The Steel Guitar Forum

As I start my voyage into the world of non-pedal steel, I'm wondering what length bars are considered most useful for 6 and 8 string guitars. I'm building an 8 string with parallel 3/8" string spacing and 22.5" scale - probably get around and build a 6 string at some point. Is my current Emmons pedal steel bar really too long to use?

You can use a 10 string pedal steel bar on your 8 string non pedal guitar, but probably a little shorter bar would be preferable. I like a 7/8 by 3" bar myself for my 8 string lap steels. I'm sure others will have different suggestions. Michael Hillman [on the Forum], makes some very nice powder coated bars in different lengths and widths for lap steels and pedal steels.

Jim Burden makes bullet bars out of very high grade stainless steel--any length and just about any diameter you'd like. His bars are very reasonably priced. If you search this forum, you'll see that his bars are very well liked by quite a few people. I just saw a testimonial on his site (bulletbars.com) from John Paul Jones who has apparently bought several different sizes bars from him. In addition to Jim and Michael Hillman, there are multiple other forum members who make bars from all kinds of material. Good luck!

I have a smaller bar made by BJS that I like a lot. I'm not sure if they still make this bar or not.

Skip, Before you run out and buy a lot of high dollar tone bars (although generally they are excellent quality) shop through the Dunlop catalog until you find the size that suits you best. The Dunlop 918 is 5.5oz if memory serves, 3/4" X 2 15/16". The 919 is 3/4" X 2 3/4' 4.5 oz. Dunlop has a series of bars in varying sizes that will allow you to find the size that works for you best without breaking the bank. Remember that unlike a pedal steel you will be doing more slants (forward, reverse and the JB X slant) that will require a bar that your hand size is able to manipulate with the best dexterity. They tend to run about 20.00 USD each. Once you have settled on a size that works best for you...... Then get a BJS or one of the high quality bars in the size you have decided upon.
I play both 6 and 8 non pedal guitar. I have smaller thicker hands so the size of a 919 is the best for me.
Take your time as you begin your voyage into the world of "straight" steel guitar. Bar manipulation is critical when playing a "non pedal."
Gary

I don't know if you can find one or not, but one of my most favored bars for lap steel was a tapered "Chase" bar.