Question:
I have long seen these be in use by various musicians, and have loved the possibilities one presents, however I have only used one on few occasions. Basically I am wondering if someone has any idea on price range, durability, and good technique in regards to the ebow. Any help is apreciated.
Answer:
i want one, but i've never used one so i couldn't give you advice
Answer:
You can get one from Musicians Friend for $79.95. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...tar?sku=219005
I have never played with one before, but have heard that they sound really cool.
Answer:
Price: if I remember correctly, cost is around $55.00...most places sell them for around $80.
Durability: As long as you don't drop it or anything, they can last a very long time. I could see the battery door being an issue, but again, treat it nicely and it should last you a long time.
Technique: Lots and lots. Listen at http://www.ebow.com/, though the hard part is figuring out how to get the sounds they're making from the somewhat vauge discriptions. The sustain sound is probably the most used, just balance it over a string and let it go...I prefer to use the neck pickup because it gives a little more room to work, though the middle (if avalible) and bridge pickups do offer interesting textures.
To get an arpeggio, fret a chord, and move/rake the ebow across the strings. To play notes on two neighboring strings, rock the ebow back and forth between the two. The trick with both of these techniques is to find the "hot spot" on your particular guitar.
I've thought about making a video showing these, I might do that next week...
Answer:
Forgot one more...tap the ebow over the strings hot spot for a spiccato effect.
Answer:
read the little instruction book that comes with the ebow and practice what they tell you. it just takes practice but after a little while you will be able to move from string to string very fast.