The British Steelies Society

I pulled the trigger on an Anderwood Style 1 M Weissenborn after reading some of the positive comments on here. The guitar arrived last Friday so here's my first attempt at recording a self-penned dirge to mark the end of the summer (what summer?).

I'm very pleased with the tone, though I've probably overdone the compression and reverb -- I got carried away.

https://soundcloud.com/chris_tweed/summers-end

I'm finding this new guitar is encouraging me to write more tunes, which is a good result for me.

Chris

Nice tone Chris. Nice playing and a good tune to go with the fading of summer. Like it.
Let's hear more.

Thanks, Roy. I'm working on a new tune now.

Really great feel. Love the moodiness. Can you record something clean with no effects so we can hear the instrument itself. Chords and open playing?

Feedback: Not a fan of constant drone playing for an entire song. Feels like bagpipes. Was looking for a few more chord changes. But that's more my preference in song construction as opposed to your actual ability as I noticed you also play pedal steel. Use some of those techniques on your weissenborn. Now that would be nice to hear.

Instrument sounds ok though. Definitely a keeper. Wear those strings out they sound too bright and scratchy. That's why some players use brass when playing them to mellow the tone so it sounds smoother. Or they use their fingers.

Really great feel. Love the moodiness. Can you record something clean with no effects so we can hear the instrument itself. Chords and open playing?

Feedback: Not a fan of constant drone playing for an entire song. Feels like bagpipes. Was looking for a few more chord changes. But that's more my preference in song construction as opposed to your actual ability as I noticed you also play pedal steel. Use some of those techniques on your weissenborn. Now that would be nice to hear.

Instrument sounds ok though. Definitely a keeper. Wear those strings out they sound too bright and scratchy. That's why some players use brass when playing them to mellow the tone so it sounds smoother. Or they use their fingers.

Chris, that piece is lovely and well played, forget the nit picking, it isn't constructive. Play your own thing.

WineRider

Many thanks for your kind words, Maurice. I aways do my own thing anyway. I like the drone sound -- it's part of my Irish/Scottish upbringing and a major attraction for me of the D tuning.

On a side note: I believe you used to do a bit of M/C racing. Did you ever compete in the North West 200? I am originally from Ballymoney (home of the Dunlop's) and have fond memories of going to the races in Portrush.

Chris

Hi Chris

On a side note: I believe you used to do a bit of M/C racing. Did you ever compete in the North West 200? I am originally from Ballymoney (home of the Dunlop's) and have fond memories of going to the races in Portrush.

I'm sad to say I didn't make it...the IRA had made threats to all those from the UK who would/could ride and many of us were advised by the powers at be and some of our sponsors not to take the risk. I regret this, but those that were paying some of our bills were against it. A great friend of mine Tom Herron often rode the Portrush circuit, and eventually paid the ultimate price, like many before him and since. I think with a name like Carroll my family must have some links to the Isle, but as far back as 1840'ish they were on mainland UK...Still Sid Lawton always called me mad mickey because of my quick temper.

I'm paying the price for my years racing, now, and I keep the Physio's here in France in work, but they certainly keep what siezes on the move...or maybe I just like the wee sweet thing that makes me scream!!!!!

Try www.winerider.com there are a few pics of me in the Isle of Man a place I hold dear top my heart although in certain years it wasn't the nicest place to be...especially in 1970. But these pansies of World Champions in the present time can't ride pure race circuits, I think for some its a lack of those round spherical objects that stops them. But I think a young man from Belfast has just made the grade to World XChamp. was it in SuperBikes? For me those things are straight line projectiles and handle like a demented camel.

Keep picking your own way

Maurice (AKA WineRider) builder of lap steels that I can't play.

Hi Maurice,

I remember the bad old days of the Troubles. The same concerns affected music. No bands from the UK or even elsewhere would play in NI. It was left to good old Rory Gallagher to do his annual stint at the Ulster Hall in Belfast, which became a highlight of the year.

Sadly the list of riders who gave their lives to road racing grows longer, but for some it is no discouragement. Robert Dunlop's sons seem to be carrying on the tradition after he and his brother Joey both lost their lives in horrific crashes. Sorry to hear you are suffering too for your participation. I hope building and playing lap steels is a suitable distraction.

Best wishes,

Chris

Hi Chris,

I haven't of late spent much time on the Forum, just a tad disappointed in some of the post's, still I do look in and keep my eye's open. The building and playing if you could call the noise I make playing or even music, but I love it and the help from many of the stalwarts has made my life easier. As to my troubles they are small beer considered to many others, who soldier through the pain and suffering, they all knwo who they are and all make light of their troubles. I am waiting the eurika moment when I can play one tune without conciously thinking of what comes next...I doubt if I ever will, but its great fun trying, and trying, and trying.......

I have found great advice forthcoming from many except when I loose it and call a spade a spade or worse. Some understand me some don't but the good guy's far outweigh the baddies.

I'm packed and ready for the boat to UK for a wedding in Bournemouth and will be back in La Belle France on Monday, looking forward to seeing my Goddaughter and her brother (who is the groom) no parents unfortunately both have passed on, but both their stars will be shining on Friday to see the first born take the plunge.

Maurice