The Steel Guitar Forum

I am in the process of purchasing a 8 string lap steel. What kind of tone bar should I buy to use when playing the guitar?

The classic Dunlop/Jerry Byrd bullet nosed round bar will allow you the most function.
I like a 3"x1" steel and slanting is no problem even with my stubby fingers.

Jerry, I don't profess to be an expert on the subject because I usually play pedal steel. I use a 10 string bar for my 12 string. Recently I've taken a renewed interest in my old lap steels. I've found that the same bar for my 6 string Rick is also good for my 8 string Magnatone. A Dunlop 918 is probably the cheapest, and here on the Forum you can get a nice John Pearse stainless bar. Both of these are about 3/4" by 2 7/8". BJS also makes a nice chrome bar. Just this morning I ordered a bar from Jim Burden, [Bullet bars], that is slightly larger, 13/16" by 3". Several people here on the Forum have mentioned that they like the slightly larger size. Hope this helps.

You can certainly start out by trying your standard pedal steel bar, and then deciding if you need something different. An inexpensive approach!

I like the Tribotone "B" Weight bar. I have three of them, all three are lime green with my initials on the bottom.

I agree the Tribotones are great bars, unfortunately you can't get them at the present time as their site is temporarily shut down.

Jim Burden's bars are great as are the Paloma bars.

I personally like a bar with some girth (width) to it; a smidge under an inch seems best for me.

Different materials, different weights.

I really love my paloma bullet bar. It sounds close enough to steel, but its much fatter and lighter so I get around the steel faster and have less hand fatigue. The prices are fair, although shipping can take a little while depending on when you order.

Another vote for the Dunlop #918, Jerry Byrd bar.

Thanks for all of your input. I appreciate the time you spent on this post.

Best Regards,

Jerry Berger

Jerry, I prefer the steel bullet bars. I generally use 7/8 X 3 1/4, and don't have trouble with forward or reverse slants. Occasionally I use 7/8 and 3/4 shorter bars.

C. E.