The Steel Guitar Forum

I had a chance to test drive a 1930s or 40s Nick Manoloff bar the other day. It wanted to go home with me, but the owner wouldn't let it go without the 56 Fender lap it came with. Does anyone have one of these sitting around they want to part with? It's the flat one, kind got finger indents on the sides, maybe 1/4 inch thick ... Check yer pockets ,my search begins.

As a Modern Option you might corn-sider the Robert Randolf Model Shubb.

It is a Dobro stevens looking thing with the Handles , was extra heavy Weight , longer length , extra smooth. One of my students uses one and it is awesome for that style.


http://www.shubb.com/randolph/index.html

Thanks for the suggestion George. I did an ebay search , and ordered the Robert Randolf so I can test drive one. I also found a couple of Manoloff bars , but they are the student model ,not the one I'm looking for unfortunately.

From another George....

Attached is a pic of my bar collection, and since this was taken I've probably added 3 or 4 more. Most of the older (pebbled) ones, I picked up at flea markets and old music stores. I discovered that most people don't know what they are, so it's best to take a sample with you and ask, "Do you have anything like this"? And look through boxes of metal bits and pieces. My wife discovered two in one box, and the seller had no idea what they were.
Geo

Nice collection George!

Very nice George ! You have several of the type I'm hunting. I did find one of the pebbled ones yesterday, but my hunt goes on. By the way, after much thought , I've decided that you can store your collection at my house !

Just bumping this up !

I just got one of these today! It came in the case of a Magnatone. Haven't had a chance to try it. If it's not my thing I'll let you know.

Well that's great ! I just missed one on ebay yesterday. It would be great if you didn't care for it. I have a "waffle" style bar from the same era that I could send you (in addition to cash) if you want a "period " bar for the Magnatone case. Please keep me posted .

One thing I discovered on old metal bars is that you have to store them with a bit of tissue paper between them. If there is any humidity, the dissimilar metals can corrode each other and make stains.