The Sound Of Woodworm

[Liam Schwilik]

Hi Pugwash,

Thanks.

Re: BJs low action...Well, I was referring to his earlier recordings. It does sound to me like there is a low action. All that rattle and hum! Later things changed a little maybe?

Mark.

[Paul]

I had always understood that it was a high action for volume and tone, low action to make it easier to play, and in particular bend strings.

Paul

[Liam Schwilik]

Hi Pugwash,

Ref Low actions,Yes it makes a huge difference to the sound. Both with electric and acoustic. But don't be fooled into thinking it's always best to go for Hi action and heavy strings. Both Zep 1 and 2 were done using 10 gauge strings. Jimmy Page spoke recently at his suprise to get those big tones with such light strings. SRV also used tree trunks for strings.

I would say that the heavier the string the fatter or more mellow the tone. The lighter the strings and lower action leads to more treble and buzz. It's also going to harder to play. The treble as a result of the string slapping the frets, can be interesting especially with distorted electric sounds, as Jimmy has proven!

Jimmy Hendrix was also another user of light gauge strings...

Mark.

[Paul]

Didn't Paul Kossof use telephone cable for strings  he managed to bend them a bit, must have taken some finger strength.

If my guitar is anything to go by, Brian May uses a 9 thousand top E. I found it was far too sloppy, and but 10s on.

Paul

[Pugwash]

Thanks Mark.

You've only got to look at PJWright's Strats to see the variation. He's got a big fat humbucker in the middle pickup position on his greenish one. Gives him a rich bluesy sound.

Any instruments you can't get on with??

Puggs

[Liam Schwilik]

Hi Puggs,

Well, Bagpipes are kind of loud, and either on or off, if you know what I mean? You either hear them or you don't. they can cut through lead etc.

Hurdi Gurdy and Bombards are similar.  Reedy can be a problem.... 1khzzzzzzzzz

I always a challenge when you meet new and strange instruments, and then have to record them. My foremost aim is to re-create the original sound. On the face of it that sounds simple, and often is, but you can easily get it wrong too.

The only instrument I really struggle with at times is my own!

Mark.

P.S. Did you know Hitler used to play 20 hz frequency through his PA speakers prior speeches, especially to make his crowds angry?

[johanna/ulla]

Hi Ulla,



Anyway, how are you? Still doing some promoting in Germany?

Mark.

Yes, I still have my stress hobby.
I´m doing the tour promotion for annA rydeR banD and for Mark Gillespie.
Last week another promoter (a real V.I.P. in the business) told me that he is interested in doing a tour with Martin Barre. I gave him Martin´s address. So fingers crossed. I would love to see Martin + band again.

Cheers Ulla

[Liam Schwilik]

Good to hear Ulla. yeh, would be great to keep Mr Barre busy with his own music?

Mark