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Topic: Bar length and weight? |
John Bushouse
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Posted 13 Dec 2003 11:05 am |
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Hello all,
I'm looking for advice on bars (other than stay out of them, because they're nothing but trouble).
I've decided to order a new bar - either a Red Rajah or a Black Phoenix. Here's what I've collected over the years:
Broz-o-phonic bar - 3/4" x 3", 5.6 ounces
Scheerhorn - roughly 15/16" tall x 2 15/16", 5.3 ounces
Clayton - 1" x 3 5/16", 10.6 ounces
Shubb Pearse (I think) - 3/4" tall x 3 5/16", 5.1 ounces
A section of brass rod - 5/8" x 3", 5.4 ounces
Despite my tendency to accumulate accessories, I'm brand-spankin' new to lap steel. I'm playing a seven string lap steel, with a string spread of approximately 2 1/2" at the 12th fret.
The 3" bar seems to work pretty well for me. But since I'll be ordering something new, I'd like to try something else.
What do you all use?
What's the disadvantage from going for a longer bar? For instance, I see a tapered Red Rajah that goes from 7/8" to 3/4", but it's 3.35 inches long. Will that length be too unwieldy? (I know the length is similar to the Clayton I have above, but that bar has it's own "unwieldy" issues due to the weight and diameter)
Thanks, again, for all of your help! |
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Jesse Pearson
From:
San Diego , CA
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Posted 13 Dec 2003 11:30 am
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| I use the Dunlop 919 Stainless Steel bar, 3/4" DIA. x 2-3/4' LONG. I melted led fishing weights and filled up the hollow center with it to add weight to it, I love it now and is perfect for slanting on my short scale necks. Be very careful with melted led, cause it will burn right though ya. This is the same size bar JB recommends. [This message was edited by Jesse Pearson on 13 December 2003 at 01:40 PM.] |
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Ron Randall
From:
Dallas, Texas, USA
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Posted 14 Dec 2003 10:59 am
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Hello John
I been there! I have quite a collection and have settled on 7/8 8 string bar, stainless.
That fits me and most of my playing best. I play a U12 the most, T8 Fender Stringmaster, and a 6 string Dobro.
If you choose a round bar, be sure it has a cup or indentation on the back end that will easily transition to the tip of your thumb for slanting the bar. I am assuming that you will mostly be sliding and slanting. Dobro style playing, especially bluegrass, calls for picking up and putting down the bar. The Scheerhorn bar is made for this purpose, but is generally more difficult to slant.
IMHO The 3/4 round bar and as short as practical is the best place to start. The bar does not need to cover all the strings at once. Lighter is better up to a point. I started with 3/4 bar but it was too small for my hands, so I went to 7/8. I now use the same bar on everything.
THe RedRajah and the Black Phoenix are great. They are more slippery on the strings and are easier to grip(tacky) for some reason. They are very quiet on the strings when sliding. They have an indentation on the back for the tip of the thumb. These bars will get scratched, and the BlackPhoenix will chip if dropped the wrong way. Don't let these faults stop you from using them. They will show a little more wear than chrome or stainless. bar.
The Brozo bar would be the best place to start, IMHO. It was designed for what you are doing. IF your hands are big, and the bar is just too small for you, then go to a 7/8 dia 3 inches long.
The other sizes and shapes all serve a purpose, so don't write them off as bad.
I hope this has helped.
Ron
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Stringmaster T8, National Tricone, MSA U12
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Chuck Fisher
From:
Santa Cruz, California, USA * R.I.P.
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Posted 14 Dec 2003 12:25 pm
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I'm wondering if anyone has tried the Red Rahjah "big momma" or the 7/8" diameter 10 oz bars, on 8 or 10 string guitars?
What is the coating on these bars?
regards,
Chuck |
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John Kavanagh
From:
Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada * R.I.P.
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Posted 21 Dec 2003 9:53 am
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I have a couple of double-ended bars, with a rounded bullet-shape on both ends. It's an interesting variation, kind of satisfying to hold, and there are a few extra chord shapes you can make with the bullet on the bass end.
My favourite is very much like the Broz-o-phonic, except without the depression and the effective length is a tad longer, about ΒΌ". I got it through Scotty's. I find it's just as easy to slant with, I can hold the rounded end with my thumb about as well as a punted end, but there must be a reason most people prefer them with the depression. |
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John Drury
From:
Gallatin, Tn USA
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Posted 21 Dec 2003 11:29 am
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John,
The broz is going to be hard to beat for what you are doing. I went through a passel of bars and thats what I settled on for lap. JMO
John Drury
NTSGA #3 |
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Chuck Fisher
From:
Santa Cruz, California, USA * R.I.P.
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Posted 24 Dec 2003 4:01 pm
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does anyone know the materials that the red rajah is made of?
Thamks and Merriness,
CF |
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Rick Aiello
From:
Berryville, VA USA
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Posted 24 Dec 2003 5:49 pm
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Chucks bars are steel with a Powder Coating.
I know he keeps experimenting with different powders. The last one I got (his latest black Phoenix) has not shown any sign of wear ... and I've played like a mad-man with it for about a year now.
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www.horseshoemagnets.com [This message was edited by Rick Aiello on 24 December 2003 at 05:56 PM.] |
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