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Topic: Too many instruments |
Stefan Robertson
From:
Hertfordshire, UK
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Posted 3 Feb 2017 10:31 pm |
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So after reading some inspirational words from Barney Kessel I have put my instrument collection days in the past.
So I now only use one Lap Steel Guitar that Bill Hatcher made me and I will get to know it well.
Technique is everything as I get better slowly this instrument sounds cleaner crisper and more beautiful. Tone is purely down to technique and tone knob as most Lap Steel Guitar are built to more than a decent standard. Unless the pickup is rubbish.
So it's all about mastering my instrument from here on out like Tom Morrell and many others. So I'm sticking with this one.
I sold my 6 string and 8 string as I don't use them.
So how many do you really use still?
_________________
Stefan
Bill Hatcher custom 12 string Lap Steel Guitar
E13#9/F secrets: https://thelapsteelguitarist.wordpress.com
"Give it up for The Lap Steel Guitarist" |
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Scott Duckworth
From:
Etowah, TN Western Foothills of the Smokies
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Posted 4 Feb 2017 4:10 am
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Stefan, I went from C6 6 string lap, to D-10 pedal, to S-10 pedal, and back to E6 (traditional tuning) 6 string lap. I find I am a better player, and enjoy it more.
I do want to go to D-6 lap, just to have two tunings to make it sound better in differing keys.
_________________
Amateur Radio Operator NA4IT (Extra)
http://www.qsl.net/na4it
I may, in fact, be nuts. However, I am screwed onto the right bolt... Jesus! |
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Doug Beaumier
From:
Northampton, MA
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Posted 4 Feb 2017 10:40 am
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I like having a 6-string, 8-string, 10-string, and a pedal steel guitar. I do a lot of teaching and I need 6, 8, & 10 for lessons. On gigs I play mostly pedal steel guitar. At home I enjoy playing non-pedal steel more, experimenting with tunings, working on arrangements.
I do agree that if a player is in the learning phase, working on technique, chord positions, etc. he should stick with one format, either 6, 8, or 10 strings, and stick with one tuning and learn it well before moving on to other tunings or more strings.
_________________
My Site / My YouTube Channel
25 Songs C6 Lap Steel / 25 MORE Songs C6 Lap Steel / 16 Songs, C6, A6, B11 / 60 Popular Melodies E9 Pedal Steel |
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Ken Morgan
From:
Midland, Texas, USA
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Posted 4 Feb 2017 11:32 am
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That's a great idea, in theory...but how does one decide which platform/tuning etc without dabbling in at least a couple of them before quasi-committing?
I was gifted a Fender D-1000 stripped of its moving parts (hence a console non pedal) steel to study and work on right before the holidays - but I've been a working musician either pro or semi for 45 yrs..
Regardless of the experience and prep work put into each possible concoction (6, 8, 10 string, C6, A6, E9, E13, everything in between) I'm still not sure which way I want to commit.
So my question to the experienced folks is how do you decide a platform yet remain versatile after the initial learning curve has been conquered?
_________________
67 Shobud Blue Darling III, scads of pedals and such, more 6 strings than I got room for
Ken Morgan
Midland, TX |
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Doug Beaumier
From:
Northampton, MA
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Posted 4 Feb 2017 12:47 pm
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| Quote: |
| how do you decide a platform yet remain versatile after the initial learning curve has been conquered? |
I think most new players do a certain amount of experimenting with various tunings at first. There's no easy way to decide which tuning to settle on, but I would definitely go with one of the time tested, tried and true tunings: C6, A6, E13, for example. You also need to think about what style of music you want to play and what tuning would be best suited for that style. If you want to play blues and rock, you might go with an E tuning, with the power chord on the bottom strings. That would be a good choice if you want to back up your vocals, singing 12-bar blues tunes, for example. If you want a more versatile tuning with full major and (3 note) minor chords, go with C6 or A6. You'll have to skip the 6th tone (string) to play major chords on a 6th tuning. This is not to say that you can't play rock and blues on C6 or you can't play lots of stuff on a major chord tuning (no full minor chord), but some tunings are better suited to some styles. Bluegrass players like G major, for example. Another thing to keep in mind... there is more instructional material out there for C6 than any other tuning. Very little for E13 and very little 8-string material because there are so many variations of the 8-string tunings.
_________________
My Site / My YouTube Channel
25 Songs C6 Lap Steel / 25 MORE Songs C6 Lap Steel / 16 Songs, C6, A6, B11 / 60 Popular Melodies E9 Pedal Steel |
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Mike Neer
From:
NJ
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Posted 4 Feb 2017 1:25 pm
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I had a lot of fun checking out and owning quite a few different instruments. That's how I discovered the qualities I liked, which steels were comfortable to play, etc. I would say I've also about 40 different steels, at least. I always hit it off well with Rickenbachers and some Fenders. Never liked Nationals (electric, that is), Supros, Magnatones, Epiphones, etc. nearly as much. But I had to find out for myself.
Once I found an instrument that I loved, I kind of stuck with that principle sound and style. Also, I have stuck with one tuning after years of learning many. I also prefer the idea of playing modern made instruments.
Everyone should take the opportunity to enjoy the instrument as much as possible, get into the geekery of it all, but don't forget about serious practice and attention to the details of playing. And by god, check out the history of the instrument and its players.
_________________
Links to streaming music, websites, YouTube: Links |
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David M Brown
From:
California, USA
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Posted 4 Feb 2017 11:43 pm
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| Mike Neer wrote: |
Everyone should take the opportunity to enjoy the instrument as much as possible, get into the geekery of it all, but don't forget about serious practice and attention to the details of playing. And by god, check out the history of the instrument and its players. |
Some serious words of wisdom! Thanks, Mike.
and a gentle reminder from a Malihini steel player - the history begins in Hawai'i. |
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David M Brown
From:
California, USA
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Posted 4 Feb 2017 11:50 pm
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| David M Brown wrote: |
| Doug Beaumier wrote: |
| There's no easy way to decide which tuning to settle on, but I would definitely go with one of the time tested, tried and true tunings: C6, A6, E13, for example. You also need to think about what style of music you want to play and what tuning would be best suited for that style.. |
More words of wisdom!
Style makes a big difference. Are you more interested in Hawaiian music or Western Swing and Country? or blues?
What the pros on this forum seem to be saying is "don't re-invent the wheel". Doug lists a number of common tunings.
A lot of stuff has been worked out. Sure you can invent your own tuning, and why not? But there are a number of established tunings that are well thought out.
The C6 and C6/A7 are common, logical, and cross several genres, and are a great place to start. But it depends on what you want to play. |
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Lee Holliday
From:
United Kingdom
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Posted 5 Feb 2017 2:32 am
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Stefan as I am in the UK and as the post is all about having Too many instruments let me know as and when you are throwing out any of that vintage rubbish!!!
Lee |
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Robert Murphy
From:
West Virginia
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Posted 5 Feb 2017 3:48 am
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| I learned to read music late in life and for the past decade I have acquired more than a dozen different instruments. Upright bass, ukulele, tenor banjo, mandolin.viola, pedal steel, autoharp, cello, button and piano accordion, guitar, acoustic and electric lap steel, resonator guitar. My goal in my musical life is accompaniment, so I can bring something to the gig that is unique and makes a musical contribution. Will I ever master any one instrument, no. Do I care, no. If I spend the rest of my life learning a new way to bring music to the world I will die a happy man. |
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Stefan Robertson
From:
Hertfordshire, UK
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Posted 5 Feb 2017 12:21 pm
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Kind of different responses...
Some about tunings and sticking to one, E13#9/F for me
Some about steels - 1 decent one seems to be enough for me others 3-numerous
We all have our own musical journey to make. I've found my path now and also hopefully the pocket book will be better for it. 
When I listen to Kessel, Wes, Tommy White, Morrell, Benson, Emmons, Jernigan, BB King, Hendrix etc.
I can't help but wonder when did they say "This is the one". I think I'm good now but of course if I ever get to the level of pro endorsed I won't turn down a custom 12 gift. LOL.
_________________
Stefan
Bill Hatcher custom 12 string Lap Steel Guitar
E13#9/F secrets: https://thelapsteelguitarist.wordpress.com
"Give it up for The Lap Steel Guitarist" |
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Stefan Robertson
From:
Hertfordshire, UK
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Posted 5 Feb 2017 12:24 pm
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| Lee Holliday wrote: |
Stefan as I am in the UK and as the post is all about having Too many instruments let me know as and when you are throwing out any of that vintage rubbish!!!
Lee |
Hey Lee
I sold all of my vintage 6, Reso's, 8 Strings already. I literally have one Lap Steel Guitar that is my "Lucille"
I call her "Hatcher"
Bill's last name.
_________________
Stefan
Bill Hatcher custom 12 string Lap Steel Guitar
E13#9/F secrets: https://thelapsteelguitarist.wordpress.com
"Give it up for The Lap Steel Guitarist" |
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Joe Elk
From:
Ohio, USA
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Posted 5 Feb 2017 2:21 pm
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!!!!!!!!!!! N E V E R !!!!!!!!!!!
JOE ELK JUST A THOUGHT |
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Paul Arntson
From:
Washington, USA
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Posted 6 Feb 2017 10:32 am
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Peavey Powerslide tuned like a dobro. Slant and split bar technique helps a lot. You can PM me if you want details.
D10 when I'm asked to help out on a home recording.
Joe - like your comment.
wife :"How many guitars do you need?"
husband: "Just one more…"
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Excel D10 8&4, Supro 8, Regal resonator, Peavey Powerslide, homemade lap 12(a work in progress) |
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Larry Carlson
From:
My Computer
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Posted 6 Feb 2017 12:26 pm
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I have 5 + one more I am selling.
I have a little ol' $75 Rogue with a few mods.
It is the guitar that got me started on this addiction and I will never sell it because of that.
It is still played daily.
An 1944 Electromuse----because I think they are cool.....and yes, I am weird.
I repaired it, got it playable and love it. It stays too.
A 1939 Rickenbacher Silver Hawaiian.
Unplayable when I bought it. I repaired it, cleaned it up and love it. It ain't going anywhere.
A Weissenborn copy. Enjoyable to play and a keeper.
I just took delivery of one of Wayne Johnson's Alumilap DP-6's.
Oh my goodness good gravy golly gee and 10,000 other adjectives what a guitar.
Amazing amazing amazing. I will be buried with this guitar.
Those 5 stay and are usually dedicated to a specific tuning.
I have an Asher Jr. that is up for sale. Just haven't gotten around to that yet.
A well made nice guitar but we just don't seem to get along.
I see no more guitars in my future unless I find something interesting that needs repair and made playable.
I enjoy that almost as much as playing.
I search Craigslist and Reverb daily so........ 
_________________
I have stuff.
I try to make music with it.
Sometimes it works.
Sometimes it doesn't.
But I keep on trying. |
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James Mayer
From:
back in Portland Oregon, USA (via Arkansas and London, UK)
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Posted 6 Feb 2017 9:22 pm
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Nope.
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Larry Carlson
From:
My Computer
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Posted 7 Feb 2017 7:42 am
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Oh my goodness............
Will you adopt me?....... 
_________________
I have stuff.
I try to make music with it.
Sometimes it works.
Sometimes it doesn't.
But I keep on trying. |
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Paul Seager
From:
Augsburg, Germany
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Posted 7 Feb 2017 8:31 am
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Kind of adopted similar thinking Stefan. I sold two steels (+ an electric guitar + amp) at the end of last year. I am trying to get down to my D8 for main gigs and a 6 string for mini sessions / flights. I feel happier now that I am lighter. I still have a couple more to sell but the pre-Xmas season is always the best for sellers!
This has left me with just two tunings, one I know and one I want to get to know. No more distractions or excuses! I WILL find a second tuning I am happy with!
\ paul
_________________
\paul
Bayern Hawaiians: https://www.youtube.com/@diebayernhawaiians3062
Other stuff: https://www.youtube.com/@paulseager3796/videos |
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Andy Volk
From:
Boston, MA
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Posted 7 Feb 2017 8:31 am
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I could never afford to simply collect and hold all the high-end instruments I wanted so I've horse-traded and bought/sold instruments since the beginning of my musical journey. There are a few I sure wish I'd kept - like the '37 Bakelite Ric that's in my lap steel book. Outside, that one looked like it had left the music store last Thursday. Inside, it had been rewired a few times. My Fender Triple is missed too (but not it's weight).
These days, I have a much smaller arsenal that does everything I need. My biggest recent surprise was replacing the $3,000 Benoit square neck I sold about 1.5 years ago with a $250 Gretsch Boxcar resophonic. Does its tone match the beauty of that koa and spruce masterpiece? No way. But I have to say that for practical purposes, it's good enough for what I need and the Benoit's sound was not $2,000 better than the humble Gretsch. If I want to ooh and ah, I pull out my maple Asher. If I want grab a guitar quickly off the wall to test an idea, the Gretsch performs brilliantly. THe only guitar I still covet is an aluminum Clinesmith.
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Steel Guitar Books! Website: www.volkmediabooks.com |
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Frank James Pracher
From:
Michigan, USA
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Posted 7 Feb 2017 10:13 am
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I have around 20 lap steels. They all get some love, although some more than others of course. A few stay in my gigging rig that I try to keep ready to go. Most are in my music/work room. They all speak to me in different ways. Sometimes I feel like playing one of my Magnatones... sometimes my Rickenbacker.. It might be the sound, the feel or even the look of the steel that draws me to play it that particular day.
Most are in C6th but I keep at least one in B11, and open E/C#m7 because I have a few tunes I play in those.
I tried to post a picture of my collection but didn't have any luck.. here's a link to one on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1146051322122392&set=pb.100001526060017.-2207520000.1486490993.&type=3&theater
_________________
"Don't be mad honey, but I bought another one" |
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Doug Beaumier
From:
Northampton, MA
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Posted 7 Feb 2017 8:58 pm
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I have about 10 steel guitars at the moment. I used to buy and sell a lot. I've probably owned over 100 steel guitars in my 45 years of playing. Also a lot of standard guitars and dobros over the years. Right now I have one pedal steel, one dobro, two guitars, a uke, two console steels, and a few lap steels. All I really need for my teaching and gigs is one 6-string, one 8-string, one 10-string, one pedal steel, and one guitar. Everything else is just for fun.
_________________
My Site / My YouTube Channel
25 Songs C6 Lap Steel / 25 MORE Songs C6 Lap Steel / 16 Songs, C6, A6, B11 / 60 Popular Melodies E9 Pedal Steel
Last edited by Doug Beaumier on 7 Feb 2017 11:18 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Bill Creller
From:
Saginaw, Michigan, USA (deceased)
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Posted 7 Feb 2017 9:12 pm
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I'm back up a bit again, to 6. Too many..Need to part company with a couple...
One is a Fender Dual-Pro. Took in in a trade..don't like it.
I have a Gibson 7 string EH model from around 1938, which was given to me, falling apart from moisture in a basement. Strangely enough, that guitar has a unique tone to it, and I figured it was from the glue I used to get it put back together, and I'm not a Gibson guy.
Two 7 string bakelites, and one early 30s 7 string frypan
Sure don't want anymore.....
Would like to sell a bakelite and the Fender... |
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Gary Rue
From:
Maryland, USA
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Posted 8 Feb 2017 3:44 am art
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| For me its all the same attitude. I can hammer a nail in and artful way, practice, or admire a collection and it's differences and how it relates. I love the line in "The Departed" "give me a Tuba and I'll squeese some art out of it". |
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Gerry Nieto
From:
Waldport, Oregon, USA
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Posted 8 Feb 2017 6:46 am
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| I have 10 Lap Steel Guitars. My favorite lap steel is an Oahu Diana 6 string. I have two other beautiful Oahu Tonemasters. They sound great and look amazing. Georgeboards 8 String Stealth is quite a nice nice guitar as well. |
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Stefan Robertson
From:
Hertfordshire, UK
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Posted 8 Feb 2017 8:44 am
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If you only had to choose one and commit to it for a month/year/life What would it be????
Now that's an interesting one.
6/8/10/12 strings
_________________
Stefan
Bill Hatcher custom 12 string Lap Steel Guitar
E13#9/F secrets: https://thelapsteelguitarist.wordpress.com
"Give it up for The Lap Steel Guitarist" |
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