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Post by Michael Messer on Jul 15, 2011 8:42:42 GMT
Hi Tadgh,
Thank you - I hope you will enjoy the lap steel DVD.
You asked about regular slide playing - there is also a DVD I made called 'An Introduction to Blues Slide Guitar' which I think would be very helpful to you at this point. These two DVDs provide the building blocks you need to play slide and lap steel guitar. It is also available from the Euro Blues Promotions website.
Fingerpicks - there are so many to choose from and everyone will give you their own opinion of which ones are the best. The best thumb and fingerpicks are the ones that you get on with, there are no rules. My advice would be to get a selection based on some recommendations and go from there.
I would suggest you get a few white heavy gauge Dunlop finger and thumb picks. A few large heavy Delrin Fred Kelly thumb picks. A couple of good quality metal fingerpicks - try the ones mentioned in another thread recently - Bob Perry Nickel Silver Signature picks.
It will take time for you to go through the different picks and find the right ones for you, so don't rush it. The main thing is to keep playing and learning and slowly everything will fall into place.
Most of the picks I have mentioned are probably available online from Eagle Music in the UK. The Bob Perry picks have to be ordered direct from his website called Cobalt BP Picks.
Keep in touch and let me know how you are getting on. Anything I can help you with, just ask.
Best wishes,
Shine On Michael.
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creedt
MM Forum Member
Posts: 14
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Post by creedt on Jul 20, 2011 18:48:39 GMT
Michael, that clip from your Dvd looks excellent, i ordered it yesterday really looking forward to receving it, and getting down to some slide playing
take care tadgh ireland
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creedt
MM Forum Member
Posts: 14
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Post by creedt on Jul 20, 2011 18:51:20 GMT
got a few picks yesterday michael from a good music shop in cork gosh it will be such a change from using a standard standard guitar plectrums but im relishing the challange and the new musical direction it will take me
kindest regards tadgh ireland
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Post by Michael Messer on Jul 21, 2011 8:27:30 GMT
Hi Tadgh,
Good luck with your new musical direction. Let me know how you get on with the DVD and if you have any questions I am always happy to help, and if I can't, someone on the forum usually can.
Shine On Michael.
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Post by pascal on Aug 4, 2011 9:53:22 GMT
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Post by Tymus on Oct 1, 2011 15:01:02 GMT
Hi Michael,
I’ve just been running though the DVD again trying to commit more of it to memory and I’m happily surprised to find that I’m doing better than I thought I was!
Anyway I’m keen to try the high G bass Dobro tuning that you cover in the latter part of the DVD but I have concerns over string tensions.
I want to try this on my National Hawaiian but don’t want to risk damaging its original cones etc. It is still fitted with the strings it came with, D’Addario EJ42 Resophonic .016-.056, and the packet seems to suggest they are designed for GBDGBD but tunned to open G the tension seems quite adequate and it develops a good tone. Using an online string gauge/tension calculator it suggests at present tensions of 23lbs & 26lbs (for the two bass strings) and predicts 40lbs & 42lbs, that’s nearly doubling the tension! So the question is, would it be safe to raise the pitch of these strings or would it be wiser to fit a couple of lighter gauge strings, what are your thoughts?
Cheers Tymus.
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Post by Michael Messer on Oct 1, 2011 16:17:39 GMT
Hi Tymus,
If your Triplate still has its original cones I cannot recommend going into high bass GBDGBD unless you use extremely light bass strings like 2 x 42s on the 5th and 6th strings, or use Newtone Aloha strings, designed by me and Newtone to tune to GBDGBD at lower tension.
My Fine Resophonic Square-neck Triplate has been in high bass GBDGBD tuning for many years and everything is still good. I have had Triplates that are quite happy in that tuning and some that are not, so be very careful. Having said that in the 30s everybody tuned their Tricones to high GBDGBD and more commonly to AC#EAC#E........but their guitars and more specifically their cones, were not 80 years old.
Does your Triplate have its original cones?
Shine On Michael
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Post by Tymus on Oct 1, 2011 17:04:11 GMT
Hi Michael,
I was doubting trying it and beginning to think that I would leave it as it is and now your advice has convinced me so, thanks!
Yes it has its original cones from 1928 they are the smooth ones, I guess they are a little less rigid than the later type with the embossed spirals. Obviously at over eighty years old they are not in perfect as new condition but sound sweet with no buzzing.
I’m going to try the GBDGBD tuning out on the Cello and if I find it’s to my liking then I’ll consider getting some new strings and trying it on the National.
Hopfully I’ll get a chance to chat with you in more detail about this and the Triplate at your gig in Leyton this coming Wednesday.
Cheers Tymus.
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Post by Michael Messer on Oct 1, 2011 17:38:07 GMT
Hi Tymus,
With those original non-spiral cones >UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES EVER......should you tune it up to high bass G.
They will just collapse.
Shine On Michael.
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Post by Tymus on Oct 1, 2011 19:18:53 GMT
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your advice.
The Triplate is going to stay exactly as it is!
I’ve taken a look at the Aloha strings on Newtone’s web site and will be ordering some soon.
Cheers Tymus.
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Post by Matt on Sept 30, 2013 20:58:39 GMT
Well this thread took a bit of digging to find! I just finished the MM introduction to Lap Steel Guitar, and unsurprisingly I found it to be clear, concise and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone looking to get into the style.
I would also like to mention how fantastic my Busker Tennessee Dobro is, it was an absolute bargain, a plainly finished instrument but it sounds great. Robin clearly has an eye for quality, and it's not limited to the MM line.
Cheers,
Matt
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