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Topic: A Challenge -- from one challenged. |
Hans Penner
From:
Manitoba, Canada
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Posted 17 Mar 2014 8:16 pm |
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I'd like to invite you to a challenge from one who is challenged.
But first the background.
I began trying to play the pedal steel 2 1/2 years ago at 57 years young.
I had two major challenges to overcome that no other steel player has ever had to deal with.
I will mention only the one that has been the most challenging to overcome.
You see, at he age of 12 I lost my ring finger tip and thumb on my left hand.
Here it is.
Holding the bar is a challenge I have worked at since the start.
I recently visited with Mike Perlowin.
I showed him my dilemma, secretly hoping he might somehow help.
Well, he did, sort of!
Here's what I got at his suggestion.
This rubber finger tip would make it easier for me to hang onto the slippery bar.
And, it sort of did help.
But then I had an insight and this is what I made.
Now I have bar control like never before.
Even vibrato is easier to do.
This two fingered gripper goes on the middle and index finger like so.
The friction of the rubber band on two sides of the bar allows me to control the bar like never before.
You see, I had developed tendon problems due to the stress of hanging onto the bar.
I thought my playing days were done.
Thanx to Mike's suggestion, they are not.
Now the challenge.
Pretend you do not have a thumb.
Make a rubber band gripper as I've shown.
Use it to see what it is like to play with this gripper.
Why?
Because long ago I came to the realization that seemingly impossible problems can, often, be overcome with the help of other people. eg. Mike
If you take my challenge, maybe you can suggest something that is even better.
Even if you do not take the challenge,
I hope you go back to playing with the realization that you don't have my kind of hurdle to overcome.
And thanx for reading my story.
_________________
At long last, July 14, 2011 and I have a musical instrument I CAN play.
Stage One, Nashville 112, Hilton pedal, Black Box |
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John Roche
From:
England
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Posted 18 Mar 2014 12:42 am
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Hans Penner
From:
Manitoba, Canada
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Posted 18 Mar 2014 5:48 am
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John, I have tried the kind of bar you show.
Mine even has several threaded holes so the ring can be moved.
I found it too limiting in what it allowed me to do.
_________________
At long last, July 14, 2011 and I have a musical instrument I CAN play.
Stage One, Nashville 112, Hilton pedal, Black Box |
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John McClung
From:
Olympia WA, USA
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Posted 18 Mar 2014 9:43 am
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Hans, that's an ingenious idea. Reckon Perlowin is more clever than I realized. Yay for the both of you!
_________________
E9 INSTRUCTION
▪️ If you want to have an ongoing discussion, please email me, don't use the Forum messaging which I detest! steelguitarlessons@earthlink.net |
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Ted Crigger
From:
Kentucky, USA
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Posted 18 Mar 2014 2:08 pm Inspirational, and GOOD IDEA
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I too!! ,have issues with my left hand, or what's left of it! 
_________________
Still Steel'n after all this time♫ |
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Hans Penner
From:
Manitoba, Canada
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Posted 18 Mar 2014 2:46 pm
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John, Professor Twang, I had intended to email you this info since we are both into gadget making. 
I am still hoping someone takes up my challenge.
Maybe you, John?
Ted, how is your situation different from mine and what adaptations have you made?
_________________
At long last, July 14, 2011 and I have a musical instrument I CAN play.
Stage One, Nashville 112, Hilton pedal, Black Box |
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Ted Crigger
From:
Kentucky, USA
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Posted 18 Mar 2014 4:30 pm I sent you an e-mail!
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PM sent !
_________________
Still Steel'n after all this time♫ |
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Mike Perlowin
From:
Los Angeles CA
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Ted Crigger
From:
Kentucky, USA
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Posted 18 Mar 2014 4:39 pm MIKE, I'm sure Hans is very pleased!
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Mike I sent her an email, and told her my story too!
_________________
Still Steel'n after all this time♫ |
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Hans Penner
From:
Manitoba, Canada
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Posted 18 Mar 2014 5:27 pm Thank you Mike
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As you already know, I was glad to meet you in person and thankful for your suggestion, Mike.
Ted
Sent you an email reply.
I think I need to get a haircut.
I am a "he" not a "her"
Please, no apology required.
Its worth a good chuckle though.
And, NO, I will not get a haircut.
Its now considerably longer then in the picture.
Ask Mike.
_________________
At long last, July 14, 2011 and I have a musical instrument I CAN play.
Stage One, Nashville 112, Hilton pedal, Black Box |
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Ted Crigger
From:
Kentucky, USA
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Posted 18 Mar 2014 5:39 pm I got your email !
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Hans,
You are truly a remarkable Man !! 
Your Friend,
~Ted
_________________
Still Steel'n after all this time♫ |
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