A little off the beaten path...

[BanjoTom]

...I know, but have any of you come across Debashish Bhattacharya on your musical travels? He plays a modified 21-string archtop slide guitar (of his own invention) called the chaturangui, and although he comes from Indian classical tradition his music goes waaaaaay outside of that box. His technique and phrasing are unbelievable, and the speed and accuracy of his single-note runs just boggle my tiny mind.



I'm only just starting to get to grips with Hindustani music, and understanding the structure has really helped my appreciation of it, so if you're not liking the start you can skip to 11:25 for something that, rhythmically at least, is a bit more familiar.

Maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but I for one am in awe. And modifying a 12 string into one of them chaturangui things.

T

[Will C]

Hey Tom, I know a couple of steelies who span 2 or 3 semitones like that with their vibrato <evil grin>
But yes, I've heard of Bhattacharya, he's pretty damn good! Great to look outside the confines of strictly country too.
I'm getting there with a Sierra U14 I just picked up.... John Roche's old guitar, ex Bill Stafford. Always wanted a Sierra, I mean I know they are bloody heavy but indestructible, and great tone. I'll keep the Williams for gigs.

Now if I can find a buyer for my old Curnow steel.... Anyone looking for a decent pro steel, SD10?

Will C

[BanjoTom]

A U14!? Wasn't 12 strings enough for you...

Still, I'd love to have a go on one. Put some pics up on the forum!

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

That guy can sure pick some! but it lacks the ingredients of a good country toon.... no dead dog, cheatin wife or car reposessed ..... (as far as I could tell....)

[Nick Bidmade]

Will - I hope you have a supplier of paracetamol close by with 14 strings to confuse and confound!
On the subject of Sierra guitars, my many fans will know by now that my favourite steel player was Red Rhodes who was a Sierra player but only 10 strings. Mind you, he did devise his own tunings which he recommended no-one tried to adopt...
For the finest steel playing, get hold of Mike Nesmith's 'And the hits just keep on coming', and wonder if it isn't too late to take up piano... the man was a genius!