Tone bar size

[Kurt Schrotenboer]

Greetings all. Upgrading from lap steel to a psg Sierra Session S-12. I've kinda decided to go with a 7/8 but wondered about length. I've haven't seen any longer than 3 3/4 except for some glass ones ...ain't going there. I'm looking at the Dunlop 11.5oz model 921 with a price of $18 on Ebay for lack of finding a SS tone bar that is longer. I assume that a longer bar would be better on a U or S-12. Am I wrong? Any suggestions? ...that don't involve gold bullion for payment?

[Van Ertel]

I've ordered some large 12 string bars from Jim Burden aka Bullet Bars. 3/78 by 15/16. Although a handfull they weren't expensive.

[Len Amaral]

Hi Kurt:

I use a 10 string 7/8 BJS bar on my U-12. I also use a Tribotone bar same length. I have many bars in all sizes and widths but stay with the above for the most part.

Then again, the size of your hands may come into play on this so if you have giant hands and fingers you may want to try a 12 string bar?

Lenny

[Kurt Schrotenboer]

Hi Lenny,
My fingers are quite long but not large. I suppose for as cheap as they are I will most likely go with the Dunlop 921 7/8 x 3 3/4 unless I can find something a little longer. I just thought that someone would be making longer ones for the 12 to 14 string psg's. Must be a special order thing. Not many 14 string psg's out there either.

Cheers

[Len Amaral]

Hi Kurt:

Email me your address and I will send you a BJS 7/8 stainless chromplated 12 sring bar and a John Pearse 10 string bar that is about 3/8" shorter than the 12 string bar and is also 7/8 in width.

IMO, the bar is the first link in the chain and is the cheapest EQ you will find. There are different approaches to bars but start with these two and get the feel of them. I don't know if anyone makes a 14 string bar but it must be very heavy.

Lenny

[Mike Perlowin]

My bars are 1" x 3 and 1/2. (I also play a U-12.)

It's totally subjective, You should try out a lot of different ones and see which you prefer.

[Len Amaral]

Hi Mike:

I agree with you and my comments above are a starting point. You must have a nice long sustain with the 1 inch bar. I have a 1 inch bar but a bit of an arthritic age situation going on so I can manipulate the 7/8 easier.

I have a 1 inch sitar bar with a flat side that is a nice effect and i can roll it over in the same song to get a tradional sound. Don't use much though....

Lenny

[Mike Perlowin]

Hi Len. I have one of those sitar bars too. It's a neat sound, but it doesn't seem to have a lot of practical uses.

I once played with a guy who sang "Norwegan Wood" I think that's the only time I ever used it.