6 vs 8 string to achieve Eddie Rivers sound

David Bardenstein · Post by **David Bardenstein** » 11 Apr 2014 5:13 pm

After a brief time with C6 lap steel and a health limited foray into pedal steel I have realized I am heading back to non pedal steel. I particularly like the sound achieved by Eddie RIvers in his work with Asleep at the Wheel. THe question I have is whether the dense dark chords of Eddie RIvers are best done with an 8 string or whether a 6 string is enough. A second question is how a learner gets guidance in achieving that sort of sound (tapes courses etc) FInally to what extent is his ability to do what he does related to having multiple necks available simultaneously as opposed to pedal steel.

Mark Roeder · Post by **Mark Roeder** » 11 Apr 2014 7:36 pm

I know he uses A6 as one of his necks. That could be part of the answer to your dark dense chords. Not sure what he uses on the other necks

Lane Cunningham · Post by **Lane Cunningham** » 11 Apr 2014 10:15 pm

you've probably seen this video but if not then you should really check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rARCcW3I0K4

David Bardenstein · Post by **David Bardenstein** » 11 Apr 2014 11:38 pm

Hadn t seen this Thanks so much it is great.

Jerome Hawkes · Post by **Jerome Hawkes** » 12 Apr 2014 3:31 am

A6 = 8 strings

David Bardenstein · Post by **David Bardenstein** » 12 Apr 2014 9:14 pm

Got it

Jerome Hawkes · Post by **Jerome Hawkes** » 13 Apr 2014 3:05 am

i've seen Eddie up close in small clubs a couple times with AATW - playing his quad-8. he is certainly a neck jumper. he almost always played at least 2 necks and sometimes, but rarely all 4. He told me when AATW flies and he can't take the quad, he will use a S-8 in A6 for the whole show (obviously) .

Robbie Bossert · Post by **Robbie Bossert** » 13 Apr 2014 9:42 am

One neck has Leon's E13 tuning.....
Robbie

David Bardenstein · Post by **David Bardenstein** » 13 Apr 2014 11:37 am

Thanks again to all for the guidance. Can I ask another question. I currently have a Carter starter pedal steel which I probably will end up parting with. However, is it reasonable to string it as an 8 string A6 to really start learning lap steel while I look for an 8 string or is it really better to have the lap 8? I am running out of instrument space and so dont realistically see just adding.

If I use the Carter, I assume I would string the closer 8 strings. Is there anything about positioning/ergonomics that I need to add in if I am using a pedal steel as a lap steel because of the need to rely on slants for the nonpedal style?
Also what is the effect of scale length on playability (as opposed to sound)

Thanks again

Dave

David Bardenstein · Post by **David Bardenstein** » 13 Apr 2014 11:38 am

Yes that is how I learned about his was an AATW show where I was able to get close and watch him jump necks Amazing.

Stephen Baker · Post by **Stephen Baker** » 13 Apr 2014 1:58 pm

Hey David, if youâ€™d missed that video maybe you missed this one too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAbpeZ-y1eQ. Steve

The Steel Guitar Forum

6 vs 8 string to achieve Eddie Rivers sound

6 vs 8 string to achieve Eddie Rivers sound

sweet video

sounding like eddie rivers

eddie rivers