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Topic: Volume Pedal or no? |
Rick Garrett
From:
Tyler, Texas
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Posted 5 Nov 2002 7:24 am |
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Do you guys use a volume pedal with lap steel? I do here at the woodshed but it sure does set the guitar at an awkward position. Havent tried one of those low profile jobs yet but was thinking about it. opinions please. Thanks
Rick Garrett |
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Rick Aiello
From:
Berryville, VA USA
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Posted 5 Nov 2002 7:52 am
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I always use one .... alittle different than most though ...
I have it "coming on in reverse" ...
And I have it set where the "Off Position" gives me the volume that I want my Picked note at ....
I use to use the amps volume control to "set" that picked volume for a particular environment ....
Now with the Hilton pedal ... I can have the "come on" volume set where I like it ... and use the pedals volume output to adjust to different playing environments ... leaving me free to keep my amps gain set for "maximum tube GLOW" ... 
I always have my Hawaiian Steels on a stand ... even if I'm sittin' ... keeps them nice and level at all times.[This message was edited by Rick Aiello on 05 November 2002 at 08:08 AM.] |
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Rick Collins
From:
Claremont , CA USA
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Posted 5 Nov 2002 8:00 am
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I always play standing and never use a volume pedal on nonpedal steel. I do use a volume pedal playing pedal steel.
Rick |
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George Keoki Lake
From:
Edmonton, AB., Canada
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Posted 5 Nov 2002 8:02 am
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| I prefer to use a volume control...with taste. At my age, I find standing long hours too tedious and sitting in a chair puts one foot higher than the other when using the vol pedal. I solved this by purchasing a collapsable high stool. It has a round seat, is just the right height for sitting at the steel with both feet in a comfortable position. (cost was only $12.00 in Wal-Mart type of stores). It folds completely flat and there's no weight to it at all. You older guys might want to consider this. |
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Brad Bechtel
From:
San Francisco, CA
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Posted 5 Nov 2002 8:51 am
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I use a volume pedal regularly. I recommend that beginners not start out using a volume pedal; instead I recommend they learn to control their volume manually.
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Brad's Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars
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Gene Jones
From:
Oklahoma City, OK USA, (deceased)
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Posted 5 Nov 2002 9:29 am
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Long ago when I played a non-pedal steel, I played standing....and used a volume pedal. That's why my left leg is so much better developed than the other one. 
www.genejones.com |
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Ray Montee
From:
Portland, Oregon (deceased)
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Posted 5 Nov 2002 2:50 pm
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I've used a volume pedal for decades; several decades in fact! Some months back, Pete Burak and I were doing a gig and I didn't use the pedal and altho' it did not affect my playing....it did remove my "safety cushion" for controlling sound in the event of a horrific mistake. As a result, I was insecure and that, I didn't enjoy.
I prefer to play seated....with the pedal under my right foot. My Ricks', slippery-er than snot on a brass door knob, tend to slide off of my short, fat, droopy legs. My wife cut two rounded doilies for me, (one set in white and the other in green), out of
"Firm Grip" shelf and drawer liner material.
It has a rubber base and is NON-SKID. I can litterally stand up now with the Rick on my lap without holding onto it. Not bad, eh?
After seeing those 50 year old "stands" on eBay going for more than $200......I've elected to sit it out for the duration. |
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Todd Weger
From:
Safety Harbor, FLAUSA
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Posted 5 Nov 2002 3:25 pm
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Well, the short answer for me is both.
I do hook it up, sometimes, but ususally just use it to regulate the volume by foot. Essentially, "set it and forget it." I like to have it at jams, in case I have to do more pedal style licks (even though I explain to them it's NOT a pedal steel) on a tune. I guess I must fool some of them with my slants, since at the end of the jam, they still "love that pedal steel!"
I think for Hawaiian music, and old-time country though, no volume pedal is needed. Of course, that's just this one man's opinion. Your milage may vary!
TJW
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Todd James Weger/RD/RTD
1956 Fender Stringmaster T-8 (C6, B11, E13); 1960 Fender Stringmaster D-8 (E13, C6); Melobar SLS lapsteel (open D); Chandler RH-4 Koa semi-hollow lapsteel (open G); Regal resonator (open G) |
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basilh
From:
United Kingdom
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Posted 5 Nov 2002 4:13 pm
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I agree with Tod. That's one of the reasons JB does NOT sound Hawaiian.(To me that is)and maybe a few others in the recent post "Jerry Byrd rejected by Hawaiians"
www.waikiki-islanders.com
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| Quote: |
| Steel players do it without fretting |
http://www.waikiki-islanders.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk
[This message was edited by basilh on 05 November 2002 at 04:14 PM.] |
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Al Terhune
From:
Newcastle, WA
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Posted 6 Nov 2002 7:56 pm
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I agree with Todd and Basil...and was going to post in that JB nonHawaiian thingie, but I will shortly here. No volume pedal for Hawaiian and old-time country. That is exactly why Jerry Byrd really doesn't sound like a traditional Hawaiian guitarist. He's too pretty sounding with that volume pedal! He lacks that bite that sounds Hawaiian (yes, I know many Hawaiians use a volume pedal, but JB has carried a lot of weight over there for, as someone said, over 30 years).
Al |
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Jeff Au Hoy
From:
Honolulu, Hawai'i
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Posted 18 Dec 2002 3:42 am
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...
Last edited by Jeff Au Hoy on 16 Jan 2018 2:46 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Andy Volk
From:
Boston, MA
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Posted 18 Dec 2002 6:46 am
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| I had a nice Bigsby volume/tone pedal but sold it. Foot volume pedals just never worked for me and I just hate the "violin" sound some players use 'em for. I sometimes manipulate the guitar's volume pot for swell effects. It's also a handy technique to know if you ever need to imitate a chicken. |
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Jesse Pearson
From:
San Diego , CA
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Posted 18 Dec 2002 7:35 am
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You know, I think it's the difference between being a milky licker and playing with allot of garlic. Doesn't matter what kind of instrument you's playing. Never heard Jimmie Vaughn use one when he plays lap steel. I personally would use maybe the volume knob once in a while to get a dreamy vibe on a slow song. I think if the steel is too dreamy all the time it's like hanging out with a drama queen. And now, I think I understand the controversy about what's considered the real Hawaiian thing verses the milky licker thing. Dewitt Scott uses one, but very subtle, that sounds cool. By the way I like some things Jerry Bird has done and some are too laid back for me.
Also could someone recommend a good recording of a Fender stringmaster with some thicker tone to it? I have "Noel Boggs very best of" and need something to compare his tone to so I understand the stringmaster's tonal range. Thanks [This message was edited by Jesse Pearson on 18 December 2002 at 07:49 AM.] [This message was edited by Jesse Pearson on 18 December 2002 at 08:20 AM.] [This message was edited by Jesse Pearson on 18 December 2002 at 11:25 AM.] [This message was edited by Jesse Pearson on 18 December 2002 at 05:08 PM.] |
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c c johnson
From:
killeen,tx usa * R.I.P.
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Posted 18 Dec 2002 8:53 am
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| Whatever works for you. You cheap guys,buy a stand. BTW, this is an old Jeff Newman bit of wisdom and I hope I quote correctly. Most of us have never heard our guitars due to the vol pedal. Unplug the pedal and go direct to the amp. It's a world of difference. I hope I quoted you right Jeff. I tried it and it does give the guitar a diff sound. BTW, Jerry does sound Hawaiian but not like a 1930s recording as some people judge hawaiian sound by. I believe that the great number of proffesional hawaiian musicians that play with him and accept him can't be wrong. |
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George Keoki Lake
From:
Edmonton, AB., Canada
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Posted 18 Dec 2002 12:50 pm
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There is no law I'm aware of stating Hawaiian music is not "Hawaiian" if a volume pedal is used. I personally prefer the direct approach, however at the same time, a pedal does add feeling and expression when used with taste. Had volume pedals been around in abundance when Dick McIntire was in his prime, I'm reasonably sure he would have used one also. (Perhaps he did, but I have never seen any photos of him using a volume pedal). It is generally agreed he achieved his volume pedal effect by wrapping his pinky finger around the volume control on his guitar. But just supposing he had actually used a volume pedal ? Would that have made his beautiful style any less "Hawaiian" ? I think not... and so it is with JB.
And yes, I have seen and heard Jerry play without a volume pedal ... he played my old Ric 6 frypan in front of an audience. He sounded just like a guy named "jerry byrd" ! (However my old Ric never sounded as beautiful as that again.)[This message was edited by George Keoki Lake on 18 December 2002 at 12:53 PM.] |
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Page Wood
From:
Los Angeles
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Posted 18 Dec 2002 1:54 pm
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| I thought the proper use of a volume pedal was to even out sustain decay- milking and pumping being an improper use? |
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Ron Whitfield
From:
Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
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Posted 18 Dec 2002 2:36 pm
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After spending over a year of Monday mornings with Jerry Byrd at Harry's Music, him using only my guitars, a cord and an amp, I can say he never sounded like ANYONE else. He more than appreciates the pure sound of an attacked string, and insists that use of a pedal be done sparingly, "don't keep your foot on it". One of the great things about music, Hawaiian/Country or whatever, is that there are no hard rules. If you have something to say, play it. And have fun!
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Jesse Pearson
From:
San Diego , CA
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Posted 18 Dec 2002 2:38 pm
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| Good point page, I had foregot about that. Recording wise thats how Dewitt Scott helped to get his great sustain on his Basic C6th Lap Steel Method. I like the freedom of standing up and going between guitar and my 6 string lap steel on a stand. Volume pedal or no Volume pedal both have valid points. I guess it depends on your act or what you want out of recording. Thanks... |
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Jeff Au Hoy
From:
Honolulu, Hawai'i
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Posted 18 Dec 2002 3:52 pm
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...
Last edited by Jeff Au Hoy on 16 Jan 2018 2:46 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Rick Garrett
From:
Tyler, Texas
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Posted 18 Dec 2002 4:42 pm
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This is all great stuff guys. Thanks to all of you for your posts. This is the kind of stuff that absolutely makes this forum. Merry Christmas
Rick Garrett |
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Jody Carver
From:
KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED
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Posted 18 Dec 2002 4:54 pm
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Jeff
Your comments re JB were not taken in a negative.I understand what you meant.Rest easy my friend.
Dont sweat the Ray Montee thing,Ray explained
it to me and you were NOT the reason for his
getting upset,thats a wrong way of putting it,he was a bit "annoyed" at something he received by e mail and it was NOT YOU.
I know Im off topic,but I wanted to put your mind at ease. edited to say..Dont get like me
as people critisize me and Im always apologizing and I did nothing wrong. Your'e OK my friend. 
[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 18 December 2002 at 04:57 PM.] |
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Kenny Dail
From:
Kinston, N.C. R.I.P.
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Posted 18 Dec 2002 9:15 pm
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Jeff, it is my belief that in the earlier recorded years of Jerry's career, no volume pedal was used. I am referring to the period of time that he recorded "Steelin The Blues" and "Wabash Wah Wah Blues" as well as others not mentioned. I have no documentation or anything other than my own beliefs for saying this. I know he used a pedal in his later recordings but I don't know when the transition was made.
I do not use a volume pedal when playing my Ricks in the "Jerry Byrd Style."
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kd...and the beat goes on...
[This message was edited by Kenny Dail on 18 December 2002 at 09:18 PM.] |
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Bob Strum
From:
Anniston Alabama
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Posted 19 Dec 2002 9:34 am
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If you were in Dr.Layman's Lexington, Ky show, you saw Scotty using two pedals so that he could get a "level lap". He told me that his new Anapeg axe is extremely slippery!
Regards, Bob |
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Page Wood
From:
Los Angeles
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Posted 19 Dec 2002 5:08 pm
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| bump [This message was edited by Page Wood on 19 December 2002 at 05:09 PM.] |
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Steve Honum
From:
Oregon, USA
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Posted 19 Dec 2002 5:55 pm
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I thought the swells in Steelin' the Blues were tone swells, probably done with the tone pot on the guitar?? I must have a listen when I go home. On my Merle Travis video there are some great shots of Speedy West grabbing a hold of a big knurled knob on the butt end of his Bigsby and cranking it for his 'dooh wah' effects. I can't seem to get the hang of using a volume pedal with my steel, but funnily enough like using one with my telecaster, especially when backing up a singer (so I can back-off at the right time). On the steel I like to use the volume and tone controls on my deluxe 8. The volume pedal makes me think I should be riding it all the time.
Haere mai,
Steve H.
S8A6 |
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