The Steel Guitar Forum

Dave Mudgett wrote:Yeah, it's clearly Bill Hatcher who is on the SGF.

This is the channel that has lots more stuff - https://www.youtube.com/user/32251/videos - which you will see takes you to his incredible Chaconne in D Minor by Bach for 14-string lap steel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGIx2VTfidw

Bill is a ridiculously multi-talented musician. Scan through some of those videos, you won't be sorry.

Bohemian Rhapsody here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXphQ0wrdPU

Imagine what a mind it takes to interpret this to one instrument, lap steel, with the full musical content, not just copping the important phrases here and there but the entire piece.

A tune which took Mercury seven years to write and a month to record using up to 200 overdubs.

Bill has an incredible talent playing and also building instruments. The thing that impresses me so much is his minimalist approach to instruments and gear as opposed to his vast knowledge of music. IOW, he doesn't seem to be impressed by all the fancy, schmancy details of guitars and gear, just the basics please is all it takes to get the job done. The rest, most important part is Bill.

I have to listen to these periodically to get my Bill fix and just ruminate on how his mind works.

I know this stuff has been posted before, but I think it's worth another look/listen plus some of you might have not been here or missed it the first time.

I hope you will take some time to sample some of his work from the YT links.... not just on steel, but std. guitar as well.

IMO, one of the most naturally talented people to ever touch an instrument ratcheer amongst us.

Bill is a brilliant musician and arranger. Everything he does has many layers of musicality and ingenuity.

Well said, Jerry. I don’t think the word “genius” is hyperbole when applied to Mr. Hatcher.

Jerry Overstreet wrote: Bohemian Rhapsody here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXphQ0wrdPU

Imagine what a mind it takes to interpret this to one instrument, lap steel, with the full musical content, not just copping the important phrases here and there but the entire piece.

A tune which took Mercury seven years to write and a month to record using up to 200 overdubs.

This video was one which inspired me to build and play steel guitar. Bill has a completely unique approach that I admire greatly. Re-watching it I realized he uses a small plumbing fitting? on his thumb for extra notes. That is just brilliant! The lap steel is capable of anything in Bill's hands.

Re-watching it I realized he uses a small plumbing fitting? on his thumb for extra notes.

I see a bandaid on his thumb. Might have sprung a leak working on something out in the shop.

Bill mentions in one of his video comments that he uses an electrical grounding lug on his thumb sometimes.

That's what I mean about him. He's just so down to earth good and uses the basic things to enhance his enormous talent.

His playing seems so effortless and just makes me want to quit!