Better Than A Pedal Steel Guitar?? | Recording King Lap Steel + Certano Benders

I added Certano Benders to my cheap Recording King Lap Steel for a poor man's pedal steel sound.
Troy Brenningmeyer | / troitone
Luke Goetze | / lukecyrus
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[@lukecyrus]

Hey Jon! Thank you so much for all the kind words in your lovely video! I have to give credit to Bobby Carlos (Guitar tech from San Francisco) , who shared that tuning with me when he sold me my first lap steel at a gig 10 years ago. As far as I know, he's the originator of it. Keep up the great work!!!

[@JonMeyer]

Thanks, Luke! I went to a local music store that deals Duesenberg's and the salesmen brought up your name. Said countless customers fell in love with the lap steel/bender sound after watching your videos. Let me know when they wise up and release the Luke Cyrus Goetze signature model. I'll take out a second mortgage and buy serial number 1!

[@kurtloderlovespie]

Nothing can compare to a practiced pedal steel player with full command of the instrument, It is one of the most amazing sonic experiences you can have.

[@JonMeyer]

oh, I know. I need to bite the bullet and get one.

[@virgilflowers9846]

Cool little device. As a pedal steel player, I still would encourage people to just jump into pedal steel if they’re interested in this sound. There are student models to be found in the $500-700 range. Using your feet and knees to get these changes really is a huge advantage to having to use your right hand, especially if you are a player that uses a lot of palm blocking. No doubt something like this is useful, but the pedal steel opens up a whole new world of possibilities, and it really is worth learning. It’s not as difficult as it’s made out to be In my opinion. Also, just get used to fingerpicks-the tone is so much better and while you could probably do ok on the slow, pretty stuff without them, you absolutely need them when you start getting into faster licks and stuff like that. Excellent video!

[@finnpender-chapman2892]

Where do you live that you can find 500 dollar pedal steels?! I agree tho that everyone should jump into the steel if they can find/afford one

[@pickyyeeter]

@@finnpender-chapman2892 For real, the cheapest used one near me is $1600

[@blakelowrey9620]

@@pickyyeeter yeah I haven’t seen any model student or otherwise less than 2000 new

[@georgedavis9943]

Y’all gotta get on the steel guitar form. You can find some decently priced on there listed almost every day.

[@DocBrownGuitar]

@@georgedavis9943 There are definitely some finds on the steel forum, but no $500-700 dollar student models.

[@OlsonLMusic]

I have this same exact setup (Recording King, Certano, and Lap Dog slide). I love it. It is so much fun to play, and even really simple chords and notes add so much to songs. This is one of my favorite purchases

[@ralf-peterberg1083]

Me too! Same lapsteel with the Certano benders. Your squeaky sound comes from the standard bride. I spent some € on the roller bridge. This makes bending much smoother. I really love the high-precision parts David Certano is building. Strings are everything on this setup. For an open D tuning I use an 16-60 set… Then I pimp the signal with a delay pedal and amp it with a bass combo. Everything sounds great, from swamp blues to steel guitar style! Again thanks to Troy for the inspiration and David for the realisation!

[@empyreanvole]

I'm right where you are- I had a pedal steel goal, but picked up a cheap Lap Steel out of curiosity and really really enjoy it. (Now I have three, including an 8-string). Ive learned more about tunings and music theory and chord building too.. Right now I think of myself as more of a lap steel player than a regular guitarist. Great video.

[@clintbriant8508]

You had the picks on 180° backwards on your fingers in that clip buddy!! That'd make it incredibly hard to play and not get all tangled up! Great video, I want this bender badly!!! Cheers 👊

[@JonMeyer]

yea, it's been pointed out no less than 50 times! Glad you liked the video!

[@duellingscarguevara]

@@JonMeyer do what you do, do well, boy. Do what you do, do well?. I have a system in mind, (but it’s a secret squirrel business plan). This is a fairly cool sounding system though.

[@flintdavis2]

Lol

[@gareybeck866]

I have the same lap steel and purchased the benders from Certano and worked great. The third wound string was squeaking so I purchased the Certano "roller" bridge which eliminated the squeaking. Use these with a volume pedal and you have a poor man's steel. Great video.

[@JonMeyer]

Thanks, Gary. The Roller bridge is on my shopping list.

[@MisaAcim]

Did using the Certano bridge lower the action with respect to the Humbucker? If so, did that affect the choice in string gauge?

[@gareybeck866]

The roller bridge lowered the action approximately 1/16th of an inch. Did not effect the quality of sound with the hummbucker pickup. I play in open D and still using the same guage strings as before. Was easy to install, just made sure the scale length stayed the same from the nut. I am very pleased with the upgrade.

[@MisaAcim]

@@gareybeck866 thanks so much for the reply!

[@MisaAcim]

@@gareybeck866 I saw Troy trying to install locking tuners to help with tuning stability but failed due to the headstock design. Do you have any tuning stability issues?

[@nathanallen9291]

Also would strongly suggest picking open D or Open G and then tuning another one of your guitars to that as well. Would help you really learn one alternative tuning and be able to deploy it for loads more stuff. In open D using the “2nd string whole step” lever can get you all the minor chords as well.

[@lapsteels8]

Luke is a genius, Troy is the best.

[@larrydering1598]

I started on lapsteel in the 70s. Graduated to pedal steel in the 80s. I now have 9 pedal steels and 5 lapsteels. Various tunings on the lapsteels and 6 or 8 strings. No benders on lapsteels yet but I'm thinking about it. Huge price difference compared to pedal steels.

[@j.d.heywood]

What an interesting video. I clicked on just to hear the sound of the palm benders, but sat through the whole thing. Your infectious presentation style, editing and pacing of the video are something you'd expect from a channel with 1m+ subscribers. Serious quality. Looking forward to watching your other videos now!

[@JonMeyer]

I really appreciate the kind words, J.D. Thank you!

[@blaisemacpherson7637]

Lol i skipped a few seconds while he was stringing it because im on my lunch break and dont want to watch someone work but vid was great.

[@antoniaford5478]

YES! I’m a left hander and I’ve been interested in pedal steel for a while. Since apparently lefty pedal steels just don’t exist at all I was hoping and praying someone else has thought of this as a workaround. Thank you!!!!

[@iancaspers7731]

do you have a lefty lap steel or just a righthanded one set up for left handed playing?

[@DavidCertano]

Hey Jon! Thank you SO MUCH for this amazing video. It's a wonderful promotion! I admire the quality of your work!

[@JonMeyer]

Glad you like it, David! Thanks for making such a great product.

[@brianfergus839]

Yes - very cool stuff both you guys 👍

[@Sesaon3]

I'm not a guitar player Jon but I've always loved this sound since I heard David Gilmour on the pedal. I think this is one of my favourite videos of yours and will inspire a lot of guitar players. Kudos.

[@JonMeyer]

Thank you very much!

[@chariotmanagement9247]

I've listened to Luke for years and actually got a the same Recording King with a P90 as a gift from my son, so when I saw your video I was glued. I will somehow, someway get benders on it. I really, really want that sound.

[@z74d-oy2uj]

Pedal steel is a heartgasm!

[@ImpliedMusic]

this all made me unreasonably happy.

[@dennisdewinter1997]

A well done introduction on the lap steel. I thoroughly agree with you regarding Luke. His lap step playing is incredible! And Troy’s lessons and playing are wonderful!

[@JonMeyer]

Troy and Luke have converted quite a few of us to the Lap Steel with benders world. Thanks for watching!

[@superorangeish]

If you are gonna end up getting/ playing pedal steel, I reccomend getting one ASAP...You will be glad you didnt wait.

[@brunosampaio2399]

When I watched this lap steel with this bending device I was like "I have to have one" ´till I saw the price. Maybe someday... Great video.

[@andreasfranzmann9634]

Oh man, that is so inspiring. That‘s gonna be my project for 2023! Thank you Jon, I am a happy subscriber.

[@JonMeyer]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

I really loved this video, Jon. However early you may be into your lap steel journey, the sounds that you're making are really beautiful. Now I have a new purchasing urge to resist. 😂

[@andreasfranzmann9634]

But since you are David Hilowitz you cannot only not resist but even make a DS instrument, ha ha! Great to see you in the comment section and thanks to Jon and you for the value that you bring to the community!

[@simonsbuddy1806]

GREAT vid, Jon. And one of the BEST zoom rooms around. Thanks for sharing your learning curve and experience with us.

[@JonMeyer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrPatdeeee]

"Better Than A Pedal Steel Guitar??" Hmmm...(Sorry this comment is so long. But I believe it needs said.) Well most today's Steel Guitar players of today, would say "YES!". Because these Bender SG's fit perfect; for those who love Rock, etc. But the real answer is this: The Pedal Steel Guitar began in 1954 and drove most of us laptop SG's players, crazy then. And most country song singers, producers and directors went crazy over this sound. And it was a NEW music ever since creation. And I believe it is the most beautiful musical instrument, since creation. Because... UN-known millions of records had PSG in it. And it spread like fire. About that time sadly, Rock began; and MOST of the Rockers hated the sound of the PSG. So it almost shoved the PSG ONLY in country music, with just a few other type of musical recordings. (Note: Incidentally, Elvis just before he died) called Ron Lashley Sr (owner of the Emmons PSG) wanting a PSG in his band. Sadly that never happened, because he died. NO one knows what would have happened, IF he had lived. May Jesus rest his soul.) Fast foreword until today; and a NEW steel guitar is going crazy ;with a similar PSG scenario of long ago. And those like Luke Goetze, Martin Hutch and another is Troy Brenningmeyer, etc are making many Rockers crazy. I first saw and heard Luke last year; and I went wild listening to some unbelievable beautiful music. Awesome. I sent him some things and told him same. Now I AM "country" to my bones. I am 91 yrs old. And I hate Rock and that will never die. But the music the above and others play on their Bender SG's, I LOVE. Keep it going kind Sirs. For I LOVE what you are doing.

[@ROOKTABULA]

Thanks for presenting like a regular dude vs someone younger who grew up watching the typical _"youtube personality."_ Very chill and without the popular catch phrases and euphemisms I'm sofa king tired of hearing. Since first hearing Santo & Johnny Farina, this sound has been magic to me .

[@rdfindley56]

You inspired me with this video! After watching, I also modded a Recording King lap steel with the Certano benders and his roller bridge. While I was at it, kept going.. try dropping a Lollar Novel 90 (bridge) in, swap out the pots for some high quality CTS 500k with a new tone capacitor, and add some Gotoh vintage style locking tuners. The electronics swap takes it to the next level. Just wish it had a longer scale, but it sounds great to learn lap steel on. Cost a bit more than I wanted, but tinkering is fun!

[@jgreetan]

did the Certano roller bridge swap out easily or did it involve more drilling?

[@davidpackard1132]

I've seen Troy's video and now yours.i've been working on lapsteel for about 3 yrs.i have a recording king with a p 90 and a 1949 Alamo I've been using expirimenting with different tunings.im planning g on doing this with my RC.GREAT!

[@JonMeyer]

So much fun! Thanks for watching, David.

[@jonnytherrien8640]

This is so cool! I picked up pedal steel a couple years ago and it's been an absolute joy. I'm no expert or anything, but in the quick shot you had of the fingerpicks, I think the picks on your fingers were backwards. I wear mine with the metal tongue along the pad of my finger rather than over my finger nail. Idk there are no rules but it may be helpful if you do try out picks again. Great video!

[@JonMeyer]

Ha! Thanks for pointing that out.

[@Skokeflats]

Hah I've been playing banjo a couple years now and after a couple months of just learning a buddy of mine that is a Dobro player pointed out that I was wearing the pick backwards and that he had done the same when starting.

[@AlanCath]

Yes I saw the same thing: backwards finger picks 🤔😉. They work way better the other way 'round 😀. Also remember that with pedal steel the knee levers give you pitch drops - right now you're stuck with just pitch raises. You have obvious natural ability as a steel player so I don't think you should just land here. Cool set up though, which goes way further down the line towards pedal steel then just a straight lap steel does. Great video too.

[@NewHopeAudio]

very cool video! Luke Goetze is incredible, been a fan of his slide/ steel stuff for awhile.

[@WakeMikey]

I have also been absolutely drooling over both Troy and Luke's video's for a while now! I too have been quite intrigued by the Certano benders on the Recording King lap steel. Thanks for making this video! The track you made near the end of the video was sounding fantastic. You've got my sub! :)

[@trevorharmon9506]

This is awesome! I have been having that same itch and have been looking for a pedal-steel-esque kind of sound. This looks like a really interesting option to pursue!

[@JonMeyer]

It’s a lot of fun without a huge monetary investment. Good luck and thanks for watching.

[@BluesBrethrenofPolishPeoplesR]

Wonderful film. I went a similar journey and got me a cheap LapSteel plus a Multibender. So happy. I love the idea there are Guys that love what I what seems to me the most beautiful side of music and chase it. Cheers!

[@JonMeyer]

Thank you so much!

[@banjomechanic]

Holy cow, I’ve got to put one of those together. What a fine idea for a pedal steel sound! Thanks so much for this video!

[@jeffbeck6501]

at 6:27 it sounds really good. I love this video. This is exactly what I would want in a lap steel. Without the benders, a lap steel does not do anything worthwhile. ...or not much. When he adds delay and volume pedal, ti sounds so good. This is a way to have a pedal steel, but not be so tied to a chair and pedals. I love this innovation. I really really like it a lot. I have to do this. I never liked the pedals with pedal steels. I love these little benders. This is what a pedal steel should have been in the first place to me. It just does not feel right using my knees and being tied to pedals. I love this thing.

[@dangoebel3238]

Incredible. This might be my ticket into the pedal steel world as well. Amazing content Jon. Love your vibe ✌🏻

[@jeffbellsey2367]

The squeak you're hearing is from the strings rubbing across the metal bridge as they're stretched. It's not a problem with the bender itself. I have a teflon rod that I installed on my bridge, but others use roller bridges (Certano sells these as well). I'm afraid that short of installing a new bridge, you're stuck with a mouse in your guitar :) Good luck, have fun!

[@modularcuriosity]

I wonder if it's louder because that 3rd string is wound? Maybe an 0.024 plain would work better?

[@jeffbellsey2367]

@@modularcuriosity Possibly! But an unwound string will still squeak. You can hear it in my first video with my benders (link below), when I was still using a metal saddle. Around 1:04 you're assaulted with a nasty squeak as I bend my second string, which is an NYXL 0.018. I've since changed the saddle to teflon, and the universe is silent :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/movMYYaPgZKZp8U

[@JonMeyer]

Definitely considering the Certano bridge.

[@paulantoni1046]

it's cool to see other people who bought the recording king : ) myself included , this certano bender is SWEET ! ! ! nice video i'm definitely gonna buy

[@AncientEgo]

Crazy how those benders cost more than the instrument itself. You can make some nice ones from a lot of different things, I made mine out of two old spoon handles. Works and sounds amazing and maybe even better than the actual ones you buy.

[@teleuser]

Just found the exact guitar set up on Guitar Center. Can't wait to get started on it. Thanks for the tuning tips.

[@jamesfrancisco3130]

Great video! I've been wanting a lap steel for quite a while now. But those string benders looked a bit intimidating to me! Thanks for taking the mystery out of them and producing some great sounds in the process. Like you, I'm not really "country", per se, but a steel guitar sounds great on anything! Thanks again for the great work!

[@JonMeyer]

Glad it was helpful, James!

[@donnacasey4255]

The bendersake an open tuning like D easier to get minor chords.

[@jerryderr8043]

Thank you! I've always wondered about benders. I've been playing lap steel for 4.5 years but I don't think I'll ever evolve to installing benders. I sure love the sounds they make and am big fan of Luke Cyrus Goetze too.

[@JonMeyer]

Not sure I even take on this project without seeing Luke’s videos. What an amazing talent!

[@SalAveNU]

I love my recording king lap steel. I keep it in standard tuning so it needs some compression for the lower strings. That's the only down side. I love laying tracks down with mine.

[@dhang9]

I watch both of those guys regularly - glad you found them both as well!! Great vid. I definitely want to snag one of these for myself soon!

[@mrseanwheeler]

At the 7 minute mark I was noticing the squeak and kept thinking spray that little spring with WD-40. No big deal. Now I'll continue watching the video and find out that's exactly what you did.

[@raybassman7536]

Jon I almost bought on too from watching Troy's videos, but my truck broke down and there went my money. Have fun with yours.

[@jimdellas8550]

Well done Jon... as always ... J

[@JonMeyer]

Thanks again, Jim!

[@greenNRGinit]

Thank you so much for sharing. I am presently studying 'if it 's right' to make the leap to a lap steel guitar. Your video definitely helps in explaining how the instrument works and sounds ... Which is beautiful 🙂. Thank you again for sharing. JL

[@zHaphazardz]

Thanks man for taking the time to share

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

Love the sound you are getting, great video! I have been playing acoustic guitar for 45 years, but recently been interesting in playing the lap steel for some minor parts in my orchestrations. Heard many videos with the Recording King most sounded awful, you have gotten the best (recorded) sound out yet on KZbin.

[@Texasbluestunes]

Ordered my Certano benders on Tues, arrived in Texas from France on Friday night. About to put it all together..

[@jessedeux1910]

great video. BTW when you are showing your picks...you have them backward...you might want to try the right way and it will make is easier to use

[@JonMeyer]

Thanks, Jesse! And yes, it's been pointed a few times that I put the picks on the wrong way. I wish I would have left that part out of the video. :)

[@WithStringedInstruments]

Great video and explanation of the bender system. Just ordered a custom lap steel with these benders installed. I am going for open E tuning.

[@phogue1]

Glad you mentioned Troy’s channel. Anyone learning lap steel should subscribe. Nice video, too.

[@PYbootlegs]

Thanks a lot. I've juste bought a cheap lap steel to start with hawaiian classics. But I knew that my aim was to play a lap steel with benders, and now I understand about how it's tuned and how it works ... i will practice the C6 tuning until the day I'll have the basic technic and the money for more!

[@londonemski]

Terrific! Thank you - sounds really beautiful. I may have to follow your footsteps.....

[@motomuso]

Beautiful sound! And I like "nubbins" as a word.

[@CloudCraftStudios]

This is a fantastic explanation. I’m definitely going down this rabbit hole.

[@TresSeaver]

Great inspiration for me to try lap steel. I have a project on the back of the bench to build one, and will likely move it forward due to your example.

[@JonMeyer]

Fun project and you can't go buy one off the shelf.

[@JC-td4gg]

You might also add the Certano roller bridge to make it work even better.

[@mattylyons6471]

So cool!!! Thanks for turning me onto all of this!

[@modularcuriosity]

Nice to see the shout out to Troy. I'm a big fan as well and have bought many lessons from him. Also, at 6:38, your fingerpicks were on backwards 🙂 You would think that they replace your fingernails, but the pick part is actually on the pad of your finger. I also come from a fingerstyle guitar and classical guitar background so I don't use them either. But I've found that using a thumb pick on lap steel changed my hand position just enough that everything sort of came together. Palm harmonics were easier, blocking became easier. Try a thumb pick only and see how you like it.

[@JonMeyer]

Yea, it's been pointed about more than a few times that I put the picks on the wrong way! I like your idea of only using the thumb pick. Will give that a try ASAP!

[@mrb4886]

I had to shim in the nut and crazy glue it too. It is a great deal for the price.

[@zuider77]

That was very encouraging. I'm going to give it a try!

[@JonMeyer]

Do it! Certano also sells a bridge replacement that might be worth considering.

[@ArquiteturaMusical]

HI Jon , Very cool your channel... The sound is gorgeous. Big brazilian composer hug !!!

[@JohannesLabusch]

9:20 Eric Haugen! That dude is another KZbin teacher well worth checking out.

[@JonMeyer]

Big fan of Eric’s channel. Thanks for watching!

[@doublebird6512]

This is cool Jon! I did too put benders on a Tone King Lapsteel about a year ago, also inspired by Luke and his tuning. I bought duesenberg benders though, works really nice. A little bit hard to pull down though with thicker strings, so I use lighter and starta from F in stead of G.

[@HautaAntero]

I use Gear4music lap steel, which I have install Duesenberg multibender, with B/G/E bender. Tuning what I use with it is C#G#F#G#C#E which is kind of C#minor tuning.

[@JonMeyer]

I need to try that tuning. Thanks for watching!

[@HautaAntero]

@@JonMeyer About that, I also using Zoom G1N EXT Guitar Effect Pedal, to change the tuning, and also adding the sound and tone which sounds more like a pedal steel. I using C# Minor tuning, because it was much easier tuning to myself to use. So it is little bit subjective what tuning fits your musical purposes.🤔 If you wanted a example about my playing style, here is one video from my another channel. Casper Esmann - Tears In Heaven (Lap Steel Play Along) kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKPIdnhvZbKaa8U

[@SALTERME]

Thank you John, this has really made me want to do a lap steel project; what a lovely sound, and would make for a great PianoBook sample library 🙂

[@adecree]

For the squeak - try some petroleum jelly (Vaseline) applied with cue tips on any and all hinges/moving parts

[@JC-td4gg]

Also, you can order the Duesengberg pickups to use on this guitar.

[@Cliffswanson]

Nice presentation, Jon. I have Certano benders on two lap steels and enjoy using them.

[@JonMeyer]

Thanks, Cliff!

[@JohnMarshall-NI]

I did the same thing a while back (inspired by the same channels!), but haven't gotten around to editing the video yet. One thing that I found, was that putting a little oil (I think I used the oil for my beard trimmer blades) where the strings go over the bridge eliminated the squeaking noise.

[@waynedean8]

Thank you , thank you 😊 I'm a bass player which are,a dime a dozen ' round here but no steel players so I figure.... why not.. I was curious about the bars and you covered all my concerns

[@ericlarkins]

Tip for better ear / playing in pitch... buy Gary Willis Ultimate Ear Training, start sight singing... buy a $50 Casio battery powered keyboard and practice singing (intervals) while you drive down the road.....because, time management :)

[@davidholden4543]

It goes back to using the best tool for what youre trying to do. On pedal steel (E9 neck) you use a group of 4 strings that’ll give you E, A, F#m, C#m, C# without even using your left hand! I used to do a little showman steel solo drinking a beer with my left hand and doing everything with my left hand, feet and knees. The other strings around this group of 4 help you do scales or get even more chord combinations like maj 7, b7, 9ths etc. If you want to play Boot Heel Drag, or do more intricate melodic and harmonic runs, you might want to stick to the pedal steel. The disadvantage of the pedal steel is that its freaking heavy and takes up a lot of space on stage. Also, they need to acclamate to the climate youre playing in especially playing outdoors. If you just want to do some chords, swells and some simple iconic pedal steel sounds while saving space, this lap steel might be for you.

[@chimcclean]

Stumbled upon this video and… what a cool surprise… nice one! Been eyeing this kinda mod for a bit. Great overview. Thanks for the inspiration! ✨🤙🏼🎶😎

[@JonMeyer]

Thanks for watching, Chi! Glad it was helpful.

[@chimcclean]

Hey! I actually just received a Certano bender and a roller bridge and am starting the installation process now. (I’m pretty excited!) Did you ever install the roller bridge after the fact? If so, any tips on getting it just right / making sure it’s positioned correctly for intonation purposes, etc? (I am not terribly “handy” and don’t really trust myself to do this correctly, haha!) Any tips or tricks (if you’ve been through this step) would be most welcome. Thanks either way!

[@spadogs]

Love the sound. I am sure this will be amazing for you in your music.

[@chrismiles1663]

Really great video, Jon! I'm happy to find out that there's a cheaper way to that wonderful sound than the Duessenberg! :)

[@aaronnewberry]

My favorite vid so far! Have you of Dijon? Ryan Richter does some amazingly beautiful lap steel in that band.

[@mumenrider862]

Over the past year I've fallen in love with pedal steel guitar. This looks cool.. Let me know if you want to ever sell it. :)

[@silverfret]

great video, i got inspired by luke a couple of years ago and also purchased a Duesenberg lap steel. i failed trying to learn how to play it but i,m about to give it a second go.

[@mutangpadan5311]

I’m inspired. Really. I also watch those 2 guys a lot. Just very difficult to obtain the instrument in my country.

[@jimsanger]

Its a great sound. I used to hate lap steel as it reminded me of the bad 70s country and western I heard growing up. It was hearing Ben Keith's playing with Neil Young that made me fall in love with the sound, particularly on the Harvest Moon album.

[@JonMeyer]

This will trigger you in a number of ways...kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIuZk5-fbr2cqJY

[@jimsanger]

@@JonMeyer Ha, brilliant :D

[@KP11520]

VERY cool video and actually quite informative in a short time. But the true test is.... you addressing the doubts that would freeze so many to never move forward! This has been in the back of my mind for so long, but never would supply enough to be convincing.... Until you put the additional capabilities on and for a reasonable price. YOU moved this up my priority list now. Just gotta get all the other junk out of the way first! LOL Thank you!

[@JonMeyer]

Glad the video was helpful. It’s a fun, rewarding, relatively easy project.

[@thomashenderson349]

Great video. I will point out that if you use finger picks don’t use them the way you demonstrated. That is backwards. To use them backward is really nearly impossible. Thom Henderson, banjo player.

[@JonMeyer]

Thanks! Yea, it’s been pointed out a few dozen times that I put the fingerpicks on wrong. I quickly figured this out on my own after publishing.

[@arkybeagle6159]

Yep! A lap with Dusenbergs ( Certanos in this case ) will get you a long way. That being said, I've had a pedal steel now for 16 years, gigged it, used it on a lot of recordings. In a way a lap has a "better" tone because pedal steel diverged. I will warn you about the fingernails - I played for a long time with fingers and no picks and shredded a nail one gig. The picks are also PPE. I still like the way fingers sound better and "finger blocking" is easier. I've played bass for over 40 years so I can get a good tone ( as can you ) that way. Some can't. You'd think picks would be easy but they are not.

[@wideawakenotwoke6178]

Great video Jon! Troy has inspired me thank you sir

[@JonMeyer]

Thanks for watching, Steve!

[@magnusberger6762]

Nice video, I have a similar setup myself with a vintage lapsteel and a Duesenberg Multibender. I also prefer using the fingers. It looks like you had the finger picks the wrong way around - try them with the smooth side towards the string! You might still prefer your fingers/nails though.

[@JonMeyer]

I've been told by more than a few that my finger picks were on the wrong way! :) Might explain why I don't like using them!

[@davehopping7212]

Jon makes some pretty uptown sounds with a barebones instrument. I think David Lindley would approve. HOWEVER.... I'll differ with him ever so slightly about the difficulty of learning pedal steel. Here's why: PSG is played with both hands, both knees, and both feet. All those points of contact mean the player has an enormous amount of intimacy, and an enormous amount of control over what it does, not to mention that while Jon's Recording King has two pitch changers, even the PSG equivalent of a Telecaster has about a dozen, and the changes they make are intuitive to the point that any six-stringer can figure it out much faster than they anticipate. TBH, there are a couple of downsides; first, a good basic Telecaster-equivalent PSG will set you back about as much as an American Ultra Jazzmaster. No offshore cheapies. Second, right hand picking and palm-blocking doesn't fall (so to speak!) readily to hand, and it takes a bit of work before that comes together. But if you make the investment of time and bux, you're certain to be very happy with the return.

[@ThisMichaelBrown]

Hey Jon, thanks for the scoop....im in a very similar boat....I played some slide guitar on my last original song release and I have the fever for more slide....took lots of takes to get pitch right, so counter intuitive to play at the fret and not behind the fret. But really fun stuff....I may pick up a lap steel....thanks again....Mike

[@JonMeyer]

Yea, it’s addictive. Wish I would have learned sooner.

[@impossible6329]

BEAUTIFULLY Sound

[@nathanallen9291]

$500 plus the $800 big boi melodyne and you are good to go!!!!

[@markj.williams844]

Troy’s string recommendations are available from Strings by Mail and ask for Troy’s D Tuning Custom set. Great to work with

[@markj.williams844]

Strings. By Mail is great.

[@himester666]

Troy is the shit! You sound great too

[@MessengersoftheCross]

Fantastic video. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@lindsaythomas2283]

Very good, understandable video. Thanks sooo much. Luke's are great too.

[@JonMeyer]

Glad it was helpful, Lindsay!

[@fredruhoff8576]

I've been a guitarist for over fifty years and have assembled and maintained a number of electric guitars (partscasters, etc.). I've contemplated using some leftover parts to make a lap steel and wondered if I wanted to add benders and a volume pedal if I did that. That all seems more doable now since I saw this video, and I may even take a look at the Recording King, too. I also like how you referenced sellers and other KZbin channels to help get the jobe done. (Was that Eric Haugen in a short clip there with that Silvertone amp in the background?). Great style and a well done video!

[@lancemartin8465]

add a couple more octaves of the strings, and about 10 other pulls - and this would be in the arena of a pedal steel. as it sits, you have a tele with B and G benders

[@JonMeyer]

Thanks for watching!

[@takemyjobpleeez]

I put benders to on a cheap, $99 SX lapsteel. They're not Certano benders, but similar, and they are under $200. Anyhow, they work well.

[@TwelveSticks]

Cool. Thanks for that video. I've been pondering getting a lap steel with benders, but was scared off by the price of tose Duesenbergs!

[@JonMeyer]

Yea, the duesenberg was too expensive for me to simply try out. Maybe one day I’ll upgrade, but Recording King will serve me well, although I do recommend upgrading the bridge.