Back in the saddle.....sort of

Scotty Wenzel · From: Lawrence, KS

Having just gotten back into PSG from a hiatus of almost 30 years in the last month, I just wanted to share with anyone that is interested, my first PSG recording since then. I am now attempting to relearn everything I forgot AND also beginning to look at all of the new and unusal approaches, tunings, etc to the instrument that now exist. Please feel free to laugh, cry or tell me it's plain bad. Howl like a dog if you like....It's ALL GOOD! Coming from any of you guys that have been at this for so long, I will appreciate any and all comments. I know I've got miles to go and I'm taking baby steps right now. All of the facets that make up the qualities of a great PSG player... right hand, left hand, volume pedal work, a good ear for proper intonation and tons of study and practice are still in front of me. But I will say that I am having a ball. I'm practicing almost every day, just like I did when I first learned and I am axious to find a band to work out with and get out and do what it's all about....making people happy. Thanks for your ears!!

Here's the link to my website where I have the MP3 posted:
http://www.sunflower.com/~swen/Stump1.htm

sw

[This message was edited by Scotty Wenzel on 17 April 2004 at 12:30 PM.]

[This message was edited by Scotty Wenzel on 17 April 2004 at 12:31 PM.]

Sherman Willden · From: Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA

Scotty;

I assume you are talking about Loving Arms. Great work and you are further along than I am. It has been eight years and I just bought a Carter S-12. I am having lots of fun with it but I am having to relearn some tidbits such as:

Don't try pushing pedals with hiking shoes. Low quarters, boots, or softsoled shoes work best.

I have to actually grip the tone bar before trying to lift it off the strings to play an open E chord. It just sort of sits there if I don't. Actually, it tends to roll around some.

I have to fully press the pedals or the strings are out of key.

I have to fully release the pedals or the strings are out of key.

I can't rest my foot on a pedal or the strings are out of key.

I have to fully press the lever or the strings are out of key.

I have to fully release the lever or the strings are out of key.

I can't rest my thigh on the lever or the strings are out of key.

The bar has to be over the fret.

The right hand has to stay in line with the pickup and move up and down the strings.

I must identify which tuning nut to turn. I found myself turning one or two without knowing which pedal or lever I was detuning before I found the actual tuning nut.

I am starting all over again and having fun getting the finger patterns and tone bar to work.

Sherman

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

Nice job, Scotty. Thanks for sharing it with us! To my ears, you've got a sound and style that is very reminiscent of Red Rhodes. Are you from the west coast?

Scotty Wenzel · From: Lawrence, KS

Hi Donny,

Although I've lived on the west coast (Oregon), and Colorado and the east coast, I eventually ended up back home here in Kansas. We're just outside of KC.

Many thanks for your kind words and taking the time to listen.

Yup, come to think of it, my somewhat beginners style does kinda grab that Rhodes sound.

All the best,

sw

Bob Hickish · From: Port Ludlow, Washington, USA, R.I.P.

Scotty
Nice Job !!!! and martha is fantastic ! Why did you quit for 30 years ? I did almost the same thing , only it was 22 years and when I tried to go back ! I found that I didn't have any ability to do pedals so I dug out the old D8 Fender and went non-pedal -- Keep it up ---- I'm a fan - Bob

Scotty Wenzel · From: Lawrence, KS

Hi Bob,

Many thanks for your kind words! Why did I quit for so long? I just ended up playing other kinds of music professionally through all the intervening years, but I have always loved country music of all kinds, AND it's darn easy for an old fart like myself to still have a bit-o-credibility playing country....You're never too old to dig your roots. =)

all the best,

sw

[This message was edited by Scotty Wenzel on 18 April 2004 at 10:10 AM.]

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