The ShadowMusic Web Community

Uncle Fiesta wrote:This is unfortunately true. All that's required is a subtle, tasteful wiggle while remembering to move the arm the same distance up and down to prevent the note sounding sharp or flat. If done correctly, a gentle shimmer results, if not the effect sounds more like musical murder!

I know someone (he doesn't post on here) who is able to play permanently out of tune, by grabbing the arm like a weapon and yanking it violently upward after every note. (You can't tell him, of course.)

Vincent wrote:

nivramarvin wrote:Also on double stops finger vibrato is not possible - for me anyway.

It's very good for sounding like a cat! -like the one in the photo...and not forgetting Jimi Hendrix

Tigerdaisy wrote:I very rarely like the effect of the trem arm as currently used (over used in my view) by HBM, although I thought its use in the early days was great, i.e. it was used occasionally instead of all the time to greater effect, a bit like the revolving Leslie speaker on a Hammond which sounds awful if used all the time (reminds me of seedy old men wearing brilliantine on their hair in old fashioned ballrooms) instead of occasionally for a crescendo effect.
The trem often sounds 'slouchy/careless' when used to bend notes in many unfortunate circumstances- I much prefer the the old days when it was used more as an occasional aggressive effect rather than the constant current tired old warble. The good use of a trem is a subtle and acquired art and it doesn't always sound that good...IMO.
My view is that the Shadows were much better in the very early days and that HBMs use of his Strat was much fresher and vital compared to today where the Shadows aren't as 'cool' as they originally were.

dave robinson wrote:

Tigerdaisy wrote:I very rarely like the effect of the trem arm as currently used (over used in my view) by HBM, although I thought its use in the early days was great, i.e. it was used occasionally instead of all the time to greater effect, a bit like the revolving Leslie speaker on a Hammond which sounds awful if used all the time (reminds me of seedy old men wearing brilliantine on their hair in old fashioned ballrooms) instead of occasionally for a crescendo effect.
The trem often sounds 'slouchy/careless' when used to bend notes in many unfortunate circumstances- I much prefer the the old days when it was used more as an occasional aggressive effect rather than the constant current tired old warble. The good use of a trem is a subtle and acquired art and it doesn't always sound that good...IMO.
My view is that the Shadows were much better in the very early days and that HBMs use of his Strat was much fresher and vital compared to today where the Shadows aren't as 'cool' as they originally were.

I'm sure that Hank will be grateful for such knowledgable criticism and will bear it in mind when he records his next album.
Perhaps you too would like to back your opinions with sound files to demonstrate how it should be done ? - but probably not.