Capsizing Communicative Skills

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

So much is lost due to the communicative gaps in legacies. The smooth transition of knowledge is disrupted by the lack of communication. Each day echoes the nonsense of the trite saying; "Silence is golden." That concept predates the steel guitar era, and clings tenaciously to this day.

John De Maille · From: On a Mountain in Upstate Halcottsville, N.Y.

Bill,
I've heard the numerous stories about how closed mouth the steel guitar world had been, in the past. I tend to believe most of them, because, people per say, are closed mouth about anything that might give them an edge in a given field. But, when I started to get interested in playing steel, about 1974, I found so many people willing to help me in my endeavors. Bob Maickel and Jim Hand, the then Pres. and Vice pres. of the PSGA, were extremely helpful to my fledgeling interests. Since then, the giant book of knowledge has been open to everyone who's interested. Jeff Newman started his seminars and many have continued his trappings, to the benefit of future steelers. The whole steel world has become an open book. The many steel guitar and amp manufacturers are willing to help you get a proper setup to play and sound professionally. There are amp guru's, who are there, to enhanse your rig for a better sound. We also have access to guitar techs, who are able to rebuild and modify older classic steels. B0bs' Forum has laid open a myriad of information highways for us to research and learn a better way. I applaud them all, and am happy to be a part of this new info world.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Who once said that the "Truth will out?" Some truths are lost forever. The same rule applies to lost arts. Negating obtrusive skepticism, would obviously promote the zeal, that is the foremost prerequisite in the quest for steel guitar expertise.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

John De Maille,

I am honored to see your name appear in this thread. I am very much aware of your contributions that have helped to popularize the steel guitar for the good of all. My intentions are purely innocent, and I feel that some thoughts will stir others into commenting. It's exciting to learn, as you've stated from the best sources available. Surprises are the most welcomed in the field of steel studies. If by chance a discovery is made without
assist or instruction, a player becomes a bit more well rounded in
his/her confidence levels. Your comments are most welcome.

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

Michael Johnstone · From: Sylmar,Ca. USA

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Donny H.,

When you buy a pair of gloves for winter wear, do you just pull them from the display and write the check, or do you try them on for fit? Well let me remind you that the English language is no different than ordinary shopping. There are many things to look for, before writing the check. The English language is "brutalized" every moment of the day. The language will no doubt become a matter of importance whenever illiteracy commences to outweigh fashionable society. Steel guitar shows are no longer affordable, as the evil almighty dollar chokes off rationale in low-keyed English. Wouldn't it be nice if those professing better expression could manage to "put on" a good show for reasonable admission fees? You can spend up to $ 500.00 for lodging, food, transportation, tolls, fuel, etc. Not everyone can afford the expenses incurred at the gatherings. That is simple English denouncing changes in money at the door.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

One thing I've noticed that is relevant to sustaining outcries. Listen intently to where the cries persist. Step two, check the stop sign, and speed trap signifying that someone special lives in that ranch house surrounded by lawn acreage. Why all the fuss and commotion coming from the backyard in-ground swimming pool area? Closer inspection most likely would reveal a magnificent setting of chilled drinks, umbrellas, charming guests, etc. The barrel-chested host holding the deed to the luxuries, is amusing himself by whooping about the little guy down around the bend in the road. I have no idea what it feels like to hold the keys to a $ 50,000 vehicle or a million dollar home. My point is that for those with access to unlimited possessions, a lack of communication may exist between common folks and the wealthy who lust to savor top of the line pleasures in life.***** The poignant criticism, most common with holders of the keys, is slowly extending within the reaches of my main interest. That of course, is the steel guitar. The murky and disdainful waters will clear with the passing of time. The introduction of the HUF (Upright Fretboard) has set the record for me. The lack of insight associated with unwillingness to experiment, signifies a need to branch away from popular consensuses. Jim, I gave you 5 stars for pointing out the omission of two words, namely: WEALTHY WHO Thanks...

Hook Moore · From: South Charleston,West Virginia

Communicating steel guitar information flows freely today, probably more than ever. I`m not sure about the expensive homes, swimming pools and cars though.
Hook
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Blaine Moore

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Hi Hook,

Ronnie Milsap, the recipient of six Grammy Awards was performing at the Wheeling, W.V. theater almost 30 years ago, while I was up the Golden Stairs in the "jam" room playing my Fender 1000 with "Sweet Country Wine." I have relatives who have located in W.V. from this Berkshire County. They grew up on country music. I had strolled into a variety store nearby, prior to entering the theater. I commenced talking with the lady at the counter, not realizing that she was none other than Wilma Lee Cooper. I had pointed out that she was quite knowledgeable on the subject of country music to our bandleader. Small wonder when he mentioned her name. I'm curious and wondering if you might have been circulating near Wheeling, W.V. back in that time period. Lee Moore influenced "late nighters" if you go back that far in acknowledging who helped to provide the music of choice amongst truest country music fans.

Bo Legg · Posted 15 Jun 2007 7:27 am

Learning Pedal Steel is mostly monkey see monkey do and like all endeavors...HARD WORK + MONEY = SUCCESS
You can't have new without first having old. New is only new and not necessarily better.
The sincerest form of flattery is imitation and paying the man for his tabs.

Stephen Silver · From: Asheville, NC

What I look for in a persons writing is some amount of cohesiveness in thought, grammer, and punctuation.

Bill, you have very poor grammar and your use of punctuation is surpassed by the average 10 year old.

Quit trying to be so doggone high brow. No one is impressed....well, perhaps you are!

Oh and when you say "the English language is brutalized every day", you must be referring to those days that you write this drivel.

IMNSHO....YMMV

SS
_________________
Life is mostly Attitude and Timing

Barry Blackwood · Posted 15 Jun 2007 8:32 am

Ironic that you should ridicule the quote "Silence is Golden ......"

Dave Van Allen · From: Souderton, PA , US , Earth

oh just forget I said anything...

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Bo L.,

Years ago during the great depression, most folks who did manual labor would have plenty to say about your theme of working to succeed. Thousands were out of work with hungry children to feed and provide for. The government provided jobs that brought together neighborhood head-of-household workers who were seeking employment. Many searched through the deep woodlands for the gypsy moth, back in the mid-thirties. Farmers expected farm hands to work long hours for small change. I have relatives who cut and stacked 4x4x8 feet of cordwood for .50 (cents) a cord. My father was well known for building charcoal pits, and supplying the local mills with the contents of the pits. Today mechanics charge up to $ 60.00 for an hours labor. Doctors and dentists charge much more than any working class can pay. I'm glad that I've had the pleasure of receiving cash for something that I enjoyed doing. As a working musician, I play the steel guitar.

Jim Sliff · From: Lawndale California, USA

Bent Romnes · From: London,Ontario, Canada

Jim Sliff · From: Lawndale California, USA

Donny usually does.

Wink

_________________
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Jim S.,

I failed to edit in the wee hours of the morning. I like to write early, and I usually read what I've written hurriedly for omissions or misspelled words. I've added the two words that you apparently made a pretty big deal of. The omitted words were simply WEALTHY WHO making the statement more than clear for a proficient reader. I didn't realize that simple grammatical errors are not permitted on this forum. Whatever the case may be, I appreciate your watchful eyes.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Stephen S.,

I thought it would be interesting to respond to what I consider a variation of go behind with every intention of belittling my efforts to point out a few misgivings of the less fortunate. I reviewed several of your recorded forum messages, to ascertain the possible consequences, should you inject your typical verbosity into my threads that normally materialize into constructive thinking processes. I see no reason to avoid your "best" grammatical shot, due to some sort of superior form of punctuation or word structuring. I have faith in my own ability to keep chastizers in clear view.

Hook Moore · From: South Charleston,West Virginia

Bill, I was a just a pup 30 years ago. I have however met several of the past stars of the ole jamboree. Doc and Chickie stick out in my memory vividly. Smile

Hook
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Blaine Moore

Stephen Silver · From: Asheville, NC

Bill

Please educate me, Bill. What is a "variation of go behind"?

My personal assistant is off this weekend and I just can't muster the energy to figure this one out.

I know...I'll go for a cruise down the coast to Carmel in my Enzo. That'll clear the cobwebs out. But do I drive the red one or the yellow one on Saturdays? Damn, where is my assistant.

SS
_________________
Life is mostly Attitude and Timing

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Stephen S.,

There are hundreds of nonvisual stumbling blocks that interfere with everyday activities. The term variation of go behind would qualify as a varient to hamper by suddenly appearing from the blind side. I believe peripheral vision was created over thousands of years to enable a broader perspective, and possibly step out of harm's way. Another brief analogy would be to put your cards on the table. I hope that I'm correct by assuming that there has been no civil exchanges in either of our responses. I'll be reluctant to be a party to future criticisms.

Eric West · From: Portland, Oregon, USA, R.I.P.

Well Well..

I go out and work a couple weeks of 14 hour days and look what happens.

First of all, two words:

Winnie Winston.

The book he wrote, though not the first, I'm sure opened up Pedal Steel Guitar to EVERYBODY. I got my copy in 76, and PSG went from being the memory of a curious instrument that nobody knew how to tune, next to the Double Tamba Sitar upstairs in Portland Music to something "I" could understand, and MAYBE even learn how to PLAY.

Until then, it seemed to be wrapped in an impenetrable mystique.

I settled in 1967 for a 400$ Federico Garcia, and a couple years worth of guitar lessons from a cuban defector to the US, "who I incidentally taught a lot of "english" to" while I faked my way through "sight reading"...

Communication?

I have a saying:

"Sometimes No Communication at All is better than Poor Communication. -EJL-"

Two more:

Jeff Newmann:

(This has a disclaimer for my personal opinion.)

Jeff Newmann, with little "top shelf" acclaim, and less than top shelf intonation and execution set out to take this instrument, and sell the instuction of playing it to the waves of people that after Winnie's Book were lining up in droves to learn how to play it. He made a good living at it, and spread the communication of the "craft" far and wide.

Now two more words:

Buddy Charleton.

I happened to be one of the first wave of his students in 76.

He was not strong on verbal or literary "communication".

Things The Top Shelf of this Mystical Craft had known for decades, like crossover blocking, back sweeps, two string unison "sitar" sounds, nose barring of single notes, sweeping descending arpeggios, picking upward, and holding an imaginary ball in your hand, to bounce while you blocked and crossed over, he taught on a "one on one" basis in a small music store in Oxon Hill Md to virtually anybody that had 20$, and he could stand to sit through an hour of teaching. I barely qualified for the latter...

Slowly, if not silently, his finesse and complete knowledge spread. If not through me, through early students like Bruce Bouten, and a few others. No Published Books, No Schools, Seminars, or Methods.

OK.

Which accomplished more?

In my life, Winnie initially, and before I started trying to learn with no actual technique input, I luckily found Mr Charleton before I developed the bad habits I now note as the hallmark of the early "Seminar Wave": Accepting poor intonation, blocking haphazardly, and playing downwardly on strings. Then, I guess "detuning to achieve 'tuning'"..

That's just me. YMMV.

Now back to "Communication".

A person, when they become "Literate", in the internet realm, (after learning how to type..) runs various risks.

In some cases, from near the top down they expose things about themselves that heretofore were covered up by years of playing. Masterfully, in some cases, and marginally in others.

A few of them would have been better just playing their guitars, continuing to not put into words, their thoughts, and their "personalities" on display. Turns out that they merely showed the planet what insufferable overbearing boobs they were/are..

A few of them showed themselves to be better communicators.

Sometimes, the "Perfect Storm" occurred, in the cases of say Buddy Emmons, Lloyd Green, Mr's White, Seymour, Hughey, Bouten, and a dozen others, their communication in print turned out as masterful as thier playing.

There are always people who disdain literacy, and catcall people like Bill and others that put down abstract thoughts.

Probably not realising that the "abstraction" they are displaying is not unlike that that us Pedal Steel Guitar Players put through our amplifiers every time we plug them in.

The English Language as it has evolved into the "Whatever.." "Blah-blah-blah-blah" Seinfeldian+/-Southparkism is not that much different from the multi-levered "suggested intonation fretmarked" instruments that we play.

Nobody of any mentality at all should be surprised that the guidelines of communication that those of us that have played these things for any length of time have gotten as blurred as our intonation.

There are still Twelve Semi-Tones in an octave, and still 26 letters in the alfa.. alhp... alfe...

Well.

You know...

Thanks Bill.

Your posts over the years have let me and others spill out some of our more abstract thoughts, and I have learned a lot from the abstract thoughts of others. And from the window your posts have provided to some of their inner expanses, and limitations.

Your Friend, and Obedient Servant.

Smile

EJL

Time to plug in the Tele, and Fire up the Hot Rod™

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Eric

Like the 100 cars freight train, hootenannies and motorcycles have served notice that if you don't move, they'll roll over you. Deer kill on the naton's highways delivers mute testimony of the roaring incursion of uptempo lifestyles. Forget about happy mediums in communicative skills. Forget about driving through speed zones with any appreciable cooperation from other drivers. I've been tailgating rude each time I hit the highways. Forget about old-fashioned bargains while the hysteria on e-bay and music stores are commanding the highest prices ever seen for delivered goods. The rush is on for the dust covered musical instrument tucked safely away in a stuffy attic. Society in general never recovered from the 1849 Gold Rush. The average Joe is out there "gold-rushing" for big bargains. Communicative skills have much to do with ownership changing hands. A convincing salesman determines the outcome of deciding how to manage our finances. The steel guitar is the ideal buffer in the midst of all-comers. The accomplished player rules the roost in a society so full of imagined greatness. The steel is a stunner. It isn't easily understood or approachable, and defies the concept of jack-of-all-trades. A new car or new clothing will have no affect on learning what the steel guitar can do. It will befriend only those who are willing to keep it company for great expanses of time. It will stymie the rude and crude of the lot who delight in messing with cultural efforts made by artistic musicians. Gains are not simple, and the rewards of practice are well known.

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