Beginner using a 12 string bar for a 10 string guitar?

Ben Waligoske · Post by **Ben Waligoske** » 11 Sep 2013 10:59 am

Hey all -

I've got my first steel coming in a few weeks, a Stage One! And now I'm looking to gather up the essential accessories to have around and ready for when the steel ships...

I'm curious - a buddy has a BJS 7/8" 12 string tone bar he's willing to loan me while I get started, but I'm curious if anyone thinks this might be an obstacle for a new player on a single-neck 10 string...

Thoughts? Should I just hold out for a decent 10 string bar?

Keith Davidson · Post by **Keith Davidson** » 11 Sep 2013 11:29 am

Ben, for what it's worth I'm playing for 5 years and have used a 12 string bar since I started.

Everybody has their preference but it all comes down to what works for you. Certainly won't hurt you starting out.

After some experience you may want to try different bars but for now I can't see it mattering much.

Ben Waligoske · Post by **Ben Waligoske** » 11 Sep 2013 11:49 am

Thanks Keith - that's kinda what I figured! If anyone else has strong feelings feel free to chime in, but I think it'll be nice to have a high quality BJS bar from the start, so there's that too...

Thanks again!

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 11 Sep 2013 12:21 pm

Mass contributes to tone and sustain. I use a 12 string bar half the time. It takes a bit more muscle to move around, but I can play Jerry Douglas Dobro licks with it, so I reject the notion that they're heavy and slow. They're not slow, just heavy.

Jim Eaton · Post by **Jim Eaton** » 11 Sep 2013 12:21 pm

I have 3 12-string Ext E9th guitars and use a standard 10 string Emmons bar for all of them.
I had played 10 string guitars for quite a few years before I got my 1st 12 string and never even had a thought of needing a "longer" bar to play a 12 string tuning.
Not sure I could even play a grip as wide as a 12 string bar would cover!!:)

Your buddys bar will get you started, and you may love a 12 string bar, but only you can make that call.

JE:-)>

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 11 Sep 2013 12:59 pm

The only obstacle I can see is if you have small hands. A student of mine has small hands and started with a 12 string bar. He says it is really uncomfortable for him to hold. The bar actually stuck out past the middle finger of his bar hand eliminating any possibility of blocking strings with his bar hand as he pulled the bar back. He got a 10 string bar and everything changed for him. Other than that, it shouldn't make a lot of difference.

Dave Hopping · Post by **Dave Hopping** » 11 Sep 2013 3:20 pm

I always used a 10 string bar,even after I started playing a U-12 about 7 years ago.Got a 12 string bar recently,just as an experiment;now I'm going to use it all the time,even when I play 10 string.One thing the longer bar does for me is make reverse slants easier.

Ben Waligoske · Post by **Ben Waligoske** » 11 Sep 2013 5:27 pm

Thanks guys, really appreciate it! I think I'll start with the 12 string length and probably not know the difference... and maybe try out a 10 string length when I get the chance.

I'm more worried about learning my way around chord/scale tones first, so I'd imagine the added heft won't bug me much anyways as I figure out the bar + pedal + level combos to play the basics.

So excited! Thanks again ya'll!

Ben Waligoske · Post by **Ben Waligoske** » 11 Sep 2013 5:36 pm

Thanks guys, really appreciate it! I think I'll start with the 12 string length and probably not know the difference... and maybe try out a 10 string length when I get the chance.

I'm more worried about learning my way around chord/scale tones first, so I'd imagine the added heft won't bug me much anyways as I figure out the bar + pedal + level combos to play the basics.

So excited! Thanks again ya'll!

Clete Ritta · Post by **Clete Ritta** » 11 Sep 2013 7:27 pm

Depends on hand size and style of playing. I prefer the 12 string bar (Dunlop 921) for 10 strings. Not only is the larger size more comfortable for me to hold, but the heavier weight means less downward pressure is required to eliminate string buzzing.

David Anderson · Post by **David Anderson** » 11 Sep 2013 8:15 pm

I have used a 12 string bar for years. I find it a bit easier to lift if I want to play open strings. You'll do just fine with a 12 string bar!

Jim Williams · Post by **Jim Williams** » 12 Sep 2013 7:11 am

Congratulations on the Stage One!

Tommy Wallace · Post by **Tommy Wallace** » 12 Sep 2013 7:30 am

I don't have an opinion on the bar , but you are off to a good start with the Stage One. IMHO

Ken Metcalf · Post by **Ken Metcalf** » 12 Sep 2013 9:49 am

You know you don't have to cover all the strings all the time right?
Sometimes just cover 2, 3 or 4 at a time.
I use a 10 string bar on a 12 string steel.
Hang in here and good luck.

Leonard Imbery · Post by **Leonard Imbery** » 12 Sep 2013 11:13 am

I use a 10 string bar on my 12 string...I'll trade you bars if you want...

John Groover McDuffie · Post by **John Groover McDuffie** » 12 Sep 2013 11:38 am

The bar won't know the difference, so the only considerations are how it feels in your hands, and if you can cover all the strings you need to at the same time. Since you are using a longer bar the second issue won't be a problem!

Jason Lynch · Post by **Jason Lynch** » 12 Sep 2013 12:18 pm

I switched from a 7/8" 10 string to a 1" 12 string a couple of years back. feels much more solid in my rather large hands.
As everyone has said, its a personal thing. try it. you can always get something smaller if it feels cumbersome, no?

Ben Waligoske · Post by **Ben Waligoske** » 13 Sep 2013 10:30 am

Whoa, even more responses! Thanks y'all. I ended up biting the bullet and ordering a John Pearse cryo 10 string, 7/8" bar... About as "standard" as one can get from what I've read, and I'm really excited for that. But, I may dabble with a 12 string bar at some point too, some interesting opinions were expressed...

And good to hear some love for the Stage One. I've got one in black coming - almost didn't want to wait and bought something used, but glad I stuck it out as I hear Doug's instruments are very high quality/reliable.

Now to find a Goodrich 120, and put it all into my '73 Silverface Twin!