Championing Adversities At Close Range

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

A steel player's happenstances that clutter the road to progress are too numerous to mention. Still, the same stumbling blocks create the challenge, to persevere in a task of learning. Adherence to a persnickety approach, by learning from the seasoned player, will cut through much of the morass experienced by beginners. Just as we learn what's behind a smile, searching beneath the covers of steel guitar instruction books, will hasten adaptable successes; as well.

Geoff Barnes · From: Sydney, Australia

Happenstance and its venerable handmaiden kismet can often be a surprising souvenir, that allows a neophyte such as I to a (perhaps delusional) belief in the probity of tentative exploration into the realms of improvisational expression. Thus giving one the courage to probe this obstinate beastie further. When the tyranny of distance makes interpersonal mentoring nigh on impossible, the oft times casual approach to idiomatic notational methodology can lead to as much time spent with interpretative analysis in order to arrive at a more traditional notational understanding that can be transcribed to an aide that recognises variations in tempo for the sake of arriving firstly at an understanding of intent, (and an eye on the holy grail of beleivable proficiency) as would otherwise be better spent noodling. Personally I have often found that a fortuitous quirk may act as a “cattle prod” to ones dreamings. The art of exacting intent beneath the covers, can then be returned to with a invigorated thirst for further gleaning! Laughing

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Too much equipment....I think I need help.

Jim Sliff · From: Lawndale California, USA

Just play it. It does wonders.
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No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Geoff B.,

Paraphrastic writing at its best! How refreshing to observe a grammatically compliant syntax that overwhelms the fast reader, by initiating diction that is a cut above commonplace terminology. The similarities in the study of the English vocabulary structuring, parallels the difficulties of understanding the functioning of the pedal steel guitar. Both interchange and become relevant in a musician's perception.

Ray Minich · From: Bradford, Pa. Frozen Tundra

I like to find stuff by accident...

Geoff Barnes · From: Sydney, Australia

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Geoff,

You're too kind, as I couldn't hold my own in a sudden text upheaval, considering the evidence of verbal restraints of forum members. Conservatism is a political term, but variances of its usages may be divulged in, when nondescript replies kindle a need for further inquiry. My interest is direct and purposeful, centering mainly on the pedal steel guitar, and musicians who share the mild frustrations of engaging in a learning process. Serious advancements made in the study of the steel guitar by others, may very well invigorate and pique our own level of interest by motivating new "mindset" approaches. The innocence of my predetermined course of action, in the quest for information, regulates rationality by avoiding off topic excursions.

richard burton · From: Britain

In the interest of saving bandwidth for topics which are capable of interpretation, I am going to quote that inestimable hotelier, Mr Basil Fawlty:

"Go Away"

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Richard B.,

Adverse criticism coming from personages who like to rock the boat, is about as dismal as a gray day. Boredom is no stranger to me. I've struggled through it, without complaining.

richard burton · From: Britain

"'Morning, Major"

richard burton · From: Britain

"Sybil, the Major's going to......"

"Be quiet Basil"

"But Sybil...."

"Basil, shut up"

"But Sybil, he's already swallowed the dictionary, Christ, if he starts on Yellow Pages....."

Rick Nicklas · From: Verona, Mo. (deceased)

Bill,
I am strictly a E9th man. Everytime I read one of your posts I think "Man, this is the C6th of Grammer"!!!

Stu Schulman · From: Ulster Park New Yawk (deceased)

Richard Burton,I have a friend here in Alaska who's originally from London and he wants me to make the trip across the pond with him sometime,I hope to meet you if possible I appreciate your wisdom,and I can understand your words.Bill I don't find any of these problems in my playing,I am satisfied with my playing,and mucianship,no I aint P.F. of Emmons but I get by all right,and am having fun doing it.I toss that negative thinking by the side of the road,If you don't it will eat ya" up!
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Steeltronics Z-pickup,Desert Rose S-10 4+5,Desert Rose Keyless S-10 3+5... Mullen G2 S-10 3+5,Telonics 206 pickups,Telonics volume pedal.,Blanton SD -10,Emmons GS_10...Zirctone bar,Bill Groner Bar...any amp that isn't broken.Steel Seat.Com seats...Licking paint chips off of Chinese Toys since 1952.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Rick N.,

Thanks for the flotsam of hope in the wake of Richard B.'s showing me the way out. His alluding to the English televiewer's sitcom that includes a senile Major in the cast, reflects a real life scenario of hotel management. In the process of weighing out sources, R.B.'s necessitates just another day to wear a helmet. I have the same inclination, as you proclaim, in favoring the E9TH TUNING. Salvaging what's left of a once popular single neck, in the face of double neck manufacturing, raises concerns of trending away from the Nashville sound. Attempting a long range view of what the future may hold, is anybody's guess. Who knows how much a steel guitar will affect the lives of musicians 100 years from now?

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Stu,

In the game of hide and seek, I've spotted my "quarry" in this indirect series of forum exchanges. Every action causes a reaction when sensitive issues go awry. When heads pop out of apertures to greet with disdain, bona fide approaches to better learning, my reaction becomes rather sudden. Negativism is so obvious, that even the insensitive experience little difficulty identifying the exclusive behaviorism. When I introduced the Hankey Upright Fretboard, I received e-mail from those who in their judgment, regarded the concept as something
worthy of a trial, by testing its
advantages. I'm led to believe that
the HUF on my steel guitar, is the only one of its kind in use. Persistence in any endeavor, such as WRITING, or making redical changes on so-called "universal" setups or tunings, will invariably be set upon by skeptics, who live to leave well enough alone. If by chance you do visit Richard B. in London, please check the undercarriage of his steel, to see if you see, what I saw in his submitted pics.

Herbie Meeks · From: Arkansas, USA

BILL H.
A hundred years from now,,,or maybe a few years from now,
The Steel Guitar will be setting on the Museum Shelf
near the " Auto Harp " Except In Texas,

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Herbie M.,

First and foremost are the voices of singers. They possess the ability to surpass all others with tonal qualities. Texas may be the final chapter in steel guitar, but voices will always be heard for centuries to come. Combining voices with the sounds of steel guitars is an area that excels the rhythmic strumming of guitars in terms of enjoyment. Finding the right harmonic blending of voices is fertile ground that remains the least traveled upon.

Doug Beaumier · From: Northampton, MA

C. Christofferson · Posted 18 Mar 2007 10:25 am

Herbie & Doug, that may very well be the case depending on the availability of precious electricity. Personally, i would like to see an acoutic pedal instrument with the nylon string sound. Then the instrument could last throughout time along with all other acoustic instruments. Bill, have you had the opportunity to further develope any of your other adaptations, such as the pedal cluster or your work on combining knee levers? Just curious.

My site

basilh · From: United Kingdom

Bill, for a man so acutely accurate in his English language usage, why are you so lax when it comes to knowing a fellow member's location ?

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

basilh,

Thanks for pointing out my inadvertency by naming Richard B.'s exact location in the United Kingdom. For those who may choose to restrict and restrain, by singling out quote on quotes, there is a lesson to be learned. I have been placed on notice to research birthplaces, and actual locations (within countries) of forum members, who may have simplified such erroneous namings, by inserting their township while posting. My son was sent to the United Kingdom by the Mead Corporation to manage a new paper mill. Its exact location was mapped out for me by my niece who visited there with her husband, who is an oceanographer. Most assuredly, I'll be checking Richard's location by map study. Vilification is distasteful if it is stressed beyond reason, whereas constructive criticism should be encouraged for the benefit of all, who are concerned with exactness. Thanks again for alerting me to this sensitive issue.

basilh · From: United Kingdom

A little overboard with the defense of the indefensible, Bill.

There was no vilification just observation, Methinks you doth protest a little too much.

I supose I wouldn't have been a "Hankey" reply if it was just the brief

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Chris C.,

I appreciate your memory that traces back to the experimental era in my little world of trial and error. The short pedals that have become a permanent fixture, are a must, after their advantages were made known to me; after implementation. The short pedal that flats the (B) note of the 9th tuning, replaces the LKV. I use the LKV to raise the 1st and 7th strings. The full tone raise of the 1st is actuated by the same lever. There is one set of changes on one pedal that offers unique diversifications from the standard approach. The single pedal raises the 5th string a full tone, while lowering the second a full tone. Releasing the pedal creates the pleasing sound of harmonic effects, but with much less effort. My RKR holds the 2nd firmly at a half tone lower by a positive stop, thus creating a very manageable option. I never conceded to the awkward location of the "C" pedal from day one. My RKL pulls up both 4th and 8th strings a full tone. The changes combined with A&B pedals, provide minors galore, consistently accessible, minus the gymnastics of traditional pedal work. The LKR pulls the E-F for actuating those minor sixes, dim.7th's, augmentables, and sevenths chords. The very important E-Eb is located on LKL. My penchant for wide grip chordal improvisation, by picking with five fingers, has been a source of countless hours of pleasure. These accounts may amount to slight differences in preferences; be as it may. Breaking down the steel by going through the motions of dismantling at setup and quitting time is a "bummer". I'll borrow Jeff Newmans quip: "We don't do it that way" , in response to an inquiry about pedal arrangements. I don't do it that way when transporting my steel by automobile to gigs or shows. What the industry needs from my point of view is a triangular shaped case, to port a lightweight single neck steel; to be carried by removing just TWO legs. The setup time is so minimal, that others would undoubtedly become absorbed in its simplicity by comparison. Another advantage found to be of interest by the exclusion of dismantling procedures, is the option of stabilizing the pedal rack securely.
The much needed armrest, has been addressed, by adding a contoured curly maple wood to rest the wrist upon. In the interest of progressing on the steel guitar, leverages have been applied to maintain minimal resistances of pedals and knee levers. Long ago, before kneepads on knee levers came into use, I had covered my levers with a cushiony material. The discomfort of standardized metal knee levers, is a definite handicap. Some models were made with sharp edges that actually injure the knees. No amount of sales pitching would convince me that such an application is in the best interest of a player. The same applies to much of the "junk" that "created" changer assemblies. Pitch stablization was more of a dream than reality. After two years of searching for stability in changer development, in past trials, luck smiled on me. I've always wanted a changer that is stable; and now I have one.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Rise to see another day...

basilh · From: United Kingdom

Both your goodself AND the post.

Good Day to you Bill.
BAz

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