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Topic: Ceramic / Composite / Glass tone bars? Preferences? |
Michael Lester
From:
Illinois, USA
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Posted 27 Nov 2019 9:23 am |
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I have a couple of older ceramic tone bars - one is almost glass-like and is in a drawer because it produces a 'scratchy' sound.
The other has a finish that is very slightly textured - I use it it almost exclusively these days - it certainly doesn't have the sustain of my steel bullet bars, but I love the weight and control.
I haven't kept pace with any changes or new developments in the past few years.
Is there something out there that you really like? |
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Dom Franco
From:
Beaverton, OR, 97007
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Tim Whitlock
From:
Colorado, USA
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Posted 27 Nov 2019 10:21 am
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| I have tried the ceramics and liked them but they scratch too easily. I use my Eezee Slide polymer bar almost exclusively now. They hold up better and you can buff out scratches. The sound is not as brilliant as a steel bar and it does not sustain like steel but I prefer it that way for my music. It's a sweeter, warmer sound and the bar slides much quicker, quieter and smoother than steel. |
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Frank James Pracher
From:
Michigan, USA
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Posted 27 Nov 2019 10:22 am
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I have a few of Basil's Ezzee slide bars ..great tone, smooth as can be, but not slippery at all. Another great advantage up here in Northern Michigan is that it's not as cold in the hands as a steel bar..
I also have a few of Micheal Hillman's powdered coated bars..smooth, good weight, excellent sustain..and a cool colors!
_________________
"Don't be mad honey, but I bought another one" |
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Steve Marinak
From:
Man O War Cay, Abaco, Bahamas
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Posted 27 Nov 2019 10:38 am
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I too have been using Basil's bars. When I try my old bakelite bars or black rajah they are nowhere near as smooth on the strings. Steel is still OK of a feel for me, but I like being able to get a custom bar from Basil with a custom weight, length, etc. And they seem to feel more grippy than steel.
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Steve Marinak |
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Glenn Wilde
From:
California, USA
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Posted 27 Nov 2019 10:38 am
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| I use old Bakelite bar's pretty much exclusively on electric. I have a couple nice chrome and stainless bars but i seem to drop them too easily. I also get alot less noise from the plastic bars. |
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Stephen Cowell
From:
Round Rock, Texas, USA
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Posted 27 Nov 2019 12:08 pm
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Todd Sigmeir's stone bars are great... you can't get Paloma Stone bars anymore, and they are decidedly 'scratchy' (and cheaper!) than Todd's bars. Todd's bars are somewhat heavier than the Paloma ones, and consequently have better tone... but are lighter than the zirconia and steel bars. I'm very happy with them... and they are beautiful, you have your choice of different agates etc. I believe they go by Rocky Mountain Slides...
https://rockymountainslides.com/product/elements-real-stone-tone-bars-for-pedal-steel-players/
Todd will do volume discounts on three or more if you argue hard enough. I own the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th from the left... they are as beautiful in person as in the picture.
As with all these non-metal bars I'm sure they can break if dropped.
_________________
New FB Page: Lap Steel Licks And Stuff: https://www.facebook.com/groups/195394851800329 |
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Ian McWee
From:
Worcestershire, UK
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Posted 29 Nov 2019 3:58 am
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Our U.K glass-blowers produce hand-blown leaded crystal glass tone-bars for us (although we're much better-known for our finger-slides!) & the weight falls between the lighter ceramic and heavier metal bars.
Honored to say several regular posters here on the SGF own some of our bars 
www.diamondbottlenecks.com/CrystalToneBars.html
Ian. |
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Eric Gross
From:
Perkasie PA, USA
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Posted 29 Nov 2019 6:17 am
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| I strongly recommend Ian's Diamond Bottleneck tone bars, I use them almost exclusively, if you like the sound of glass they are an excellent choice. They come in at a good weight and stay warm in the winter. I also use a polymer tone bar from Bill Groner who is a forum member, another great choice. |
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Dan Yeago
From:
Virginia, USA
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Posted 29 Nov 2019 11:20 am
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| I asked Todd Clinesmith which steel would go well with his fry pan. He suggested his 13/16" bar and I'm more than satisfied. Nice balance and weight for lap steel, as it's in between the 3/4" and 7/8" sizes. |
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Tom Snook
From:
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA
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Posted 29 Nov 2019 1:58 pm
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Grippy?
ALOHA
_________________
I wanna go back to my little grass shack........ |
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Michael Lester
From:
Illinois, USA
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Posted 30 Nov 2019 9:27 am Ceramic / Composite / Glass tone bars? Preferences?
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I've ordered a tone bar from Ian McWee in the UK.
So far, very prompt communication.
I'll post some comparison video once it arrives.
Michael |
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Jack Hanson
From:
San Luis Valley, USA
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Posted 30 Nov 2019 9:44 am
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| Stephen Cowell wrote: |
| Todd Sigmeir's stone bars are great... |
Wow, he's almost a neighbor -- just across Poncha Pass from me. Will have to check out his tone bars. Thanks for the tip, Mr. C. |
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