moog lap steel

[dan thacker]

i just wanted to say that the moog lap steel is one of the most beautiful instruments i've ever seen.the engineering is second to none.i know it's been around for a while,but i hadn't looked at it until now.truly exquisite.

[mikemilton]

Absolutely. The form is inspired by the Weissenborn style guitar which is itself quite beautiful. The moog is quite robust and is as much a pleasure to play as it is to see.

Here is mine:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/parquin/5592845694/
Mike

[Steve]

Hi mikemilton - Such a Beautiful moog lapsteel... I've been thinking long and hard about getting one. Not to sure on the process on how to make a purchase though. Did yours cost extra for that beautiful wood? was there a waiting period? did it come with a case?
Do you have any soundfiles up with you playing.
Any help and insight would be appreciated
thanks

[mikemilton]

Hi, Steve.

Well, my suggestion is to call Moog about a purchase. They are all individually made (by Wes Lambe) so you can get whatever you like but it does take a couple of months. Mine is Mahogany and Quilted maple which was a 'standard' offering but I'm sure that you could talk to Wes if you wanted something different. Indeed, you could probably talk to him in advance it you had something specific in mind. Many folk seem to like the f-holes, for example.

It comes with a hardcase (square) that holds all the associated gear (like the cables and the expression pedal). It is also very well made although the corners are leather so time will tell about how it stands up.

I don't have anything online (I guess I should do this with both this and a few other things I play). If you are on G+ we could certainly have a hangout which would let you see whatever you'd like.

[Steve]

Thanks for the input Mike....
I'm currently on tour now but will look into the moog lap steel when I get back at the end of Nov.
I really want one of these. It must be awesome for "frippertonic" style of music and ambient textures.
I'm wondering if the "f" holes add anything to the sound or are they purely decorative?
I see that we play similar instruments : )
I also have a Harmos (which I love), I play wind synth (EWI 4000s), a Voyager.
I also have a Hartmann Neuron, a EML 101, M3, Radias, (my main live synth). + many more hard and soft synth's.
As far as lap steel type of gtr's go I enjoy the Paul Bread road-o-phonic. Very cool with a e-bow and reverb/delay.
I'm going to get on G+ soon as I get reliable internet.
thanks again.
steve
http://www.lifeinbalancemusic.com/index.php/c3/

[mikemilton]

'Just had an enjoyable romp through your YouTube material. Yes, the MLS would likely fit in nicely.

I was told the f-holes were entirely cosmetic and (although the look *is* appealing) decided it was just one more place for debris to get lodged.

I'd suggest that the eigenharps would be a good match for your material as well. They are capable of very expressive polyphonic control and one can have multiple (looping) keygroups going at once. They are also a great performance instrument being wearable, lit, and able to include a micinput. Indeed, they would be a great visual match for your bowls.

cheers, m

[dan thacker]

I'm so jealous of you guys in the market for these beauties.I hope you all find what you want. Some pictures would be greatly appreciated.Cheers!

[dan thacker]

Well,i feel silly!Mike,that is beyond words,breathtakingly gorgeous. Congratulations,You must be thrilled!

[mikemilton]

Dan! hehehe... I've had mine for some time now; enough to form an opinion and to fit it in with other instruments I play.

Some Observations:
- it isn't just about sustain (or damping) but also about managing the harmonics
- it brings something unique that I can't match with other instruments
- playing with just the steel (or steels) is interesting. I think I need to find a steel with a gap in it
- most pieces benefit from being re-interpreted for the MLS's strengths (and this is quite fun to do)

cheers, m

[mikemilton]

http://www.billycardine.com/BillyC/Moog_Lap_Steel.html

Some interesting background

[Steve]

Thanks for the link Mike.... Dreaming of doing sound healing meditations with the Moog Lap Steel.

[dan thacker]

When you say "most pieces would benefit from being re-interpreted for mls strengths",what do you mean?[Please show some mercy,as I am not only a moog newbie,but lap steel illiterate],cheers.By the way You have one of the best "this is my pride and joy"grins ever!

[mikemilton]

Dan, 'not saying anything brilliant (hehehe)

So, you have an instrument with certain sound opportunities that are different that what you have been playing. It only makes sense to use them to renew some of your music.

One example is the ability to change harmonics by varying the balance of 'drive' between the two pickups. I don't have any other guitar that does this (although it is common on various electronic instruments, but that isn't the point. Also, this is much more organic and broader in range/impact than anything one might do with a pedal). The thing is that it takes a while for the harmonics to change. So one needs to think through things like:
- where in a piece does it make sense to do this
- how to buy the time
- how does this impact other notes one might be playing.

So, in hindsight, it would have been just as valid to say: one needs to integrate the MLS's unique aspects into one's technique and style.

In many ways, the MLS would seem to b a perfect accompaniment for singing bowls (Steve) although it certainly isn't limited to that

m

[Steve]

Thanks for the shout out Mike : ) Yes I'm going to order a MLS soon as I get home from this current tour (in Taos NM now heading to Sedona AZ.)
I want to create a South West meditation/sound healing type music with my "band" Life In Balance using Quartz Crystal Singing Bowls processed resonator guitars, Moog Lap Steel and Alchemy triggered with the EWI4000s. Giddy Up!
Please Mike post a couple video's of the MLS in action. Pretty Please.
thanks.
steve

[dan thacker]

Darn it Mike,the man is right .Please show us your beautiful mls in action! Buy the way,thanks for yor info.