Bottleneck play

[stompi2k]

Hello guys,
i would like to ask you for some help concerning bottleneck play.
I use a metal bottleneck , it's half size, so i can use my pinky while playing.
The biggest problem is to get a clear sound without rattle. I use my other fingers to minimize this ugly sound but sometimes it just cames trough.
Shall I correct the C shape of the strings to a straight, even shape? Or shall I practice more often to get a better feeling (handling)?

How do you handle the unwelcome noise problems while playing bottleneck?
Do you have some gerneral advice for bottleneck play?

Thank you for your help!
Stompi2k

[469roadking]

I'm a little new to this skill myself. I'm using my Johnny Cash finger so chording 7ths will be a little easier. The rattle could be from too heavy a touch on low action or too light on a higher action (from my limited experience). I don't have a guitar set up exclusively for slide and my Strat (which I play most) is rather low, so I use a light touch. My problem has been getting an acceptable vibrato w/o sounding too hokey. That and good phrasing in a standard tuning. Check out youtube for slide lessons, they have a few good ones on there.
Good luck and don't give up. Slide is kind of a dying art if you ask me. We need more players doing it.