When You Think Of Speed...

About Steel Guitarists and their Music

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Kenny Martin

Post by Kenny Martin »

Ya know a long time forum member told me when i joined, that its great but be careful, they sometimes eat their own!!

I guess i need to pay attention!!!
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Bill Hankey
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Post by Bill Hankey »

Kenny,

Attitudes are terribly resilient, which makes it more difficult to accomplish the feat of changing personas that grind on the nerves. Nothing too serious, mind you, perhaps an interjectional outburst, disclosing displeasure with incessant churlishness, may effect a gradual change. Reality reveals there are indeed, the nibblers of cultural developments. They routinely tour the gamuts of progressive incentives...incentives that offer open roads to steady progress. Undesirable negative activities, reverses the benefits of cultural developments.
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Hook Moore
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Post by Hook Moore »

Hang in there Kenny, at least they are predictable.
Hook
Kenny Martin

Post by Kenny Martin »

Thanks Capt Hook!!

Ok guys and gals, Mr. Hook is a first class steel player and he has been such a nice friend to me especially on the space. Even though we have not met in person i think he is a great guy!

Yea, i was kind of jokin a little on the last comment!
I guess for me, those who check for mistakes and or look to see who may stumble in a comment, should post a clip of them speed pickin so ya can see if they have the cridentials to back up what they say!

Maybe a thread about "Post your best lick" and see who can be the most creative with a speed lick of their own!

Anyways, i don't get upset and or mad because i improve hearing the good and the bad!

Its still new to me on the Forum and i have no steel players close to bounce anything off of.

Thanks for all the help!!

kenny
Paul Foster
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Speed Players

Post by Paul Foster »

TO quote Jimmy Day while listening to s super fast player, "Boy, I wish I could do that, and then I wouldnt"

Gotta love it
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Bill Hankey
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Post by Bill Hankey »

Paul,

IMO, Jimmy Day was the Jerry Byrd of the E9th neck. According to unofficial hearsay his reserved demeanor was accounted for by a few terse quotations. Only hearsay, mind you, but I still wonder about his supposed comment during an appearance at a well known steel show in New York State. A budding steel guitarist must have distracted him during setup time. As the distraction became more pronounced, Jimmy exclaimed, "Run along sonny!" Perhaps true, or exaggerated, I'll never know. :o
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Barry Blackwood
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Post by Barry Blackwood »

I guess for me, those who check for mistakes and or look to see who may stumble in a comment, should post a clip of them speed pickin so ya can see if they have the credentials to back up what they say!
Kenny, my apologies if my question about "jams" made you feel picked on in some way. Also, I have no intention of getting into a "fast-draw" contest with you just to validate myself in your eyes. It would seem by what you're saying, that speed is the only yardstick you use to measure a steel players worth. Be careful - that's a very slippery slope indeed.
Kenny Martin

Post by Kenny Martin »

Not at all Barry and i also apologize for giving that impression!

Its not about the measure of player for me. Its about learning in every repect from anybody that plays steel.

I can play what i play for the most part because of every player i hear, see and that send me licks on tab to learn.

So in short, i'm not looking for a race with anyone and or seeing if i can play something any better but i am always looking to improve as i have all my life.

Thanks for the comment back and its about new steel friends and hope that you and i are!

Take care!
km
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Bill Hankey
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Post by Bill Hankey »

Kenny,

I wanted to be sure to wish you a great weekend, but I'll have to squeeze my way through what appears to be some form of monopolization strategy. Perhaps not, we'll wait and see. In the meantime, I'll listen to the flood of recordings that have piled into the player's column, that are readily accessible on You Tube. :eek:
Kenny Martin

Post by Kenny Martin »

Hey Bill!
Thanks for the comments and i'm not sure what the "monopolization" thing you are talking about!

I'm a little excited about the steel jam but in the same sense i'm not totally cofident that i won't have some mistakes. I'll make it fun and all will be good!!

Practicing tonight later with a few players that will be there with me!

Trust me, i'll be speeding at the show because its what i know best!!

kenny
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Bill Hankey
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Post by Bill Hankey »

Kenny,

Maybe, monopolization is a bit of a stressful term. It's probably imagined, but I thought my boat was rocking for no good reason. Is there anyone on the forum who can jog my memory by recalling the name of the artist who in those roaring 20's, used as many as 130 different names in his days of popularity on record labels? I just remembered! It was Vernon Dalhart. He created a discography of 5000 releases on all of the popular record labels in the 20's and 30's. He recorded under over 130 pseudonyms, and was the first country vocalist to sell a million copies of a record... "The Wreck Of The Old 97" in 1924 and '25 resulted in the sales. It's funny how some words remind me of real life situations. His passing in 1948 in Connecticut apparently created little of the fame that he once knew. A shameful blemish in the history of country music. (I'm thinking)
Peter Dollard
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It Was The Prisoners Song Too

Post by Peter Dollard »

I just looked it up. My reference states the Prisoners Song was on one side and The Wreck Of The Old 97 was on the other so I guess they were both number ones depending on one's point of view....The artist is correct.
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Bill Hankey
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Post by Bill Hankey »

Peter Dollard,

Oh yes! As time flew by, the wells of early country music have dried up. Many country stars were born in the years before and immediately following Thomas Edison's passing. Skeeter Davis, and George Jones were born in 1931, the year that the great inventor of musical sounds transmissions and a thousand or more inventions was to see his last Birthday. Small and cheap guitars, sold through catalog offices, numbered in the thousands, and as Chet Atkins told me in an interview, were acquired by trading something of equal value. About five "bucks" was the going price for those better than nothing instruments. "Little" Roy Wiggins told me how many players would raise the "nut" to create the Hawaiian effect that we hear today. Roy's mom and a traveling music teacher, kindled Roy's interest in pursuing a musical career. It's hard to tell how the chips would have fallen in Eddy Arnold's career, had he never met "Little" Roy Wiggins. It's difficult to know why many singers slide into "Pop" music as The Tennessee Plowboy did. "Little" Roy enjoyed a great friendship with George Morgan, following 10 years of experience recording, and making personal appearances with Eddy. Back in those days, firebugs could be seen in meadows at night, and peepers by the hundreds were heard in swampy terrain. Henry Ford's Model T's and Model A's were common in the 30's, as well as "rumble" seats. BTW, those were the days of the great depression. Broken homes and broken hearts, created incentives for songwriter's to create lyrics to match the hurt of broken love affairs. "When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold", or "Jealous Heart" would be fine examples to exemplify the notion. The 30's became an era of sales personnel banding together to unload truckloads of untuneable cheap musical instruments on anyone carrying a $10.00 bill. The craftsmanship built into fine musical instruments, such as the Gibson Guitar Co. built during the 40's and 50's soon educated purchasers of guitars on a large scale. The Martin guitars built during the 30's are quite valuable, and are readily collectible at this time. A special note in closing on this subject relating to early beginnings of country music, should include how Vernon Dalhart acquired his stage name. First and last names were after towns in Texas. His given name was Marion Try Slaughter. He was born in Marion County, Texas. :roll:
Carroll Hale
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Post by Carroll Hale »

Bill Hankey wrote:Duncan,

Your profile helps to explain why you feel the way you do. You may need to make a few changes in your lifestyle workup.
I thought maybe he was a chemist...such as me...
those are definitely complex compounds....... :( ..as I always say..."chemists have solutions".. :D
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Bill Hankey
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Post by Bill Hankey »

Carroll,

I enjoy the humor, and your participation, but would you PLEASE direct me to where you saw those lines written. Something is amiss! I wouldn't go about squaring away with my fellow forumites. Thanks in advance, if you could do that favor for me.
Carroll Hale
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Post by Carroll Hale »

Bill Hankey wrote:Carroll,

I enjoy the humor, and your participation, but would you PLEASE direct me to where you saw those lines written. Something is amiss! I wouldn't go about squaring off with my fellow forumites. Thanks in advance, if you could do that favor for me.
I surely meant no harm....just saw your comment about "duncan's profile"....I saw he is a social worker....and I "assumed"...that in his job he probably dealt a lot with "chemically dependent" clients......also, as a chemist, I saw the various forms of "speed" or "uppers" and the chemical names used.....and recognized them....my comment was surely not meant to offend you or duncan....just thought he might be a "chemist or related specialist"........sorry if this offended you or duncan.....ch

actually...his profile says Occupation:
Social Worker
Interests: Total destruction of the radical right and other forces of evil

I just perceived that as sort of funny...guess I was wrong.....again ....no offense intended...

I dont get on SGF a lot......and dont comment much
I am an old fart guitar player...trying to learn how to play steel...dobro..etc.....but never to upset the apple cart
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Bill Hankey
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Post by Bill Hankey »

Carroll,

You are an interesting writer, although I try to discourage and eschew four letter words. There are small percentages of readers who may be found raising their eyebrows at the sight of them. PLEASE point out the thread in question, if you would be so kind. Give me something to go by in recounting the quotation. I'd enjoy reading about your favorite speed picker. That could prove to be interesting.
Carroll Hale
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Post by Carroll Hale »

bill,
here is what duncan said in an earlier post...

Hello Bill,
When I think of speed I think of benzedrene, dexedrene, desoxyn, methylphenidate, benzphetamine, biphetamine and probably a few others. I'm just sorry that I'm a little too old to take any of them anymore. I hope that this answers your question.
Duncan


as I said....I saw the chemical names of "speed synonyms.....ie....and just made my comment based on this...nothing more...nothing less...plain and simple.......as I said....NO OFFENSE meant to you or duncan...
Carroll Hale
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Post by Carroll Hale »

Bill Hankey wrote:Carroll,

You are an interesting writer, although I try to discourage and eschew four letter words. There are small percentages of readers who may be found raising their eyebrows at the sight of them. PLEASE point out the thread in question, if you would be so kind. Give me something to go by in recounting the quotation. I'd enjoy reading about your favorite speed picker. That could prove to be interesting.
back in my younger days....50 years ago....I say I could "pick fast with most anyone" on reg 6 string...I am new to steel/dobro.....have arthritis in my hands....strain to hold a steel....do good to pick at all....have no fav speed pickers...just wish I could learn to play this dang thing....my thoughts was that with a "steel" I would not have to make chords with my left hand....and do the best I can with the right.......well..better get back to being a chemist....samples are here..so little time and it is friday on top of that......ready to go home...sit on my porch...sip a glass of merlot...and slow pick my way to a restful weekend...
again...I am sorry that I even opened my mouth on this........never dreamed I would stir someone up so much........have a great day, sir....
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Bill Hankey
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Post by Bill Hankey »

Carroll,

Your reply is very much appreciated. Have fun with Picking on your Dobro. Your comments stimulates the desire to read. Thanks...
Pete Finney
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Post by Pete Finney »

Bill, if you can't even recognize your own words from earlier in the same thread (that you started) doesn't that tell you something?!?

Your saying this would be hysterically funny if it weren't so pitifully dishonest...
Something is amiss. I wouldn't go about squaring away with my fellow forumites.
I can't think of anyone who is more quick to judge fellow players, or to arrogantly dismiss or condemn anyone with different taste in music, or different approaches to playing. To then act like you are somehow "above it all" is just pathetic...
Last edited by Pete Finney on 13 Feb 2009 9:11 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Jerry Fleming
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Post by Jerry Fleming »

"Speed pickers lead the way. The writing is on the wall. Without the ability to speed pick, it just isn't possible to fulfill a dream of having the ability to add something to a band, if they commonly rev up their repertoire. Imagine having a chance to sit in with a group of super pickers."

Bill,

I love to see and hear someone tear it up like Doug Jerginan playing a fiddle tune. I have to disagree with your statement "that those that can not play fast do not have something to add to a band" that is total B.S. I can not play anything fast but I have fulfilled my dream to play some simple pretty ballads. After losing most of my hearing I am thankful to be able to tune my guitar. I would like to hear your 5 finger stuff. I don't post often as I write and type slower than I play.

The pretty stuff played with passion is where it's at. That is a FACT.

Jerry Fleming
Carroll Hale
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Post by Carroll Hale »

I really dont know how got caught up in all of this, but as I sit here eating my meager lunch, I have pretty much read/re-read all the posts on speed...some are quite long-winded and full of "2-bit" words (as I all them)...but as I stated earlier
"quality is always better than quantity" and I personally feel this applies to music as well as most other stuff.....as I close and get out of this I would like to make one more comment using a womans dress as an analogy...."it should be long enough to cover the subject.....short enough to be interesting"

and as "Forrest Gump" would say....that's all I gotta say about that..... :D :D :D :D

have a good day and a peaceful weekend...
Kenny Martin

Post by Kenny Martin »

"WHEN YOU THINK OF SPEED"

Now to me we seem to have gone from the topic to which is better, slow or fast!!

BOTH!

"Can a speed picker play slow or can a slow picker play fast"? Yea!

I think fast or slow it comes down to quality in either! To me what i feel one of the top things when playing either is the personality and or emotion in the presentation.

Now, back to speed! Its fun and i love it but its also awesome to have someone in the crowd come up and be touched by the lead i just played in Crazy Arms or Today i started lovin you again!!

Thanks for allowing me to give my spin on it and i think i will move on and go practice seeing how slow i can play something fast!!

km
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Bill Hankey
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Post by Bill Hankey »

Jerry,

Your response came through simultaneously with Pete Finney's. Pete feels that I'm pitifully dishonest. As long as I'm on the "outside" looking "in" his comments make me roar. I'm not sure, but just maybe I'll try to "break the ice" with Peter. I want to end the egg throwing contest. Little does Peter know that there would be a few better ways to treat people who have treasured country music all their lives. Jerry, you seem to be a little jittery on the subject of speed. Some bands will tolerate the inability of a player who is not affected by songs that require speed picking. He simply lets off on the volume pedal and "floats" with bass and drums.
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