Al Brisco on Youtube Playing Fender 400

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 11 May 2006 4:14 pm

What a joyous sound. Forgive me if this has already been posted. I want one of these things now....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSWzeh7uYgU&search=al%20brisco

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 11 May 2006 4:28 pm

Thanks Chris. And once again great work Al and Joey.

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 11 May 2006 4:31 pm

Yes, I forgot to add.........produced by our own Joey Ace!

Andy Greatrix · Post by **Andy Greatrix** » 11 May 2006 6:18 pm

That's definately the sound.

Al Brisco · Post by **Al Brisco** » 11 May 2006 6:33 pm

Thanks Chris & others,
This project was Joey Ace's idea, so let's hope there may be some interest in this style.
This Fender 400 is my original guitar I purchased second hand in 1964, while learning pedal steel listening to Ralph Mooney on Buck Owen's LP's.
I really feel that Ralph has left his mark on my playing.
Best wishes,
Al Brisco

Jim Sliff · Post by **Jim Sliff** » 11 May 2006 7:19 pm

Al - is the whole thing done on the 400? Even if just part, which tuning?

Tim Jones of Kansas · Post by **Tim Jones of Kansas** » 11 May 2006 8:20 pm

Fender steels are second to none.

Tim Jones
~)Fender 1000 and NOTHIN' else...(~

Bob Martin · Post by **Bob Martin** » 11 May 2006 9:15 pm

Hey Al, you just don't hear steel played like that any more I loved the tone and the style I love that tone man way to go! And of course the picking! Oh yeah did I mention the tone

Bob[This message was edited by Bob Martin on 11 May 2006 at 10:16 PM.]

Joey Ace · Post by **Joey Ace** » 12 May 2006 5:07 am

Thanks everyone. I'm excited to be involved in this project.
The answer to Jim's question, and a lot more info is at http://joeyace.com/moon.htm

Bob, did you like the tone?

[This message was edited by Joey Ace on 12 May 2006 at 06:07 AM.]

Jody Cameron · Post by **Jody Cameron** » 12 May 2006 8:07 am

Way cool!

Lee Gillespie · Post by **Lee Gillespie** » 12 May 2006 9:28 am

Like it???? ! ! NAW... I love it. Put me down for one... Lee

Gordon Borland · Post by **Gordon Borland** » 21 May 2006 11:09 am

I just got a Fender 400 this week.
I wonder how close mine is to the orginal setup? I know the knee was added. Here are some pictures and if you have any comments
I would sure thank you.
click here
So count me in as a customer. Great clips and I hope you guys continue with this kind of project!

------------------
Gordon Borland
MSA D10,FENDER STEEL KING,

Howard Tate · Post by **Howard Tate** » 21 May 2006 11:24 am

I heard Al do a tribute to Moon last year at the Dallas show, and I thought it was great. I don't remember what steel he was playing but I don't think it was a Fender, and he still nailed the sound.

------------------
Howard

Joey Ace · Post by **Joey Ace** » 21 May 2006 3:26 pm

Gordon,
I asked Al to reply to your question.

Howard,
Al was playing his Carter LE at the Dallas Show. That's the same guitar (and song) that is in the "Ralph Reel" clip I posted on YouTube.

You can find it at http://joeyace.com/moon.htm
There's more info about the DVD there too.

Everyone,
This DVD is only days away from release.
Less than a week!

Al and I are thrilled that Ralph Mooney has wished us well on this endeavor. I'll announce the release date on the Forum as soon as I know. Thanks for all the kind words. [This message was edited by Joey Ace on 21 May 2006 at 06:25 PM.]

Al Brisco · Post by **Al Brisco** » 21 May 2006 4:20 pm

Gordon,

Your Fender 400 is the same vintage as mine, however yours has had some minor alterations.
Firstly, someone has replaced the solid round (bar) bridge with a home-made roller nut type bridge...(which is probably OK,) although it looks like it might be raised a bit higher from the top of the guitar compared to the factory bridges.

Next issue is in regards to where the strings hook onto the bridge changer. The factory hook is missing on the 7th string, so you should probably make up a new hook using some stiff type wire...such as coat hanger wire.
Also, if you are putting on the standard Nashville 8 string E9th tuning (without the chromatics), then your first string will be the high G#, so you will want to replace the existing hook with a custom hook (made from a coat hanger, or whatever), & put a 90 degree bend in your new hook, so that the 1st string will pull straight through the hook & over the bridge.
Now you can use the hook from the 1st string for your 7th string.
Lastly, someone has replaced the original rubber feet on the legs, & have installed some style of table leg bottoms...possibly to provide some leveling adjustment.
Hope this helps,
Al Brisco[This message was edited by Al Brisco on 21 May 2006 at 05:23 PM.]

David Doggett · Post by **David Doggett** » 21 May 2006 7:56 pm

Mighty sweet playing, Al. I think you would sound great on any pedal steel.

------------------
Student of the Steel: Zum uni, Fender tube amps, squareneck and roundneck resos, tenor sax, keyboards

Joey Ace · Post by **Joey Ace** » 4 Jun 2006 6:20 am

The DVD is now shipping.
Info can be found in the "For Sale - Music" section of the Forum.

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 4 Jun 2006 10:11 am

Proof positive that tone is not in the hands.
The Fenders were unique sounding guitars for tone. Excellent playing Al.

Ken Levesque · Post by **Ken Levesque** » 27 Aug 2006 6:24 am

Al, that is just SUPERB !!!!!

My Dad and i really enjoyed hearing you play
many many years ago.The Best keep getting better and better.....the tone and styles are just great.Superb job.

Thanks Al,

Ken

Leslie Ehrlich · Post by **Leslie Ehrlich** » 27 Aug 2006 2:47 pm

That Fender sure has a bright 'pingy' sounding twang to it, unlike any other PSG I've ever heard.

Rich Weiss · Post by **Rich Weiss** » 27 Aug 2006 6:00 pm

Under Your Spell Again, by Buck Owens.

I remember learning that solo in about '69.