Phil Taylor
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Post by Phil Taylor on Aug 11, 2014 6:56:03 GMT
As some of you may know when I do a video I am always concerned about string squeaks when sliding etc. Adam Rafferty has just uploaded a new video which is full of it:
Putting the electric sound of Adams guitar aside what do you all think about string squeaks? I would prefer not to hear them but if it's good enough for Adam Rafferty should I be bothered?
Regards
Phil
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brianr2
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Post by brianr2 on Aug 11, 2014 7:26:03 GMT
I am afraid that the squeaks spoil it for me. They make me wince like chalk screeching across a blackboard, distracting attention from the music underneath.
Brian
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scotch
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Post by scotch on Aug 11, 2014 8:19:06 GMT
Exactly what Brian said. I try and avoid making the sqeeks as much as possible.
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Aug 11, 2014 9:54:29 GMT
I didn't find the squeaks on the video that intrusive - certainly have heard (and done!) worse.
I'm sure it's good to keep squeaks to a minimum, but it's all part of the instrument's sound. Can't think of any particular examples offhand, but I have heard squeaks bad enough to be obtrusive to my ears, but not that often, and certainly not on your recordings, Phil.
Keith
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Post by creamburmese on Aug 11, 2014 13:15:49 GMT
I didn't think they impeded my enjoyment at all - there were a great many more quiet shifts than squeaky ones....
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Post by Banadog on Aug 11, 2014 14:48:18 GMT
It's easy to eliminate string squeaks. The best sounding strings usually have a smooth coating which makes them quiet and easy to play, with the added bonus of lasting say, 3 x 5 times longer than ordinary strings.
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leoroberts
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Post by leoroberts on Aug 11, 2014 15:07:42 GMT
Is there an emoticon for someone throwing a hand grenade and then ducking for cover? LOL
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missclarktree
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Post by missclarktree on Aug 11, 2014 19:30:03 GMT
Haven't tried it myself so I don't know whether it's any good
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Post by vikingblues on Aug 11, 2014 20:12:49 GMT
I'm afraid the level of squeaks in the Adam Rafferty video do get to me a bit. I hate making squeaking noises on the guitar myself - I often feel that there's always too much extraneous noise when I record myself. At least I find steel string guitar less prone to squeak than classical was for me. Sounded like a family of mice were in residence inside the guitar on some pieces! Mark
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Phil Taylor
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Post by Phil Taylor on Aug 12, 2014 9:55:29 GMT
Thanks for the interesting comments
I have listened to many players - some have squeaks, some do not. Even Martin Simpson who I consider to be one of the world's best has squeaks on some on the CD's I have, granted not to excess but I think that is the way to go. That is to endeavour to keep them to a minimum but try not to get hung up on it because it's only a hobby for me anyway
Re coated strings, on the short time that I have used them I still got squeaks but rather that than the sound they produce - personal preferences.
I also produce creaks with my thumb on the back of the neck when the thumb moves a bit. I am working on this - but a bit of talc works wonders
Regards
Phil
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Aug 12, 2014 10:02:21 GMT
.... I'm v prone to making gaspy breathing noises when recording ... much more annoying than squeaks! Keith
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walkingdecay
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Post by walkingdecay on Aug 12, 2014 10:59:29 GMT
It's easy to eliminate string squeaks. The best sounding strings usually have a smooth coating which makes them quiet and easy to play, with the added bonus of lasting say, 3 x 5 times longer than ordinary strings. Depends on your interpretation of the phrase "best sounding." Coated strings are like condoms: they have their benefits, but they leave something wanting. I've yet to find coated strings that don't have a dull, compromised tone. I soon stopped using Martin SPs after experimenting with uncoated strings once again, preferring the added sparkle and response of clean metal. Squeaking is just something I put up with where I can't minimise it with technique, while a few clicks and rattles only signify that intimate contact between finger and string. Both are part of the experience, like a cellist's added growl or the almost subliminal surplus sounds made by reed players. In the immortal words of Jerry Reed, "Don't give me no plastic saddle, honey, I like to feel the leather when I ride - Huh!"
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brianr2
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Post by brianr2 on Aug 12, 2014 11:51:55 GMT
.... I'm v prone to making gaspy breathing noises when recording ... much more annoying than squeaks! Keith Give me heavy breathing rather than high-pitched squeals every time... Brian
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leoroberts
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Post by leoroberts on Aug 12, 2014 12:36:20 GMT
Give me heavy breathing every time... Brian I'll give you a call this afternoon
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alig
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Post by alig on Aug 12, 2014 12:47:14 GMT
Give me heavy breathing every time... Brian I'll give you a call this afternoon Always good to have another string to one's bow, Leo. As it were...
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