Rhythm backing for lap steel guitar

Robert Duck · From: New South Wales, Australia

I am very new to the world of lap steel guitar so I apologise if my question appears trivial.

I have been watching a number of YouTube videos of people, mainly men, playing lap steel and pedal steel guitars. All the persons playing have a backing track of drum or base which they play along with.

What are the options for producing a backing track? Having searched the internet for many hours I have seen two possible methods.

1. Using a software package (such as Band in a Box) running on a computer. To overcome the portability issue this computer would need to be a laptop.

2. Using a keyboard with an inbuilt rhythm section.

I had always imagined that there would be a small discreet box which contained the components of the auto rhythm section found on most keyboards or electronic organs but I have been unable to locate such an item.

I am simply trying to find an effective way of being able to start a drum or base beat to play along with. I would like to be able to access a number of different rhythms (4/4, 3/4, 6/8, etc.). I would like to be able to adjust the tempo and possibly the instruments used to provide this beat.

I am hoping someone who has been playing for years will be able to give me a simple solution.

Cheers,

Robert Duck

Steve Ahola · From: Concord, California

Robert:

At one point in the pre-MP3 era there was a box exactly as you described, but it was discontinued a long time ago. If you are going to use a computer Band in the Box is the gold standard: choose the style you want, punch in the chords and hit "go". You can record the songs you want in the keys you choose and play them from your iPod anywhere.

Another option is to use a software program to strip the vocals from the original song; Amazing Slow Downer does that along with its other tricks. You might also try to locate karaoke tracks, although they don't work well for C&W because they usually have a pedal steel in there very prominently.

Unless you will want to rearrange your tracks on the go you really don't need to bring along a computer although it certainly wouldn't hurt.

If chords are not as important as the beat you might want to look into a drum machine; some of them allow you to program a bass line and even some backing chords.

HTH

Steve Ahola
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Recordings on electric guitar:
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Hal Braun · From: Eustis, Florida, USA

I use the Korg PX4D for rhythm and backing.. plays multiple key and time signatures that you can run. Lets you adjust the tempo of each time signature too. About the size of a pack of cigarettes.. very portable and useful. Also has a lot of amp effects.. the PX5D also looks pretty interesting but I have never used it..

http://www.korg.com/PX4D

http://www.korg.com/PX5D

Dom Franco · From: Beaverton, OR, 97007

There is another method which I prefer.
Record yourself playing the chords on a guitar or piano or even ukulele.

You can get fancy, adding bass, drums and anything else you know how to play.

A simple 4 track digital recorder is all you need, or a really old school cassette recorder.

Another option is a drum machine, several Roland models also have a bass guitar built in, and they sound really good.
Dom
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basilh · From: United Kingdom

Jay Fagerlie · From: Lotus, California, USA

I think the name of that box that was discontinued was the Boss "Jam Station"....maybe the "JS5"? I had one around here for awhile, it was pretty much "Band in a Box" hardware. It sounded good, you could do alot with it. You might try eBay or your local craigslist....when new they were pretty pricey-but now I think you can get them at a decent price. If I remember correctly, you could save your songs on memory cards, pretty handy.
I guess there is a new version out now- the JS8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1u_QMGSGZo
Here is the JS5:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPOCox_aPHI&feature=related

Jay

Kekoa Blanchet · From: Kaua'i

Check out iRealB (used to be called iRealBook). It's like a mini Band In A Box, and runs on the iPod Touch or iPad.
http://www.irealb.com/
Not nearly as versatile as Band In A Box, but way cheap (if you already have an iPod or iPhone) and way portable.

If you just want a drumbeat for backup, there are also several "drum machine" apps available for the iPod/iPad, some of them free.

Geoff Cline · From: Southwest France

Alan Brookes · From: Brummy living in Southern California

Fender make an amplifier with a built-in rhythm unit. It also accepts midi inputs.
http://fenderamps.net/fender-g-dec-15-pr520-amplifier/16241

basilh · From: United Kingdom

Alan Brookes · From: Brummy living in Southern California

If you don't want to carry along a computer you can use BIAB as Basil recommends, and copy the track as an MP3 file, or even an audio file, which you can play through your amp. You're going to have to take along an amp anyway, for your lap steel.

I wonder if any of those notebook computers are powerful enough to run BIAB nowadays. At one time I would have thought it impossible, but now there are hand-held machines that are more powerful than regular mini-computers were five years ago.

William Lake · From: Ontario, Canada

The method I've been using for about 10 years now is BIAB recorded onto a minidisc. The minidisc is very small and allows you to title each track so you can find what you want easily. You can get as much on a minidisc as on a CD. Smaller player and as I said. titles.
Could not live without it.

Also to add, Minidiscs can be erased, edited, delete tracks, add a track at a later date, combine or split tracks. Some of the more high-end machines have pitch control but these are not portable. Can be used to re-record onto a portable though.

eBay has tons of them...cheap.
_________________
Bill

Mark Mansueto · From: Michigan, USA

Robert Duck · From: New South Wales, Australia

I have been investigating the many suggestions offered and feel I will shortly be able to make a decision on the best option for me to work on.

I have purchased a cheap drum machine which is giving me the basic rhythm backing to get me started. I am considering the option to buy a more sophisticated drum machine, purchasing a keyboard with a rhythm module or possibly Band in a Box. I will need to consider the relative advantages and costs associated with these options.

Thank you to all who replied to my initial question. Your input was greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Robert

basilh · From: United Kingdom

Robert Duck · From: New South Wales, Australia

I think someone asked me before whether I was just new to lap steel guitar or if I was new to playing an instrument but I don't think I answered the question.

I have never really played an instrument before but have always wanted to learn and have always wanted to learn lap steel or pedal steel. I was taking organ lessons many years ago but didn't ever get proficient.

My father, brother and sister have played instruments for their own enjoyment but have never been involved in performing. My wife plays guitar and is currently learning the violin. I would love to be able to play well enough to join them for a family jam session. I may consider helping the band at church, if they want me, but I am really learning just for my own enjoyment.

Thanks for the encouragement.

Regards

Robert

Steve Ahola · From: Concord, California

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