The Steel Guitar Forum

Charles,

I appreciate the prompt and reciprocative response that proves what a great gentleman you are.

Bill H.

Bill, you're welcome, and thank you for the nice comment.

David D.,

From your point of view, where you shifted to a serious note, I am very pleased that your observations are quite accurate. I agree that the emphasis is not on the lack of much needed light, but rather on a fretboard that will quickly become adaptable for visual advantage. Just for the record, the current fretboard could be modified, and the wider raised fretboard would meld into the beauty of the instrument. Purposeful efforts might very well challenge any existing designs. The "brow" of the extended fretboard could feature delicate inlay, combined with selected wood. The versatility of the concept assures the success of its practical application.

Bill H.
<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Bill Hankey on 03 April 2003 at 05:40 AM.]</p></FONT>

Michael H.,

Thank you for the affirmative reply. Reassuring those who have taken the time to consider the visual aspect of playing the steel guitar, is appreciated. If by some magic, an electronic device, similar to charted heartbeats, could reveal the actual bar positioning of a player, the validity of the concept would come rushing home. Truth is as silent as still water, or a wet leaf at the forest floor. Either of the two can bring excitement under a variety of different conditions. A new concept shares the same fate of the fallen leaf, if it tumbles into a recess of disregard.

Bill H.

Bill,
DO WHAT?????

"A fish could marry a bird, but where would they live?"
-Old Yiddish Proverb-

As for the potential laser-linked liabilities, just place this warning on the front of your steel: "Caution: do not stare at laser with remaining eye."

Stephen G.

The brevity of your reply necessitates my request for specific language that is pertinent to the thread.

Bill H.

Bill,
I kind of understand what you are building and as a beginning steel guitarist it makes sense to me. But the big words you use in some of your replies leave me feeling empty and confused.
Folks I deal with on a daily basis dont use words with more than 2 syllables.

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Stump Reeves

David R.,

Thank you for explaining that my choice of vocabulary is for the most part too flowery. It will be no problem substituting, and using two syllable words. As a beginner, please let me hear how you are doing with your steel guitar.

Bill H.

Bill,
It's all in fun.
I lurnt some of them big werdz too, when I wuz in Kawlige!

As far as my beginning steel playing goes. I have been a musician for over 30 years. I was injured in Dec 2002 and lost use of left hand and my wrist is fused at the joint. I will never be able to hold my guitar again. This is what has finally given me the gumption to buy a psg.
I thought I would I pick it up fairly quick. And as far finding the chords, I have had no problem. The sound, however, still has much to be desired. I never really appreciated the amount of time a steel player must devote to technique, and coordinating the pulls to get a good sound as I have since trying to learn this. I have great difficulty just holding the bar with my fingers since I have some partial paralysis in my left hand. And I have a lot of work to do training my right hand to find the proper strings.
This just may well be the most frustrating addiction I have ever imposed upon myself. I love the challenge and just can't seem to get enough of this miserable instrument.

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Stump Reeves


<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by David Reeves on 04 April 2003 at 01:02 PM.]</p></FONT>

David R.,

Thank you for the reply. I have some good buddies down there in Florida. They plan to come to the Annual Massachusetts Steel Guitar Bash on July 20th. They made the trip last year. I was moved by your great determination to get a handle on the steel guitar. There are some brush techniques that should be tried. Your feet and knees can do wonders if the steel is equipped with most of the important changes.
That strategy could very well merge into a more progressive style. I hope that you will never lose interest in the instrument that so many of us have tried to master.

Bill H.

"Frustrating addiction," you got it, David. And you can never completely let go of it. I came back after almost 25 years. Keep at it though. Believe it or not there is a hand-eye-foot-knee-ear thing that does gradually become a little automatic to some extent. But it is very gradual. Just like with fiddle, you can't hardly stand to listen to yourself for a great long time.

I'm sorry, Bill, I just can't figure out what falling leaves has to do with playing steel guitar. If I have to go rake leaves, how can I practice?

Stephen G.

I credit the tiny leaves in many ways. Not the least of all, their natural protection in keeping you or anyone, and their steel guitar, from the blistering rays of the sun at a yard party, block dance, outdoor roast, etc. You may want to remember that leaves were part of the trees, that supplied builders of the steel guitar with bird's-eye maple. I had mentioned before editing, a famous steel guitar builder. Waning responses have clearly indicated that such practices are to be reconsidered. A thriving, and interesting thread, apparently needs not the mention of famous personalities, but rather, striving to maintain restraint in by keeping a simplistic, yet meaningful reply.

Bill H. <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Bill Hankey on 05 April 2003 at 08:35 AM.]</p></FONT><FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Bill Hankey on 06 April 2003 at 04:14 AM.]</p></FONT>

In summation, as the excitement of new interests overtake current activities, just a friendly reminder that the extended, angled steel guitar fretboard will be shown at the Annual Massachusetts Steel Guitar Bash on July 20, at The Berkshire Blues Cafe', in Lee, Ma.

Bill H.
<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Bill Hankey on 06 April 2003 at 09:03 AM.]</p></FONT>