[NetBehaviour] Larson Brothers Fancy Playing

[Alan Sondheim]

Larson Brothers Fancy Playing

http://www.alansondheim.org/larson.jpg
https://youtu.be/ay4fMHNEMBI video!!

Larson Brothers 1920s parlor guitar fancy playing - working
on new techniques and ever-mindful of the delicacy of the
instrument. The bridge had been replaced four times; we had
a custom bridge built from scratch for it. Using slack nylon
strings (tuned low) to keep the tension down. And while I'm
playing it oddly, I'm well aware of the amazing construction
of the instrument. We originally found it at a second-hand
guitar shop, where it was advertised as a child's guitar for
$39; I traded an old electric (worth about $40) for it. It's
very thin; other than the bridgework, which was substantial,
it's in close to mint condition.

Fancy playing style (I'm not sure what to call it) takes a
lot out of me; I'm barring over a seventh at times. It's
difficult to chord exactly in the overhand position, but
I've gotten somewhat comfortable with it, My right-hand's
using the usual modified pipa technique; I go 'back and
forth,' however, which works for me. No picks, just nails
(I do the same on pipa). Enjoy the acrobatics. Thank you
for listening.