What is this thing?

David Pennybaker · Post by **David Pennybaker** » 17 Dec 2001 12:37 pm

http://www.country.com/av/doritos/

On the "Helplessly, Hopelessly" video, one of the guitarists (the one shown close-up at the beginnig) is holding something in his left hand.

Is this an E-bow? If not, what is it?

What's he doing with it? Does it pluck the strings somehow, or just vibrate them like a bow would?

PS -- great acoustic versions of "Who I Am" and "Helplessly, Hopelessly" -- worth a listen.

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The Unofficial Photographer of The Wilkinsons

John Paul Jones · Post by **John Paul Jones** » 17 Dec 2001 2:21 pm

David,

It's definitely an E-bow, or like device. And it's in his 'other left' hand.

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John Paul Jones

GFI U-12
Evans FET500 amp
ART T2 effects
HM-4 harmony machine

<palign=CENTER>[This message was edited by John Paul Jones on 17 December 2001 at 02:25 PM.]

David Pennybaker · Post by **David Pennybaker** » 17 Dec 2001 3:05 pm

Arrgh, I really did say LEFT hand, didn't I?

Uh, uh, I meant as viewed by the audience. Yeah, that's the ticket . .

So, does it do what the name suggests? "Bows" the strings? So it doesn't sound plucked?

How do you control which string(s) it operates on?

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The Unofficial Photographer of The Wilkinsons

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 17 Dec 2001 3:46 pm

You hold it over the strings, and they start vibrating. Muting is done with either hand to keep unwanted strings from sounding. The sound is similar to a cello or violin. No "attack" component is heard, and the note can be sustained indefinitely.

Just call it..."tunable" feedback.

[This message was edited by Donny Hinson on 17 December 2001 at 03:47 PM.]

David Pennybaker · Post by **David Pennybaker** » 17 Dec 2001 7:32 pm

Thanks.

Now I know exactly what part in the video is being played by the E-bow/guitar. I assumed it was the keyboard.

On the album, I could've sworn that part was done by a cello, but Jessica said it was a violin.

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The Unofficial Photographer of The Wilkinsons