Ive been learning on a friend's borrowed steel. In the case he had an old stevens bar like this one http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/ ... sku=421090
So that is what ive been using. I like having the section cut out for my fingers to grip onto.
I just got a Fessenden SD-10, and will have to give him back his sho bud and his bar soon, so I am looking at bars. It appears that most of you guys just use a cylindrical bar. What measurements would a normal one of those be?
Am I missing anything by not playing one of those, or does it matter much?
Newbie Bar question
Moderator: Shoshanah Marohn
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Ron Randall
- Posts: 2179
- Joined: 13 Jan 2002 1:01 am
- Location: Dallas, Texas, USA
I use a 10 string bar as mentioned above. 7/8 by 3 and 1/4 made of Stainless Steel for my SU12 PSG and D8 console steels
FWIW I convinced myself a few years ago that a Stainless Steel bar sounded better on GHS pure nickel strings. (hey it is just what I do)
I like a bar with a dimple/cavity in the back end to control it a little better.
But, FWIW the great Don Helms used a Stevens type bar for all those wonderful sounds.
If I am playing solo dobro in a large audience, I use a Stevens type bar with a round "nose" on it. I do not want to lose control of the bar in that situation.
Hope this helps.
Ron
FWIW I convinced myself a few years ago that a Stainless Steel bar sounded better on GHS pure nickel strings. (hey it is just what I do)
I like a bar with a dimple/cavity in the back end to control it a little better.
But, FWIW the great Don Helms used a Stevens type bar for all those wonderful sounds.
If I am playing solo dobro in a large audience, I use a Stevens type bar with a round "nose" on it. I do not want to lose control of the bar in that situation.
Hope this helps.
Ron