Steel Player's "Birth" of the Girth

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Is it the greasy picnic hamburg with mayo, or me-me-me Mel's "One More Drink, And Then I'll Go", that contributes to the unwelcomed girth? Mel is lean and "mean", and I suspect he just sings about "One More Drink", and other songs that refer to the famous "bottle". Prohibition was an example of a determined lot, (revenuers), thinking that by smashing stills, and bashing staves, the woodland brewers would desist in such practices. That activity took place circa the thirties of the twentieth century. The inbibition of alcohol hasn't been reduced one iota. The practice is widely advertised. Even swank "soap" settings on TV feature privileged guests reaching out for the proffered liquors. Medical articles circulating in assorted publications, hint that a measured drink a day could ward off many health problems. You'll always notice how cleverly they cover their backsides by quoting that it may not be good for everyone, for whatever reasons. Steel guitarists in many situations, while playing for a paying institution, will find themselves surrounded by others who's constant imbibing practices could predispose others, by proffered messages to join them in the scourges of DWI. The mixing of "muscle" cars and alcohol could methodically end in tragedy. The ideals of refusing to give in to the temptations in life that promote a lessening of interest in THE instrument, makes a great deal of sense. Those expanded girths should not be excluded from mentionings, as one of the detriments that hinders players from making necessary adjustments at the pedals' racks. Trying to touch the tip of a thumb with the index finger, while holding a small ball between those two fingers, is quite similar to the act of bending to reach for objects near the floor.

Jim Cohen · From: Philadelphia, PA

Well, expanded girth is due to more than just alcohol and, to be sure, can also be achieved in the complete absence of alcohol.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Jim,

If you'll be so kind, please reread my post, and look for the WORD IDEAL. What do you suppose I was alluding to? Of course, nothing less than the many causative factors of the belly bulge. That would include greasy hamburgs, with lots of mayo. Avoiding beer and pastries will in most instances trim the wasteline. Problems brought on by distended livers and related illnesses, may be traced to poor eating and drinking habits.

Jim Cohen · From: Philadelphia, PA

Bill,

I had to use a computer search to find the word "IDEAL" in your above post. I finally found it as part of the word "ideals", which actually has a rather different connotation.

P Gleespen · From: Toledo, OH USA

John Jeffries · From: New Brunswick, Canada

Ya Gotta Have a Little Padding.....Keeps The Old Belt Buckle From Scratchin' The Back Of The Banjer!!

Al Udeen · From: maple grove mn usa

Cant play good when hungry, & need a couple drinks to take the edge off! au

Michael Douchette · From: Gallatin, TN (deceased)

I call it "Picker's Pot"... and I hate mine, thank you very much...
_________________
Mikey D... H.S.P.
Music hath the charm to soothe a savage beast, but I'd try a 10mm first.

http://www.steelharp.com
http://www.thesessionplayers.com/douchette.html

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Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Jim C.,

The medical professionals have hinted that a few extra pounds helps whenever sugical procedures are scheduled. At least try to ascribe to those normalcies of recommended weights as indicated by writers of insurance policies. Body mass located in the midsection of the anatomy is never recommended under any circumstances. If steel players devoted, say 1/10 of their dedication to "pressing" health issues, as compared to a 90% threshold of chasing steel "licks", a wonderful balance of health and happiness may very well ensue.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Al,

Some foods are typically low in fats, and high in calorific values. There is little need to experience the hunger pangs of malnutrition. The trick is knowing the differences in the menus at eateries.

Barry Blackwood · Posted 6 Aug 2007 8:37 am

Personally, I got a lot fatter after I stopped playing steel .....

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Michael D.,

I'm having difficulty ascertaining the cluckers from the clickers whenever I post a new thread. Anyone possessing knowingness, could conceivably reason that I enjoy reciprocative exchanges. Perhaps you could suggest a better method of obtaining good responses. Out in the streets you hear people chattering like a red squirrel when a gray squirrel tries to invade its territory. The subject matter is anybody's guess. At least their body languages give faint clues of some things of a serious nature. That advantage cannot be found here on the forum.

Jody Sanders · From: Magnolia,Texas, R.I.P.

I guess I had better start being more careful as I am 5ft. 10in. tall and am up to 155 lbs.. Anyway, being a musician, I never had enough money to buy enough food to get fat. Jody.

Joe Savage · From: St. Paul, MN

Bill, I agree that drinking on gigs detracts from the focus of performance. I've worked with a lot of 'drunks' over the years. It's no fun when a bandmate 'kills the vibe' by getting hammered. Totally unprofessional and disrepectful, but a definate occupational hazard. On what other job can a person use alcohol and drugs and get paid for it?
Pretty cool if you are into that sort of thing. I've been sober for 21 years and find my tolerance wearing plenty thin much too often. But, I have to work and as long as I'm playing music with musicians, that's going to be part of the scene.
I think you have to go on a case by case basis.
As far as the steel promoting good health, if you are talking about total health or just physical health. I toted my guitar and amp and pac-a-seat about 50 yards into a rehearsal, down a narrow stairway, set up, rehearsed and made the same two trips back to my van. That's pretty good exercise in anybody's book. So if regular practice leads to gigs that lead to toting gear that lead to good health, I agree with the original post.
On the other hand, there are paunchy people out there that can play circles around me. Doesn't seem to hinder them. Did you have a bad experience from which you are drawing this potential generalization?

I think, if you made your topics more clear, you'd get fewer cluckers!! Of course that has been discussed here ad nauseum.
Take Care,
_________________
Joe Savage
www.savagejoe.com

Paddy Long · From: Christchurch, New Zealand

The easy answer is "Move more - Eat Less" !!

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Joe,

Thanks for the interesting input that allows for learning more of how to cope with unfavorable situations. High on my list of unnecessary practices, is lugging heavy equipment. It may be fine for weight lifters, but injuries to the back from lifting improperly by incorrectly managing the center of gravity is all too common. The # 1 option is hand trucking bulky equipment. Commence to go snooping in department stores, and watch to see how they move tons of merchandise with relative ease. If you try to play a lighter steel guitar, or separate your speaker from your amp, the problem is somewhat solved. It's really a "crime" the way manufacturer's stuff their pockets with hard cash, while porters of the deadweights visit local chiropractors. My thoughts are as such; keep lifting heavy equipment to an absolute minimum. Most top entertainers free themselves from the risks of bodily injuries. Your best "buddy" will forever be your hand truck. BTW, I'll never advocate lifting and carrying equipment as a method of
improving general health.

Barry Blackwood · Posted 6 Aug 2007 2:42 pm

"Perhaps you could suggest a better method of obtaining good responses."

Bill, post better threads?

The other night, my wife and I were watching 'Tender Mercies.' There was a scene where a country band stopped by Robert Duvall's house. When they departed the bus, I said to my wife, "Watch - the fattest guy in the band will be the steel player." My apologies in advance to Buddy Hrbal, but sure enough, it was. It's hard living down the stereotype(s)..... Great movie by the way.

Bo Borland · From: South Jersey -

"Watch - the fattest guy in the band will be the steel player."
I never noticed that!! Winking

_________________
Bo Borland
Rittenberry SD10 , Derby D-10, Quilter TT12, Peavey Session 400 w/ JBL, NV112, Fender Blues Jr. , 1974 Dobro 60N squareneck, Rickenbacher NS lapsteel, 1973 Telecaster Thinline, 1979 blonde/black Frankenstrat
Currently picking with
Mason Dixon Band masondixonband.net

Mike Perlowin · From: Los Angeles CA

Joe Savage · From: St. Paul, MN

Did it sound like I was complaining, Bill? I wasn't. Just thought I was responding to a member who wished to have a discussion. There is a trend to reduce steel weight and amp size, that may have you in mind. If you actually get out and play the steel in public, I see no alternative but to carry gear.

I purchased my two-wheeler at Target.

BTW, hard to get those two wheelers down narrow basement steps!

Good Luck.
_________________
Joe Savage
www.savagejoe.com

Ben Jones · From: Seattle, Washington, USA

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Joe,

I would reserve the right to be more selective in choosing gigs. If a gig is known for involving wending through staircases, simply refuse to book unless the bandleader calls ahead for assistance by the management or better still, encourage the bandleader to get involved in the impractical juggling act. When having no voice in practices of examining beforehand the accesses to the staging area, for me it would be time to question who's running the show.

Joe Savage · From: St. Paul, MN

Bill, I play steel for a living. I'm like a plumber, I go where the work is, and sometimes it's in the basement!!!!! I wasn't looking for advice, but thanks anyway.
_________________
Joe Savage
www.savagejoe.com

Peter Dollard · Posted 6 Aug 2007 5:22 pm

In 1977 I went To Scotty's convention and remarked to my brother about some overweight steelers that I had seen. He remarked to me it is a consequence of specialization. Doing one thing (practicing and playing) to the detriment of other issues such as good eating habits and daily exercize. One could also say carrying around 300 pounds of equipment on a regular basis would build a muscular frame.One thing is for sure if you want to be a really great steeler get used to being in that practice chair for a long time.

Michael Douchette · From: Gallatin, TN (deceased)

Bill,

Having re-read your initial post (again), I shall try to be a little less pithy.

We, as humans, are all given to certain weaknesses, vices, etc. That which would hamper us from doing anything beneficial (including playing our instrument of choice) would certainly be best avoided. That would fall into the realm of just plain ol' common sense. Some of us are more prone to peer pressure, and sadly give in. I am proud of the fact that, while I was surrounded in my younger years by those who chose to imbibe in such things, I had the strength of will to avoid such trappings. I will enjoy the occasional margarita now and then, however.

Now, my "Picker's Pot"... sadly, I've been dragging this fellow around with me since I was 12, the victim of my first batch of really homemade mashed potatoes, having been served exclusively boxed instant by my Mother until that fateful day in Dalton, GA, at a friend of my parents' home. I was smitten, my Mother cursed the poor old woman for having introduced me to this culinary delight, for which my Mother paid dearly by never being able to serve me instant potatoes again...
_________________
Mikey D... H.S.P.
Music hath the charm to soothe a savage beast, but I'd try a 10mm first.

http://www.steelharp.com
http://www.thesessionplayers.com/douchette.html

(other things you can ask about here)
http://s117.photobucket.com/albums/o54/Steelharp/

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