Harmonizers-Do We Steelers Need It?

Larry R · Post by **Larry R** » 26 Apr 2004 7:37 am

The lead guitarist in my band uses the Harmony effect on some of our material that we do. It's a very tasteful effect. Do we steelers need a harmonizer or is our 2 note harmony scale enough? If I need this equipt, I'd like to know what brand and type to use. I'm looking for these features in a system (distortion, phaser, harmony, chorus, flanger, reverb) with clean sound. I've tried the POD and it wasn't as clean as I would like it to be. I don't need an Amp Modeling unit. I'm currently using individual Boss Pedals .

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 26 Apr 2004 11:22 am

My Boss GX-700 has all the effects you mention. I have tried the harmonizer and didn't care for it for steel. The harmonies sound artificial and I can play the harmonies easier myself.

However, our fiddle player liked the harmonizer so much that he went out and bought a dedicated one (Digitech I think) for himself.

chas smith R.I.P. · Post by **chas smith R.I.P.** » 26 Apr 2004 3:29 pm

To expand on what Jim said, I've used harmonizers for "art/film" things where the echoes come back at different intervals above and below the pitch. I also have the top "boxes", Eventide Ultra-Harmonizers and the Orville. Even then, when the returns are more than minor third above pitch, they tend to "Minnie Mouse", and that's with formant correction.

The point is, you have the ability to harmonize yourself with those other picks, and it will never get better than that, for most music.

Larry R · Post by **Larry R** » 26 Apr 2004 4:19 pm

Jim, Chas, thanks for the replies. What you said just about answers my question.

Larry

Larry Behm · Post by **Larry Behm** » 26 Apr 2004 5:09 pm

I agree with Chas, but. I have tried many units but the Boss VF-1 allows me to put a delay between the original note and the harmonized note, thus allowing me to hear each note more distinctly (sp). Use it on slow songs and it really stands out. One note at a time.

Larry Behm

Smiley Roberts · Post by **Smiley Roberts** » 27 Apr 2004 3:19 am

I'll use any kinda "gadget" I can,to make me sound better. I always say,"If ya can't dazzle 'em w/ brilliance,baffle 'em w/ bulls_ _ t!"

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David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 27 Apr 2004 6:40 am

Do you NEED it... no

If you like it and you have dialed in a good tasteful setting use it if you like.

Usually a very small detuning and very small delay with a lower return for the effected signal works best.

It's basically a chorusing effect with a detune parameter..

Larry Behm · Post by **Larry Behm** » 27 Apr 2004 6:16 pm

David you are correct if you want a detuned effect but if you want a true harmony like a third above an intelligent pitch shifter will give you that. You will sound like two players playing with harmonies so close the audience will charge the stage, girls will take off their, well maybe that is a little to much.

Larry Behm

Larry R · Post by **Larry R** » 28 Apr 2004 5:40 am

David, I don't have any device for harmonizing or detuning. Is the electronic detuning device called a "Pitch Shifter"or "Phase Shifter"? What is the device called?

Smiley Roberts · Post by **Smiley Roberts** » 28 Apr 2004 7:19 am

Larry,
If you wanna hear the best example of a "harmonizer",listen to Buddy Emmons' "Triple Play",on the Step One album, "Swingin' Our Way". I believe Buddy's using a DigiTech "Smart Shift" (IPS33)

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<pre> ~ ~
©¿© It don't mean a thang,
mm if it ain't got that twang.
www.ntsga.com</pre>

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 28 Apr 2004 10:45 am

The Lexicon MPX-100 has some built-in patches that generate pitches above and/or below what you're playing. Not exactly a harmonizer, but related. I've customized two of them for use with the RotoSphere. They give me a simulation of the Hammond drawbar effect.

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