Ben Harper's Monteleone in action

[Howard Emerson]

My friend, Ben Harper, just released a new all-instrumental CD entitled Winter Is For Lovers. He's playing the one-of-a-kind lap guitar that John built for him a couple of years ago.

Note the leg/neck rest!

I believe the whole CD is solo on the 'Horizontal-eone', if you will forgive my pun.

Well recorded and beautifully shot!



Enjoy!

Howard Emerson

[jaymarsch]

That was lovely, Howard. Thanks for posting. That leg support is a great idea. I'll check out the CD.

Best,
Jayne

[pukematrix]

I was pumped to see his announcement on social media a couple days ago about a new album dropping. Even more so when I found out it was instrumental. I've been a fan since Welcome to the Cruel World and have been fortunate enough to see him perform live a handful of times.

Thanks for the share, Howard - beautiful song. Watching the way he holds that slide makes my left hand cramp up. His left hand must have one heck of a death grip!

Austin

[Howard Emerson]

I was fortunate to be at John's shop the day that Ben came by to pick it up, and I even recorded the whole thing.

I hope one day Ben will post the video!

By the way the leg rest is held onto the neck via a super magnet.




HE

[nootis]

Beautiful video and playing. I too have been a fan since the early 90's. I've also been to the Folk Music Center in Claremont where the video was shot. Fun store, and as those of you who know, is where Ben grew up (owned by his grandparents).

[Martz911]

Now that's just plain beautiful music! Thanks for posting.

[Guitars44me]

Ben sounds wonderful and so does the guitar. Enormous low end, I assume from the pickup? It appears to be plugged in to something....

What a cool stage! Might be a slight bit of extra resonance from the zillion instruments!

Thanks for posting this

Paul

[Howard Emerson]

Originally Posted by Guitars44me

Ben sounds wonderful and so does the guitar. Enormous low end, I assume from the pickup? It appears to be plugged in to something....

What a cool stage! Might be a slight bit of extra resonance from the zillion instruments!

Thanks for posting this

Paul

Hi Paul,
The pickup was made for John by Kent Armstrong.

It sounds like a combination of the direct and the mic.

HE

[AcousticDreams]

Absolutely a beautiful Enchanting tune. Really enjoyed.

I know nothing about Slides. Can you tell me about the slide he used? Looks like it has lots of angels on it.

Also, what an intriguing looking microphone. Do you know what microphone that is?

[Howard Emerson]

Originally Posted by Knives&Guitars

Absolutely a beautiful Enchanting tune. Really enjoyed.

I know nothing about Slides. Can you tell me about the slide he used? Looks like it has lots of angels on it.

Also, what an intriguing looking microphone. Do you know what microphone that is?

Apparently it is his signature Dunlop:

https://reverb.com/item/7535664-dunl...xoCekcQAvD_BwE

As far as the mic I haven’t a clue, sorry.

Howard

[Guitars44me]

Ben's signature slide has easy grip indentations.

"Watching the way he holds that slide makes my left hand cramp up. His left hand must have one heck of a death grip!". Not as difficult as pukematrix thought!

The Shubb GS Slide is somewhat similar with a wood handle, which is very easy to hold! I love them for lap slide.

This: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

Slide on!

Paul

[Parlorman]

Ben has been one of my favorites since I first heard him. This was a side of his playing I was unfamiliar with. It reinforces my admiration.

Thanks for sharing

[Diamondave]

Thx for sharing....!!!!

[Taylor007]

Thanks for sharing the link.

[Willie_D]

Ben Harper is amazing. Cool instrument!