1st attempt

[WineRider]

Well all of you with patience here it is the first official very poor recording of of my 8 string lap steel in action.
I have used BiaB for the backing track, and I know it sounds dead muddy, but it is a first for me and this was the second take.

WineRider https://soundcloud.com/winerider

[mick hearn]

Link appears not to work???

[WineRider]

Hi Mick,
I've just tried editing the first entry and it works. Would yu try again please. https://soundcloud.com/winerider

Too many ideas and not enough brains to work it all out.

Maurice

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

Maurice, I would like to be able to do that on an 8 string plank you should be well satisfied with your first attempt.
I think one of the nicest sounds on a steel is the gliss from one note/chord to the next, try it without lifting the bar or blocking so much and it may come out a little less stunted.... just my two pennyworth

[WineRider]

Thanks for that John...you say the nicest things. I'll take your two penneth any day. All crticism is gratefully received especially on this forum. I will try to do as you say and post what might be a better take. To be honest the easiest part was the backing track.

Maurice

[Ken Byng]

Maurice
It's good to record oneself playing, as it gives a clear perspective on the level of achievement. I cringe when I listen to some things that I have done where the intonation is out.

Just a little advice if I may. Newbies always need to pay attention to bar control, intonation and smoothness of transition. We can hear that you are a little hesitant, but bearing in mind that you are resurrecting your steel career after many years of laying off I think its a great start. Re lifting the bar off the strings, I see and hear many steel players lifting the bar as a blocking method. Some have been playing for donkeys years. It can make the playing sound somewhat choppy, but it can also be described as a bona fide method of blocking.

Keep it going - it will get smoother.
Ken

[WineRider]

Maurice
It's good to record oneself playing, as it gives a clear perspective on the level of achievement. I cringe when I listen to some things that I have done where the intonation is out.

Just a little advice if I may. Newbies always need to pay attention to bar control, intonation and smoothness of transition. We can hear that you are a little hesitant, but bearing in mind that you are resurrecting your steel career after many years of laying off I think its a great start. Re lifting the bar off the strings, I see and hear many steel players lifting the bar as a blocking method. Some have been playing for donkeys years. It can make the playing sound somewhat choppy, but it can also be described as a bona fide method of blocking.

Keep it going - it will get smoother.
Ken

Thanks Ken for the observations, I have found it hard with a backing track...keeping time is my biggest problem, but I hope that my next rendition will show some improvement PS:Not too impressed with the antics at Le Mans

Maurice

[sabatica]

Great 1st attempt.

Piece of Advice:
Backing tracks are nice and good to use every now and then but the Metronome should be your best friend always. Try recording it without the backing tracks to help clean up your intonation. Also play at a really slow tempo until its is clean. like 60 bpm.

[mick hearn]

Hi mate.

I would echo Ken's remarks. Try and be a bit more positive if you can but it will come. As for the metronome idea - I would say both ways. The handy thing with B in a B is that you can slow down the tempo but I would also argue that having the chords behind you would assist in your pitching of the notes.

Keep at it mate and don't lose heart.

Oh yes - did you see JDs demo of the MSA. I'm sure he was lifting the bar on the C6 neck. Sorry JD - you can get me back for that one.

[WineRider]

Hi Mick,

Thanks for the useful comments...I think the second attempt is better than the first, but I 'ain't satisfied and I ain't gonna give in' well not as far as I am aware. I think the hesitancy comes from memory or lack of it and looking up from the neck to check the dots has a lot to do with it and either loosing my place in the dots or loosing position on the neck. Plus I suppose two left hands no brains doesn't help. One of the reasons for putting you all through hell was I was driven to let many hear the sound of the LSG...too many asking for it...now maybe they wish they hadn't The lack of ability is obvious But to be honest I don't care, I will try as hard as I can to improve...Ken will understand this...I raced quite a few times in the Isle of Man and it takes time to learn 37.75miles with all the bends, bumps, and where you don't make a mistake or it will be your last...I succeeded and aquitted myself pretty well and I'm still in this world...well only just the last one is for JD. WillC have to heard it yet...if not take a tip and use some cheddar cheese in your ears...might make the sound better

Maurice