Comments for Rob MacKillop ~ banjos, guitars, lutes and more

Comment on Photography by Edinburgh calling - Page 2

Edinburgh calling - Page 2 — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 18:03:31 +0000

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Comment on Machete by Rob MacKillop

Rob MacKillop — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:16 +0000

Hi Nick,

It is tempting to make connections between similar instruments, but difficult to prove beyond doubt. I’m no organologist, so do not feel equipped to offer an intelligent analysis. The machete music seems to be for two tunings, dgbd’ and dgbe’ (the pitch might be variable depending on the string length), and both tunings are in use in Hawaii but with the 4th string up an octave. I think of the machete as a small 4-string guitar which might well have been connected with the Renaissance guitar, in the same way that the 6-string classical guitar developed from the 6-course guitar. The great thing about the machete is that we have a dedicated repertoire of good quality, dating from the 1840s. Some of the pieces are several pages long, and quite Sor-like. I will be recording more when my machete arrives. I just hope fingers are not too long!

Comment on Machete by Nick Gravestock

Nick Gravestock — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:47:10 +0000

Interesting
I cannot help but wonder what the connection is between the Machete and the very similar Renaissance guitar, interestingly tuned as the Ukulele but with both octaves on the fourth course. There seems to be an assumption the two are not connected because of lack of definite evidence, but I would suggest we assume there is a connection unless there is good evidence to the contrary.
Any thoughts?
nick gravestock

Comment on Machete by Herman Vandecauter

Herman Vandecauter — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:42:33 +0000

I did read & listen with interest! Thanks for the good work.

Comment on Plectrum Guitar Videos by Rob MacKillop

Rob MacKillop — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:36:29 +0000

Hi Adrian. I just used D’Addario Phosphor Bronze strings, 12s, because that’s all my local store had. I thought they would just be temporary until I got some expensive strings, but I liked the sound, so have kept them.
The plectrum also has a lot to do with the sound. I use a Gibson Extra Heavy, and often use just the round edge of the plectrum, not the pointed end. Sometimes I use the pointed end to get a different sound.
I have the action set low, and I have a light touch.

Hope that helps?
Rob

Comment on Plectrum Guitar Videos by Adrian

Adrian — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:11:57 +0000

Dear Mr Mackillop.
I own practically the same guitar as you do (LH600 Loar) and I wonder what strings you used to produce that beautiful sound playing music of Harry Volpe.I am a jazz rhythm player and use medium bronze strings for that.These sounding more harsh when playing these Volpe pieces.
kind regards
Adrian Otte/ The Netherlands

Comment on New ukulele book published – Gaspar Sanz arrangements by Brian

Brian — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:19:10 +0000

That’s my Christmas sorted then!

Comment on New ukulele book published – Gaspar Sanz arrangements by Rob MacKillop

Rob MacKillop — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 07:24:27 +0000

There will be four uke books: 20 Progressive Fingerstyle Studies and 20 Spanish Baroque Pieces by Gaspar Sanz – both already out – and 20 Celtic Tunes (Irish and Scots) and 20 Pieces from a 19th-century banjo book – both of which are scheduled for release before Christmas. The pieces in the banjo book are wonderful, and make great uke arrangements. All four books come with a CD.
Cheers,
Rob

Comment on New ukulele book published – Gaspar Sanz arrangements by Brian

Brian — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 21:38:49 +0000

Not at all Rob. It’s one of the great uke collections for folks who want to move beyond plunking (not that there’s anything wrong with that…). Are there any more in the pipeline?

Comment on New ukulele book published – Gaspar Sanz arrangements by Rob MacKillop

Rob MacKillop — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:43:49 +0000

Thanks, Brian. I’d like everyone to buy it twice!