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Topic: One of the best in the world |
Bill McCloskey
From:
Nanuet, NY
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Posted 18 Jan 2018 9:20 pm |
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So, I have an eharp coming on monday that I picked up on reverb (at $425, the price was too good to pass up) and I've decided to at least try the Alkire Tuning and have been doing a bit of research into the history of the instrument (much thanks to Michael Lee Allen) and Eddie Alkire and his tuning. And I've read all the warnings, but I figured I at least have to try.
So I've been looking for instructional material and found a complete archive of materials at the university of Illinois; https://archives.library.illinois.edu/archon/?p=collections/controlcard&id=3554
They have an amazing collection including all the published instructions put out, sample instruments, recordings photos, etc. I've reached out to them about getting copies of at least some of the instructional material and it looks like they are willing to copy what I want (for a copying fee).
Part of me hates to think that something could die out. I'm mean there are people who still play the viola de gamba, and yet there seem to be less than 4 people still alive that play the eharp with the tuning invented by Elbern Alkire to go with it.
I was talking with my son and telling him about the instrument. He said "What are you just trying to find the most obscure instrument you can find? "
I told him there are only 4 people left who play this thing. Here is my change to be the 5th best player in the world at something. 
_________________
Check out the Steel Guitar Union Hall Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@steelguitarunionhall |
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Roy Thomson
From:
Wolfville, Nova Scotia,Canada
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Posted 19 Jan 2018 5:20 pm
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Hi Bill,
Th undernoted clip "Tammy" I recorded several years ago. The music is Alkire and easy to read once you get the hang of it. The music I found that Eddie did was hand written and a little hard to decipher at times. I hope this helps and wish you luck. 
Link:
http://picosong.com/wyEvE
_________________
Custom Tabs Various Tunings
Courses Lap Steel, Pedal Steel |
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James Hartman
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 19 Jan 2018 5:35 pm Re: One of the best in the world
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| Bill McCloskey wrote: |
So I've been looking for instructional material and found a complete archive of materials at the university of Illinois; https://archives.library.illinois.edu/archon/?p=collections/controlcard&id=3554
They have an amazing collection including all the published instructions put out, sample instruments, recordings photos, etc. I've reached out to them about getting copies of at least some of the instructional material and it looks like they are willing to copy what I want (for a copying fee).
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The Alkire family donated their complete collection of relevant materials to the university. I believe Richard Alkire is a former member of the faculty there. When I last spoke to Ed Alkire Jr. I had the impression the materials were warehoused at the university but had as yet not been cataloged and made available.
If in fact that circumstance has improved and you are granted access in one way or another, that's great news. Keep us apprised of your progress. |
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Bill McCloskey
From:
Nanuet, NY
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Posted 19 Jan 2018 6:18 pm
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Thanks Roy!
James all the material in the link is available. I asked for a few things to start and they are pulling them for me and will give me estimate of the costs on monday. I also learned the correct pronunciation. I had never heard the name spoken, just written, so when I contacted them by phone I said Al-Keer-e. They let me know it is pronounced Al-kire, rhymes with fire.
_________________
Check out the Steel Guitar Union Hall Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@steelguitarunionhall |
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James Hartman
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 19 Jan 2018 7:01 pm
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| Bill McCloskey wrote: |
James all the material in the link is available. I asked for a few things to start and they are pulling them for me and will give me estimate of the costs on monday. I also learned the correct pronunciation. I had never heard the name spoken, just written, so when I contacted them by phone I said Al-Keer-e. They let me know it is pronounced Al-kire, rhymes with fire. |
I'm glad to hear that. When I first got my eharp I was able to get in touch with Ed, jr. (who it turns out lives about 4 mi from me), hoping he might have some music or instructional materials. He was very gracious, but by then everything was already in the university collection; I did have several interesting conversations with him, and he reminisced at length about his dad's innovations and career.
I've had to put the Alkire tuning on the shelf for a while, due to other commitments. But I'd begun transcribing some of Alkire's own recordings, and was finding the tuning quite intriguing. |
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Bill McCloskey
From:
Nanuet, NY
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Bill McCloskey
From:
Nanuet, NY
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