Guitarists seeking to expand their sonic palette now have a new tool at their disposal: the SlideSaddle. Aum Guitars has launched an IndieGoGo campaign to fund production of this innovative slide, which promises infinite sustain, akin to the effects achieved with an EBow.
Aum Guitars Introduces Revolutionary Slide with EBow-Like Sustain
The SlideSaddle is the brainchild of Gareth Whittock, the mind behind the 2021 Vibraslide, a device designed for lap and pedal steel guitars.
SlideSaddle
Recognizing the limitations of the Vibraslide, which relied on internal electronics and prevented traditional slide techniques, Whittock returned to the drawing board.
“Suddenly, in a moment of inspiration, I realized that the problem could be eliminated by adding the electronics to the outside of the slide,” Whittock explains.
Foot Pedal
This external electronic design allows the SlideSaddle to work with any electric guitar equipped with magnetic pickups (single-coils, humbuckers, and P-90s) and even acoustic guitars with piezo pickups.
The device utilizes a foot pedal for controlling harmonics and dynamics and features a built-in effects loop for seamless integration into pedalboards. Players can experiment with wah pedals and various pickup positions to achieve unique sonic textures.
One of the SlideSaddle’s key advantages is its plug-and-play functionality. No modifications are required to the guitar itself. “I’ve now tried it on an SG, Les Paul, Strat-type and Jazzmaster-type guitar and they all sound and behave slightly differently,” Whittock notes, highlighting the device’s versatility. “I love the organic interaction of this pedal and each guitar’s natural tone.”
Whittock also emphasizes the impact of pedal placement within the signal chain, suggesting that positioning it post-distortion, compression, and EQ yields optimal results. “You can of course play chords on it though one note eventually wins out in the race for sonic dominance,” he adds.
Despite its functionality, Whittock acknowledges the SlideSaddle’s current aesthetic shortcomings. “The SlideSaddle itself is completely functional but a little ugly,” he admits. “I need to work on the aesthetics and materials.”
Additionally, unlike the self-contained EBow, the SlideSaddle requires a wired connection to the foot pedal.
IndieGoGo
The IndieGoGo campaign aims to raise €1,500 to cover mold production costs. While Whittock is confident in producing a “tough and functional” product regardless of the campaign’s success, he seeks to refine the design to its full potential.
The concept has garnered significant interest, with the campaign currently surpassing 200% of its funding goal. Backer perks range from €10/$11 to €199/$215, offering various levels of support and product access.
“It’ll be great to get this out there for guitarists to push the boundaries of what’s possible,” Whittock concludes.
The SlideSaddle presents a compelling alternative to traditional slides and offers guitarists a unique avenue for sonic exploration, potentially mirroring the popularity of the EBow.
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