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Post new topic New guy post and question.
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Author Topic:  New guy post and question.
Ken Campbell

 

From:
Ferndale, Montana
Post  Posted 31 Aug 2013 5:21 am    
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Hello all,

Normally I'm much more of a lurker but you guys have all been so supportive of each other I thought I'd poke my head out of my burrow and say hello.
I'm a new PSG player, I played the 6 string pro for a lot of years back in the 80s and 90s, as well as a long stint as a drummer. ( no knuckle dragging jokes, please!). I recently took up the dobro, which I adore, and that led me to the PSG. I just bought a BMI s10 from Jim Palenscar, and am eagerly awaiting its delivery.

Now for my question. In a recent newsletter, Bob Hempker from Nashville Steel recommended the Tascam guitar trainer. I looked it up, but I'm unsure of how a guy would use it. I'm a bit challenged by technology so I am hopefull someone can illuminate me on its uses.

Really glad to have found this spot and all the knowledge and support.

Highest regards....

Ken Campbell
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Bob Hoffnar


From:
Austin, Tx
Post  Posted 31 Aug 2013 6:42 am    
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Your computer can do everything the tascam unit can do and much much more for very little money. Learning how to use something like band in a box or the amazing slow downer is not much more difficult than learning how to post a question on this forum.
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Bob
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Richard Sinkler


From:
aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana
Post  Posted 31 Aug 2013 7:12 am    
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Amazing Slow Downer works great. I had one of the portable slow downer things similar to the Tascam, and didn't like it. The only thing is that they are portable and be taken to rehearsals etc...
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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.
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Dick Sexton


From:
Greenville, Ohio
Post  Posted 31 Aug 2013 8:27 am     What I use...
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Audacity-Free
Amazing Slowdowner-Roni Music, about $45

Great computer based tools.
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Joey Ace


From:
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Post  Posted 31 Aug 2013 8:28 am    
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Welcome Ken!

If you're going the computer route check TRANSCRIBE!

http://www.seventhstring.com/

It's similar to The Amazing Slowdowner, with more features.

I've been using it for years. Cost $39 and you can try it for a month free.

Their web site has a lot of info that is applicable to other products.

PS
Audacity is a must have, IMO.
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Jay Fagerlie


From:
Lotus, California, USA
Post  Posted 2 Sep 2013 6:36 am    
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Riffstation is another choice-

http://www.riffstation.com/index.html

Welcome to the forum Ken!

Jay
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Michael Remming


From:
Kimberly, Idaho, USA (deceased)
Post  Posted 2 Sep 2013 8:39 am    
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Ken,

I use the Tascam GB-10 every day I practice. Here is a link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr4eiriZ3f0.

You can very easily change speed, key, loop, and even use it as a headphone amp.

Great learning tool!
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Bill Howard

 

From:
Indiana, USA
Post  Posted 7 Sep 2013 9:19 am     Tascam
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I got rid of a Tascam recorder and bought a Yamaha Cassette with sound on sound.. I call Band in a Box
S--- in a box!. Again about like those digital recorders that take a rocket scientist to use.
And keep in mind I'm a retired former automatic transmission rebuilder. I can build over 125 different types of transmissions fluently no books... None of these manufactures give any instructions that any normal person can understand. They can keep band in a box and digital IMPOSSIBLE to use digital recorders.
I will play Bass Rhythm and lead guitar backing on my ANALOG. Until someone makes something I can actually use. Sorry this makes me mad I gave about 500.00 for that ^%$#^**( Recorder and lost about 200.00 on it THANK YOU TASCAM!! And I'm not alone others have complained about it as well...and the rest are no better ...climbing down from s box:)
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Lee Dassow


From:
Jefferson, Georgia USA
Post  Posted 7 Sep 2013 10:51 am     new guy post and question
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Ken, Bob H. is right . The computer is the way to go. With so many people like micky adams and other great players uploading stuff on you tube the average guy should do quite well. Just set your steel up in front of the computer. worked for me. Good way to get started.
Most of the basic stuff will just involve the A and B pedals, and your left knee levers that raise and lower the E strings 4 and 8. That is assuming that the E changes are on the left knee. Remember keep it simple. Good Luck Tennessee LEE, The Old Cat
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2015 Mullen D-10 Royal Precision 9x8,-1990 BMI S-10 5x5-1972 Silver face Fender pro Reverb amp,-1965 Fender Super Reverb Amp,- 1966 Fender Showman Amp Two 15" JBL speakers,- 2006 65 Fender Twin Reverb reissue Amp,- 1982 Peavey Session 500 amp,-1978 Peavey Session 400,Goodrich Volume Pedals,John Pearse Steel Bars,


Last edited by Lee Dassow on 7 Sep 2013 11:14 am; edited 2 times in total
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Storm Rosson

 

From:
Silver City, NM. USA
Post  Posted 7 Sep 2013 11:02 am    
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Smile Learning digital terminology, and having a bit of audio terminology as it applies to mixers,eq,effects, etc. is the key I think to understanding any computer recording app from BIAB to Cakewalk Pro the similarities become apparent IMO...Stormy Very Happy
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Bud Angelotti


From:
Larryville, NJ, USA
Post  Posted 7 Sep 2013 11:40 am    
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As Lee just said -
Quote:
Remember keep it simple.

Gadgets can be fun, gadgets can be great - However, too many gadgets just take away from actually playing the steel.
Ya can't just throw money at it. Well, I guess you can if you want, but if you're using your time to figure out some gadget, it's taking time away from just playing the steel. Keep it simple. Smile
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Ken Campbell

 

From:
Ferndale, Montana
Post  Posted 7 Sep 2013 12:10 pm     Thanks everyone...
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I really appreciate all the advice. I eschewed the tascam, and I have my ipad set up on a music stand so I can watch vids. I also got a couple of books, as well as an old pal who used to play for Juice Newton that I can call. Mickey Adams rocks. So I'm playing the guitar rather than playing with stuff. Can't thank you all enough....


Kc
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Lee Dassow


From:
Jefferson, Georgia USA
Post  Posted 7 Sep 2013 1:25 pm    
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Sounds good ken. Having a professional player to help you out is also a plus. I too have a local guy, Mike Tate who played with T. Graham Brown,just before T. went to Nashville and made the big time. Mike was also in Sylvia Kirby's east coast road band, back in the day. Darn good steel player. He's helped me a lot. T.L.
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2015 Mullen D-10 Royal Precision 9x8,-1990 BMI S-10 5x5-1972 Silver face Fender pro Reverb amp,-1965 Fender Super Reverb Amp,- 1966 Fender Showman Amp Two 15" JBL speakers,- 2006 65 Fender Twin Reverb reissue Amp,- 1982 Peavey Session 500 amp,-1978 Peavey Session 400,Goodrich Volume Pedals,John Pearse Steel Bars,
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Dave Grafe


From:
Hudson River Valley NY
Post  Posted 9 Sep 2013 9:32 am    
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There's a lot more to playing music than learning licks, and the nature of muscle memory is such that if you spend a lot of time learning a lick at a certain speed it can actually be more difficult to play it at another speed, even a slower one!

In any case if you are new at this there is plenty to work on that will provide some musical satisfaction that requires nothing more than a CD player or computer to play your accompaniment. In other words, don't spend your money, spending your time on the instrument is what matters...
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Bob Hoffnar


From:
Austin, Tx
Post  Posted 9 Sep 2013 10:27 am    
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Ken, if you are using an iPad check out the "I real b" app. Great for play along tunes. They have a user group where you can get tons of tunes to use. It is a bit like biab for the iPad. The drawback is there are no melodies on the tunes you get from the user group. Just chords and rhythm tracks. You can change keys and tempo super easy. Great practice tool.

You can program your own tunes also. I haven't done that yet though.
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Bob
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