Looking into trying bass

[Adieu]

Re: Looking into trying bass

Or... you could just get a Floyd or a Kahler, no?

[ErikH]

Re: Looking into trying bass

Or... you could just get a Floyd or a Kahler, no?

No, you can't. Totally different thing. The pedal steel keeps everything in tune as it bends in either direction, similar to a Transtrem. A Floyd or Kahler does not. It's also possible to bend a single string (thing a G-Bender or B-Bender on a guitar). That can't be done with a Floyd or Kahler. In addition, there is no fretting on a pedal steel. It's all a slide bar, which is much heavier than your average guitar slide. Then there is the string tension. Tighter than what'd you get on a guitar. It's a completely different animal with a different technique for playing. I've seen some pedal steel players that can rip it up. There's some crazy coordination going on with the pedals, the knee levers and the picking. It truly is an art.

[treyhaislip]

Re: Looking into trying bass

Yeah but does anybody NEED them for a band??

Globally or at least far and wide throughout North America, and not just in some enclaves where whatever old music style utilized them (im not even sure what it is used for??) still survives?

Depends on the band...and Country music sure has a need for them. Sure, guys like Brad Paisley can pull some nice pedal steel sounds out of his Tele with a G-Bender but how many guys can actually pull it off musically?

Country is still one of the most popular music styles around and even the new Pop/Rock "Country" uses Pedal Steel on songs.