I want your opinion: For Sustain, I recommend...

Tommy Gibbons · Posted 10 Oct 2009 6:47 pm

I need more sustain, what box would you recommend? If any?

Thanks, Tommy

Georg Sørtun · From: Mandal, Agder, Norway

You can't buy "sustain" in a box. It's in your steel and hands, and no box can get out more than there is.

That being said: you can get out what's there better by letting a box do two things:
1: ease the load on the PU by presenting it with a high impedance.
2: half-ride the volume for you.

For instance; a BOSS LMB-3 with all controls set to near 12 o'clock will do just that when connected between the steel and the VP. The LMB-3 will let you use the VP for control and expression more than for volume-riding. It has 1Mohm input impedance which suits steel PUs just fine, and will leave the attack/picking sound untouched/uncompressed since it is a limiter/enhancer for bass players. Regular guitar compressors/limiters OTOH tend to "kill" the attack and flatten the level too much, and are no good for steel.

The LMB-3 will "milk" whatever sustain you have in your steel, and will do so very nicely when you set the treshold and compression rate a bit conservative. It is a bit on the noisy side - like most BOSS boxes are IMO, but will work well in most cases.
Probably some pro-units out there that'll do the job even better, at a much higher price.

Bob Carlucci · From: Candor, New York, USA

David Doggett · Posted 10 Oct 2009 11:08 pm

Well, guitar players get sustain with a compressor (or an amp with a lot of natural compression).

Steelers do it manually with volume pedal technique.

Steve Norman · From: Seattle Washington, USA

Those Jaguar Paul F strings add a lot of sustain to my rig, a lot! A clean smooth bar helps as well.
_________________
GFI D10, Fender Steel King, Hilton Vpedal,BoBro, National D dobro, Marrs RGS

David Hartley · Posted 11 Oct 2009 12:08 am **Tommy**

Many thanks for the photo you sent me.

A Hilton pedal...BJS bar too, thats if you dont already have them.. they will help..

no boxes IMO will help.. just a hilton with good sustain technique with your right foot..

Oh, and keep your strings changed regularly too..

Regards from David Hartley.

Tommy Gibbons · Posted 11 Oct 2009 3:12 am **Thanks for your help!!!**

When it's all said and done, I have concluded it's my volume pedal, or "lack of" technique.

Again, it's the Indian (PC, Native American) not the arrows!

I use good equipment...just not very well.

Thanks guys, Tommy

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

Make sure you have a good amp, and remember to turn it up! It makes little sense to have a powerful amp unless you learn to use all that power properly (that doesn't mean "play loud"). Turn the amp up loud, and then control your volume with the volume pedal. Other tips are to learn the proper vibrato techniques, pick with authority, use a solid bar, and change your strings regularly and remember to wipe them off whenever you finish playing.

Daniel Morris · From: Westlake, Ohio, USA

All of the above suggestions are right on the money - it's mostly in the volume pedal, and in your hands.

That said, there IS a box you may wish to consider:
http://pigtronix.com/products08/philosopherstone.html
Video at: http://proguitarshop.com/store/compressor-pedals-pigtronix-compressor-sustainer-c-87_97/pigtronix-philosopher-s-tone-p-719
Pro Guitar Shop is an excellent source, as is www.tonefactor.com
I've not tried this pedal, but I own the Echolution and Polysaturator, and they are superb.

Just always remember the basics: volume pedal, plenty of amp volume, fresh strings, and your own hands.

Herb Steiner · From: Briarcliff TX 78669, pop. 2,064

All the above are good suggestions. Especially new strings, and developing good volume pedal technique on a guitar with natural resonance.

The box that I use measures 13' x 12' x 8'. I call it my "music room."
_________________
My rig: Infinity and Telonics.

Son, we live in a world with walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with steel guitars. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg?

Doug Earnest · From: Branson, MO USA

I seem to notice more sustain when using my old Goodrich Matchbox. I had not used it in years but got it repaired at the St. Louis convention thanks to Brad Sarno. It doesn't seem like the signal is hotter, it just lasts longer... if that makes any sense.

Tommy Shown · From: Denham Springs, La.

I use a Hilton Digital Sustain. works pretty good with my effects rack. But I do agree with Herb. Good bar,volume pedal and strings will give you some pretty desent sustain.
Tommy Shown
SMFTBL

Herb Steiner · From: Briarcliff TX 78669, pop. 2,064

I forgot to mention a VERY important factor. You need a well-regulated ROLLING vibrato technique with your left hand. A sliding vibrato is not as effective, for some reason, as rolling the bar to achieve sustain.
_________________
My rig: Infinity and Telonics.

Son, we live in a world with walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with steel guitars. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg?

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