Ben's Bars

[Keith Glendinning]

Here in UK we have a new bar maker. Ben Burrow can make Stainless and Aluminium Bronze bars to almost any size you wish. I have had a Stainless bar since May and use it daily with my Lap Steels. If any of you are interested, here's a link to Ben's site.
https://gospaces.com/s/qqed
Keith.

[Dave Rodgers]

Thanks for the heads up on those. I've checked the site out and there's no mention of Aluminium Bronze and was hoping to get more info on that material. Just curious really but would aluminium bronze be lighter than a stainless steel bar of the same size or heavier ?

At those prices they are sure to be of interest to UK players.

Dave

[Keith Glendinning]

Dave, if you check out "Bens Bars" on the UK site, Ben explains the Aluminium Bronze qualities.
Keith.

[Stefan Robertson]

I'm so close to ordering one.

I was reading that non-Chromed bars tend to develop pits and scratches more.
Not sure if this is any more than chromed. Maybe someone can chime in who knows better.


Also they don't glide over as smoothly thus making more sound than the chrome ones as the metal interacts with the strings. i.e. more scratchy sound.

Is this true? Anyone compared that to a John Pearse Chromed bar.

[Stefan Robertson]

Also what bar would you recommend for a 12 string out of the sizes available.

Tone bar with flat thumb recess 1 x 3&3/4 inch

I'm assuming that would be suitable. I am not sure if its too big in width or not. WxL

The length seems fine its more the width wanted to get some feedback.

[Ben Burrow]

Thanks for the heads up on those. I've checked the site out and there's no mention of Aluminium Bronze and was hoping to get more info on that material. Just curious really but would aluminium bronze be lighter than a stainless steel bar of the same size or heavier ?

At those prices they are sure to be of interest to UK players.

Dave

Dave. Ally bronze is a very hard copper based alloy with approximately 10% aluminium added. Used in many applications where a hard surface is required such as bearings and bushes.particularly good in marine environments as it resists the build up of algae and won't rust or tarnish. It is approximately 10% lighter than stainless steel. It is unfortunately very expensive. However I am convinced it would make a great tone bar and may reduce the galling effect of stainless on stainless which has sometimes been commented on.
I haven't listed it on gospaces as I would like some players to trial it for me and evaluate its worth as a tone bar before I purchase in bulk to get a better price. What I'm offering is to make a bar of the desired size for the price of the metal which would be about £12 for a 1 inch bar.
If anyone's interested contact me at ben.r.burrow@gmail.com

[Dave Rodgers]

Thanks for posting the info Ben. I'll be in touch via email.

Dave

[Stefan Robertson]

So I just bought one.

7/8" x 3 1/4" just like the Dunlop 920 but its a tad heavier and harder so I hope it reduces strings squeakiness.

[Stefan Robertson]

Hurry up royal Mail. I can't wait to start using one.

[Stefan Robertson]

The Bar arrived. Yay. Looks super shiny. Can't wait to give it a whirl this evening.

[Stefan Robertson]

OK so Ben's bar are not good. They are AMAZINGly awesome. My goodness. so smooth and my string noise is gone.

My goodness. Ben you did it. I ordered the 7/8" x 3 1/4" Oh my goodness you have made my day. Clean tone YESSSSSSSS

[Ben Burrow]

OK so Ben's bar are not good. They are AMAZINGly awesome. My goodness. so smooth and my string noise is gone.

My goodness. Ben you did it. I ordered the 7/8" x 3 1/4" Oh my goodness you have made my day. Clean tone YESSSSSSSS

Thank you Stefan, you are very welcome.

[Stefan Robertson]

REALLY WELL DESERVED.

Thank you Ben

[Dave Rodgers]

I ordered a 3" X 3/4" allybronze bar from Ben. It arrived today and it's a very well made product, superbly polished too!. I'm personally really pleased that we can buy a UK made product of this quality over here.

It weighs in at 5.2 ounces (148g) which just happens to be bang on the same weight as the John Pearse stainless steel bar (which is 1/8th inch shorter).

I can't hear any difference in the sound between the two bars on the Dobro or the Iseman Weissy to be honest but Bens bar is a great product at a very reasonable price for a UK purchaser.

[Stefan Robertson]

So after some more use and experience I absolutely love my 1" Ben's Bar(BB) however I think it would be great if it were chromed as there is a little string noise that I can't get rid of that comes from steel on steel strings.

So Ben if you ever chrome your bars please put me first in line for a 1" BB.

Not sure how expensive it would be for me to get my existing one chromed but I'll find out.

[Stefan Robertson]

UPDATE****


Ben's Bar's seem to sound more smooth and sweet as you play more and more.

I love my 1 inch. 12.4 Oz. Yeah size does matter.

He can make any bespoke size but dang these bars are awesome and affordable. My go to and I must say the weight makes the tone even sweeter.

Loved it so much I ordered a second.

Thanks Ben.

BTW Chrome bars don't sound better AT ALL. I tested with the most expensive bar brand their is and Ben's bar kicked its ass.

So I'm not sure what type of steel/machining he is doing but its impressive.