Blues on an 8 string Leavitt tuning

[Don McClellan]

This is me playing blues last December to a YouTube jam track on my home made lap steel. Its bits and pieces of several takes. Nothing too professional Thanks for watching, Don
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeyQDh9HE_8

[chris ivey]

got the tone of a nice horn.

[Stefan Robertson]

Yeah I have the Leavitt in mine and I only discovered it recently.

I love the voicings. So awesome.

Nice phrasing in your video. I'd focus on playing clean to get that tone right. No distortion to mask intonation problems.

Think clean tone. That's pretty much all I use now and it really has helped my playing.

[Stefan Robertson]

What tuning did you end up using on your 8 string?

[Don McClellan]

Stefan, I use what I call the Hawaiian Levitt tuning. Its based on a B6th. Top to bottom.... Bb, Eb, B, G#, F#, Eb, C, A. I just put two more strings on it about a week ago. I put a C# on top and an F on the bottom. Its now a 10 stringer! Don

[Chris Sattler]

Just curious. How did two more strings fit onto the guitar. It looks full with 8.

I like what you do with the Leavitt tuning. I would have never thought to play blues with that tuning. I'll have to have another look. I'm not too sure what the first tune you play is called but sounds like this one. This is exceptional and has been mentioned here before:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhLqe2xbqS8

Enjoy

[Stefan Robertson]

If you can play Jazz/bop on a tuning you can play any genre.

[chris ivey]

you seem to know quite alot about it.
i can twist my 6 str c6 to leavitt and it does have cool voicings. but i admittedly don't know much about straight steel and certainly wouldn't pretend i did.

[Don McClellan]

Chris Sattler,
Changing my 8 string steel to a 10 stringer was not that difficult because I had all the parts I needed and because of the keyless tuning system I use. Also, my steel already had a 10 string pickup on it which helped make it easier for me.
Here are some pics and diagrams to explain what I did. Please keep in mind that this guitar was not made to look beautiful. It was made to fit into a medium sized suitcase because I travel quite a bit.
I had to get a longer pin for the extra 2 gauged roller nuts, a longer steel rod for the bridge to handle 2 more strings, I had to drill 2 more holes behind the bridge to hold the ball end of the strings and make new axle holders and glue them and screw them on. I also had to add extra length to either end of the bridge holder. No problem
This first drawing shows how the tuning end of the guitar was shaped before I modified it.
Its real ugly but it works well and sounds great. Don

[Don McClellan]

Chris Sattler,
Yes, the video of Emmons playing that blues tune is where I took the head from. I don't know the name of that tune but its easy to play and fits any basic 12 bar blues pattern. I love that video . Especially the smile on Jerry Douglas's (the dobro player) face when Emmons starts playing his solo. And Jerry's solo too for that matter. Don

[Chris Sattler]

Yeah Don it is a great piece of work. The Edgar Myer bass solo is neat complete with the dropping of the bow at the end. It sure put a smile on everyone face there (mine too) and demonstrates the feeling of the guys in the room having so much fun. And that is what it is all about.

There is just too much talent in that room.

Nice job on your guitar. I'd rather have a guitar that sounds a million bucks than looks a million bucks.

[Larry Berwald]

Greetngs,
Does anyone have the book "Running Laps"? I have the first book of Leavitt arrangements and this is the second. I've tried repeatedly to buy it on the website with no reply.
Or do you have your own arrangments you'd sell?. I use 6 string Leavitt tuning.
Thanks
Larry Berwald

[Chris Sattler]

Hi Larry. I also have tried to buy from Mike in the past. I eventually got a refund but no books. He should remove his website. I am still interested in this book too. Best of luck.

I have a couple of arrangements I have done but they are for 8 string. PM me if you want them. You are welcome to them.

[Preston Briggs]

Roy Thompson has some material for the Leavitt tuning.
http://www.clictab.com/leavitt-tuning-c ... -mp3s.html

[Stefan Robertson]

I have literally tried for months to get his "Running Laps" as his Jazz/ music theory knowledge and William Leavitt really are a lesson in chords.

I had the same experience paid but got nothing but a reply then refund.

I tried from users on this forum and one person had it and wasn't willing to sell and I suggested due to its unavailability to photocopy it for educational purposes make some sort of copy cause as usual - When a person goes to the great gig in the sky

ALL of their knowledge and potential contributions and discoveries get lost forever. If you know about the Bill leavitt story that Mike Idhe shared was that Mike "promised" to share the Leavitt tuning with the world and the material Bill had transcribed. So where is it??????????

I contacted Mike and sadly he was not in good health so what now?
Anyone who has Running Laps please contact me...maybe we should place this on a separate post called Running Laps - Bill Leavitt Mike Idhe.

[Stefan Robertson]

----UPDATE----

Mike got back to me and hopes to be able to send me some transcriptions but his health has been very rough.

[Larry Berwald]

Thanks for the update!
I wish Mike well. I'd be glad to purchase any materials available.

[Bo Parker]

I also tried to buy Mike Ihde's Leavitt tuning books earlier this year. Eventually I complained to paypal and got a refund. He should definitely shut his web site down, or at least deactivate the "buy" links.

[Sonny Jenkins]

Hey Don,,,is that some tuners that I made for you,,,looks like my same design?