Recording Steel... Less Really IS More

Smiley Roberts · Post by **Smiley Roberts** » 26 Aug 2006 10:57 pm

My buddy,Dennis Payne,told me to,always,remember one "word" when recording: K.I.S.S.

"Keep It Simple Stupid"

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basilh · Post by **basilh** » 26 Aug 2006 11:00 pm

Doug, you say "and they don't understand how pedal steel players use the volume pedal."
Most players CAN'T keep an even volume, i.e. the same level afterwards as before the pedal was employed.
I don't think you cam blame engineers for the players shortcomings.
Whilst in a band environment LIVE on stage, incorrect volume pedal technique may go unnoticed, in the studio, and under the microscope of the engineer/producer/client scenario, anything less that the accepted (and required) norm just doesn't cut it.
IMHO

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Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 26 Aug 2006 11:31 pm

Basil, you are absolutely right. A poor player who pumps his volume pedal is a major problem in a recording studio and that is no fault of the engineer.

Some engineers get a little nervous when they see a volume pedal because they do not realize How steel players use (or should use) the volume pedal... to maintain a consistent level, not just to increase volume.

Regular Guitar players use the volume pedal in a different way, as you know. They generally use it to Increase or Decrease volume, not necessarily as an inherent part of the sound and tone, as We do. We use it more to keep the sustain and volume of the steel even. If the steel player is using the pedal properly there should be no problem in the studio. I always use a volume pedal when recording, and I've never heard any grumbling from an engineer.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 27 Aug 2006 4:10 am

Doug,

I've noticed that recording studio productions in many situations, leave much to be desired. For example, fetch up a copy of Porter Wagoner and Skeeter Davis singing "One Loves A Lot, And One Loves A Little." Listen to the fading out as Skeeter sings her part of the song. Many recordings are faulted by apparent engineering "screwups". Some of the most provocative steel guitar fills are lost forever. Perhaps "Death On Music Row", by Alan Jackson and George Strait isn't far from the truth. The technical setups of sound delivery, and correct receiver manipulations, could result in quality reproductions, as opposed to unsatisfactory recordings. The singing human voice has reigned supreme for centuries, and the steel guitar is a close second for my listening pleasure.

Ray Minich · Post by **Ray Minich** » 27 Aug 2006 4:55 am

On Willie Nelson's CD "Broken Promises" (from about 1971?) there are two tracks that are major screwed up. One has a severe case of wow (awful speed change/slow down towards the end), and another has Willie sounding like Alvin the Chipmunk, even though the tempo seems accurate. At least these errors are less likely now with the new systems.

Robert Porri · Post by **Robert Porri** » 27 Aug 2006 8:38 am

Just to mention in case someone is newer and not aware of this. There is a good article by Jeff Newman in one of the 6 Steel Guitarist magazines (which you can get on the Forum!) about this topic of recording, not overplaying, knowing when not to play etc. Doug also has some great instruction in them.

Bob P.[This message was edited by Robert Porri on 27 August 2006 at 09:39 AM.]

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 27 Aug 2006 10:01 am

Thanks Bob, it's good to see you posting here.

I'm imagining the classic David Lindley lapsteel solo in "Running On Empty".... and then imagining the same song with a solo by Yngwie Malmsteen...

LOL, Jim, that's great! What an image.
... trying to stuff 10 pounds of crap into a 5 pound bag. [This message was edited by Doug Beaumier on 27 August 2006 at 11:01 AM.]

John McGann · Post by **John McGann** » 3 Sep 2006 5:51 am

It's all about the setting. Some jokes you just don't tell in mixed company!

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Dave Van Allen · Post by **Dave Van Allen** » 3 Sep 2006 6:10 am

Even Buddy Hackett knew that

so, are you sayin' that speed pickin' is the steel guitar equivilent of "The Aristocrats"?

[This message was edited by Dave Van Allen on 03 September 2006 at 07:12 AM.]

Daryl Stogner · Post by **Daryl Stogner** » 3 Sep 2006 7:07 am

My buddy,Dennis Payne,told me to,always,remember one "word" when recording: K.I.S.S.
"Keep It Simple Stupid"

Smiley,

And with Dennis' ear in the studio, he knows exactly what needs to be there. Never been in a more relaxed, productive studio than when Dennis is the engineer.

That Bakersfield experience shows.

Larry Strawn · Post by **Larry Strawn** » 3 Sep 2006 8:11 am

K.I.S.S. Keep it simple stupid!
Less is more,
Don't over play with speed pickin.

Wow,, I'm an instant success and didn't realize it!!

Larry

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Clyde Mattocks · Post by **Clyde Mattocks** » 3 Sep 2006 5:23 pm

I do quite a few sessions, mostly small time stuff. I don't go to the studio with any
preconceived notions as to what will be expected of me.

Here is a scenario that I've run into more
than a few times. The producer will inform
me that this is not a "country" session and
only wants the steel for color and not a lot of "licks". As soon as we start tracking, he becomes intoxicated with the sound of the
steel, adding more and more until it is more
"country" than I would have it if I was producing a Buck Owens session. Go figure!