A study of the steel guitar in western swing

[Guy Cundell]

Below is a link to my dissertation entitled 'Across the South: the origins and development of the steel guitar in western swing'. Recently completed after 3 1/2 years work, it is an 80k word narrative that follows the leading edge of style development of the steel guitar in western swing.

The abstract reads: “In the early 1930s, the steel guitar, a Hawaiian invention of the late 19th century, was adopted by musicians in an emerging form of dance music known as western swing, a subgenre of country music. The design of the newly amplified instrument and the style of its players underwent continual change as the music of the genre evolved. However, in the 1950s, as the popularity of western swing declined, the steel guitar was completely supplanted by the pedal steel guitar and a new stylistic approach that it enabled. Through transcription and analysis the study offers new perspectives on what have been anecdotal observations surrounding the various stages in development of the steel guitar between 1935 and 1955.”

This work would never have been started without the inspiration and information that I have gained from this forum and I wish to sincerely thank Bobby Lee and the good folks who participate here.


https://guycundell.academia.edu/research

[Glenn Demichele]

Thanks Dr. Cundell:
In my day job, I interface with a lot of academics, go to conferences and have published papers in my field ("I'm not really a doctor, but I have a master's degree").
I got a giant kick out of seeing your paper (references and all) which talks about my obsession in the manner of my profession. I have not read it in its entirety yet, but I assure you I will read every word.
The only advice I could possibly give you is to bring a steel to your thesis defense and play your ass off.
If that's not enough, I'm sure EVERYONE here on the forum - including the really famous ones - would jump to defend your research. All accomplished players know the arc of development of our instrument, which you have so comprehensively documented.
Thank you, Glenn

[Guy Cundell]

Thank you, Glen. I hope members here will find this work of interest and feel free to offer criticism and their own observations. I hope that it opens discussions and generates more investigation. While I am fairly sure of the notes in my transcriptions, determining tab from audio is always a percentage game.

[Todd Clinesmith]

Anyone who is fascinated with Western Swing History, and early steel guitar will love this.
Thank you, Guy.
Todd

[Walter Stettner]

Now I know how I will spend some evenings in the next couple of days!

Thanks so much for the hard work!

Best Regards, Walter

[Guy Cundell]

Cheers, Walter and Todd. It is not without some errors and typos but it is a labour of love and was much fun to do.

The academic language and framework was a necessity. The story, as Glen states, will not be a revelation to most here, but there are some interesting bits and pieces.

[John Seebach]

Just discovered this, 6-7 years later. Incredible resource. Thank you.