| Author |
Topic: Thinking of a MultiKord |
Bob Thomason
From:
Georgia, USA
|
Posted 24 Nov 2015 3:17 pm |
|
Looking for a PSG to fool around with.
_________________
Got time to breathe,got time for music
Brisco Darling |
|
|
 |
Bob Thomason
From:
Georgia, USA
|
Posted 24 Nov 2015 3:18 pm
|
|
How are these to get classic sounds on ?
_________________
Got time to breathe,got time for music
Brisco Darling |
|
|
|
Rick Barnhart
From:
Arizona, USA
|
Posted 24 Nov 2015 3:27 pm
|
|
| Bob Thomason wrote: |
| Thinking of a MultiKord |
You better think again... 
_________________
Clinesmith consoles D-8/6 5 pedal, D-8 3 pedal & A25 Frypan, Pettingill Teardrop, & P8 Deluxe. |
|
|
|
Bob Thomason
From:
Georgia, USA
|
Posted 24 Nov 2015 3:52 pm
|
|
Thank you , of course you are right. I got frustrated on my six shooter build today and was grabbing at straws .
_________________
Got time to breathe,got time for music
Brisco Darling |
|
|
|
Kevin Hatton
From:
Buffalo, N.Y.
|
Posted 24 Nov 2015 3:59 pm
|
|
| They make good front yard garden conversation pieces. Add your favorite climbing vine. |
|
|
|
Bob Thomason
From:
Georgia, USA
|
Posted 24 Nov 2015 4:07 pm
|
|
Not at the prices people are asking for them. Found a machine shop I can use for my parts fab for my build so am happy again 
_________________
Got time to breathe,got time for music
Brisco Darling |
|
|
|
Lee Dassow
From:
Jefferson, Georgia USA
|
Posted 24 Nov 2015 4:16 pm
|
|
Had a single neck eight a long time ago. Their junk. T.L.
_________________
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, |
|
|
|
Dan Robinson
From:
Colorado, USA
|
Posted 25 Nov 2015 8:35 am
|
|
I'm hoping Alan Brookes will chime in here.
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?p=2401007&highlight=#2401007
| Alan Brookes wrote: |
They stopped making them after a lawsuit from the Harlin Brothers, who claimed that they infringed on their patent. Harlin had previously brought out the MultiKord, with an almost identical mechanism. I have several MultiKords in my collection.
The playing position was awkward. Notice, that, because all the pedals are grouped on the left, the mechanism is also on the left and there are no rods along the underside of the instrument. The pedals were connected to the mechanism by short cables, and so, when you folded the legs up, the cables folded up with them, and you could arrive at a gig without having to set the instrument up, as you would in a modern pedal steel guitar.
But the tone was excellent, and you could change the copedant in a couple of minutes from above without having to climb under the instrument. I've been planning on converting one to regular pedal set-up for years and someday, when I get time, I shall do it. 
Our fellow member, Danny James, with whom I have frequent contact via the internet, used to work on production of MultiKords, and he knew the Harlin Brothers well. He's the best expert I know on the subject, and he still plays his MultiKord, of which he is very fond.  |
|
|
|
|
b0b
From:
Cloverdale, CA, USA
|
Posted 25 Nov 2015 9:52 am
|
|
| Bob Thomason wrote: |
| How are these to get classic sounds on ? |
Not very good. I'm not aware of any classic steel guitar recordings that were made on a Multi-Kord. Bigsby steels were the original classic PSG sound, followed by Fender and Sho-Bud.
_________________
-𝕓𝕆𝕓- (admin) - Robert P. Lee - Recordings - Breathe - D6th - Video |
|
|
|
Mule Ferguson
From:
N Wilkesboro NC,
|
Posted 25 Nov 2015 2:14 pm
|
|
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgKaMUbgQY4
One arm MultiKord player.
_________________
Emmons La Grande D10, Zum Encore, Multicord,Marlen S10 1972, Nashville 112, Evans HVP #2, Peavey Profex ll, Martin, Merle Travis D28M Bigsby Neck.
D28 Henderson, Dobro and Tut Bro. Fender Tele, Stelling Stagehorn Banjo |
|
|
|
Ron Pruter
From:
Arizona, USA
|
Posted 25 Nov 2015 3:46 pm
|
|
If he has one arm, My hats off to him. RP
_________________
Emmons SKH Le Grande, '73 Fender P/J bass, Tick tack bass, Regal high strung, USA Nashville 112. |
|
|
|
Ron Pruter
From:
Arizona, USA
|
Posted 25 Nov 2015 3:53 pm
|
|
Sneeky Pete told me at the Aragon Ball Room in Chicago, as he stared out at my Multi-chord sitting center stage, that he started with one of those. We were getting ready to open for the Burrito Brothers.
I agree though, horrible instrument! RP
_________________
Emmons SKH Le Grande, '73 Fender P/J bass, Tick tack bass, Regal high strung, USA Nashville 112. |
|
|
|
Clark Doughty
From:
KANSAS
|
Posted 25 Nov 2015 7:36 pm Multicord
|
|
I have a full CD of some of the most beautiful songs played on a Multi-Kord by my friend Dick Thompson who played for Roy Clark in Wash DC back in the 50's. He is quite an accomplished player. If I knew how I would post a song or two for you to hear. You simply wouldn't believe. I know it's authentic because I've stood beside him and listened and watched him play the Multi-Kord with all the pedals on one side.....  |
|
|
|
Danny James
From:
Summerfield Florida USA
|
Posted 25 Nov 2015 8:02 pm
|
|
| b0b wrote: |
| Bob Thomason wrote: |
| How are these to get classic sounds on ? |
Not very good. I'm not aware of any classic steel guitar recordings that were made on a Multi-Kord. Bigsby steels were the original classic PSG sound, followed by Fender and Sho-Bud. |
What pedal steel guitar being built and sold to the public in 1947 could compare to a Multi-Kord other than the Gibson Electra Harp which didn't hold tune well at all?
Of course Gibson had to cease production of their Electra Harp because of patent infringement rights on Jay Harlin's Multi-Kord. Jay Harlin held the "first" patent on a pedal steel guitar.
It is correct of course that Multi-Kords do not compare to the modern well made country steels being made today. But I think it is unfair to compare them and say they were no good.
Another point I would like to make is Harlin Brothers were very active in making an affordable pedal Hawaiian Steel Guitar so young people could get started in music. What other pedal steel guitar manufacturer was doing that back in 1947?
My first Multi-Kord was bought in 1948 by my father for under $200 when I was ten years old from Harlin Brothers in their store in Indianapolis. I started taking lessons and less that 4 yrs. later started teaching private lessons and classes on Saturdays in their studio.
I knew all the Harlin Brothers well. They were very good with kids and very good to work for. We very much need something like that today to keep pedal steel guitar alive and well!  |
|
|
|
b0b
From:
Cloverdale, CA, USA
|
Posted 25 Nov 2015 10:10 pm
|
|
Danny, I think you misunderstood me. The "classic" pedal steel sounds started with Bud Isaacs recording of "Slowly" in 1954, on a Bigsby. Yes, pedal steel guitars had been around for a few years, but they were not used to get the classic sounds that people associate with the instrument. If you can get those sounds from a Multi-Kord, I'd like to hear an example. The only Multi-Kord tracks I've heard sound like a multi-neck Hawaiian guitar. People used the pedals to change tunings, not to bend notes while they were playing.
When Bud Isaacs changed our world, did any Multi-Kord players follow his lead? As far as I know, no country music stars featured a Multi-Kord on their records or even on stage. I'd be happy to be proven wrong.
_________________
-𝕓𝕆𝕓- (admin) - Robert P. Lee - Recordings - Breathe - D6th - Video |
|
|
|
Eric Philippsen
From:
Central Florida USA
|
Posted 26 Nov 2015 5:30 am
|
|
Here in the Indy area there's an guy who plays a MultiKord. He's really good and, back in the day, played with local radio station orchestras as well as doing lots of solo gigs. Although retired now, he made a good living at it.
As many might know, the manufacturer was Harlin Brothers which was located here. Some of their upper end models were quite the something, complete with face boards covering the entire front. The player I mention has two made out of beautiful wood and with cabinet designs, finish and painted or inlaid striping that is breathtaking. Both are easily worthy of a picture in any design publication.
However, I would echo what others have said. Put another way, I wouldn't buy one to learn pedal steel. Sadly, they would be my last recommendation. From a marketing standpoint alone they are almost impossible to sell. |
|
|
|
Bob Thomason
From:
Georgia, USA
|
Posted 26 Nov 2015 6:19 am
|
|
Thanks for all the replies . I am building a simple Fessy style 6 string to play with. That will do me for a while
_________________
Got time to breathe,got time for music
Brisco Darling |
|
|
|
Danny James
From:
Summerfield Florida USA
|
Posted 26 Nov 2015 2:32 pm
|
|
| b0b wrote: |
Danny, I think you misunderstood me. The "classic" pedal steel sounds started with Bud Isaacs recording of "Slowly" in 1954, on a Bigsby. Yes, pedal steel guitars had been around for a few years, but they were not used to get the classic sounds that people associate with the instrument. If you can get those sounds from a Multi-Kord, I'd like to hear an example. The only Multi-Kord tracks I've heard sound like a multi-neck Hawaiian guitar. People used the pedals to change tunings, not to bend notes while they were playing.
When Bud Isaacs changed our world, did any Multi-Kord players follow his lead? As far as I know, no country music stars featured a Multi-Kord on their records or even on stage. I'd be happy to be proven wrong. |
b0b,
I see no reason why in Bud Isaacs Day, (1954) when Webb Pierce recorded Slowly with Isaacs on pedal steel guitar, that Isaacs himself could not have duplicated his classic country steel technique on a Multi-Kord.
People get the wrong idea that Multi-Kords can only change chords, but not gliss from one chord to another by depressing one pedal while letting off another pedal. But in fact you can do that.
I just read an interesting Interview done in 2003 of Bud Isaacs by Jim Visser. (probably Isaacs last interview it says).
Interesting enough it says according to Isaacs his first pedal steel guitar was a Multi-Kord.
It also says that according to Isaacs he had "no need for more pedals or split pedals". |
|
|
|
b0b
From:
Cloverdale, CA, USA
|
Posted 26 Nov 2015 3:19 pm
|
|
Bud hasn't been interviewed since 2003? Someone should do an update!
| Quote: |
| People get the wrong idea that Multi-Kords can only change chords, but not gliss from one chord to another by depressing one pedal while letting off another pedal. But in fact you can do that. |
I'd like to hear it. Were any records made using that technique on a MultiKord?
_________________
-𝕓𝕆𝕓- (admin) - Robert P. Lee - Recordings - Breathe - D6th - Video |
|
|
|
Danny James
From:
Summerfield Florida USA
|
Posted 26 Nov 2015 5:24 pm
|
|
| b0b wrote: |
Bud hasn't been interviewed since 2003? Someone should do an update!
| Quote: |
| People get the wrong idea that Multi-Kords can only change chords, but not gliss from one chord to another by depressing one pedal while letting off another pedal. But in fact you can do that. |
I'd like to hear it. Were any records made using that technique on a MultiKord? |
b0b,
First I want to say that I respect all you do here on this forum and your playing ability which is much better than mine.
I read the interview of Bud Isaacs by going to google. It is under "Interview with the stars and players of the steel guitar. by Jim Visser". I believe it says "probably" last interview.
Were there other interviews with Mr. Isaacs? I do not know. If there weren't I agree there should have been. The article says that interview was over a two year period due to Bud's and his wife's ill health.
As you may have seen in some of my earlier posts-- I can no longer play a Multi-Kord. It is because I have severe neuropathy (nerve damage)in both legs, and spinal stenosis. My feet just won't work the pedals correctly anymore. This getting old (78)is pretty inconvenient.
However if you go to Google & type in "The Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association Website". Then go to "Audio" then to Danny James. When that comes up if you will be so kind as to scroll down the list of 10 songs I play there and listen to me playing "Misty" on my 6 string 6 pedal Multi-Kord, at about the :25 spot and the 2:0 spot you will plainly hear me letting off one pedal while depressing another pedal while also making a slide.
As I said it can be done.
Here it is, just scroll to "Misty". And you will also hear it at the very end of "Harbour Lights". http://www.hsga.org/DannyJames.htm The sound quality is poor as that was done on a tape recorder doing tape overs as I play all the instruments myself. |
|
|
|
b0b
From:
Cloverdale, CA, USA
|
Posted 26 Nov 2015 9:10 pm
|
|
Beautiful playing, Danny. Thanks for pointing me to that page. I do hear the pedal technique in Misty but, to be honest, I wouldn't have noticed if you hadn't mentioned it. It's subtle, as it should be in that kind of song. You were a master of the Multi-Kord in your prime. I'm sorry to hear that you can't it play anymore.
_________________
-𝕓𝕆𝕓- (admin) - Robert P. Lee - Recordings - Breathe - D6th - Video |
|
|
|
Mule Ferguson
From:
N Wilkesboro NC,
|
Posted 27 Nov 2015 3:11 am
|
|
Danny: Thanks for posting. I love it.
_________________
Emmons La Grande D10, Zum Encore, Multicord,Marlen S10 1972, Nashville 112, Evans HVP #2, Peavey Profex ll, Martin, Merle Travis D28M Bigsby Neck.
D28 Henderson, Dobro and Tut Bro. Fender Tele, Stelling Stagehorn Banjo |
|
|
|
Charlie McDonald
From:
out of the blue
|
Posted 27 Nov 2015 4:19 am
|
|
In defense of the lowly and much maligned MultiKord, it's a fun PSG to fool around with.
The one Danny James helped me hook up with had a nice tone, just not one you associate with the modern PSG.
The changer was simple and made changes easy, and the guitars have no 'cabinet drop.'
The tone of them is reminiscent of an earlier time, and is really pretty sweet.
I enjoyed Misty, Danny. |
|
|
|
Danny James
From:
Summerfield Florida USA
|
Posted 3 Dec 2015 5:26 pm
|
|
Thanks for the kind words from several of you concerning Multi-Kords.
They were advertised and sold as Hawaiian Pedal Steel Guitars. They were very affordable for what they were built for and what could be done with one.
Prior to Harlin Brothers opening their music store in Indianapolis, they were in Vaudeville.
Another interesting point is Jay Harlin's personal Multi-Kord that I have heard him play many times had 15 pedals in two rows one above the other. Prior to that one he had built two with 11 pedals each. I have seen one of those.
I have a template of one of Harlin's proto-type Multi-Kords that Jay Harlin had made in his shop.
Jay Harlin along with his brothers Herb, Wynn, & Jimmy were very talented musicians, and had their own Hawaiian band. |
|
|
|
Dave O'Brien
From:
Florida and New Jersey
|
Posted 3 Dec 2015 8:14 pm MultiKord
|
|
There was a guy named Andy who played one with Tater Hill out of Arcadia
Fl could make beautiful music on one.
_________________
Dave O'Brien
Emmons D-10, CMI D-10, Fender Deluxe Reverb, PV 112, Fender Pro Reverb
www.myspace.com/daveobrienband |
|
|
|
