Hillman Powder Coated Tone Bars

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Michael Hillman
Posts: 701
Joined: 16 Apr 2004 12:01 am
Location: Boise, Idaho, USA

Any interest in a powder coated Sitar bar?

Post by Michael Hillman »

I've had a couple of inquiries about producing a powder coated Sitar bar - looks as though we would take our standard 7/8" x 3 3/8" bar, and grind a flat surface about 1/4" to 3/8" wide the entire length of the bar prior to the coating process. We have some concern about the coating wearing on the edge of the flat surface, of course, this would be a bar used in certain instances for certain effects. Just like to know if there appears to be much interest in such a bar. Thanks, Michael
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
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Michael Hillman
Posts: 701
Joined: 16 Apr 2004 12:01 am
Location: Boise, Idaho, USA

Additional bar of your choice for $15, when you buy any bar,

Post by Michael Hillman »

We will continue our September pricing thru October, lap steel bars $34.95; 7/8" x 3 3/8", $44.95, restocking 15/16", 1 " x 3 1/2, $56.95. Email for colors in stock and any other questions. vmhillman66@gmail.com
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
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Michael Hillman
Posts: 701
Joined: 16 Apr 2004 12:01 am
Location: Boise, Idaho, USA

Bump^^^^

Post by Michael Hillman »

To the top, :D :D
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
Richard Barton
Posts: 3
Joined: 7 Oct 2015 11:41 am
Location: Illinois, USA

Powder coated Bars

Post by Richard Barton »

I received 2 bars from Michael Friday and used them in a six hour job last night. I am impressed. As I get older and my hands get drier, am finding that my old Jim Dunlop is starting to slide out of my hand at times. The powder coated bars seem to have a better "grip" so I do not have to grasp them quite as tightly. I love the tone I get with them. They seem "warmer" for a better word. I did not notice any lack of sustain. I found the tone to be very inspiring. One last thing, I found that the white bar sure stands out in a dark barroom. It really looked nice. Thanks, Michael!
1976 Sho-Bud Pro III, 2014 Bob Simmons Genesis, Mid Thirties Regal Model 19 Resophonic (found covered with dried mud and filled with mice nests in a barn!)
Larry Baker
Posts: 3296
Joined: 2 May 2008 3:15 pm
Location: Columbia, Mo. U.S.A.

Post by Larry Baker »

Michael's bars are great. I have 2 of them, and that is all I use now. Buy Now!!!
Mullen G2 SD10 3 & 5 The Eagle
NV112 amp===Earnie Ball V.P.
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Michael Hillman
Posts: 701
Joined: 16 Apr 2004 12:01 am
Location: Boise, Idaho, USA

Thanks, Richard and Larry,

Post by Michael Hillman »

Thanks for the kind words guys, I really appreciate your posts and your bar purchases. Just took a couple of batches of bar blanks to my powder coater to restock 7/8" and 15/16" in gloss red and gloss white.
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
George Macdonald
Posts: 1178
Joined: 28 Nov 2001 1:01 am
Location: Vancouver Island BC Canada

New Bars

Post by George Macdonald »

Michael, I received my new 7/8 bars today. They are so comfortable to use, and look terrific. Now I just have to decide which color to pick up. ha. Thanks again for the great bars, George
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Michael Hillman
Posts: 701
Joined: 16 Apr 2004 12:01 am
Location: Boise, Idaho, USA

Thanks, George,

Post by Michael Hillman »

Thanks, George, always great to hear from you! -Michael
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
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Michael Hillman
Posts: 701
Joined: 16 Apr 2004 12:01 am
Location: Boise, Idaho, USA

Out of the shop until Halloween,

Post by Michael Hillman »

Taking a few days off, checking email when possible, back in the shop 10/31 - :o
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
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Michael Hillman
Posts: 701
Joined: 16 Apr 2004 12:01 am
Location: Boise, Idaho, USA

Shipping costs for my bars

Post by Michael Hillman »

Free Priority shipping to U.S Zip Codes. Add $5 per bar for Canada, add $20 for International Priority.

drop me an email with questions or for mailing address if you wish to send a check or money order, PayPal to vmhillman66@gmail.com - questions, suggestions, phone me at 208-867-5062
Last edited by Michael Hillman on 21 Feb 2016 2:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
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Michael Hillman
Posts: 701
Joined: 16 Apr 2004 12:01 am
Location: Boise, Idaho, USA

to the top

Post by Michael Hillman »

Bump
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
Rick Schacter
Posts: 741
Joined: 7 Apr 2008 11:32 am
Location: Portland, Or.

Thanks, Michael

Post by Rick Schacter »

Michael,

Just want to say thank you for the speedy delivery of the red and blue bars.
I really like them.

They look very nice sitting next to my white zirc bar.
Best colors in the world! Wouldn't you say? :-)



Image
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Michael Hillman
Posts: 701
Joined: 16 Apr 2004 12:01 am
Location: Boise, Idaho, USA

Absolutely the best colors in the world!

Post by Michael Hillman »

Thanks, Rick, that is a great photo!
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
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Michael Hillman
Posts: 701
Joined: 16 Apr 2004 12:01 am
Location: Boise, Idaho, USA

Out of the shop for Thanksgiving week,

Post by Michael Hillman »

Thanks to all who have supported our powder coated bar project - taking the opportunity to leave town and spend Thanksgiving with kids and grandkids in Las Vegas. Will be back in the shop Tuesday, December 1st. Best wishes to all for a safe and happy Thanksgiving, - Michael
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
Jim Peter
Posts: 157
Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
Location: Mendon,Mich USA

Post by Jim Peter »

Michael makes a great bar and backs them up with great service. Once you play one of his you won't want to go back to your old bar.
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Michael Hillman
Posts: 701
Joined: 16 Apr 2004 12:01 am
Location: Boise, Idaho, USA

Thanks, Jim,

Post by Michael Hillman »

Thanks, Jim, appreciate the kind words, always good to hear from you!
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
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Dick Hitchcock
Posts: 375
Joined: 3 Dec 2012 11:23 am
Location: Wayne, Nebraska

Post by Dick Hitchcock »

Michael.....Are you going to be at the Phoenix show?
Justice Pro Lite 4x5.... NV112.... Steel seat.
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Michael Hillman
Posts: 701
Joined: 16 Apr 2004 12:01 am
Location: Boise, Idaho, USA

Hello Dick,

Post by Michael Hillman »

Hadn't planned on the Phoenix show but do have tickets to the Dallas Show, just need to decide if we are going as tourists so we can watch all the players, or if we want to man a booth.
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
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Michael Hillman
Posts: 701
Joined: 16 Apr 2004 12:01 am
Location: Boise, Idaho, USA

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Idaho.........

Post by Michael Hillman »

Wishing everyone on the Forum a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! Click here for our 2015 video Christmas Card:

https://youtu.be/c5XlSyu0ltM - Michael and Sheryl Hillman
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
Dennis Smith
Posts: 1161
Joined: 16 Dec 2003 1:01 am
Location: Covington, Georgia, USA

Post by Dennis Smith »

Michael, I was playing my B6 Rick this morning and I just wanted to say your bar's are the best I have found. Smooth and quite what more could you ask for. I would buy more, but the two I got form you I think will last forever(forever for me anyway).
If any of you have not tried one of these do your self a favor and get some.
Thanks Dennis
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Michael Hillman
Posts: 701
Joined: 16 Apr 2004 12:01 am
Location: Boise, Idaho, USA

Thanks for the kind words, Dennis!

Post by Michael Hillman »

Thanks Dennis, great to hear from you, and pleased that the bars are working well-- Drop me an email with any questions, confirming color preferences, or for mailing address to send a check or money order, also PayPal to vmhillman66@gmail.com Always enjoy visiting with Forum members, (208) 867-5062 - Thanks to all who support our powder coated bar project!!
Last edited by Michael Hillman on 17 Feb 2016 7:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
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Michael Hillman
Posts: 701
Joined: 16 Apr 2004 12:01 am
Location: Boise, Idaho, USA

Watch for our Valentine's Day sale -

Post by Michael Hillman »

Valentine's Day sale coming in February, details soon.....
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
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Michael Hillman
Posts: 701
Joined: 16 Apr 2004 12:01 am
Location: Boise, Idaho, USA

Two for one sale, thru February!

Post by Michael Hillman »

We are pleased to announce another two for one sale thru the month of February, with the following pricing on bars:

lap steels, 3/4" x 2 3/4", 3/4" x 3" and 7/8" x 3" $36.95

Standard 7/8" x 3 3/8" $49.95

15/16" x 3 3/8" $56.95

1" x 3 1/2" $59.95 (black and red only)

Increased shipping costs and a slight increase in materials are reflected in 2016 pricing;but we intend to have a number of promotions thru the year to keep our bars affordable. Most bars are available in gloss black, gloss dark blue, gloss red, and gloss white. Prices include Priority shipping to US Zip Codes, add $5.00 per bar for Canadian orders, and $30.00 per order for International Priority shipping. PayPal to vmhillman66@gmail.com, or contact me if you wish to use another form of payment. I can be reached at (208) 867-5062, always happy to visit with Forum Members.
Last edited by Michael Hillman on 26 Feb 2016 7:28 am, edited 2 times in total.
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
Larry Baker
Posts: 3296
Joined: 2 May 2008 3:15 pm
Location: Columbia, Mo. U.S.A.

Post by Larry Baker »

Still the best Bars out there I have two of them, and can't wear them out. They're great. This is a great time to buy with the two for one sale. Got mine 2 days after I ordered them. You won't be disappointed in the bars..
Mullen G2 SD10 3 & 5 The Eagle
NV112 amp===Earnie Ball V.P.
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Michael Hillman
Posts: 701
Joined: 16 Apr 2004 12:01 am
Location: Boise, Idaho, USA

Hello, Larry,

Post by Michael Hillman »

Hey Larry, thanks for the kind words, great to hear from you! Did you make it to the St. Louis show? If so, sorry I missed you- Best From Idaho, Michael
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
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