Devices that improve sound quality?

GeneRector · Post by **GeneRector** » 2 Feb 2004 7:20 am

Howdy! I recently bought an electric six string lap steel with a volume pedal and amp. What other equipment/devices can you add on or use to improve or tweak the "steel" sound of a lap steel? I am using open E tuning. Your views appreciated.

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Always, Gene Rector

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 2 Feb 2004 7:34 am

Goodrich 7A Matchbox impedance matcher, or Hilton Sustainer. [This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 02 February 2004 at 07:34 AM.]

Lefty · Post by **Lefty** » 3 Feb 2004 1:12 am

Some people like compression. I have an older Boss compressor I use sometimes. Depending on what sound you are going for, you might like it. Lowell George used one (or two), and Bonnie Raitt has a compressed sound.
Lefty,
Dekley D-10
Sho-Bud LDG
Gibson and Rickenbacker Lap

Brad Sarno · Post by **Brad Sarno** » 3 Feb 2004 8:15 am

A Steel Guitar Black Box....

Brad Sarno

GeneRector · Post by **GeneRector** » 3 Feb 2004 8:37 am

Howdy! OK. What exactly is a "steel guitar black box?" What does it do? Also, what does a "compressor" and a "sustainer" do? Your views appreciated.

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Always, Gene Rector

Brad Sarno · Post by **Brad Sarno** » 3 Feb 2004 9:16 am

A Steel Guitar Black Box (SGBB) is a simple vacuum tube pickup-preamp that goes right after the pickup and before the volume pedal, much like a Matchbox but it's all tube. It brings out more clarity and definition as well as that cool tube warmth and sweetness. It's not as brittle or grainy sounding as the typical transistor battery powered matchbox device.

A compressor will smooth out the volume. It can help with sustain and take the bite off of over-picked notes. Some people develop real exact control of dynamics with their hands and volume pedal foot. Some people like to let a compressor help with that smoothing.

Brad Sarno

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 3 Feb 2004 9:16 am

A 6 to 8 band equalizer!

C Dixon · Post by **C Dixon** » 3 Feb 2004 10:32 am

A Boss DD-3 delay unit set so you do not hear the delay; but just enough so it fattens and sustains the note; so it improves your sound. A Goodrich matchbox (and the DD-3) might make you like it more. However it may make you like it less. See if you can try one first.

The timbre of lap steels was in its heyday prior to hi fidelity. This means what many of us "hear" and listen for is a "lo-fi" sound which means a number of effects units would go against that direction.

This explains why some of us love the sound of the old 8 inch tube amps. Facts are they were NOT capable of reproducing all the sounds the guitar put out. But we didn't know it. So now it is difficult if not impossible for some of us to accept and adapt to amps and/or units that in fact do reproduce all those sounds.

Sound of course is one of THE most subjective things ever known to man. So Good luck and may Jesus bless you in you quests,

carl

Tim Whitlock · Post by **Tim Whitlock** » 3 Feb 2004 12:41 pm

I'd say you have everything you need already. Try it with a 6th tuning.

Ron Randall · Post by **Ron Randall** » 3 Feb 2004 8:23 pm

IMHO...Start with great strings, bar, cables.

I rediscover my greatest tone when I put on new strings. I turn off the effects and enjoy the real thing.

I lot of folks(including me) would recommend George L cables to hook up your guitar/vp/amp.

Stainless steel strings sound different from nickel alloy strings. You get to decide which you like.

Gerald Menke · Post by **Gerald Menke** » 4 Feb 2004 8:15 am

I have found that the more my metronome is in use, i.e. the more I practice, the less I seem to need other devices, such as compressors, delays and the like. The less I practice, the more effects seem to be appealing. Get your tone happening with the bar and the picks and you'll be way ahead.

Rick Collins · Post by **Rick Collins** » 4 Feb 2004 9:28 am

I don't like to use a volume pedal with a nonpedal steel guitar (but, OK for PSG). Practice without the pedal and tune to C6th. You'll be a better player for it.

Rick

Buck Dilly · Post by **Buck Dilly** » 5 Feb 2004 8:27 pm

I always use a volume pedal. It helps control level, noise, and feedback at higher volumes; especially when using compression and/or distortion.

Tim Whitlock · Post by **Tim Whitlock** » 6 Feb 2004 6:00 am

I tend to agree with Rick. There's not a sweeter sound than a lap steel straight into a small all tube amp, like the "low-fi" sound Carl refers to in his post. Refining your tone and touch, picking technique, vibrato, etc, is the most effective way to improve one's sound (cheaper, too). It's in the hands. Sorry, don't mean to sound preachy. Just my $.02.

Gene, whatever devices you feel you want to add depends on the sound you're after. If you can give an example of a particular song or player you like, I'm sure you will get some helpful suggestions. Enjoy your lap steel![This message was edited by Tim Whitlock on 06 February 2004 at 06:04 AM.]

GeneRector · Post by **GeneRector** » 6 Feb 2004 8:00 am

Howdy! I like a lot of the old time classics by Hank Williams, Ernest Tubb, Ray Price, Mel Tillis, and others. I sure would like to learn to play "Waltz Across Texas" on my lap steel. I like George Strait's music as well. Thanks! All views appreciated on what setup would work well for a lap steel and their music. Thanks!

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Always, Gene Rector

Tim Whitlock · Post by **Tim Whitlock** » 6 Feb 2004 8:14 am

Gene, you will want to tune your lap steel to C6 to get the beautiful old classic sounds you're after. I don't think you will need any devices beyond what you already have. I would suggest you go to: http://steelguitarmusic.com/strings.html

and order a set of C6 Steel Guitar Forum Strings for Lap Steel Guitar (you have to scroll down almost to the bottom of the page). They have the tuning written right on the package and are designed specifically for it. You will love this tuning and will be playing along with those old Hank Williams records in no time. Best of luck! [This message was edited by Tim Whitlock on 06 February 2004 at 08:19 AM.]

Harold Bullard · Post by **Harold Bullard** » 7 Feb 2004 5:53 am

Back to the SGBB. I'd like more info on this, i.e. spec sheet, maunfacturer, website, etc.
First I've heard of this little gizmo. Thanks.

Dr. Hugh Jeffreys · Post by **Dr. Hugh Jeffreys** » 7 Feb 2004 4:44 pm

Try soldering in (in series) capacitors on the order of 0.02 - 0.05 microfarads. HJ

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 7 Feb 2004 5:41 pm

The one thing that will make the most difference in your sound is your right hand. If you can get that right, you'll sound good on any equipment.

A good bar makes a tone difference, too.

A lot of players use digital delay or reverb. It fattens the tone and helps cover mistakes.

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