Re: sustainer system

[Daryl <highhorse@mhorse.com>]

I've had a lot of fun with my own 'sustainer'...it's a tiny, cheap 
plastic amp that vibrates quite a bit when cranked up to its full 
miniscule output.  I face it towards me, or even point it into a pillow 
(it's not the pickup/speaker interface I'm after), and set my headstock 
firmly against it when holding a note.  Even when playing clean, I can 
generate some fantastic infinite sustain that lasts as long as I hold 
the guitar against it.  It works best with low notes, and resonates 
quite well with certain notes and not so well with others.  Adding some 
distortion beforehand (even just in the line that goes out to the little 
amp) results in more overtones and responsiveness. 

I've never tried it with a Smokie or one of the other tiny practice 
amps, but I'll bet it works well with them too.  Obviously it works with 
a full-size amp or cabinet as well, but it's a bit more inconvenient 
(and frightening) to get within touching distance.

Daryl Shawn
highhorse@mhorse.com