The Steel Guitar Forum

I installed a 3.5" Alumitone bass bar pickup in my Dynalap 8-string. I didn't really have any complaints about the tone from the stock TrueTone, but hum was always a problem. This new pickup is even quieter than a humbucker. The tone is characterized by an airy, uncrowded high end, with a full-bodied mid and lower range. It does take a little getting used to, as the dynamic response is a bit different than either a single coil or a humbucker. Kind of difficult to describe. The photo shows it minus a couple of screws, but I'll fix that soon.

I put together a quickie version of "A Million Moons over Hawaii" so you can hear what it sounds like. It was recorded with the same hardware as my "Sand" video (click on the www button below to find that), but EQ'ed to my tonal preference De Jour, so it's not a direct comparison between the old and new pickups.

A Million Moons Over Hawaii

Your playing, the steel guitar, the song, it all sounds beautiful.

I especially enjoyed the standard guitar intro.

Thanks for sharing!

Does anyone have any comments about the tonal differences between the bass bar and the "single coil" alumitones?

Thanks for the beautiful song. I was wondering how those pickups sound. Excellent tone.

Good job Jerry. I've been thinking of giving one a try for an upcoming build.

James Mayer wrote:Does anyone have any comments about the tonal differences between the bass bar and the "single coil" alumitones?

That's a very good question, but I doubt there have been enough people who've played both under the same circumstances (i.e. on the same guitar) who could offer an opinion - YET.

I'm sure someone will be able to answer as these pickups become more popular. They certainly sound nice to me.

Excellent recording! This is one of my favorites of Hawaiian songs and you sure did a nice job of it !

Brass is a very musical material for bridges and nuts but bronze is better. Those pickups do sound nice.

That is about as good as you would ever want to hear. The "underarm" guitar intro is worth the price of admission by itself!!

You need to record a CD of this kind of music using the exact same style arrangements and instrumentation. It would be welcomed.

i always enjoy your playing Jerry
this one sounds real good
so how bout an album man ?

Thanks, guys, for the kind words and encouragement. I don't have any plans to produce a CD, but there's a website with a bunch of my recordings that anybody can download for free, including this one. I'll add new ones as time permits.

One of the reasons for posting this one is that these Alumitone pickups are generating a lot of interest right now, and I thought folks would like to hear one on a lap steel. It really did change the character of the guitar more than I expected, and it's a joy to record with something so noise-free.

That's really a beautiful recording, Jerry. One of the nicest things I've heard you do. Thanks for posting it. Now I have a good idea of what the Alumitone sounds like, too.

Wow Jerry!!!!!

Jerry,
That was truly a beautiful rendition. As Bill said, you need to make a CD . I enjoyed your version of "Wear a Lei" that you did earlier.
Bye the way, the guitar playing was also as good as I've ever heard.

You would sound great no matter what your pickup choice was!
Keep 'em coming.

James Mayer wrote:Does anyone have any comments about the tonal differences between the bass bar and the "single coil" alumitones?

Here is my recording using a "Single Coil" Alumitone. Obviously we are using different Amps and recording gear, but its something to listen to and make your own mind up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiu6Jpe3 ... annel_page

James Kerr.

That was extremely nice!! excellent tone, coupled with great talent!!

I just got a humbucker style alumitone and its going in my latest build.Alas have no way to post sound clips.I am just a few hours from putting it all together and can't wait to hear its tone.I will post some pics of my last two lap steel asap