Search found 33 matches

by Daryl Smetana
8 May 2008 4:27 pm
Forum: Steel Without Pedals
Topic: Custom Hybrid Lap Steel - VARIAX + Rick Aiello potbelly
Replies: 29
Views: 15580

I play with a dance R&R band lately that is approaching club ready and working that ol catch 22, getting into one. I've been integrating lap steel more lately and using Wally. I will be weaving more lead and solo work in as we go. We recently did a promo set at a friends studio and thought you m...
by Daryl Smetana
30 Apr 2008 12:40 pm
Forum: Steel Without Pedals
Topic: Fanned scale lap steel, what are your thoughts?
Replies: 50
Views: 33933

I thought flipping the photo might help it look a little more normal It is interesting that not only is it left handed, but also "upside down" with the the bass strings away and the treble near. In flipping the pic in my head, I had come up with the opposite fan, very stressing to play th...
by Daryl Smetana
30 Apr 2008 6:34 am
Forum: Steel Without Pedals
Topic: Another Deco Steel Build
Replies: 12
Views: 4145

Re: Another Deco Steel Build

Tom, you make simple look elegant...sweet. I love the way you accentuate design elements with different woods. I am amazed at the creativity on this forum. Another fine build. Also loved the previous art deco steel. Can't wait to see your next creation.
by Daryl Smetana
30 Apr 2008 6:28 am
Forum: Steel Without Pedals
Topic: My First Creation.(Pictures Work Now)
Replies: 17
Views: 5215

Re: My First Creation.(Pictures Work Now)

Rocky, that is one gorgeous steel. Simple, elegant, innovative design with a look of fine furniture. My wife wouldn't complain about me leaving a steel like that sitting out on the coffee table for a quick play during commercials. Very nice, it must be a joy to play.
D
by Daryl Smetana
30 Apr 2008 6:22 am
Forum: Steel Without Pedals
Topic: my home built lap steel in the white
Replies: 29
Views: 20469

Re: my home built lap steel in the white

I really like the sculpted/carved shape in the body. Nice inlay, smart bridge design, and beautiful wood that should really jump out when stained. One very clean build. A ten year project ... you should be extremely pleased with the result so far. Can't wait to see it stained and done.
D
by Daryl Smetana
22 Apr 2008 11:56 am
Forum: Steel Without Pedals
Topic: Latest 8 String "Lefty"
Replies: 15
Views: 3110

Re: Latest 8 String "Lefty"

Very nice Sonny! Looks like you inlaid the fingerboard, frets and markers, beautiful job. Clever design for the keyless tuning, would love to hear some specifics on how it works. The bridge is very nice touch. Great build and one lucky lefty.
D
by Daryl Smetana
19 Apr 2008 2:57 pm
Forum: Steel Without Pedals
Topic: New CD project in the works - 'Hendrix on steel & slide'
Replies: 66
Views: 16833

Steinar, amazing sound and feel. And so SMOOTH, a great musical setting, can't wait to hear the next installment.
D
by Daryl Smetana
15 Apr 2008 7:02 am
Forum: Pedal Steel
Topic: History Request for Reese
Replies: 2
Views: 977

Your guitar was born on December 3rd 1974! Thank you for playing an MSA and displaying pride of ownership by keeping the guitar in such great condition. Thanks Reece, I love all my instruments and try to keep them in good condition. I bought this steel from West LA Music in 1975, so I am probably t...
by Daryl Smetana
14 Apr 2008 8:08 pm
Forum: Steel Without Pedals
Topic: WHAT IS THAT THING CALLED?
Replies: 50
Views: 15373

Since I play [or attempt to] slide guitar, fretted or un, with a bar or without, pedals or not, I say SLIDE guitar. Usually works, and if they are interested in more, THEN I attemp to educate. SLIDE encompasses all, not to diminish any. I love pedal, non, slack key slide, bluegrass, blues....BTY? is...
by Daryl Smetana
14 Apr 2008 7:46 pm
Forum: Pedal Steel
Topic: History Request for Reese
Replies: 2
Views: 977

History Request for Reese

I'm again working on the Classic you helped me upgrade in the mid 1980s. Can you provide it's history? SN 1C3818. I learned alot on that upgrade to Bb Universal. A couple views of the result. http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/userpix/7393_DSC00391_1.jpg http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/userpix/7393_DSC00...
by Daryl Smetana
14 Apr 2008 7:34 pm
Forum: Pedal Steel
Topic: MSA Classic Aerobics
Replies: 28
Views: 6656

Re: Correction

Rich, I must admit that I'm enthralled! I bought a Classic in 1975 E9 5+4 and in the mid 1980s, Resse provided some of the harder parts to upgrade it to a Bb Universal 8+4. The hardest part was the triple raise/lower sissors. The rest I built while learning how to lathe and mill. The springs have AL...
by Daryl Smetana
7 Apr 2008 2:26 pm
Forum: Steel Without Pedals
Topic: Custom Hybrid Lap Steel - VARIAX + Rick Aiello potbelly
Replies: 29
Views: 15580

Thanks Don and Mark. The sonic possibilities are staggering. This will force me to REALLY learn how to play. After listening to the cut today, the best of two takes, I've decided that the performance is pretty pitchie with a couple of flubs that now sound worse than at the time. But, you know, then ...
by Daryl Smetana
7 Apr 2008 5:14 am
Forum: Steel Without Pedals
Topic: New Tune - I Love You So Much It Hurts - Kay Das
Replies: 13
Views: 2927

Re: Video

bear with me..Kay Kay, the video is fine. However, you make it look so fluid, easy, and effortless. And beyond that, your sound is awesome! Quite the inspiration for us newer, evolving players. I don't get the straight pitch on 100% of the time and have much less success with slants, need much more...
by Daryl Smetana
5 Apr 2008 4:59 pm
Forum: Steel Without Pedals
Topic: Custom Hybrid Lap Steel - VARIAX + Rick Aiello potbelly
Replies: 29
Views: 15580

Sounds Of Wally

Okay, but how does it SOUND? OK...You asked for it. I now have online [but I don't know how to serve it up...yet] the sounds of Wally. I programmed two voices adjacent on the toggle switch, each with a tuning offset from C6/A7 to C#m7. I threw together "The Warmth of the Sun". The intro/v...
by Daryl Smetana
4 Apr 2008 4:16 pm
Forum: Steel Players
Topic: New SGF member in SoCal
Replies: 8
Views: 1601

Mike Maddux wrote:E-mail me I think we should get together. Im in Cypress. mikemaddux1@sbcglobal.net
Mike, sent an email and it bounced, undeliverable. Try me at
dsmetana@irvine-sensors.com
SCSGA sounds like fun.
D
by Daryl Smetana
4 Apr 2008 8:31 am
Forum: Steel Without Pedals
Topic: Custom Hybrid Lap Steel - VARIAX + Rick Aiello potbelly
Replies: 29
Views: 15580

Brad Bechtel wrote:Okay, but how does it SOUND?
Working on doing some examples for you all, stay tuned.
by Daryl Smetana
3 Apr 2008 7:35 pm
Forum: Electronics
Topic: Volume And Tone Wiring Diagram Needed.
Replies: 18
Views: 12756

Well, sadly I agree. Technique is everthing. All else is adjustable. Oh for Tom Brumley's technique.
by Daryl Smetana
3 Apr 2008 7:27 pm
Forum: Steel Without Pedals
Topic: Black Walnut and Birdseye 8 String Build
Replies: 32
Views: 13138

Ahhhhh, a bit of mysterie on that other cover. Will have to do some research on true oil - has to be easier than nitrocelulous. Quite an engineering feat, the bridge cover. Folk look at the result and are amazed at the artistry. The ART is in the vision, plan, design, engineering AND the template. T...
by Daryl Smetana
3 Apr 2008 7:07 pm
Forum: Pedal Steel
Topic: Solenoid Steel Guitar
Replies: 61
Views: 16393

Very interesting....I get your point, I think. Not just the solenoids...but a body actuator to induce the "FEEL" of the player INTO the solenoid. A driver so to speak to replace the mechanical linkage AND with the subtlety of the players technique...very interesting idea.
by Daryl Smetana
3 Apr 2008 7:00 pm
Forum: Steel Players
Topic: New SGF member in SoCal
Replies: 8
Views: 1601

??? Any Players here in local SoCal that I can bounce ideas off, learn techniques from, or share with ??? Love to meet you on SGF and in person.
D
by Daryl Smetana
3 Apr 2008 1:14 pm
Forum: Electronics
Topic: Volume And Tone Wiring Diagram Needed.
Replies: 18
Views: 12756

Agree, let your ears decide. Experiment from 0.010 to 0.047 to 0.100 microfarad, about a $1.49 for two at Radio Shack. One of these will likely work for you. If not, go outside this range on the end that is working closer for your ears.
Cheers, D
by Daryl Smetana
3 Apr 2008 12:04 pm
Forum: Electronics
Topic: Volume And Tone Wiring Diagram Needed.
Replies: 18
Views: 12756

John Billings wrote:Just a thought!
Great idea for either testing or, once defined, using several tone arrangements. I'm gonna use that suggestion - THANKS!
D
by Daryl Smetana
3 Apr 2008 11:59 am
Forum: Steel Without Pedals
Topic: Black Walnut and Birdseye 8 String Build
Replies: 32
Views: 13138

Tom, a question. There is a wood, I assume access cover by the Vol/Tone controls. On the opposite side is a matching piece. Is this a cover, and if so access for what? Or is it for artstic/visual balance? I love the bridge cover. Did you use any special tricks, tools, fixtures, templates to create i...
by Daryl Smetana
3 Apr 2008 11:40 am
Forum: Steel Without Pedals
Topic: Custom Hybrid Lap Steel - VARIAX + Rick Aiello potbelly
Replies: 29
Views: 15580

John, room balance can be very distracting, yes. I find there is a minimum amp volume required to not mess with my head on the ambient resonance of the steel. Anything above is gravey. Late night, headphones are purfect. Not an issue in a band situation.
by Daryl Smetana
3 Apr 2008 11:33 am
Forum: Electronics
Topic: Volume And Tone Wiring Diagram Needed.
Replies: 18
Views: 12756

Here's the wiring recommended by Rick Aiello for the potbelly in my build project. Should work for the E-66. You can adjust the tone with different capacitor values. The capacitor is 0.047 mfd. I am experimenting with different values from the local Radio Shack. http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/userpi...