finally set up a guitar for slide

gregory70 · #1 October 18th, 2006

Well, after spending a couple week working the slide, I finally decided to move forward and setup a guitar to be used specifically as a "slide guitar." I have a Suhr Classic T that I haven't been playing as much as other axes, so I brought it to the shop, put some 13's on it (I couldn't bring myself to go higher) and raised the action a bit, particularly on the bass and treble strings. Anywho, it makes a world of difference in tone and playability and I think I may give a couple easier songs a whirl at my next gig.

BTW - the DVD was fantastic - the chordwork was very instructive.

allthumbs · #2 October 18th, 2006

Cool. I still prefer 16s and 18s on the first and second strings though.

gregory70 · #3 October 24th, 2006

You know, I don't wanna sound all gushy or anything, but in the 3 weeks I've had this DVD, I've gone from "not being able to get this damn slide to work" to "hey Greg, could you use your slide on more songs at the next gig." I still occasionally sound like I am strangling feral cat in the next room, but that is happening less frequently.

This has really been great, Kirk. Thanks!

Schermerberger · #4 November 30th, 2006

Hello Greg,
At this point I'm still using 13's as well. Only on acoustic though. (That's all I've got) I'm considering beefing it up but I'm still holding out to get a metal body resonator to make the jump. We'll see.

I too had a brief moment of slide recognition when at a local music store some fella walked in while I was checking out a slide on a Dobro and he came to get someone else to listen to some "mean slide" but I didn't know it so I stopped and was looking at a nylon string when they came back in, I just overheard. Sure made me feel good though. Usually, I get all bunched up at the store. I wasn't doing much but a few good contacts with the slide and a bit o vibrato'.

The DVD is tremendous, I will agree. I've been trying to hit it pretty hard and practice everyday while I'm pumped about it.

gregory70 · #5 November 30th, 2006

Yeah, I'm really starting to make the slide a standard part of my playing - maybe 5 or 6songs in a gig. I've also started to use the slide in some straight tuning-songs that just don't sound right in standard. It has really added a nice new dimension to my playing.

Been toying with a resonator purchase, but I know NOTHING about them. Might have to go hang with the "bluegrass" types and pull their ears a bit.

Schermerberger · #6 November 30th, 2006

If you get a chance or have the possibility, perhaps you could record one of the standard tuning slide tunes and post it. I'm sure that Kirk & Allthumbs will figure out where they (the sounds) should be posted soon.

emt · #7 December 11th, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregory70

Well, after spending a couple week working the slide, I finally decided to move forward and setup a guitar to be used specifically as a "slide guitar."

Gregory, Allthumbs

Reading this post, watching the DVD again, and ATs last video post, inspired me to take the plunge also.

Finally finished a bit of guitar surgery myself. With a new guitar on order, I spent the evening with my old yamaha blocking off the tremelo and throwing on some 13-56s. I think any higher would crack the neck on the yammy. It seems to have all worked OK. It sure makes it easier to play... I'm gonna have some fun with this!

My new guitar won't come for a few months (getting shipped from USA), so nothing but slide practice for me for a while

cheers

Matt