Anyone here play the SAW?

[Ray Ussery]

I became interested in the saw in 1969. There was an 86 year old man who lived in our town at that time who was a master with the saw. His favorite Saw tune was La Golondrina, a very beautiful Spanish love song...the sound was haunting.
We became acquainted Playing for rest homes and events around town and after a time, he said he would teach me to play. He ask me if I had any OLD saws around, and I told him I had my Grandfathers 70 year old Disston (At that time) Crosscut and he told me That would be wonderful, just bring my saw and a violin bow...the next Saturday.
I arrived at his home that Saturday morning about 10 AM and his wife met me at the door and told me that he had passed away the night before.
I was devastated. He was a great old gentleman as well as a magical musician.
But after a while I decided I still wanted to learn to play the saw...but there wasn't anyone around who knew how. I read all I could find on the subject and practiced for a year.
Finally I decided my poor playing was due to the old saw so I bought myself a "Musical Saw" Whoo hooo that would solve all the problems...WRONG!
I still played as poorly as I did the violin, so..there you have it. In the closet.
I did meet another who played fairly well and he played my saws and said the (Now 113 year old) Disston was far and away the better sounding saw, and he could make it talk (Oh well) but he move before we could get together much. I still love the sound and the artistry of the saw....if only!

If you think I'm "Pulling your chain" here's a master at the Hollywood Bowl in 1985, there's an arrow at the bottom where you can listen to all the previews and you' ll see what I mean...cheers!

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/davidweiss

Ray :)

[Dave Bagwill]

Sweet! Maybe Ken Cierp can put together a kit?? :-)

[Ray Ussery]

Sweet! Maybe Ken Cierp can put together a kit?? :-)

Oh I imagine if it can be done, he's be the one to do it...maybe a box full of used table saw blades all set to a different note...only need 7, then make an adi frame to hang 'em from with a rosewood hammer...all in a neat little kit complete with 40 wt fishng line to hang 'em with...HEY...maybe...ahhh .Ok, just forget it, but it was an idea.... :)

Ray