Steel bar help for arthritic hands

Instruments, mechanical issues, copedents, techniques, etc.

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James Ives
Posts: 27
Joined: 19 Feb 2015 10:36 am
Location: California, USA

Steel bar help for arthritic hands

Post by James Ives »

Like many older guys ( I imagine) I have arthritic hands, making bar holding a challenge.
What devices or aids have you guys and girls found for this problem, please?
Reinhard Brodesser
Posts: 10
Joined: 19 Oct 2021 2:27 pm
Location: New York, USA

Post by Reinhard Brodesser »

I've also had difficulty holding a bar with my Carpal Tunneled hands. My solution is to use some sticky backed Velcro. Two skinny strips about a quarter inch wide by 1 inch long put on the steel, and then using a non sticky Velcro strap around my index finger onto the bar.
Bobby D. Jones
Posts: 2235
Joined: 17 May 2010 9:27 am
Location: West Virginia, USA

Post by Bobby D. Jones »

Image
The one thing I have found is a 1" X 3 3/4". Later I may have to go more mechanical like Vel-Cro.
The longer bar allows the back of the bar seat between my palm and thumb holding the back of the bar firm. The 1" diameter allows the bone in my thumb and middle finger to be below the center of the bar, Putting the largest part of the bar in a wedged position between my fingers. It shows in the picture by the reflection.

I found this bar by accident, Not good planning, I bought this GFI S12 guitar from a friend and the bar was in the deal. Once I got it in my hand, It gave me such control I ordered a spare to be safe.
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Gene Tani
Posts: 1161
Joined: 14 Mar 2019 8:07 pm
Location: Pac NW

Post by Gene Tani »

I did some searching because I certainly have trouble holding any kind of bar in summer when I'm sweating. Here's some previous threads, varied solutions with bar mods on bullet and dobro/reso type bars

https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?p=2752215

https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=365659

https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=359949
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D Schubert
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Joined: 27 Jul 2000 12:01 am
Location: Columbia, MO, USA

Post by D Schubert »

I know it's blasphemy, but a large grooved bar (Dobro, Stevens, Shubb, etc) is easier for me to hold and control than a round one. I'm using the same RR-2 tone bar for lap steel, respohonic, and pedal steel these days.
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Eric Dahlhoff
Posts: 836
Joined: 25 Jan 2010 1:04 pm
Location: Point Arena, California

heat

Post by Eric Dahlhoff »

My hands ache too. The best for me is to warm up the bar. A few seconds in a cup of hot water, dry it off and it's like therapy for my left hand.
Gotta figure out a way to warm up my right hand now...
"To live outside the law you must be honest." (Bob Dylan)
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