Custom Made Bars

Marty Smith · Post by **Marty Smith** » 20 Jan 2009 10:53 pm

Send me a drawing of anything you want made, I can make it.

Marty

Ross Shafer · Post by **Ross Shafer** » 21 Jan 2009 11:00 am

Hi Marty,

What stainless alloy are you using. Can you make one with 17-4 stainless? Do you do machine burnishing or any other process to work harden the surface? Being a machinist, I'm sure you know how hard some stainless alloys can get with a little work hardening (mighty pesky sometimes!). I'm a total novice at steel guitar, but it seems like a stainless bar with hardened surface be a good alternative to the hard chromed steel.

Thanks,
Ross Shafer

Ronald Smith · Post by **Ronald Smith** » 21 Jan 2009 12:07 pm

Marty,

Did you get my check? let me know if you don't mind.

Thanks,

Ronald Smith

Stanley Benoit · Post by **Stanley Benoit** » 21 Jan 2009 4:26 pm

Marty, sent you a pm, Stanley

Marty Smith · Post by **Marty Smith** » 3 Feb 2009 10:26 pm

I usually use 304 because it seems to get harder with use and its real good with sweat and all that. . I work harden them on the lathe by taking slow feed cuts. I can feel it hardening as I make the radius.Im going to try 410, 4130 later. But I have found that too hard a material will loose some tone.

Ronald Smith · Post by **Ronald Smith** » 12 Feb 2009 3:45 pm

Marty,
I have just received the bar. Now that is a piece of craftmanship if ever I saw one. I have never seen a bar made with the same craftsmanship that is here. The round nose rad. is perfectly blended and not a sign of a flaw. I can say all of this for I being a tool maker for many years and in the metal machineing indusrty for many years, like 60 years of it, I have been exposed to all kinds of work from yuck, to outstanding, as you have made this bar. I would recomend all who plan and try to play as I do, to get one of your bars. Thank you for your excellant work.

Thanks again and God bless you and yours,

Ronald Smith

Marty Smith · Post by **Marty Smith** » 12 Feb 2009 10:48 pm

Thank You Ron,Im glad you like it. I just do it like I think it should be done . I posished it in 4 stages.

Also , I just got 1'' material to start on the 1'' bars so hang in there all who wanted 1'' bars.

Marty Smith

Marty Smith · Post by **Marty Smith** » 24 Jun 2009 9:46 pm

Bars back in production , thanks for waiting. Also will be able to make the Bigsby tapered bar.

Mylos Sonka · Post by **Mylos Sonka** » 28 Jun 2009 1:02 pm

Hi--

To answer a question earlier in this thread:

I have a tapered bar Vance Terry used for many years and gave to me. He said it was good for single-note work, while still having some mass at the back to increase sustain. The fact the the majority of the weight is at the back makes it faster to swivel side-to-side. He used a regular bar much of the time, too.

Mylos "Boogie" Sonka

Pat Goodbla · Post by **Pat Goodbla** » 29 Jun 2009 6:29 am

I am very pleased with the 1" bar Marty made for me. His workmanship is excellent, and he is good to deal with.

Marty, check your PM please.

Marty Smith · Post by **Marty Smith** » 6 Jul 2009 7:53 pm

Heres some that went out this morning.

David Mason · Post by **David Mason** » 7 Jul 2009 5:31 am

Hi! I noticed in that picture that you had made a bar that appeared to be somewhat hollowed out. Can you make a 1" X 3 3/8" bar that's really, really hollow? Like with 3/16" sides, almost to the tip? I have been making my own bars out of Delrin and nylon because I like a much lighter bar, but if you can make a very hollow steel bar, please let me know! I'd like to get it down around 5 ounces. Thanks.

e-mail sent also.

Marty Smith · Post by **Marty Smith** » 7 Jul 2009 4:49 pm

I have ,and I will do it again!
MArty

Pat Goodbla · Post by **Pat Goodbla** » 7 Jul 2009 4:56 pm

Marty, did you get my PM on another 1" bar?

Pat Goodbla · Post by **Pat Goodbla** » 8 Jul 2009 7:22 am

Marty....

I will get a check in the mail to you for this bar. Do you still have the length and details from before? I would like this one exactly the same.

And what is your schedule these days? I'm glad to hear you are busy. You have a great product.

Marty Smith · Post by **Marty Smith** » 9 Jul 2009 7:48 pm

Ok Pat, I have the specs in the book.
Were slow on building machines so , I'm going to try to make it up in the ''world of steel guitars!'' There have been many bar and fabrication request, I'm grateful...
Marty Smith

Fred Justice · Post by **Fred Justice** » 9 Jul 2009 8:28 pm

Marty I've tried emailing you with no contact.
Please contact me with your contact info. Thanks
fredsmusic@q.com
480-986-2599

Stanley Benoit · Post by **Stanley Benoit** » 12 Jul 2009 7:28 am

Marty, Thanks again the bars are very nice and the workmanship is fantastic. Stanley

Marty Smith · Post by **Marty Smith** » 12 Jul 2009 8:24 am

Thanks again Stanley, Keep me in mind in the future!
Marty

Marty Smith · Post by **Marty Smith** » 12 Jul 2009 8:34 am

Heres a shot of the tapered Bigsby type bar in production.

After they get the taper machined I machine the nose radius then turn it around and machine the back end, burnish harden,rough polish, fine polish,then test them on my Bigsby for a few songs,hand polish ,and pack up and ship out.

Russ Blake · Post by **Russ Blake** » 13 Jul 2009 12:33 am

Marty, have you got me on the list for a tapered bar? Make that two. I'll be down there Aug 1st and 2nd for some shows with Lisa and Her Kin- any chance of getting them by that weekend?

Rusty

Marty Smith · Post by **Marty Smith** » 13 Jul 2009 4:01 am

Sure do Rusty, I have a few already roughed out.I think we make that deadline.
Marty

Stanley Benoit · Post by **Stanley Benoit** » 25 Jul 2009 5:42 am

Marty, I've been road testing the bars since I got them. Both bars are balanced but I still like the #2 bar. May contact you later on a super light bar. Keep up the good work you're doing a fine job. Stanley

Dennis Brooker · Post by **Dennis Brooker** » 25 Jul 2009 8:34 am

Marty - Can you make a stainless 5/8" x 3 1/4" bar with 2 holes 3/4" from each end tapped for a 3/16" screw? And if so what would you charge? I want to make my own "handle" for it - You're welcome to reply on or off list - Dennis Brooker

dbrooker(AT)dbrooker.com

Marty Smith · Post by **Marty Smith** » 25 Jul 2009 9:55 am

Dennis, I can do that, Flat ends or Radius ends?
Send Email please

The Steel Guitar Forum

Custom Made Bars

Custom bars

Bars

Bars , Tone bar that is

bar

why a taper

Thanks Marty

1" Bar

custom bars

custom bars