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Topic: Tone Bar size for big strings |
Frank Welsh
From:
Upstate New York, USA
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Posted 29 Nov 2011 11:31 am |
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After reading past threads about tone bar size, weight, etc., I have a question especially for you B11th players that use that fat low B string on their eight string guitars. The same question could apply to anyone using a tuning with "big" low strings.
I tune my B11th strings 6, 7 and 8 to B-A-B and use a .064 (John Pearse B11th set) for the eighth string on my 22 1/2" scale Remington D8 and find that my standby Dunlop 3/4" by 2 3/4" tone bar (model 919) gives nearly zero sustain on the low B as well as poor sustain on a low E (.056) when I use an E or C minor tuning on various other non-pedal steels. Yesterday I received my new Dunlop model 920 7/8" by 3 1/4" and the increase in sustain on those fat strings with the bigger bar is amazing.
It seems to me that the smaller bars don't have the mass to sustain those larger strings well. In terms of 3/4" thick bars, I suppose that the slightly longer Dunlop Model 918 (Jerry Byrd model, which I don't have) wouldn't make an appreciable difference compared to the model 919.
I do value the ease of manipulating the smaller bar, especially for slants, but I wonder if anybody else has found similar results with a heavier steel for "fat strings." Thanks for you observations. |
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Frank James Pracher
From:
Michigan, USA
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Posted 29 Nov 2011 4:09 pm
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You might try one of Jim Burden's bars. It's not listed on the website but I believe he still makes a 13/16 bar, and you can get it in any length you want.
It could be my imagination but it seems to have more weight than the Dunlop bars. (my 13/16 x 2 7/8 bar felt heavier than my My dunlop 7/8 x 3+)
_________________
"Don't be mad honey, but I bought another one" |
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Frank Welsh
From:
Upstate New York, USA
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Posted 30 Nov 2011 2:57 pm
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| Frank J., thanks for the tip. 3" by 13/16 seems like a good compromise. I'll definitely consider a Burden bar. |
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Bob Russell
From:
Virginia, USA
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Posted 30 Nov 2011 3:24 pm
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| Second on the Bullet Bars. I have two of Jim's 13/16" bars and I really like them. |
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Rick Winfield
From:
Pickin' beneath the Palmettos
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Posted 1 Dec 2011 12:51 am Dunlop Man
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I use the Dunlop 920,stainless steel, on both LAP, and PSG.
I've been so satisfied with it,
I never felt the need to look further,
and the price is more than reasonable.
It's been used "off and on" for 30+ years,
& recently,(3-5 hours a day) for the last six years.
I also have a Dunlop 919, I use on a 6 string, for the past 8 years,
I also use their use Dunlop "meduim" thumb picks, but with the fingerpicks I stay with the Natioal Silver, approx 25 guage.
Good luck
in whatever "works well" for you
Rick |
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