Two steel tracks?

Travis Bolding · Post by **Travis Bolding** » 10 May 2002 4:13 am

A fellow recorded a CD of original songs at a local studio, then brought it to me to add some steel. On one of the tunes I couldn't decide whether to use a "John Hughey" kind of lick, or an Emmons style for a turn around. I recorded it both ways on two different tracks so I could decide which one worked best. When I played it back, I accidentally had both tracks playing at the same time and the result was stunning!!! I'm dying to use this lick, but I feel like it would be cheating since there's no way to accomplish this on a single steel guitar. I've never considered this before and I was wondering what you guys think. ~~ Travis[This message was edited by Travis Bolding on 11 May 2002 at 11:41 AM.]

Larry Bell · Post by **Larry Bell** » 10 May 2002 6:54 am

I do that often. Since I generally do demo and small production sessions, it's often with engineer/producers that I work with a lot. If the empty trax are there, I'll use 'em. Makes mixdown a bit more complicated, but allows you to use half of one solo with half of another -- or to combine them. Although it's not always possible, I love to be there for the final mixdown and will do that part for free.

And, yes, it is difficult (or impossible) to faithfully represent what you (and you) recorded, but I've never had anyone (including the songwriters) approach me at a live gig complaining that I didn't play exactly what was on the CD. (but I rarely play the same solo twice, in any case)

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Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2000 Fessenden S-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Emmons D-10 9x9, 1971 Dobro

Pete Burak · Post by **Pete Burak** » 10 May 2002 6:55 am

It's called "Studio Magic"!

Don't worry, it will be some other steel players job to figure it out, at which time they will think your a genious!

Just tell folks you were using the well known "Layering" technique.

Dayton Osland · Post by **Dayton Osland** » 10 May 2002 9:29 pm

A while back I got a copy of New Riders of the Purple Sage "Gypsy Cowboy". On the title track there are clearly multiple steel tracks laid down by Buddy Cage.

I e-mailed him about it and he said that he had recorded several versions of his part in the studio. When the engineer played back the song with all the parts, he inadvertantly had mixed in all the steel tracks. The band liked it and left it in.

I further asked him how he played the song live. And he said he played what seemed reasonable and let the ambiance of the room take care of the rest. I guess that was well before samplers and tape loops and the like.

I recorded a song with Sweet Betty where I do a steel intro. (mp3.com/sweet_betty song Sante Fe). I recorded the intro a couple of times and the engineer put both tracks up. I'm not that nuts about it but other people seem to like it.

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Dayton Osland
Shobud S10

Matt Steindl · Post by **Matt Steindl** » 11 May 2002 7:57 am

I always double track my PSG leads(6 string as well). I usually do my PSG stuff 2 times on different parts of the neck, then at mixdown, on of them is mixed a little lower than the other.

Dont think of it as cheating, as tons of the pros do this as well.

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Mattman in "The Big Sleazy"-:
S-10 Dekley, Suitcase Fender Rhodes, B-bender Les Paul

Reggie Duncan · Post by **Reggie Duncan** » 19 May 2002 8:49 pm

GREAT! It was meant to be! I have accidentally done this many times. Also, I have done it on purpose. I love all steel!