manintherain
Group: Members.
Posts: 546
Joined: Mar. 2004 |
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Posted: Feb. 13 2007, 14:36 |
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That question is simple to answer!
It´s the Zemaitis steel string, which Mike has had custom-built for him:
"What made you decide to have an acoustic bass made?
I originally went to see Zemaitis because I thought I would treat myself to a beautiful guitar. He said, "By the way, I also make acoustic basses." He also made a 6-string acoustic steel-string for me, which can be heard on 'Ommadawn' in an acoustic solo just before the bagpipes. I use it when I want a really bright sound - as a solo instrument. It doesn't work very well as a backing instrument. I usually use my Martin D-35 for that. I also have a Martin D12-28 12-string. The D-35 is a lovely 6-string, but the Martin and the Zemaitis are two totally different guitars. I'm very careful about the Zemaitis. I don't drop it or anything, because it was built just the way I wanted it, as far as color and inlays. But the Martin I'll take into the house by the fire or something, because I'll play that anytime.
What's the difference in sound between the Martin and the Zemaitis?
The Zemaitis has a strange resonance here and there; it's always very bright and crisp, whereas the D-35 is smooth all the way up and the bass is sort of even-toned, but I don't like the top end at all. I also use the 12-string a lot. Going back to 'Ommadawn', I wanted a rhythmic texture, so I played three 12-strings, each processed through a limiter so that they were all of equal volume. With repeat echo added to them you get this fantastic sort of rumbling texture that was also vaguely rhythmic."
(Exerpt from "Mike Oldfield: A Rare Interview With The English Guitarist, Studio Wizard, and Composer of "Tubular Bells"",
Guitar Player 1978)
Anyway, Mike got rid of this beautiful guitar which now hangs in a Hard Rock Café in Guangzhou, China:
"1975 custom Zemaitis 6-string acoustic guitar with mother of pearl acorns and squirrels on neck and sound hole, owned by 'Tubular Bells' composer Mike Oldfield."
The more elaborate guitar is a 1962 Gibson Les Paul/SG Junior.
You can find out more on these on http://tubular.net/instruments/
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