I just got a National Steel Body guitar.

Subject: I just got a National Steel Body guitar.
From: Jayto
Date: 08 Jun 09 - 04:51 PM

I just got a National Delphi Steel Body Guitar. Who else has one? What tunings are your favorite and how do you tune it? Right now I play in standard, G major, G minor, and A minor (just tuned it to that for fun).
cya
JT

ps I love this guitar it is my dream guitar. I have wanted a National ever since Bob Brozman gave me his to play for a while yrs ago.

Subject: RE: I just got a National Steel Body guitar.
From: bankley
Date: 08 Jun 09 - 05:07 PM

just keep the can opener away from it ! you'll have fun with the metal detectors...

Subject: RE: I just got a National Steel Body guitar.
From: DannyC
Date: 08 Jun 09 - 09:51 PM

you sound good on it...

Subject: RE: I just got a National Steel Body guitar.
From: Mavis Enderby
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 02:16 AM

I don't have a National, but I do have a cheapo copy (Ozark) that sounds very good (once I'd sorted it's bridge out). I play mainly blues slide on it, generally in open D, occasionally DADDAD, and even more occasionally open D minor.

They are, to me, the ultimate guitar for slide.

Bob Brozman is something else isn't he? Got the chance to see him last year - inspiring.

Pete.

Subject: RE: I just got a National Steel Body guitar.
From: Darowyn
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 03:59 AM

Since you mention playing in standard tuning, I'm guessing that it's a roundneck played normal style and that you are fretting with your left hand.
For this method, I really like the partial capo on the four upper strings on second fret that gives you both a (tone lower) DADGAD tuning in 'open' position and standard barre chords further up the neck.

If you ever decide to try playing lap style with a straight steel, you really need to use a tuning that will give you both major and minor chords, such as C6, A6 or E6- and for those you will need to learn how to use different right hand grips to pick out the strings you need instead of just strumming or using your fingers on the top three all the time.
Cheers
Dave

Subject: RE: I just got a National Steel Body guitar.
From: GUEST,KP
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 04:17 AM

I have an Amistar (Czech) steel guitar (actually nickel plated brass). I'm not a great slide player, but do use the guitar in DADGAD in sessions. The extra volume means I can hear what I'm doing when sat between accordions and fiddles. Tend not to bash out chords, as there are other guitarists doing that, but play licks and counter melodies. It can also be an effective melody instrument, especially for slow tunes, laments etc. In singer guitar sessions it can be the 'lead guitar' - not blazing solos, but adding a few restrained fills and melodies.
Thinks -must put something on Youtube some time...
KP