Piano or Pedal steel?

File: piano2.jpg (164KB, 1280x720px) Image search: [Google]

164KB, 1280x720px

Bit of an issue i need help deciding.

I have been a guitar player for several years, but now my wrists are buggered from strumming and squeezing the neck so i have RSIs.

Piano and pedal steel are both fairly ergonomic instruments, as the player sits upright with their arms at their sides for the most part.

I have some experience in piano, and some in lap steel (but not pedal steel specifically). Each instrument costs about the same ($1 - $2k).

I just can't decide which to pursue at this point. On one hand, piano is very versatile and can fit into any genre. It's fairly straightforward to learn and there is plenty of educational material out there.

However, there is something about the pedal steel that just speaks to me. The incredible sustain, the way the pedals and levers can be used to adjust harmony, etc. When I listen to pedal steel I can only describe the sound like a bird, soaring above the rest of the band. I also like the niche aspect, kind of like being a pedal steel player is like joining a special club because of how few there are.The problem is that there are very few educational materials in my location (ie anywhere that isnt nashville) and pedal steel alone is a hard instrument to play.

What are your thoughts?

Pedal steel examples: https://youtu.be/IbjViunwfvQ
https://youtu.be/m0vKc3jIjDo
https://youtu.be/FsnD9io2NIA

Piano examples:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS_yyRk_dj8 (its in the mix, just listen for it)
https://youtu.be/ApvQgSE7Kk8
https://youtu.be/LUP6k5xkdBU