Lap Steel's.

[slimbo]

Why is it that most lap steel's have the volume and tone controls right where your fingers on the right hand cross the string's where you pick, I keep touching the vol control with my little finger, result, change in the output level.
If I make the effort to miss the control by moving up the neck it changes the sound and makes it harder to pick.
I know your going to say buy a lap with the controls at the end, but I don't have the cash to buy another one, has anyone else had this problem?.
Playing Hawaiian on the c6th neck of the steel does not have the same feel or sound.

[mick hearn]

I have the same problem and it is annoying. I am using a George Boards - shapely little thing but those controls are definately in the wrong place. On the odd occasion I have pulled the cap off and put it in my pocket. I think it stems from the technique of wrapping your finger round the tone knob to get the boowah effect. At least I think that's what they call it.

As for tuning - I think Basil would agree with you there. Different tunings lend themselves to certain sounds.

[sabatica]

They are designed to be in that location so you can use them to adjust your volume and tone while playing for feeling.

Scenario 1: Studio or Live

Volume used for Audio volume control - if playing verse/chorus - different audio level used - this can also be achieved by a foot pedal but the traditional way was with your ring/little finger

Tone - Used for adjusting the tonal characteristics of the instrument to give a more dynamic sound while playing. - Most country/pedal steel players don't even now what that is as they use a clean sharp tone which is sometimes abrasive if not controlled.

Think like a guitar player in a jazz band playing clean tone. You adjust tone for smoother verse/chorus sound or for dynamic changes according to the vocalist/melody.
When soloing increase the tone to cut through the other instruments.

Examples of the above check out:

Darick Campbell


or my Hero Reece Anderson RIP:


Let's keep steeling' Alive.

PS if you are hitting it with your hand It means you are strumming uncontrollably. Lap steel can use strumming from tie to tie but its real beauty is in the picking/blocking techniques of the masters. Like Jerry Byrd