Solo steel backing tracks

Billy Henderson · Post by **Billy Henderson** » 19 Dec 2004 9:30 am

I need help in learning how and what equipment is necessary to back myself on the steel in a small gigging situation. I know some play gigs by themselves using something like biab or midi files. I would like to know what equipment is necessary and any recommendations. I would appreciate any help.

Bob Markison · Post by **Bob Markison** » 19 Dec 2004 11:24 am

Just one of many possibilites (current preference):
Laptop, PODxt, (25+ year old)Polytone Minibrute amp as follows:
PODxt hooks up to the USB port of the laptop, which contains the GuitarPort software inclded with the PODxt.
The GuitarPort software can open and play mp3's (of which I've made dozens from all sorts of sources). Steel guitar hooks up to the PODxt, and the PODxt is also passing the mp3 file from the laptop through to the amp along with the steel guitar's modified tone. This is also a nice practice setup because the GuitarPort software can bring tunes down to 1/2 speed. Having done it with a boombox and an amp (have also done it with a pocket sized mp3 player, mini mixer and an amp), this current arangement does afford some nice possibilites. I'm sure this thread will stretch out quickly with all sorts of ideas. Good luck and best for the Holidays. - Bob

Eric West · Post by **Eric West** » 19 Dec 2004 12:30 pm

I'd like to know sources for "percussion midi tracks". There appear to be tons of midis out here for free download, but they're a little hard to sort through limited by only drums and bass.

TIA.

EJL

Bob Hoffnar · Post by **Bob Hoffnar** » 19 Dec 2004 9:10 pm

Depending on the demands of the gig you might want to look into buying a stack of play along CDs. A bunch of the greats that put out CD's like John Hughey and Herb Stiener sell CD's of the rhythm tracks. Steve Alcott made a couple great ones he is selling. It will be a heck of alot better sounding than BIAB and that little one armed, retarded digital drummer that does all those midi files.

If I remember right Billy Phelps can custom make play midi along CDs also.

A stack of CDs and a boom box will be all you need.

------------------

Bob
intonation help

Billy Henderson · Post by **Billy Henderson** » 20 Dec 2004 5:41 am

Well I was thinking more along the lines of MIDI files on a laptop but don't know what to play it through. I am assuming they can be downloaded on the hard drive. Also I was hoping I could burn some backup CD's to the hard drive and then use a menu with song titles and just click and play. If this make sense.

Bob Markison · Post by **Bob Markison** » 20 Dec 2004 8:04 am

Billy - you should check out this site for a set of conversion utilities - including utilities for conversion of .wav or mp3 files to MIDI files: http://www.audioutilities.com/midi-converter/convert-wav-mp3-to-midi.htm

- Bob