128-String Guitar
By Mr. Moderator on Feb 27, 2007
An amalgamation of the 12-string guitar, the high-strung guitar, improvements in acoustic guitar circuitry, and burgeoning '80s cult worship of The Byrds and Big Star. In short, the 128-string guitar represented every Southern jangle-pop fan's wet dream.
The style probably has its roots in George Harrison's All Things Must Pass album. Think of songs like "My Sweet Lord", with producer Phil Spector layering lord knows how many guitars to push along that simple progression.
Peter Holsapple & Chris Stamey, "Geometry" (from Mavericks, as broadcast on WFMU)
As a device, the 128-string guitar came to prominence in the early '90s, spanning mainstream country-pop through alternative jangle-pop artists. The 128-string guitar dominated the sound of the highly anticipated, among rock nerds, Chris Stamey-Peter Holsapple reunion, Mavericks. For some, this album was a godsend, with every possible jangly guitar tone encompassed in each deliberately strummed chord. For others, this album was a major letdown, with the 128-string guitar negating any overtones and interesting rhythms that might interfere with the listener's appreciation of each and every lush chord.
The 128-string guitar would also make its appearance on gentle songs by the likes of Matthew Sweet, Bill Lloyd, Tommy Keene, and Teenage Fanclub as well as infiltrate the huge radio hits of Tom Petty. Although the 128-string guitar has proven itself a useful and effective tool, the watchdog organization Rock Town Hall cautions against its abuse.
20 comments
Comment from: Oats [Member]
You allude to -- but do not outright name -- one of the true progenitors of the 128-string guitar, Jeff Lynne.
02/27/07 @ 23:11
Comment from: Mr. Moderator [Member]
True, he was right there with the All Things Must Pass album.
02/27/07 @ 23:12
Comment from: general slocum [Member] 
I think these folks all had to get some guilty inspiration from The Association. Although many of their 128 were harpsichord strings, which is cheating. They also pioneered Jeff Lynne's other staple, the 128-throated backup vocalist.
02/27/07 @ 23:41
Comment from: scottrodgers [Member]
Boston certainly made use of the 128-string guitar - think "More Than A Feeling" and "Hitch A Ride"...
02/28/07 @ 08:27
Comment from: Mr. Moderator [Member]
Good point about Boston, Scott. I feel that band needs an in-depth examination for all the advancements they made toward production techniques that go on to this day. I hate their music, but they always sound unique and, dare I say, great.
02/28/07 @ 08:54
Comment from: hrrundivbakshi [Member]
Mr. Mod said:
I hate (Boston's) music, but they always sound unique and, dare I say, great.
I say:
(spit take)
Have you discussed this problem of yours with A-Dogg, Sethro, Chickenfrank, or any other members of your extended musical family whose recorded lives might be threatened by your lunacy?
(Mind you, I'd love to hear "They Can't Touch Us" recorded with the Scholz touch. Can I write the 128-string soft bit that you'll need to tack on to the front of that song before the riff kicks in? I mean, the riff, as played on a 1975 Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop, through a Rockman and straight into the board? Can I?)
I hate (Boston's) music, but they always sound unique and, dare I say, great.
I say:
(spit take)
Have you discussed this problem of yours with A-Dogg, Sethro, Chickenfrank, or any other members of your extended musical family whose recorded lives might be threatened by your lunacy?
(Mind you, I'd love to hear "They Can't Touch Us" recorded with the Scholz touch. Can I write the 128-string soft bit that you'll need to tack on to the front of that song before the riff kicks in? I mean, the riff, as played on a 1975 Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop, through a Rockman and straight into the board? Can I?)
02/28/07 @ 09:38
Comment from: andyr [Member]
Have you discussed this problem of yours with A-Dogg, Sethro, Chickenfrank, or any other members of your extended musical family whose recorded lives might be threatened by your lunacy
I agree with Mr Mod completely. The first Boston album is one of the few 70's RAWK records I bought back in the day. I always listen to their songs when they are played on the radio.
I don't know if I have said this here before, but in my mind, Boston is just a more mainstream Big Star circa 1st album. Really!
02/28/07 @ 10:16
Comment from: sally_cinnamon [Member]
I don't know if I have said this here before, but in my mind, Boston is just a more mainstream Big Star circa 1st album. Really!
I'd really like to see THIS explored Andy. You bring up a good point, but there's something just so RIGHT about Big Star that doesn't make me think of big guitars or Steve Miller. Although I'm not dissin' a band who I rollerskated many a song to. Just sayin', is all.
02/28/07 @ 10:45
I have to propose a moratorium on the term "128-string guitar" or an amendement to change it. Why? Well it's not a problem with the term per se, but it should be a multiple of 12 (and thus by default, 6), shouldn't it? How about 132-string guitar?
Is this super-procky of me? I can't help it as it's always bothered me a bit. I am a math nerd after all.
Is this super-procky of me? I can't help it as it's always bothered me a bit. I am a math nerd after all.
02/28/07 @ 10:56
Comment from: BigSteve [Member]
The style probably has its roots in George Harrison's All Things Must Pass album. Think of songs like "My Sweet Lord", with producer Phil Spector layering lord knows how many guitars to push along that simple progression.I think Spector used this technique on his early 60s singles, as did Roy Orbison. All Things Must Pass is attempting evoke this earlier production style.
02/28/07 @ 10:57
Comment from: Mr. Moderator [Member]
Matt, I'm floored by your calling BS on my math skills! How true! Oh my lord, what shall I do? I'll consider your suggestion. If I didn't have this long history of sucking at math and the entire concept of numbers, I'd feel ashamed. As it is, this is the best laugh of the day. Sincere thanks!
A-Dogg, thanks for having my back on Boston. Of all people, the Townsman who digs crap ZZ Top albums complains about Boston! For shame...
A-Dogg, thanks for having my back on Boston. Of all people, the Townsman who digs crap ZZ Top albums complains about Boston! For shame...
02/28/07 @ 13:59
Comment from: hrrundivbakshi [Member]
Oh, *I* don't mind the Boston sound; I just found the distance -- I mean, the light-years of distance -- between the Scholz sound and the Invisible Hand stylee to be near-incomprehensible. That, and the fact that your drummer is a fan of the also-very-different Vanda/Young hard rock blueprint.
02/28/07 @ 14:17
Comment from: Mr. Moderator [Member]
I see, Townsman Hrrundivbakshi. Remember, I can't stand Boston, but I think they're great and were original. I'd never want to sound like them. Yikes!
02/28/07 @ 14:22
Comment from: hrrundivbakshi [Member]
Mr. Mod said:
I can't stand Boston, but I think they're great and were original.
I say (again):
Huh? Please explain -- making specific reference to Sib Hashian's hair if at all possible!
I can't stand Boston, but I think they're great and were original.
I say (again):
Huh? Please explain -- making specific reference to Sib Hashian's hair if at all possible!
02/28/07 @ 14:30
Comment from: mockcarr [Member]
Don't get yourself in a zither over this. I always figured Jim threw in two extra pixie strings to wake up any sleeping dogs. Once you've conquered those octocontrabass clarinet frequencies with an eight foot long string, whose tone could liquify your entrails, you'd need to go higher than Harpo Marx's thumb on the end of a song. Or at least higher than a castrato Graham Nash could sing.
02/28/07 @ 15:12
Comment from: andyr [Member]
I can't stand Boston, but I think they're great and were original. I'd never want to sound like them. Yikes!
C'mon, fess up - we have 2 pictures up in the studio - The Eagle , and Brad Delp . Need I say more?
Of course I don't want to sound Like them, but the Kentonite in me, cant' help but appreciate them.
Hey - As the heaviest member of the Invisible Hand - I want to say that I LIKE REVERB
adogg
02/28/07 @ 15:42
Comment from: Oats [Member]
I think the Boston/Big Star comparison is a compelling one, though I have no use for the former beyond "More than a Feeling." I think part of the key is understanding that Brad Delp is closer to Bell than Chilton, vocally.
02/28/07 @ 15:55
Comment from: Mr. Moderator [Member]
Boston was groundbreaking and way ahead of their time. Nevertheless, I hate them. I don't see what's so hard to understand about that. When I get more time I'll try to better explain.
02/28/07 @ 16:08
Comment from: Oats [Member]
Is this any way comparable to Wallace's genius description of his feelings about The Eagles? (I believe it was something like "I'm their biggest fan, and I can't stand them.")
02/28/07 @ 16:12
Is this any way comparable to Wallace's genius description of his feelings about The Eagles? (I believe it was something like "I'm their biggest fan, and I can't stand them.")
I still haven't crossed over to the former side, but I'm firmly entrenched in the latter (save for "Hotel California" and maybe "Take it to the Limit" at least when done by others). :-)
02/28/07 @ 16:35
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