Tone Bars

George Macdonald · Post by **George Macdonald** » 20 Apr 2003 5:30 pm

For years I have played a S12 U. Just recently I bought a new Carter and just love it. I usually use a 12 string length BJS 15/16" bar, but I was just wondering how many 12 string players prefer a 10 string bar?

DroopyPawn · Post by **DroopyPawn** » 20 Apr 2003 7:33 pm

Not me.
gs

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Emmett Roch · Post by **Emmett Roch** » 21 Apr 2003 4:18 am

I do.

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GFI S-12 extended E9

Larry Bell · Post by **Larry Bell** » 21 Apr 2003 5:20 am

George,
How often do you need to play the 1st and 12th strings at the same time? I have only found that need occasionally in almost 30 years for a solo instrumental that I only played at steel shows. If you're learning from tab, you won't find many cases where this is called for -- and only on C6 where you need the high G and bottom C. There may be other uses if you extend the E9 to the lower strings, but, in my experience, the need is rare and not particularly important.

I've always believed that good technique dictates that the player only cover strings necessary to play the notes you need to play. This includes backing the bar off any strings higher than the highest one you're playing AND lifting the blunt end of the bar off the bass strings when playing single string passages. With that in mind, a 10 string bar is just fine for a 12-string. I use a 15/16" BJS bar as well and have a 10 and (I believe) 11 string lengths. I actually use the 10 string for gigs these days. It's a bit easier to control since it's slightly lighter. Like everything else, it's a 'feel' thing. What fits in one person's hand doesn't necessarily work for another. It's a tool. You only need it to perform a function.

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Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps
[This message was edited by Larry Bell on 21 April 2003 at 06:21 AM.]

David Doggett · Post by **David Doggett** » 21 Apr 2003 12:40 pm

On my S12U I use a 10-string bar with a bullet on each end. This really helps eliminate bar noise on the bottom strings when they are not in use, and the double-bullet keeps the 10-string bar from catching on the lower strings as you move onto them. I can't imagine playing 12-string without one. If I ever need to play the top two and bottom two strings at the same time, I guess I'll get a 12-string double-bullet.

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 21 Apr 2003 3:02 pm

Who makes a good stainless steel double ended 7/8 bar?
I have 1, 15/16th w/1 flat end at the moment.

David Mason · Post by **David Mason** » 21 Apr 2003 10:46 pm

Scotty's Music has the "Twister" double-ended bars - I use mine more often than anything else. I would guess that Jim Burden of Bullet Bars could make a double-ended bar too, if asked. http://www.scottysmusic.com/steel_bars01.htm
Scroll down to the bottom of the page.

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 22 Apr 2003 3:40 am

Thanks. I was sent a a link to Bullets also by EM. Mebe one of each!