The Steel Guitar Forum

After a brief time with C6 lap steel and a health limited foray into pedal steel I have realized I am heading back to non pedal steel. I particularly like the sound achieved by Eddie RIvers in his work with Asleep at the Wheel. THe question I have is whether the dense dark chords of Eddie RIvers are best done with an 8 string or whether a 6 string is enough. A second question is how a learner gets guidance in achieving that sort of sound (tapes courses etc) FInally to what extent is his ability to do what he does related to having multiple necks available simultaneously as opposed to pedal steel.

I know he uses A6 as one of his necks. That could be part of the answer to your dark dense chords. Not sure what he uses on the other necks

you've probably seen this video but if not then you should really check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rARCcW3I0K4

Hadn t seen this Thanks so much it is great.

A6 = 8 strings

Got it

i've seen Eddie up close in small clubs a couple times with AATW - playing his quad-8. he is certainly a neck jumper. he almost always played at least 2 necks and sometimes, but rarely all 4. He told me when AATW flies and he can't take the quad, he will use a S-8 in A6 for the whole show (obviously) .

One neck has Leon's E13 tuning.....
Robbie

Thanks again to all for the guidance. Can I ask another question. I currently have a Carter starter pedal steel which I probably will end up parting with. However, is it reasonable to string it as an 8 string A6 to really start learning lap steel while I look for an 8 string or is it really better to have the lap 8? I am running out of instrument space and so dont realistically see just adding.

If I use the Carter, I assume I would string the closer 8 strings. Is there anything about positioning/ergonomics that I need to add in if I am using a pedal steel as a lap steel because of the need to rely on slants for the nonpedal style?
Also what is the effect of scale length on playability (as opposed to sound)

Thanks again

Dave

Yes that is how I learned about his was an AATW show where I was able to get close and watch him jump necks Amazing.

Hey David, if you’d missed that video maybe you missed this one too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAbpeZ-y1eQ. Steve