonight to put some new flat wounds and a raised nut onto an otherwise unusable acoustic (warped guitar top beneath the bridge after years in storage) to turn it into a quasi-lap steel. And who knows? From there, maybe some day a pedal steel will arrive at my place, too.
Happy New Year, Jon! 2024 - The Year of the Steel - so when’s your next steel guitar gig?
Lamb’s music in West Fort Worth can help if you need service. (they’re also a Taylor Guitars service center, if you are into that kind of thing.)
Love this content, also as a full time video creator, I'm impressed with the quality of the colors, the shot selection, and the storytelling! Subscribed!
You brave brave man! As an “owner” of a 58 string master Fender (no pedals) that I tend to drag out when needed randomly... I’m not unfamiliar with the sound of what I refer to as “cats in a blender”.
Nice job!
Well done Jon and a Happy New Year to you and your subscribers.
Im just gonna say before the video starts, that I literally just bought a 1958 model 400 Fender Pedal Steel and am getting ready to crash coarse in learning how to play lol!
Cool little info here: I located the original first owner today by stumbling upon his obituary, and low and behold they posted a picture of him playing it back in the late 50's early 60's!
Love the dialogue with your kid…can you play with me, stuffed animals….im there with you man 😉
I was told in Nashville, “The pedal steel separates the men from the boys.” True statement. I love this instrument and am currently on a journey to learn it as well.
Wow, You're a believer, so what church did you play in? I became even more eager to follow what he was doing. :)
Awesome fun video! Great job playing such a difficult instrument in so short a time! BTW “tired head” tell me you listen to the little Ticket without telling me you listen to the Ticket! Hahaha
It had a very nice Christmas vibe about it, pedal steel has a very poignant sound that suits this really well. I have a lap steel, those pedals would be overheating my engine. Happy new year from England.
Very good. I enjoyed this so much!
Solid A all day long. New instrument, new tuning, short timescale. Nice work Mr M
Thanks, Craig!
The P steel is as tough as it gets, my friend.
Gotta hold your mouth the right way, too. Mark
Happy New Year, Jon! Fun video, as always. 👍🏻
Ace work. Great video. Cheers. Lee
I've been playing pedal steel for four years now. I play silent night on it at least two times every day, I still don't have it down perfect.
This is so impressive i would be so stressed :D sounds good who doesn't like a pedal steel. My favorite lick is Tim McGraw Just to see you smile, so good never tired of it.
A ShoBud is a gem, constructed by Shot Jackson and Buddy Emmons.
Sounded great! I love playing pedal steel. I studied music in college, but the steel not having the pedagogical base like piano or guitar and I love that freedom and having to figure out things by ear and muscle memory.
I struggled with the tuning, I went with the Peterson strobe-o-stomp and used the E9 sweetened tuning system it has a setting to tune the pedal intervals as well. Just curious what IR you were using? Setting a HX Stomp to use on gigs with mine now.
British singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Hawley said of the pedal steel that its like a swan; all graceful up top with a whole load of crazy moves below the surface. Anyone reading this comment, go check him out (start with Cole’s Corner). His lap steel playing is also great.
Great analogy!
This is a little bit spacey sounding but silent night was a good choice. Especially if you're just trying to play one piece. It sounds pretty good.. There's much much more to learn
How bout them rangers! I just got a lap steel. I never really wanted one bc I figured since I already have the technique from playing slide guitar I might as well just wait and get a pedal steel. But this one was given to me so I’m definitely gonna put it to use.
What are the chords you start playing at 9:13 on the rubber bridge guitar?
This was sick!
Happy New Year Jon! Congrats on putting a new toy into action so soon after buying it. It can be all too easy to tinker for months but never properly use something.
Happy New Year, Stephen!
Sounds great. Yeah, definitely a solid B… in 9 days, awesome. 👍
Thanks! 👍
great video!!
tis is the one I wanna learn
somthin about the sound... idk gets me in a way idk how to explain
"You need to play on Christmas Eve?"
"That's the plan. You think I'm going to get there?"
"No."
I love kids so much. 😂😂😂
Well you sure knew more in 9 days than I did when I started in 72 or 73 and still don't think in numbers like you obviously do (though I can) You're gonna get to where you want to be and I'd guess sooner than many and sooner than you think.
Enjoyed this.
Dak reference and tiredhead. You’re not a P1 are you?
Sounded great!
great job.... thinking of dusting off my lap steel :)
Go for it!
Very well done and quite enjoyable! I out ignorance, thought that playing guitar for over 40 years would be a valuable asset in learning the PSG. It really isn't.
Lol that is the most authentic kid interaction.
"You're filming this!? Oh no." hahaha
Gotta play those stuffed animals!
People come to Nashville every day And have only played a very short time and are gigging everywhere.. You do not have to be good on this instrument to work.. Trust me I know this first-hand
I think I needed to hear this more than he did! I’ve only been at it for a year or two
Happy New Year, and another excellent video. Though I think I secretly hate you, because your videos just kick in my GAS ("huh that little parlor guitar is cheap, I should get that to rubber-bridge it up" - luckily just got the rubber material and play w/ it on a current guitar, "wow those benders on a low endlap steel are neat!" - luckily just bought cheaper benders and put one on the B on my even lower end lapsteel I already had).
I will not buy a pedal steel in 2024. I will not buy a pedal steel in 2024. I will not buy a pedal steel in 2024. I will not..aghghgh
Ahhh...that Sho~Bud sound...
nice job ..just watch your swells...
“Play without a string.” Simple enough. You’ve got PLENTY of strings on that thing lol.
I give you a G. Keep practicing.🥃🤪
No ! One week! No Way!
It can't happen In the time spread
Don’t you wanna be Dak Prescott 😂
Russ Pahl is one of the best steel players of all time. He does not use finger picks. Just a thumb pick. I wouldn't let the finger picks hold you back. Just set your amp a little brighter to compensate for that.
excellent advice. Watching his videos now!
Expensive? Harley Benton has one for 150.
I think that's a lap steel
Definitely would be a lap steel. Just the parts involved in making a pedal steel would cost way more than $150.
That's the most dangerous on the pedal steel let me guess the 3rd string you need that one that is a pretty sounding one