Tapered Red Rajah

Rick Aiello · From: Berryville, VA USA

I just had the pleasure of "test-driving" the new Tapered Red Rajah bar. It is 2 3/4" long and is 3/4" in diameter at the tail end which tapers to 5/8" at the nose. I have an old chrome tapered bar and this RR has a much more subtle taper.

I think it makes playin' single string stuff easier and and the narrow tip seems to help out on the "infamous P'Tah" (a term coined by JB to describe seamlessly moving from string to string).

All the Red Rajahs are easy to hold but this one seems to fit snuggly in the hand and may prove to be an excellent alternative to the Stevens type bar or for beginners who have trouble with the bullet type bars.

I don't think it is goin' to replace my 2 3/4" x 3/4" RR bar but it is an excellent addition to my "bar arsenal". I think I will be grabbin' for it when I play some of the more up-tempo songs.
www.aguitarcenter.com

[This message was edited by Rick Aiello on 09 October 2001 at 05:02 PM.]

[This message was edited by Rick Aiello on 11 October 2001 at 09:34 AM.]

Rick Aiello · From: Berryville, VA USA

For you bar connoisseurs here's my 48 hr. update (now that the novelty has wore off):

What I initially found the most unsettling is actually this tapered bars biggest asset.

Because the tip is smaller my index finger (which stays arched on top of the bar) is now very close to the strings. Since this finger controls so much - it feels like I'm actually playin' the string with MY FINGER instead of the bar playin' the string.

Kinda like writing with a fine point pen compared to a magic marker. Much more "fine motor" conrol. It also gives you a more unobstructed view of the fret.

On the down side - many may think the bar is too light (you could always add lead to the hollow cavity).

I quess my bar quest wasn't over with the 2 3/4" x 3/4" RR.

[This message was edited by Rick Aiello on 11 October 2001 at 09:10 AM.]

[This message was edited by Rick Aiello on 11 October 2001 at 09:36 AM.]

Rick Aiello · From: Berryville, VA USA

It's been a week now and I continue to use the tapered bar exclusively. If you are already an accomplished "slanter" or don't slant much - give it a try.

If you are just learnin' to slant - this bar may be a problem for you. Just my opinion

Bob Snelgrove · From: san jose, ca

Rick

What bar do you recommend for a beginning Hawaiian player? (Played pedal steel for 25 years)

thx

bob

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'78 Crawford Emmons
'86 Franklin/ 705's
'93 Tommy White's Laquer Mullen 10-1's

Rick Aiello · From: Berryville, VA USA

I'd have to go with the 2 3/4" x 3/4" Red Rajah. It is the size JB recommends and that "coating" makes it easy to hold, manipulate and get a good "hawaiian" tone.

Gerald Ross · From: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

Here is a link to a previous Red Rajah discussion.
http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum2/HTML/002241.html

I am still using this bar. It's the best!

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Gerald Ross
Gerald's Fingerstyle Guitar Website

seldomfed · From: Colorado

I've been using the RR since I got it at Scotty's this year. I LOVE it. It is faster than any of my chrome bars - smooth. I use it for pedal and non pedal. I can't go back.

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