| Author |
Topic: Can you get violin sounds using an Ebow |
Nigel Mullen
From:
Cassilis, New Brunswick, Canada
|
Posted 12 Feb 2008 6:45 pm |
|
| Wondering if any of you have had any success creating violin sounds with an ebow on the steel. I'm just looking for something to play a few backup violin licks when the singer is doing his thing to add a bit of variety to the song. We can't afford a fiddle player. Thanks for your input. |
|
|
 |
Len Amaral
From:
Rehoboth,MA 02769
|
Posted 12 Feb 2008 7:02 pm
|
|
The Ebow is not a plug and play effect as you have to develop a technique with this device. The standard Ebow string spacing is designed for six string guitar so you have to find a the sweet spot for the steel guitar strings.
For violin sounds I use the Hiltone fuzz and it is more user freindly than the Ebow. Just my opinion so maybe some one else will jump in with another approach.
Lenny |
|
|
|
Richard Sinkler
From:
aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana
|
Posted 12 Feb 2008 8:20 pm
|
|
It will give you a bowed string sound. Sonically, does it sound like a violin? Not to me. It is a good tool for an occasional change. Do not over use it. It gets nerve racking real quick. I got rid of mine years ago.
_________________
Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, Recording King Professional Dobro, NV400, NV112,Ibanez Gio guitar, Epiphone SG Special (open D slide guitar) . Playing for 54 years and still counting. |
|
|
|
Dave Diehl
From:
Mechanicsville, MD, USA
|
Posted 13 Feb 2008 4:29 am
|
|
| Richard's right. Nothing sounds like a violin but a violin. If used right it's "similar". |
|
|
|
Nigel Mullen
From:
Cassilis, New Brunswick, Canada
|
Posted 13 Feb 2008 2:10 pm
|
|
| Len: Where can I get some information on the Hiltone Fuzz. I did an internet search and did'nt find anything. Thanks for your help in this. I know there's nothing like a real violin, but we can't afford a fiddler with the gigs we're playing. In fact, backup fiddlers are like hens teeth in my area anyhow even if we could afford one. I'm just looking for something that will allow me to put in a few fiddle type licks on the steel to give us a bit of variety. Thanks for your help. Nigel |
|
|
|
Richard Sinkler
From:
aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana
|
Posted 13 Feb 2008 3:55 pm
|
|
Actually, most fuzz boxes will give you the abilty to get string sounds (more of an analog synth type string sound as opposed to a violin type sound). The trick is to play 2 unison notes but slant the bar slightly so they are out of tune and you start to hear the beats (typically string 4 raised to F# along with string 1. Along with heavier than normal reverb and cutting the treble on your amp will give this effect. Don't forget to add your vibrato. Some fuzz boxes work a little better (like the Boss Tone) but I have been able to get the effect with several different fuzz boxes. Also, if you play strings 4, 5 & 8 this way, it will give you a cello like sound. I used to use this in the studio back in the 70's/80's.
To add to this, this effect really only works on slow songs. I finally bought a cheap synthesizer and learned to play single note string parts that were the same as what I would play with the steel using this effect. Some of the cheap synths you can get at Circuit City or Best Buy have great sounds in them.
_________________
Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, Recording King Professional Dobro, NV400, NV112,Ibanez Gio guitar, Epiphone SG Special (open D slide guitar) . Playing for 54 years and still counting. |
|
|
|
Len Amaral
From:
Rehoboth,MA 02769
|
Posted 13 Feb 2008 7:37 pm
|
|
Nigel, you can contact Keith Hilton at http://www.hiltonelectronics.net/hilton2.html
The Hiltone is like the old Bosstone in that it plugs into your steel and gets the signal directly from the pickup. It is a very nice unit. |
|
|
|
John Billings
From:
Ohio, USA
|
Posted 14 Feb 2008 8:12 am
|
|
| Listen to Gabby Pahinui playing on Ry Cooder's "Chicken Skin Music." I believe it's on "Yellow Roses." but it might be "Chloe." No fuzz. No E-bow. Just volume knob or pedal, correct tone, and amazing ability! Best violin sound I've ever heard! |
|
|
|
Nigel Mullen
From:
Cassilis, New Brunswick, Canada
|
Posted 14 Feb 2008 3:16 pm
|
|
| Thanks so much guys for your time and help with this. I'm going to try a fuzz unit and see what I come up with. Much appreciated. Nigel |
|
|
|
