Sound, tone, timbre...whatever

Jim Phelps · Post by **Jim Phelps** » 24 Mar 2003 3:25 am

"in the ´70s Danny Gatton extensively used a heavily modified Gibson Les Paul Custom with three pickups";

"Mr. Buchanan also played Les Paul guitars."

So? And their first guitars were cigar boxes with broomhandle necks and wires from the backporch screen door for strings, and they sounded just as good on them, too!

Hendrix also played a Gibson Flying V, so does Eric Johnson on occassion and I'm sure they could do just about anything they wanted on any guitar, but the point still remains that the sound they are famous for, their "signature sound" was always identified with ONE particular instrument, and I don't have to tell anyone (but I will anyway) that was the Strat for Hendrix and Johnson and the Tele for the aforementioned... I'd never say they wouldn't be great on any good instrument, only that when a great player finds the type of instrument that really compliments and responds to the finer points of his style, it can bring out the best in him, whereas other equally great instruments having different tonal qualities may not enhance those characteristics, and result in a different sound and even lead a player to play in a different way, playing things that "work" and sound good with the tonal response of the instrument and avoiding things that don't. I maintain a great player would be great on any decent instrument, but that some instruments, the one(s) that really work with the player, such as Hendrix's Strat, the Tele in the hands of Buchanan, Gatton etc., the instrument can make a difference. I don't mean this makes Teles "better" than Les Pauls or whatever! Teles are better for some players, and Les Pauls are better for others, as I'm sure Emmonses are better for some steelers and MSA's, Carters and everything else are better for those who prefer them.

True most people can't hear any difference when a player switches instruments, even a lot of musicians can't, but the player himself can always tell the difference, and it affects the way he plays. Maybe that's the whole thing, right there. [This message was edited by Jim Phelps on 24 March 2003 at 03:27 AM.]

Gene Jones · Post by **Gene Jones** » 24 Mar 2003 3:43 am

Jim....your insightful post summarized the reasons that musicians select certain instruments extraordinarily well....if a player is comfortable with his instrument, it brings out the best of his ability! www.genejones.com [This message was edited by Gene Jones on 24 March 2003 at 03:44 AM.]

Bill Stafford · Post by **Bill Stafford** » 24 Mar 2003 5:36 am

Donny, nice to see your comments. You hit the nail square on the head! 'Nuff said.

Bill Stafford

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 24 Mar 2003 9:08 am

Thanks, Bill. My only point was to show the world that the only one who really cares (or notices) what you use is you!

A lot of "seasoned but predjudiced" steelers recommend such and such for a beginning player, and my view is to play whatever you can get/afford for about 10 years, and then think about buying something with a particular sound. Your sound is usually more limited by your abilities than it is by your choice of guitars.

I appreciate all the comments, so far. They tell me quite a lot about people's preferences and attitudes.

Rick Collins · Post by **Rick Collins** » 24 Mar 2003 9:21 am

How you play impresses me...what you play, doesn't. I just wish more people shared that philosophy.

Donny,

Don't you think this is because you are a steel guitarist? I now know, that I feel much the same way. But, I remember when I didn't know diddley about playing the steel guitar. At that time what the artist was playing was very much a big part of the total presentation. And remember, unless you are playing at a steel convention the people you are playing for, are going to be nonplayers.

When I practice alone, I almost always sit (or stand, depending on which instrument I'm playing) in front of a full length mirror and question, "is the audience seeing and hearing what I think they are hearing"?

I am highly critical of myself, __appearance, musical content, and delivery. I constantly ask myself, "if I were not a steel guitarist, would I really want to see and hear this"?

All details count in a presentation, whether we would like to admit it or not.

I can't think of a steel guitarist who could get away with... what Willie Nelson gets away with...

Rick

Jim Phelps · Post by **Jim Phelps** » 24 Mar 2003 10:39 am

"What Willie Nelson gets away with..."!

Now there's a guy who's still breaking all the rules, but he's himself. He sure isn't dressing a certain way and playing that guitar from copying anyone.

Thanks, Gene!

By the way, Donny; we don't know each other but I do have great respect for your experience and knowledge that we've all seen and benefitted by here on the Forum. It may seem like I'm disagreeing with you but believe it or not I do agree with your basic point here, just wanted to bring out some points I thought were important.

As you stated, and I agree: I'm more interested in how a person plays than what they're playing it on. It always bugs me when (usually inexperienced) players think that the equipment is solely responsible for the great sound and/or ability someone may have. Most anyone with any experience at all should know it isn't. I really don't give a flying fig what anyone's playing. But I still stand by my previous posts that when you get the right instrument with the tone for your own way of playing, you can almost be "in resonance" with your axe, and be at your best. Maybe no one else could tell any difference in the sound of it and a banjo.

"My only point was to show the world that the only one who really cares (or notices) what you use is you!"

I'll agree with that! That's pretty much what I'm trying to say here too. My point is just to say that the instrument sometimes IS important to the player. I could add, "....the only one who really cares what you use is you... and some who just don't know any better..."

...And on the other hand, many simply love the instrument and want to know all they can about differences in instruments...and I don't see anything wrong with that.

This has been a great thread, and of course we all know this is a great Forum. Thanks Donny for starting the thread with your always intelligent and interesting thoughts. Thanks b0b for the Forum.
[This message was edited by Jim Phelps on 24 March 2003 at 11:20 AM.]

Bill Ferguson · Post by **Bill Ferguson** » 24 Mar 2003 4:48 pm

Joan, I surely agree with your statement.

That is why every post I make ends with:

------------------
http://www.steelpicker.com/pictures/Carter-Peavey.jpg

Stop worrying about what makes a steel work and concentrate on how YOU make it sound"

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 24 Mar 2003 5:05 pm

I can't think of a steel guitarist who could get away with... what Willie Nelson gets away with...

How about Sneaky Pete, or Jerry Garcia?

Anyway Jim, thanks for the compliments. I'm quite ordinary as a steeler, but I do "study" the sounds of all music in a serious fashion. I do hope some enjoy my comments, and I'm not usually offended if someone disagrees...that just inspires me to learn more!

Bob Smith · Post by **Bob Smith** » 24 Mar 2003 5:15 pm

Whoa,Jim, excuse me for my harsh comments! Sincerly, Bob (lighten up}. Having seen Roy Buchanan several times live, believe me his tonal qualities werent lacking too much with a Les Paul slung over his shoulder.Anyway i bet that cigar box was good too!!

[This message was edited by Bob Smith on 25 March 2003 at 04:28 AM.]