Short Summary
In 2019, (I think) I launched a crowdfunder for the Vibraslide system, which was an infinite sustainer for lap and pedal steel guitars. That worked out very well and I have now sent them all over the world. It was even nominated as 'guitar product of the year' in 'Sound on Sound' magazine too. The problem was that regular guitarists couldn't use it as the slide itself housed the electronics to make it sustain. Suddenly, in a moment of inspiration I realised that the problem could be eliminated by adding the electronics to the OUTSIDE of the slide - This has the advantage that you can get your finger inside the slide so are able to use it on a standard guitar - you know, like slide players do.. I don't know why I didn't think of it earlier. My wife suggested the name which I thought was perfect.
I've now realised that the slide works on any guitar with either a magnetic or piezo pickup, (this includes nylon strung guitars). It's the only system that allows that, as far as I'm aware, and allows for a very soft sustained tone without the sharpness of a steel string.
Harmonics and dynamics are under the control of a foot pedal with a built-in effects loop for even more sonic exploration, (a wah pedal for instance allows the player to emphasise certain harmonics). Pickup selection makes a difference to the tone of the feedback too. This device can be used with any guitar with a pickup and requires no modification of your instrument at all. Also, you only need one system for all your guitars since they don't need to be physically altered. I've now tried it on an SG, Les Paul, Strat-type and Jazzmaster-type guitar and they all sound different and behave slightly differently. I love the organic interaction of this pedal and each guitar's natural tone. Where you put the pedal on your pedal board also has an effect. I like to put it post distortion, compression and EQ but it will work without any of these. You can of course play chords on it though one note eventually wins out in the race for sonic dominance.
What We Need & What You Get
I've done most of the hard work already with a tough and reliable foot pedal the circuit for which was designed by Paul Vo, one of the principal designers of the Moog Guitar. The SlideSadlle itself is completely functional but a little ugly so I need to work on the aesthetics and materials.
I would like to raise about €1500 for moulds to be made and prototype materials to be tested. If I can't raise the full amount, I'm far enough along the road to be able to produce something tough and functional anyway. I just would really like it to be great in every way.
The Impact
There hasn't been a totally new type of guitar pedal released for many years so it'll be great to get this out there for guitarists to push the boundaries of what's possible. So much has already been achieved by pioneers in the field of guitar playing and I like to think that this will take the instrument into sonic territories previously undiscovered in the same way that the Vibraslide brought infinite sustain to lap steel players.
Risks & Challenges
Since I already have a working prototype developed over years of experimentation and refinement, the SlideSaddle can only get better and better. This thing will happen and it would be great to have you on board to be part of a pioneering new technology that hopefully will leave its mark on guitar music for decades to come.
Other Ways You Can Help
It may be that this pedal is not for you but if you think it's cool then I'd appreciate it if you know somebody that would be excited to be part of this journey. So feel free to spread the word!
