Hollow Bullet Bar?

Jerry Earle · From: Staten Island, New York, USA

I have been using Joe Wright's Technique Bundl, it's great. But I am having a problem, I have been a diabetic for 45 years now and have developed neuropathy in my hands. I also believe I have carpal tunnel in my left hand. So when I use Joe's killer techniques my left hand goes completely numb after 10 minutes of practice. I was wondering if there were somewhere I could buy the Hollowed out bullet bar I have seen mentioned in the forum. I am hoping it will work for the fatigue in my left hand other than just keep practicing in pain.

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Keith Cordell · From: San Diego

You also may want to try a Pyrex bar, they weigh in at about 1/3 of a bullet and are still enough mass to get decent tones. I have my extra for sale in ams and accessories and you can order new ones from a fellow forumite.

Robert Thomas · From: Mehama, Oregon, USA

I was having a similar problem with the weight of the bar and I had , I believe his name is Jim Borden, make me a 7/8" bar. He bored it out and filled it with epoxy and it weighs about 5-1/2 oz. That solved my problem and I can't tell any difference in tone or sustain. It is sure easy to move around and lift.

Robbie Daniels · From: Casper, Wyoming, USA

Jerry
You might try a Red Rajah bar. I have a regular BJS bar and when it gets too heavy for me I switch to the Red Rajah that is about the same size, but much lighter and still has excellent tone. With my age I also have problems at times with wrists, fingers or just my whole body.

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MSA D12, MSA S12, 1956 Rickenbacker D8, Evans FET 500LV, Evans SE200, Peavey Transfex Pro

Adrienne Clasky · From: Florida, USA

Hi, Jerry. Sometimes when I want to move really fast I use a Shrub, the kind of short, light, indented bar dobro players use. I don't know if that will help.

What exactly is in the Wright material? I'm thinking of getting it. I figure, if it causes pain, it must be really good!

thurlon hopper · From: Elizabethtown Pa. USA

Ordered a bar from Jim Burden and it is about all i use though i have other bars.
Can't find his address right now, but i think he used to post on the Forum occasionally. Check the archives to see if
his info is still there. Someone on here
might remember the address if the right person reads your post.

thurlon hopper · From: Elizabethtown Pa. USA

Found Jim'S address on the net. Also his e-mail. jdadb@aol.com Mailing address:
Jim Burden
4525 Hwy 64 NE
Georgetown, IN 47122.
Hope this helps and he will make them ant size, weight you want.

Ron ! · Posted 28 Apr 2005 8:55 am

http://www.bulletbars.com/

Ron

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Nikaro Steel Guitars
Nikaro SD10 4x6-Nikaro SD10 4x5-2Peavey 112 Ultra Tube.
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European Steel Guitar Forum

Jerry Earle · From: Staten Island, New York, USA

Thanks for the replies. The Joe Wright Technique Bundle is great. I've been using it a week now and my playing has improved in my right hand picking 100%. It's my left hand that goes numb, probably more from carpal tunnel syndrome than diabetic neuropathy. But the course gives you muscle memory in your hands and feet. But Joe pushes the practice limit to build muscles in your right and left hands. I have a shubb bar also, I play dobro too. But I don't like the shubb on the pedal steel, it doesn't feel right to me. I think I'm gonna try the red rajah bars but for now I'll take all the input I can get and then I will check it out. Thanks.

Jon Light · From: Saugerties, NY

I also can heartily recommend Jim Burden's bars. He worked with me, via email, until we were clear on just exactly I wanted. Great service, great deal.

Jerry--just for what it's worth--everybody---every body--is different, but:

when I'm working hard on something that is tying me in knots, I have problems with numbness. In my case it's the picking hand. What I always find is that my shoulder has risen to around my ear and I have turned into a pretzel without my realizing it. First thing I do is get some salt and beer. But seriously, I find that if I work at releasing the tension in the shoulder and on down the arm---let go of all that unnecessary clenching, I'm back in business.
Just me. I have no underlying health issues like the diabetes so....I'm just sayin'.....

Jerry Earle · From: Staten Island, New York, USA

Hey Jim
I tried your advice and your right the more I relax the less it hurts but not completely gone. Gotta remember to relax but I do tense up in my shoulders and the excercises are not killers it's just a lot of repetition. But practice I must, thanks for the advice.

Howard Tate · From: Leesville, Louisiana, USA, R.I.P.

I have Joe's bundle, it's very good. I have a problem with flying elbow. This works for me, it might for you. I wad up a cloth and put it between my arm and my side. I stay relaxed and practice without dropping the cloth. It worked for Ben Hogan's golf swing and helps me too.

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Howard, 'Les Paul Recording, Zum S12U, Vegas 400, Boss ME-5, Boss DM-3
http://www.Charmedmusic.com

David Mason · From: Cambridge, MD, USA

A larger diameter bar might help. You might think that there would be problems muting behind the strings with your left hand fingers, but I've used up to 1.5" plastic bars without encountering that problem and I don't have unusually large hands. I make my own acrylic bars out of 1.25" and 1.375" rod from these people: http://www.indplastic.com
You can also get nice 1.25" or 1" diameter glass slides from here, either cut and rounded pyrex rod or hand-blown leaded crystal (these last ones are sweeties): http://www.diamondbottlenecks.com/index.html

However, if you're having problems dropping the bar a glass slide might not be such a hot idea. Jim Burden can drill out his metal bars for an additional $5.00, but I am still looking for a larger diameter (1.25") hollow steel slide.

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