To start with, PatDee is the pen name of Carl Dixon. Those who ever visited the Scotty´s convention, certainly ran into this friendly man. After several requests Carl decided to write a book on the Evolution of the Pedal Steel Guitar. It became a very special book. Not quite a classic book on the evolution of this instrument, but Carl´s personal vision. With tons of wonderful color photographs all on high quality satin paper. The book is a ringbinder and can be ordered by sending Carl an email. I will add Carl´s email address at the end of this review.

Three warnings ahead of the review:

1. Carl is a "Born Again Christian", and he expresses this frequently throughout his book. Thus when you are averse of religion, do not buy this publication. But I am sure most steel players are not hurt by it. Carl´s intentions are very honest.

2. This is a steel guitar book written by a steel guitar player for steel guitar players. When you know nothing about the instrument this book will confuse you. In that case I will advice you to read Lorene Ruymar´s "History of the Hawaiian Steel Guitar" article, and Jan Visser´s "History of the Pedal Steel Guitar" article in this website first (top pulldown menu - Various - The history of -).

3. Don´t expect to read a typographic correct and well organized book. When you are in the printing business this book may look quite "messed up".

After all these warnings I hear you ask "why do you review it?".

This is a charming book to read. To me it was a weekend job. Sunday morning at the dining table with coffee, soft boiled eggs, French croissants with marmalade, orange juice, and Carl´s book. A moment of rest in a busy life. Fun to page through Carl´s rendition of the Evolution of the Pedal Steel Guitar. Watching lots of photographs of, often famous, players who are likely close friends of Carl, graced with Carl´s personal notes. Lots of photographs of instruments, chord schemes, tuning diagrams, and ... all on high quality satin paper.

Carl starts with a foreword in which he explains why he wrote this book, followed by a dozen pages about Carl´s steel guitar mentors, people like Letritia Lay, Roy Wiggens, Jerry Byrd and Buddy Emmons. Some lap steel, some pedal steel. All with great pics, and sometimes even a handwritten letter, or a handwritten chord/tab progression printed. After that, some history of the steel guitar followed by a series of tuning diagrams. A big portion of this history part is about the lap steel and the evolution of steel guitar tunings. Next a recollection of the great players of the pedal steel. Jimmy Day, Ralph Mooney, Jeff Newman, Buddy Emmons etc. The book ends with a very large number of pages about some lap steels- and many pedal steel brands. About pedals, pull rods, bell cranks, changers, single necks, double necks, keyed and keyless tuners, you name it. And remember, photographs, photographs, photographs. Photographs of the players. Photographs of the steel guitars, Photographs of the complex machinery underneath the cabinet (great items for newbees). Carl´s book is a photobook.

At the time of this review, October 2008, this 95 page book, sells for USD $29,95 plus USD $3,95 shipping (USA, for overseas shipping ask Carl). Knowing the costs of high quality satin paper prints in full color I personally think this is not expensive. It is a good buy when you truly love this instrument.

Carl gave me the permission to publish several scans from his book. I made a collection which shows in popup windows. Click the slides to view the large versions. The mouse over text balloons (alts) give credit to the copyright holders of the photographs.

To get in touch with Carl, click the link to his email address: dixoncsge@yahoo.com