Chilly Winds

[homelessaxeman]

Been playing guitar a long time but recently started playing Dobro. This is my first Dobro recording as well as my first post of any kind on this site. I hope it's well received.

[jjb]

Very nice song and performance. I'd spread out the background instrumental in the stereo field and bring the drums out a tad more.

jjb

[homelessaxeman]

Thanks for the feedback. I know I have a tendency to minimize the percussion. I dn't really know anything about drums. I use samples from my Yamaha keyboard and to me they always sound canned. I don'tknow what you mean by "spread out the background instrumental in the stereo field." Could you explain that a little? Thanks again.

[DaVanco]

I love the tune.
Being a dobro and pedal steel player, i noticed a couple things in the dobro playing. Practice string damping and bar technique a little.

It is difficult going from a fretted instrument to one in which there is no positive placement. Practice listening to the pitch, and working the bar back and forth slightly to get some vibrato, especially on notes that are held out and/or allowed to ring. (and they should be allowed to ring a bunch)

You are well on the way and doing much better than most that transfer from guitar to dobro. Keep on picking!

[jjb]

By spreading out the instruments, I mean panning them either left or right. Try different pan settings with each instrument and see how it sounds.

jjb

[roysboy]

Really clean , tight mix on Chilly Wind , HSM. Good playing too . I might roll some reverb off the electric guitar and bring the drums up a hair .

Once in a blue moon , I've had to record dobro and haven't been too successful . You are getting a beautiful **** , full tone on yours . What's your advice on mic/mic placement /EQ ?
Rick

[homelessaxeman]

Thanks to everyone for the input. I will continue to work on my playing technique. I appreciate the recording suggestions and will try those also. The rythm guitar and drums are mono tracks. I will double them and try panning one left and one right. I'll also bring the drums up a little bit.

Regarding the dobro recording technique: I tried several different placements. I used a MXL991 mic. Not very expensive, I think it was around $50.00. I put it directly above one of the front sound holes about four inches from the guitar so it was picking up the sound directly from the interior of the guitar. I added a little reverb in the mix and no EQ at all. I liked the way it sounded as it was. Thanks again.

[roysboy]

Gee that's a pretty straight ahead mic technique for a change ...point it at the hole and don't EQ .....gotta love that ....thanks homlessaxeman.

...if you don't find a home , I have a tent for sale but it needs serious soundproofing for recording

[homelessaxeman]

No thanks on the tent. The homelessness refers to the old joke. What do you call a guitar player without a girlfriend?....Homeless. In my experience it applies even more to Bass players.