Yes, I had to keep it as primitive as possible for my limited tooling. I tried to do multi-function knee joint like a modern instrument but it would jam up. Thanks for the comments.
Wow!! Scott this is super cool. I love seeing the trial and error. I've been going down a rabbit hole of trying to find info on the construction of pedal steels while dreaming of making one. This just re-invigorated my spirit! Cheers from Pittsburgh!
Incredible work and talent! In the 70S I had purchased a ShoBud student model pedal steel never had the time between work and family in my 20s to pursue. I sold it in a couple of years later now that I’m retired I wish I had it back.
Incredible effort and dedication to create a workable steel. I own several production made pedal steels and prior to that considered building my own. My better choice was to buy one. And I'm so glad I did. You will spend all your time improving on the design instead of playing. I prefer to play. I applaud your work and wish you the best.
@@ScottFinchMusic Scott, there's certainly some pride in accomplishment when taking on a project of this magnitude. I discovered that trying to reinvent the wheel was a waste of my efforts. Many have just improved on an existing design and that has brought the pedal steel into today's world. But the cost is of course insane plus the wait time is as much as a year. I own 7 various makes and they all play and sound different. Have fun with your project and enjoy your work.
Hey Pard, Great work, you still have it when it comes to designing and building projects. As you remember, we never had much in common when it came to music but I really enjoyed this session.
Wow! Your pedal steel is awesome and sounds so beautiful… I’m dreaming of doing a similar project and you gave med renewed courage end inspiration. Thank you so much :-) Lars from Denmark
Thanks, I have changed things up a bit since the video. It has a second pick-up, 2 knee levers and a more traditional 3 foot pedals and an optical volume control.
Scott, man..., I'm sorry I took a bunch of your finger picks with me when we were cleaning out drawers at Velvet Sky during the move. I'll bring'em with me next time....
Super cool. Very impressive build. This video has been out for a while so I’m sure you’ve figured this out by now, but you’ll get a much cleaner tone with less string buzz with a heavy round tone bar vs a dobro style bar. I’d love to hear it with the heavier bar!
Thanks , since I posted this I learned a lot. Mostly to do things as done by others. I added two knee levers, moved the pedals into the traditional position, added a volume pedal (with a unique design), big round tone bar, dual pickups in stereo, and tried to use finger picks for a year or so. A little superglue on my finger tips works better for me.
@@ScottFinchMusic I’d love to see more videos of your updates. I’m sure many other would be interested too. I play a vintage MSA D10 Classic XL pedal steel and follow a few different pedal steel groups and forums that would absolutely love to see what you’ve built! It would be a massive hit. Again, I love what you’ve built. Love it!
@@ScottFinchMusic At this point it is coming along, at least the body is. I'm starting to have a proper concept and designs of it now. It will definitely be a pull-release design as opposed to the all pull I originally had in mind, getting the materials for the changer has proven more difficult than it should though
That is so beautiful.. I been trying to build one for a couple of years and getting no where fast.. Not a lot of help offered on youtube or internet. I'm 82 and about ready to give up on project..
This is so awesome! I'm interested in building one myself. Do you know what a good resource would be to look at designs? I don't have access to a pedal steel.
I’m still working on it. I’ve added knee levers and moved the pedals for the fourth time. I’ll do a new video about it soon. I searched google images as my main resource.
Good morning from France , i know now that thf first dealer close the production of small parts for many brand of pedal steel guitar..i hope the next time another men' release the production after that.. thank ypu for hold the Passion keeping slide on the set 🙋// in France our mesure are in Mettre and Just repair an Pedal Steel guitar ask every parts in right Inches measure...thé Thick of angle Braket are in Inches ....and all the parts After ...toi tin it's too small but too Wide it's toi Big..🥺
you know, i thought that this has kinda a hillbilly sorta build. but then i found out people used to take coat hangers and drill holes by the tuning pegs, then use the coat hanger as a pedal.
I stacked them and drilled the small centerline holes. Bolted them together with 2 long 10-24 bolts. I filed some long diagonal scratches to mark the order and continued drilling, and shaping as one large piece. That way they turned out similar enough to swing parallel despite my primitive tools, just a drill press and files. @@thebigun.
@@ScottFinchMusic i was just curious because i want to make my own pedal steel, but i couldn't figure out how to shape all the changers the same. thank you.
This build was very very cheap. I found the wood after hurricane Florence. Total hardware cost was well under $200 and I couldn't find a used one for less than $1000. It was a lot of work, but I enjoyed it.
That is probably due to several things, I had not yet made a volume pedal, I wasn't using any finger picks, I was just learning how to play, I didn't build a 10 string... I left off the important 2 high strings that are a main feature of most pedal steel licks. On the positive side, it kept me entertained during a global pandemic, it cost very little to make and I didn't lose any fingers or poke out an eyeball while making it. I continue learning... thanks for your comment.
very good friend your work!... I am making a steel guitar from scratch, I am from Argentina and there are no such instruments here, I need you to provide me with plans of the cams and their sizes and displacement of variation of the string tone, please It would be very useful for me since I am a musician but simple steel guitars without pedals ... if you confirm the possibility I could give you my contact via email or WhatsApp ... thank you very much in advance for answering me
Hi, the cams or bridge pieces are 1/4in x 1in aluminum cut to 4 in with a simple bronze bearing pressed in to fit on a 3/8 in hard steel shaft. I think steel would sound better than aluminum. I can hear a HF resonance or ringing from the aluminum. Also if the forces applied are not in perfect alignment (as in my case) the bearings develop a sloppy fit, which then has to be corrected by even more perfect alignment. The bearings are specified by an outer and inner diameter. The inner is the shaft size 3/8, and the outer is the drill size. I heated up the aluminum for an easier press fit. THAT was a mistake! The outer (drill size) is specified for a cold press which would make for a perfect fit. I didn't do that. Also make ergonomics of the pedals, knee levers and volume pedal a first priority, not an after thought. (My most time consuming mistake.) I tried to do a video of all my fixes but.... I never finished the vid. The guitar plays pretty nicely now.
@@ScottFinchMusicI am going to manufacture it, even without having any plan, what I would need is the amount of displacement of the cams and how much is the path of the variation of the tone of the string, the rest is pure engineering, hopefully I can pass the part. toughest of construction which is the ideal working measurements of the cam system.
@@jorgeblessed3563 Buy a set of strings, build a test jig , and test a single cam and see how much adjustment you need. It’s different for every string. You need a set of strings and scale length 24.5in to start testing. Don’t go longer, you will just break strings
Looks a lot like the mechanism of early 60s Fender 400/1000s. A solid choice. I like how you did the dot position markers. Extremely cool.
Yes, I had to keep it as primitive as possible for my limited tooling. I tried to do multi-function knee joint like a modern instrument but it would jam up. Thanks for the comments.
I don't know what I like more of the beautiful Sweet sound of this lovely device you created or the awesome scenery especially the doggie! 🙏😂
Thanks, the dog is Mr. Snoodle and he has a few videos of his own.
Absolutely beautiful ... both the guitar and the rendition.
Thanks. I really appreciate the comment.
Very cool! Impressed by your skill in both building and playing your steel.
Wow!! Great job building and playing that thing!
This is incredible. Well done.
Wow!! Scott this is super cool. I love seeing the trial and error. I've been going down a rabbit hole of trying to find info on the construction of pedal steels while dreaming of making one. This just re-invigorated my spirit! Cheers from Pittsburgh!
I have made many changes since the video and I must do an update soon.
@@ScottFinchMusic looking forward to it!
Incredible work and talent! In the 70S I had purchased a ShoBud student model pedal steel never had the time between work and family in my 20s to pursue. I sold it in a couple of years later now that I’m retired I wish I had it back.
Incredible effort and dedication to create a workable steel. I own several production made pedal steels and prior to that considered building my own. My better choice was to buy one. And I'm so glad I did. You will spend all your time improving on the design instead of playing. I prefer to play. I applaud your work and wish you the best.
I have made a few different odd instruments in the last few years. It is a challenge to make with relatively primitive tools.
@@ScottFinchMusic Scott, there's certainly some pride in accomplishment when taking on a project of this magnitude. I discovered that trying to reinvent the wheel was a waste of my efforts. Many have just improved on an existing design and that has brought the pedal steel into today's world. But the cost is of course insane plus the wait time is as much as a year. I own 7 various makes and they all play and sound different. Have fun with your project and enjoy your work.
Hey Pard, Great work, you still have it when it comes to designing and building projects. As you remember, we never had much in common when it came to music but I really enjoyed this session.
thanks, thought I might have finally done one you'd like
My what an inspiring accomplishment and beautiful rendition.
Thank you, I have continued making improvements . One of these days I hope to do an additional video with the upgrades.
That sounds so great. That is so cool. Beautiful scenery.
I loved everything about this. Thank you for sharing.
This may be the coolest thing ive ever seen!
Thanks, I need to film an update soon... a lot has changed.
Stunning work stunning playing and stunning location!
Thanks. Many changes to the guitar since the video was made.
Just awesome. Great work 👏 👍
Thanks a lot 😊
Man. I love the way that looks. Just beautiful!!
Amazing work, great build and great playing
Thanks for commenting, I wish I had seen this sooner.
That was absolutely beautiful! Great job!
Thank you.
Wow! Your pedal steel is awesome and sounds so beautiful… I’m dreaming of doing a similar project and you gave med renewed courage end inspiration. Thank you so much :-) Lars from Denmark
Thanks
Love it! E9? C9? This is what you get when a Sailor Makes a Pedal Steel.
It's the bottom part of E10 ... so E8 I reckon
Stunning Mr. Finch. God bless you. Hugs from Brazil
Thank you so much. Some day I hope to do another video since I added knee levers and a volume pedal.
Very good !! Both your craftsmanship and music playing
Thanks, Sorry for the delayed response.
Wow, awesome build.... 46 years old and sad to see these used less by the day.
Thanks, I'm having fun with it.
I just made my first zither, hopefully one day ill find the time and courage to try a pedal steel. Beautiful work and playing!
Thanks, I still play/practice almost every day.
Wow.
It sounds great!
Woah! That thing sounds great.
I'm in the process of rebuilding my old MSA. Have not played it in 20 years.
Thanks, I have changed things up a bit since the video. It has a second pick-up, 2 knee levers and a more traditional 3 foot pedals and an optical volume control.
Scott, man..., I'm sorry I took a bunch of your finger picks with me when we were cleaning out drawers at Velvet Sky during the move. I'll bring'em with me next time....
I was wondering what happened to them. I knew they did not make it to NC
Nicely done. Very clever to set the pedals at your heels rather than your toes. 👏🏽👏🏽
Now there are 3 pedals ( at my toes ) and 2 knee levers and a volume pedal. I have more minor chords, diminished and augmented chords.
we're there's a will there's a way. sounds great love that tone. nice job
I recently added knee levers and other enhancements. I' putting together another video soon.
Thank you for the video here , 👍
Sounds great!Looks beautiful!
Thanks, someday I will do a follow up video.
So beautiful!!!
Thanks for the complement.
I love this! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
That was great! And I love the design of your PSG!
I recently added knee levers and other enhancements. I'm putting together another video soon.
this is great amazing build im impressed
Thanks, I just came across all these comments. I have finally turned on notifications.
Super cool. Very impressive build. This video has been out for a while so I’m sure you’ve figured this out by now, but you’ll get a much cleaner tone with less string buzz with a heavy round tone bar vs a dobro style bar. I’d love to hear it with the heavier bar!
Thanks , since I posted this I learned a lot. Mostly to do things as done by others. I added two knee levers, moved the pedals into the traditional position, added a volume pedal (with a unique design), big round tone bar, dual pickups in stereo, and tried to use finger picks for a year or so. A little superglue on my finger tips works better for me.
@@ScottFinchMusic I’d love to see more videos of your updates. I’m sure many other would be interested too. I play a vintage MSA D10 Classic XL pedal steel and follow a few different pedal steel groups and forums that would absolutely love to see what you’ve built! It would be a massive hit. Again, I love what you’ve built. Love it!
Very nice!!!!
Sounds very nice. And I want to make one just like yours
Wow, let me see it when it's done.
Just incredible
Thanks Zack
Awesome project, I'm currently in the process of designing a 3x4 pedal steel, quite a bit of maths and work coming towards me haha
I hope your pedal steel is coming along.
@@ScottFinchMusic At this point it is coming along, at least the body is. I'm starting to have a proper concept and designs of it now. It will definitely be a pull-release design as opposed to the all pull I originally had in mind, getting the materials for the changer has proven more difficult than it should though
Awsome🎶🎶👍👍👌👌✌️✌️
Courageous World 👍❤
That is so beautiful.. I been trying to build one for a couple of years and getting no where fast.. Not a lot of help offered on youtube or internet. I'm 82 and about ready to give up on project..
Thanks. If you can get one test string to behave properly on a test jig, the rest is just a lot of work but not impossible.
This is so awesome! I'm interested in building one myself. Do you know what a good resource would be to look at designs? I don't have access to a pedal steel.
I’m still working on it. I’ve added knee levers and moved the pedals for the fourth time. I’ll do a new video about it soon. I searched google images as my main resource.
Just amazing. I am so surprised that using rope to pull the changer is so accurate. Doesn't it stretch?
It is sailing line (rope) that does not stretch. Dyneema or Amsteel. Also the real accuracy is in the stops.
good job!
Thanks!
Nice work!
Thank you.
Good morning from France , i know now that thf first dealer close the production of small parts for many brand of pedal steel guitar..i hope the next time another men' release the production after that..
thank ypu for hold the Passion keeping slide on the set 🙋// in France our mesure are in Mettre and Just repair an Pedal Steel guitar ask every parts in right Inches measure...thé Thick of angle Braket are in Inches ....and all the parts After ...toi tin it's too small but too Wide it's toi Big..🥺
hello,i'm from indonesia...
please,slowly this video..how to make from start to finished i can't to follow because very fast 🙏🙏
thank you
I will show some again in a new video soon
Uauuuuu!
You Need Pedalsteel Guitar Pickups
To Make It Sound Like A Pedalsteel Guitar
you know, i thought that this has kinda a hillbilly sorta build. but then i found out people used to take coat hangers and drill holes by the tuning pegs, then use the coat hanger as a pedal.
kind of a sailor thing too. Thanks
@@ScottFinchMusic out of curiosity, how did you shape the changers?
I stacked them and drilled the small centerline holes. Bolted them together with 2 long 10-24 bolts. I filed some long diagonal scratches to mark the order and continued drilling, and shaping as one large piece. That way they turned out similar enough to swing parallel despite my primitive tools, just a drill press and files. @@thebigun.
@@ScottFinchMusic i was just curious because i want to make my own pedal steel, but i couldn't figure out how to shape all the changers the same. thank you.
Always cheaper to buy a vintage steel than build one. Time spent in build process could have been spent in practice.
This build was very very cheap. I found the wood after hurricane Florence. Total hardware cost was well under $200 and I couldn't find a used one for less than $1000. It was a lot of work, but I enjoyed it.
That Didnt Sound Anything Like A Pedalsteel Guitar.
That is probably due to several things, I had not yet made a volume pedal, I wasn't using any finger picks, I was just learning how to play, I didn't build a 10 string... I left off the important 2 high strings that are a main feature of most pedal steel licks. On the positive side, it kept me entertained during a global pandemic, it cost very little to make and I didn't lose any fingers or poke out an eyeball while making it. I continue learning... thanks for your comment.
@@ScottFinchMusic I don't care what pick up you used. I loved the sound
very good friend your work!... I am making a steel guitar from scratch, I am from Argentina and there are no such instruments here, I need you to provide me with plans of the cams and their sizes and displacement of variation of the string tone, please It would be very useful for me since I am a musician but simple steel guitars without pedals ... if you confirm the possibility I could give you my contact via email or WhatsApp ... thank you very much in advance for answering me
Hi, the cams or bridge pieces are 1/4in x 1in aluminum cut to 4 in with a simple bronze bearing pressed in to fit on a 3/8 in hard steel shaft. I think steel would sound better than aluminum. I can hear a HF resonance or ringing from the aluminum. Also if the forces applied are not in perfect alignment (as in my case) the bearings develop a sloppy fit, which then has to be corrected by even more perfect alignment. The bearings are specified by an outer and inner diameter. The inner is the shaft size 3/8, and the outer is the drill size. I heated up the aluminum for an easier press fit. THAT was a mistake! The outer (drill size) is specified for a cold press which would make for a perfect fit. I didn't do that. Also make ergonomics of the pedals, knee levers and volume pedal a first priority, not an after thought. (My most time consuming mistake.) I tried to do a video of all my fixes but.... I never finished the vid. The guitar plays pretty nicely now.
@@ScottFinchMusicI am going to manufacture it, even without having any plan, what I would need is the amount of displacement of the cams and how much is the path of the variation of the tone of the string, the rest is pure engineering, hopefully I can pass the part. toughest of construction which is the ideal working measurements of the cam system.
@@jorgeblessed3563 Buy a set of strings, build a test jig , and test a single cam and see how much adjustment you need. It’s different for every string. You need a set of strings and scale length 24.5in to start
testing. Don’t go longer, you will just break strings