The Steel Guitar Forum

I just got a 918 steel bar in the mail and it seems to small for my big hands. maybe its me but it seems short and not big enough. I havent tried it on my lap steel yet because I dont have one.( its being made). anyone else feel like this or am i just being silly newbe.....lol

Yes I have the same issue and so use a bigger bar. Mostly a dobro bar. Although I play pedal steel with a very large and heavy bar and I like it. It is a personal thing and you will see all kinds of bars used. try some other size or weight bars, you may like it.

I have several bars but use a heavy one on pedal steel but a schubb with curved end on lap steel. Feels better for me.

You will also find a different tone with each bar you use - some better than others. I tried a ceramic one but there was less sustain than with my metal bars - but is is personal choice.

Jimmy
I have used all the Dunlop Bars at one time or another. The 920 and 921 are just too big for me to handle comfortably on the steel. I finally settled on the 919 and 918. When your lap steel comes, sit down and get familiar with the bar. It is going to take awhile to get the hang of it especially if you have never played lap steel before. After a few weeks if you still feel the bar is too small try the 920 or 921.
I have fairly large sized hands but have short fingers and the 919 / 918 are just what I need to execute reverse slants on both 6 and 8 string steel,
One of the great things about the Dunlop bars is that they are inexpensive and come in a decent assortment of sizes. This gives you a chance to experiment for awhile before you "step up" to some of the more expensive custom made bars.
Gary

919 Dunlop “Jerry Byrd” Bar - (4.5 oz., 3/4” diameter, 2 3/4” long, stainless steel)

918Dunlop Student Bar (4.9 oz., 3/4" diameter, 2 15/16" long, stainless steel)

I'd say if you have big hands a 920 would be the way to go. Anything bigger is for pedal steel.

Go ahead and plan your bar collection...it's coming.

OMG!! thats alot of Bars. I think ill wait for the Steel to get here and try the one I got. ifs also coming with a stevenson bar.

The 918 is smaller and lighter than bigger pedal steel bars because lap steel involves quick left hand movements... also helps with reverse slants. You'll probably find that whatever stevens slide you get feels lighter and daintier still.

I think I used the pedal steel Dunlop 921 and it was too big and slow for fast hand movements. But the tone due to the weight was far superior than anything I have tried.

Shame there isn't a heavy bar that is shaped right for Lap Steel Guitar. It seems to only cater to pedal steel and Dobro size instruments.

pedal steel = large and heavy
pro:
awesome tone
Cons:
Too heavy for fast hand movement

Dobro = rapid hand movements
Pro
Speed
Cons
Length and tone for a 10/12 string Lap Steel Guitar

I fit right in-between so maybe I need to up my collection from 3 bars to more. I did have about 4 other bars in the past but sold them with past lapsteels I once had.

Terry VunCannon wrote:Go ahead and plan your bar collection...it's coming.

The question is which one has the best tone, durability and is also comfortable for high speed playing

Stefan said..."The question is which one has the best tone, durability and is also comfortable for high speed playing"

The SP-2 for me Stefan...and, you hit the nail on the head! Well said.

Hey Terry....on the pic of your slides. Second column from the right...bottom 2 Dobro-style bars.....are they brass?

If so, what is the difference in tone from your SP-2 bars?

Yes Stephen, they are brass, brass SP-2 bars that I ordered upcovered. They are darker than the coated bars, and great for a blues type sound. Seems that those SP bars came in as brass, and were sent off to be plated. I just asked for the company to pull them out, and send them to me like that. I carry one of those on every gig, just to have a different sound. I also have one of the SP-1 brass bars...and the SP-2, 3rd one up, is a powder coated bar that I had a friend coat. It has more of a glass like sound.

I like the SP1 that I just picked up but it's a bit too narrow and a little too short. The weight could be a little more as well. If I had one to those requirements it would be perfect. Wonder if SHUBB would like to make a signature model for me.